THE SHOTOVER MINERS' ASSOCIATION.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 785, 26 November 1873, Page 3

THE SHOTOVER MINERS' ASSOCIATION.

Sir, —As it is just possible you may b e furnished with a statement of the action of above body on Saturday evening last in respect to the question of the day—the sale of the Wakatip Runs—and as some misapprehension may be created thereby through said statement being biassed in its nature, I beg to give the public a correct version of the matter. It may falsely be assumed by persons living away from the Upper Shotover that the Miners' Association here represent the sentiments of the great bulk of the mining community in this locality, and for this reason the expressed opinion of that body might carry with it an influence which it cannot honestly lay claim to. At the present time its members do not number a couple of dozen men, and eveu they are not miners as a body, some having joined evidently with a view to forward other interests than that of mining. This is evidenced from the fact that whereas the resolution in favor of non-sale was proposed and seconded by bona Jide miners, the amendment affirming the action of the Government was proposed by a person who is neither a miner nor has any stake in the district, while the seconder is a squatter, who is known to be favorable to the sale of the runs. These facts speak for themselves. The mass of the community here entirely object to be guided by the opinions of a dozen men who take upon themselves to be called the Upper Shotover Miners' Association—a fact which is proved by the community keeping aloof from joining its ranks. Trusting you will give publicity to a'jove, in justice to the residents of the Upper Shotover —I am, &c, Honesty. Upper Shotover, Nov. 21th, 1873.