WAIMEA SLUDGE CHANNEL.

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 March 1911, Page 7

WAIMEA SLUDGE CHANNEL.

MEETING OF CLAIMANTS AT STAFFORD. In spite of the inclement weather there was a large attendance of claimants, including a number from Goldsborough, at Turner’s Hall, Stafford, on Tuesday evening, to; meet Mr Bold, the representative of the Mines Department, and Mr Grimmond, in connection with the adjustment, of claims for compensation for the proposed proclamation of Waimea Creek. , Mr T. W. Duff (County Chairman) presided and introduced Mr Bold, referring at some length to the matters before the meeting and expressing a hope that the vexed question would be amicably arranged. Mr Bold addressed those present at considerable length, pointing out the standpoint of the Mines Denartment. Incidentally, he stated that any claims for compensation in which the titles were held under the Mining Act were barred from compensation. These included ahon' twelve residence areas, and these were thown out from further consideration. In this connection Messrs Duff and Grimmond promised to bring the hardships that this course would cause under the notice of the Minister and ask him to do his best for them outside the legal position, it being pointe dout and recognised by Mr Bold that this legal procedure was bound to cause a certain amount t hardship. ‘ • Mr Bold, continuing his address, ox plained the whole legal position vr fully, pointing out that those persons who contributed to the damage to property have very little claim fo rcompensation.

. At the conclusion of his address the County Chairman invited any questions to be put to Mr Bold, and a number of those present took advantage of the opportunity Mr Bold subsequently replying. At the conclusion of the meeting Messrs Bold and Grimmond met the various claimants individually and went into their claims, and in earl yevery case an adjustment was made as to the final terms of rettleraent. The roeetin gterminated shortly after 11 o’clock, with a vote of thanks to Messrs Bold and Grimmond and to the County Chairman for presiding.