THE THAMES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume V, Issue 1530, 20 October 1868, Page 3

THE THAMES.

As we stated on Saturday, one of the principal objects of the Provincial Secretary's visit to Wellington was that of procuring authority for the carrying out of certain proposed works of great public utility at the Thames. We understand, from letters received yesterday, that the Government has promised to introduce a clause into the Goldfield Act which will enable the Provincial Executive to carry out their original intention with regard to the tramway scheme and supply of water. We may therefore expect that a considerable expenditure will take place there during the ensuing summer in the construction of these necessary works— works which will ensure the permanent prosperity of the Thames goldfield and the commercial interests of Shortland.

The mining leases applied for between high and low-water mark have, we learn, been refused. We are glad of this. We pointed out some little time, before Mr. Creighton proceeded to Wellington that these leases ought not to be granted to private individuals, but that the land should handed over to the Provincial Government for public purposes. We are now speaking of leases as regards the strip of beach between high and low water mark.

With regard to the leasing of claims we are equally glad to see that the Government has taken a decided course. It is determined to afford security for invested capital, and a clause will be inserted in the Goldfield Act, now before the Assembly, which will protect the owners of land held under grants from the Crown, and will also protect vested interests in claims which are not sufficiently cared for in the existing regulations. We understand that this clause will be supported by Mr. Swan and the Auckland members remaining in Wellington. It is determined to put downtho "jumping" fraternitj with tho strong arm of the law, whether they attempt to jump freehold property containing gold, or claims upon the diggings which have been taken up for bona fide work, though they may not be worked according to existing regulations.