WARDEN’S COURT.

Lake County Press, Volume IV, Issue 205, 8 May 1875, Page 3

WARDEN’S COURT.

Monday, May 3.

Before H. A. Stratford, Eaq.. Warden. H ‘ objected to. The purchase of an agricultural lease held by Mr P. Kerin, at Whitechapel Flat, was objected to by several miners of the Flat, and by 3VJr J. F. Healey! Hon. sec. Miners’ "AssociatT n. Mr H. J, Finn appeared for the applicant, Mr H. B. Smith for the miners. Mr Smith said—The ground applied for by Mr Kerin is a continuation of Whitechapel Flat. There has been gold obtained in the Flat, to my knowledge for five years. The gold already obtained and sold from Whitechapel Flat, exceeds £4,500, The area worked does not exceed 10 acres. Water- has been brought on to command the ground, on the faith that the agriculture* land held by Messrs Stewart and Kerin would not be sold. If it is sold it will injure those who hold water at tl e Flat. The water I hold I could not take past there without going through the land which is now Applied for. Consequently, If that land is sold, it will stop the miner from working. Andrew Reid, miner, proved the land to be auriferous, as he had prospected U and found payable sluicing prospects. Mr T, Mathieson corroborated the statements of the former witnesses. Mr Healey appeared on behalf of the Miners’ Association, and pointed out that the land above and below Kerin’s as well as at the side, was auriferous. He proved that there was a lead of gold running right through Kerin’s land, and that payable gold was being got on the same level.

Mr Kerin then gave it as his opinion that there was no gold on his land. He stated that some men had worked it, and could not get a color. His farm was distant from Frewen’s claim about two miles. 1: '

James Whelan, farmeryresiding'near Mr Kerin, stated that he knew some parties had worked in Kerin’s paddock, and got no gold. The distance from Frewen s claim to Kerin’s land, was less than half a mile.

The Warden said he would have to report to Government, and it was but right that those interested in the case should see his report, so that those who might feel aggrieved at his action, could take such steps as they might think advisable. 0..., ...