MINING LAND DISPUTE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18888, 10 December 1924, Page 11

MINING LAND DISPUTE.

OVERLAP AT COROMANDEL.

CLAIM OF RICH REEF.

APPLICATION FOR RESUMPTION.

[BY TELEGRAPH.— CORRESPONDENT.] COUOJIANDEL. Tuesday. An application for resumption for goldmining purposes of a piece of freehold land at Coromandel, comprising 3£ acres, known as the Golden Belt, and about 7 acres, part of Endean's freehold, was heard by the Warden at Coromandel.

Mr. Burgess, who appeared for the applicants, John Barclay and others, said the land applied for had been used by them for three years past, under the impression that it. was Crown land open for mining. They had found a rich goldbearing reef, and the Iris Gold Mining Company had been registered in Auckland with a capital of £5000, to acquire and work the mine. A survey for the purpose of a transfer to the company revealed the overlap on freehold land. Negotiations with Mr. Endean for a lease of the land had failed, hence the applicants had to apply to the Minister for resumption. The owner of the freehold, Mr. Johi. Endean (Mr. Rice) objected. It was admitted that no mining work had been done on the land by the owner, and that it was not leased or occupied. It was stated that the piece of land in question had been worked on and off for 40 years by miners who thought it was Crown land.

After taking the evidence of 'he mining inspector and others, the Warden adjourned the application to enable Mr. Endean to file an affidavit showing what he had done and what he intended to do with the land. The Warden will then report to the Minister.