WAKATIP GOLDFIELDS COMMON AGE.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 664, 2 August 1871, Page 3

WAKATIP GOLDFIELDS COMMON AGE.

TO THE EIHTOU OF LAKE WAKATIP MAIL. Sin, —Oue would have thought our Depasturing Board of Wardens would have aimed at legislation tor the good of the many, instead of the few*. It would seem the grand end in view is themselves, and stemming the well-being of the many. Hitherto the election of our Wardens has not reflected much credit upon the wisdom of the district. I think there is scarcely one of the number but what is nearly or wholly absorbed in grazing pursuits. Legislation can scarcely be pure when the party legislating is the all-interested party. Only the bth r day two of our miners bought 60»» sheep and turned them out on what they called commonage, but by the order of the Wardens they had to be removed in order to establish, I suppose, a monopolizing precedent for the present occupiers, and the sons of toil and six hundred sheep went to the will'} so that at the present time we have a recognised monopoly just the same as a squatter's" run. It would seem the Warden's definition of commonage meant monopoly. Hut one can Hardly help thinking at the presumption of two misers wanting to become sheep owners.' These men are still at large, and the privileged class remain mastersbf the field ; so much for our depasturing* Wardens. It seems a pity the miners are not more united. Why should not we, the life-blood of the counUy, receive the benefits accruing from Nature's bounteous hand ? I believe if our commonages were properly utilised for the good of all, we should advance from a stage of stupor into that of dignified manhood. A little advancement with men creates a desire for thorough emancipation from a species of low, mean despotism. Miners want something more than mining for gold, for we experience that mining dwarfs our intelligence. We want interests in the country in order to occupy a right position in society. Man is a being that wants to be surrounded with some tangible prosperity ; and by marrying two intereats into one —mining and stock—a prosperous position is at:a ned. As things now exist the miners occupy the position of so many mining machines; we are just useful as a mining machine, and that is the position it would seem our depasturing Wardens would like to keep us. We are the majority, and want the just right of the use of our own commonage. To have the majority subservient to an insignificant minority is monstrous. Justice we want in all things—justice is our unflinching demand. —I am respectfully, yours &c, Pbogkess. July 18th, 1871.