WAIHI GOLD DUTY QUESTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13191, 31 May 1906, Page 4

WAIHI GOLD DUTY QUESTION.

WATER SUPPLY FOR WJUKINO. [BY TELEGRAPH.OWN CORRESPONDENT.] ■•'.;' W.vtai, Wednesday. A large a.nd representative meeting was held at t.'j? Victoria Hall, Waikino, last night, for the purpose of discussing the question of Waikino's right to a portion of the Waihi gold revenue also 'V question of a water supply for the district. Mr. H. Benner was voted iv.-. the ciiair. Mr. H. Poland, M.H.R. for Ohinemuri, stated that he hod no doubt but that' Waiiino was eui.Jed Lc a portion of t-V».> gold revenue which they materially helped to produce. In fact, the Act of 1903 was passed specially for such cases. He certainly could not understand the peeition taken up by the Minister for Mines, in refusing to instruct the Warden to hold a Court of inquiry and assess what may be due ;to '.'other' sub-districts.. With reference to a -water supply, it was realised on all sides ■ that it was very much required, and it simply resolved itself into a question of ways and means. If they obtained a, fair share of the gold ' revenue' they might consider the question of water supply practically settled. -■■■•■: ' -Mr. C. Tresi/.e, member for the rjding on the County Council, thoroughly endorsed all that Mr. Poland had said, and he assured the meeting that they would have his best support in obtaining their rights. Mr. W. A. Murray then moved : " That a petition be drawn up and circulated for signature, asking the Minister for-Mines to at. once instruct the Warden to hold an inquiry, and assess the proportion ,of Waihi gold revenue that should be paid to the Ohinemuri County Council on behalf of Waikino." J This was seconded and carried unanim- j ously. .... 1 It was further resolved: " That the following be appointed to give effect to the | foregoing resolution, Messrs. S. E. Eraser, Wylde, H. Benner, R. Shaw, R. Montgomery, 1. Keohan, J. McKenna, R. Cotter, H. Jenkins, C. Franklin, C. Insley, R. Williams, J l . Fine, and F. Flatt; also, that this meeting most strongly urge the Ohinemuri County Council to afc once proceed with the work of providing a water supply' for Waikino." '