MR. MITCHELSON AT THE THAMES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9021, 6 April 1888, Page 5

MR. MITCHELSON AT THE THAMES.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. J Thames, Thursday. The Hox. Edward Mitchelson arrived about two to-day, and received numerous deputation!?, but most of them were only of local interest. Re the Big Pump, this matter was threshed out, the main point at issue being that whilst the deputation insisted that Sir R. Stout gave an unconditional promise of £2000, the Minister of Mines contended, and was confirmed by Sir R. Stout, that the promise was conditional upon the money being applied to convert-ing the motive power from steam to water. Colonel Fraser and Messrs. Brodie and McGowan argued the case with Mr. Mitchelson, and showed the importance of the work to the district. Mr. Mitchelson did not appear to lay so much stnjesi on the conversion of power, although by no means ignoring that as the necessity for providing against mortgagees or private individuals getting tho money, and the pump passing beyond public control. His object was to provide that the money contributed should really be for the public benefit, and not simply a windfall for interested parties. Colonel Fraser suggested that the freehold should be secured, and vested in the County Chairman, the Mayor, and the M.H.R. Finally, Mr. Mitchelson was inclined to view Colonel Fraeer's suggestion as a feasible solution. He would render all the assistance he could, but wanted to fix the matter eo that the Drainage Board should not get the money and mortgage the property. The interests of the district must be protected. With regard to a sledge channel to take away the debris from the various creeks, Mr. Mitchelson promised to consult the Minister of Mines. Messrs. Porter and Hogg interviewed Mr. Mitchelson relative to a road through the Waitewheta Gorge, Karangahake. Mr. Porter said it was about 44 chains of very rough country, in which two tunnels were required, and would cest afc least £3000. It would be the main road through the Gorge, and enable quartz to be conveyed along •cheaply, also open up thence to the back of Te Aroha for prospecting, and render accessible a considerable area of Crown lands and virgin forest. Mr. Mitchelson promised to see what the Government could do.

Relative to the Tapu homestead selectors' grievance, Mr. Mitchelson undertook to have the matter inquired into on an early date. It appeared that the petitioners had a good claim for their land or else compensation. Re the road at Mata Creek, he was inclined to recommend £100 if a similar amount were contributed locally. A numerous deputation, of whom Messrs Albert Bruce and Murray were the chief spokesmen, advocated the School of Mines. They pointed out that Government did not fulfil the promise of pound for pound, and this left a debt of £190 ; further, £200 per year was required beyond fees to carry on the institution. Mr. Mitchelson said he understood this was one of the schools the Government intended to keep foing. The depression in Auckland was as een as ever, and mining was now regarded as one of the most likely sources of revival. He thought the deputation might depend on Government assisting the School of Mines.

Re metalling a road to the Paroquet mine and battery at Waiomo, the cost of which was estimated at £300, he would give a subsidy of pound for pound.