THE TUHUA GOLDFIELDS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 106, 15 February 1873, Page 9

THE TUHUA GOLDFIELDS.

The following correspondence has been published in the Wanganui papers respecting the existence of gold in the Tuhua district; and the prospects of the opening of the district for European miners :—" Wanganui, January 14, 1873. —The Hon Donald M'Lean, Native Minister. Sir, —I have the honor to respectfully solicit that you will, during our visit to this place, use such means as are compatible with your position towards inducing the Maoris to permit Europeans to prospect the Tuhua country. I may state (that which stands on the records of the colony) that I was

the first person who pointed out the existence of gold on the West Coast of the Middle Island, and also that the precious metal existed in the Pelorus, the latter statement being diametrically opposed to the expressed opinion of Mr J. C. Richmond, the then Provincial

Secretary of Nelson, in reply to a letter sent by me to his Government; nevertheless my prognostications were verified. And I would now state that from the geological' formation of the country around Tuhua I have no doubt that vast auriferous deposits await the presence of the miner to change it from a barren wilderness to a busy Hive of mining industry. I base this opinion upon experience gaiued upon the Victorian, Otago, and West Coast gold fields, together with an examination of specimens of rocks brought from Tuhua by Captain M'DoDnell, and now trust that you will use your influence to that end, which will not only prove beneficial to Wanganui but to the colony in general, and thereby confer a lasting benefit upon the whole of the community. Apologising for having thus troubled you, I am, &c, Samuel Symms." To the above letter the Hon the Defence Minister sent the following reply :—" Wanganui,

January 14, 1873. Sir, —In reply to your letter of this date, on the subject of prospecting the Tuhua country, I beg to inform you that I am at present in communication with the leading chiefs of that district, who appear well inclined to admit mining. Before they can definitely give their assent, it will be necessary for them to consult the tribe, and the decision then arrived at will be forwarded to the Government, who will impart it to the public.—l am, &c, Donald M'Lean."