THAMES GOLDFIELDS. (FROM THE "ADVERTISER," JULY 11.)

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIV, Issue 3429, 13 July 1868, Page 3

THAMES GOLDFIELDS. (FROM THE "ADVERTISER," JULY 11.)

Business transactions in the sharemarket have, we understand, exhibited considerable briskness during the week, a large number hating changed hands at prices showing marked confidence in the stability and richness of the field. Interests amounting in value to nearly £1,000 sterling have changed hands almost daily for the past fortnight, and the sharebrokers have reaped a rich harvest of commissions on these acoouuts. The number of the latter, which is constantly receiving additions, is some proof of the profitable employment afforded by speculators desirous of malting investments on this field. Shares in a good many first-class claims have been sold at high prices during the week, consequent upon a trifling flow of oapital from Auckland and other places.' Inquiries are constantly received from Australia and elsewhere respecting the real state of mining matters on this field, and these are answered, doubtless, in most cases, in a judicious and truthful manner. Messrs. Beetham and Co. have answered an interrogation as to whether the whole of the claims on the field would average 15dwfc. to the ton in a very practical and telling manner, by forwarding a box of specimens from a number of first-class claims. We have no doubt these will exceed the most sanguine expectations of inquirer?, and induce a proper conception of the wealth of this district as a reefing country. We believe a large business in shares has been done this week by Mr. D. J. O'Keeffe. A question has been raised by a legal gentleman this week, which is of the greatest importance to speculators, and its importance must be our excuse for alluding to it ere it comes before the public in a legal form. We refer to the alleged liability of sleeping shareholders to be jumped through the negligence of the working partner. This question has been mooted, and it is found that the Goldtield Act does not anticipate the protection of sleeping interests, hence the loophole which "the* profession" probably think they can make capital out of, no matter whether their success in the scheme proves ruinous to the prospects of the gold field and private individuals. It is perhaps true that the Act, which chiefly contemplates alluvial fields, requires amendment and adaptation to the necessities of a quartz-reefing country ; but we have very little doubt the spirit of the interpretation will be found to bave been rightly understood if the question comes before a court of law in the form indicated. The usages of the field will, at least, command weight in such a discussion, and they moreover carry the conviction which attaches to a commonsense Tiew of the justice of the case< We hope the legal gentleman will spare himself the defeat which must attend his efforts in such an unjust cause. Sleeping interests have been paid for on the distinct understanding that the purchaser was exempt from loss through negligence of the working partner, and have commanded rates commensurate with the advantages so incurred. It would therefore be equal to a gigantic swindle to rob these parties of the immunity implied in the purchase of sleeping interests. A public meeting is convened to be held at the Theatre, at 2 o'clock this day, to take steps towards celebrating the first anniversary of this goldfield. We understand that a preliminary meeting of miners and others —the pioneers of this goldfield — will be held in the Theatre at 1 o'clock, to prepare for the public meeting an hour later. A large attendance is anticipated. A meeting was held on Thursday, in the Royal Hotel, to take into consideration the advisability of erecting a bridge over the Karaka Greek, on the beach road from Waiotahi township to Shortland, with the view to facilitate the increasing traffic of passengers and goods. The meeting was represented by several of the business inhabitants. The inclemency of the weather prevented a full attendance, and the meeting was adjourned until Monday, the 13th instant, to give all interested in the matter an opportunity of understanding the benefits to be derived from such an undertaking. A lecture was delivered at the new Court-house last evening, by the Rev. Charles Hyde Brooke, in aid of the funds of St. George's Church. Owing to the very unfavourable weather the attendance was limited, Major Eeddell, K.M., occupied the chair, and briefly introduced the rev. lecturer to the audience. The subject chosen was, "Voyages among the North- Western Islands of the South Pacific," and comprised an interesting narrative of the observations of the lecturer during his labours among those islands in connection with the Melanesian Mission. The manners and customs of the natives were treated upon, and illustrated by diagrams, &c , of an interesting character.