THE GOLD FIELDS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 203, 2 August 1862, Page 5

THE GOLD FIELDS.

TUAPEKA. (FKOJJ OUR OWN COUKESPOXDEN'T.) Tuapeka, 31st July, 1862. Of the various methods of extracting gold from the soil, now in vogue on this gold-field, sluicing is at present receiving the greatest attention. As a matter of course interests will clash where the foresight of several parties have enabled them to take up valuable water privileges, the real worth of which are only now becoming apparent. In consequence, a considerable amount of ill-feeling has been developed, and recent decisions given by Major Croker point but to one conclusion, viz. — that the different claimants of water privileges will ere long defend their real or supposed rights, vi et armis. This is to be regretted— the more so as it scarcely reflects credit on the worthy Major, who has postponed the evil day from period to period, until at last a decisive, being forced from him, it has resulted in little better than " That they should take who had the power," "And they should keep who can." lam aware that with so little to to guide his decision, and the conflicting character of the claims now brought before him, there is enough to puzzle a gentleman possessing much more experience in gold mining than the present Commissioner; yet, it is of the last importance that a verdict of some kind should be arrived at, and men's minds should be settled. The difficulty which now stares the present population in the face, is this : sluicing having been found to be the best means of extracting the gold from the soil, there is a question as to the plentiful supply of water, without which, this system of mining cannot be carried on.

Several enterprising persons have already cut races from the sources of the natural supply ofthe water flowing through Wetherstone's, which, as a matter of course, is now being directed to particular spots, instead of finding its way through the ordinary channels. There seems to be a fear on the part of a considerable number of miners, that in consequence of this interference with the natural flow of the water, large numbers of miners will be prevented from earning a living during the summer. Whether this is likely to be the case or not, I do not intend, at present, to iuquire, but one view of the question may be considered, without reference to the claims of individual miners. It is this: when persons at no great expense, cut a race which intercepts, and to a great extent monopolizes the water, which, flowing in its natural course, might be used, not by four or five persons calling themselves a water company, but by the large mass of the diggers—wnat right inherent or acquired , have these persons to demand that no one else shall cut a race from the same source. Let them continue their work by all means, and retain the prior right to be supplied with— not all the water which they can divert into their race, but a sufficient quantity to work I their claim and fully compensate them for their risk. Beyond this, I take it no person I should have an exclusive right, and if anyone desired to cat a race from the same source he should be allowed to do so, so long as the number of men that first combined to cut the race are fairly supplied. To permit, however, one party to divert all the water they can find into a race, and then to sell it, while at the same time this privilege is practically denied to 'another, appears to me neither just nor equitable. Of course any one can cut a race, but where no protection is affordtedk and you are informed that the strongest party must carry the day, it is high time to ipqirire whether the law is paramount or in abeyance. ; When water is brought by means of races from sources which could not supply, and do not affect the present operations ofthe miners there, a demand might well be made, and with justice for increased privileges; but the mutter assumes a different aspect where the ! sources of that supply are and have been common to all. On Wetherstone's the present state of affairs has caused some alarm, and a meeting is, I believe to be held to-morrow evening at the Golden Age Hotel t© consider the subject, Xhs peoplo of Wetherstone's

have always been more public spirited than the residents ofthe rest of the gold field, and in consequence most of the agitations have had their commencement at this place. Since the Separation Meeting, the latest development of this tendency is the enthusiastic manner in which they have taken up the project of cutting a storm water channel through Wetherstone's Flat. The necessity for this work has been frequently referred to in your columns, and I am glad to find that those who are likely to be most benefitted by the opening up of this large extent of alluvial untried ground, have so spiritedly taken the matter in hand. I have no doubt the channel could be cut for a very small suni, if the Government would only agree to give those who would undertake to cut k, the washdirt they might obtain from the bottom of the cutting. The Hospital has at last been opened. Dr. Holly is the resident surgeon, and a matron and assistant have also been appointed. Instead of making the opening public through the medium of the press, or by some demonstrative solemnising, notices have been affixed outside one or two hotels, and there the publicity ends. It is fortunate, however, for suffering humanity, that so much required and beneficial an institution has at last been opened. How it is to be managed or controlled is a matter the Government seem to have taken entirely out of the hands of the former committee. I presume ere long we shall hear of some definite arrangements as to the future management of this Institution.