LAWRENCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 671, 11 February 1864, Page 5

LAWRENCE.

Bth February. 1864,

This morning a deputation appointed by the miners of the district waited upon his Honor the Superintendent with the following memorial, accompanied by upwards of two hundred signa-

tures :—

"To His Honor John Hyde Harris, Esquire,

Superintendent of the Province of Otago.

" Sir—We, as a "deputation appointed by the miners of this district, in welcoming your Honor to this, the earliest discovered gold field in the Province, most heartily and cordially congratulate ourselves and the Province generally upon having a Chief Magistrate, who for the furtherance of the interests ot the Province, makes himself acquainted with our requirements by personal inspection.

" This our wish that your Honor should be made acquainted with the fact that all the lands now being surveyed in this neighborhood, and particularly those fronting the Tuapeka River are, more or less, auriferous; and we trust that the Government will make ample provision for any contingency that may arise, regarding the probable working of these lands. " That although we are desirous that every inducement should be offered for settlement upon the lands of this Province, we are at the same time of opinion, taking the case of Victoria as a precedent, that the Government ought to take the greatest possible care in the matter, in as far as possible to prevent disputes for the time to come. . . "We would suggest that, before the sale ot land be effected, certain reservations—such as a right to construct water races—should be made at the time of sale, and that one quarter of a mile in depth of the frontage to the Tuapeka River should be withdrawn from sale

"In- conclusion, as we believe that i;c country is or can be prosperous which neglec-3 ti<.» cultivation of the soil, we hope that ro tima be lost in affording those who desire (o b^cottie cultivators, aa opportunity of seU'ins- upon the lands in this neighborhood, in o-der that we may the sooner become, in the aitic'e of food, selfsupporting." Sign'd by the Committee—"William Maillcr, J. Mouat, j. P. Hastie, J. Hughes, M.P. C, V. Moran.

His Honor (hen presented the Committee wish the following answer:—

To Messrs Thoma3 Whyte Mailler, J. Mouat, P. Moran, J. P. Hastie, J. Hughes, Esq., and Gentlemen—

In ray own name, and on b;ha!f of the Government of Otago, I offer you my sincere thanks for the kindly manner in which you have received me at Tuapeka. My earnest desire is to see those lands on the gold fields of the Province, which are not actually required for mining purposes, profitably and permanently occupied by those persons and families w.ho will cultivate the soil, and thus secure remunerative returns for their own labors, while those labors will result in diminishing the cost to the miners of many of the necessaries and comforts of life, and by so doing realise to them a greater share than .they can now obtain, of the profits derived from their own enterprise and industry. I am aware that some difficulty may occur m devising a plan whereby such an amount of land as is desirable to devote to agricultural purposes, may be sold or leased, without the risk being incurred of somewhat curtailing the right of the mining population to exercise their vocation without prejudicial restrictions. It will, however, be the duty of the Government to endeavor so to regulate the sale and occupation of land 3 within proclaimed gold fields, that the agricultural, pastoral and mining interests may not be brought into contact with each other, but rather that a feeling of mutual confidence and dependence will arise and continue to exist between them. It has given me some surprise, but much satisfaction to find that the works which have been carried out by the miners in this district are of a far more extensive character than I had anticipated. It is also an additional source of satisfaction to me that I can honestly congratulate you on the possession of a gold field, which will not only yield ample returns for the labor of some thousands of intelligent and industrious men, but whose resources appear to be almost inexhaustible. - I conclude by assuring you that the Government recognise neither class nor interest, in their attempts to rightly administer the affairs of this province, their only desire being to act justly by all, and in so acting to promote the h-ippiness and prosperity of the whole community. (Signed) J. Hyde Harris, Superintendent

Lawrence, Tuapeka, Bth February, 1864, A conversation then ensued, in which Mr Mouat remarked, that if at the time of the land sales a reservation was made for water races, much ground hitherto unworked would be rendered payable His Honor leplied that the Government considered that the amount of labor already expended in that department, warranted a reseivation, and that the idea would be to make a reservation for races, by which certain portions of ground might be worked consecutively at fixed periods. Mr Hughes then suggested that certain points should be fixed upon, and a line drawn through them for the purpose of reserving, in the sale of landfor mining purposes, sufficient ground for water races. His Honor saw the necessity of some such an arrangement, and promised the serious attention of the Gpvernmentto the matter. Atter a general conversation, a vote of thanks was given to his Honor the Superintendent, and the deputation retired. The next address presented was from the inhabitants of the Tuapeka District, as follows.:— "To his Honor John Hyde Harris, Superintendent of the Province of Otago.

'•' Sir—We, the inhabitants of the Tnapeba district, Toeg most cordially to welcome you on this your first visit to these gold fields. _ " There are one or two matters which we beg to submit for your Honor's consideration, touchins? the welfare and prosperity of thssc important gold fieWs. "Iv thft first place, we beg tlis\t th.-1 Gold Fields Act may to extended, so p.? ' •;<}'••■" tbt pre-emptive right to purchase; pavtio? ti oi^npv rrom ttn to fifty acres of land fur rgrieulfimi! purposes, and that such leaseholders be a lovved to run stock on the unoccupied land*; by paying a certain sum per head, so that every facility be given to miners to settle on the lands. We are aware that many are anxious to setble on a similar system to this, who are about returning to Victoria, or are wandering about from gold field to gold field. "We would also submit that Peel street, the principal atreet ia the township, should be

formed and metalled, and that there should be a means of communication between Lawrence and Weather&toues, which might be done at a comparatively trifling expense ; the present- track being almost impassable in wet weather. " We would further press upon your Honor the great necessity of a punt being immediately placed on the Molyneux, near the Beaumont, so as to connect the new road to the Dunstan.

" We would also beg that the Becreation Ground, as formerly set apart, be placed in Vb: bands of Trustncn, v.'iio shall have power t; gunrd a;iy improvements made on tLe said ground. " We would be<r your Honor's con.-irltratijn of the necessity of extending the Magistrate's jurisdiction in civil cassa, to the extent of LI CO. Merchants and others being put to great expense, inconvenience, and loss of time, by havL.g to travel the uktance at present necessary to maintain their suits in Dunediu.

" We most respectfully bea- to bring before your Honor's notice the necessity of having Tuapeka declared an Educational District, as at present there are about 150 children in the district, capable of attending school; and we would urgently impress upon your Honor the advisability of a District School being erected here. "(Signed) Edward Herbert, J. Hughes, M.P.C., Dr. Halley."

The following is the answer from his Honor to the inhabitants of the Tuapeka District :—

" Gekilembn—l beg that you will accept my grateful acknowledgments for the cordial welcome you have given me on this my first visit to your district, and for directing my attention to several subjects intimately connected with its welfare and prosperity. " I fully recognise with you the desirability of affording every reasonable inducement to miners and others t^-eccupy the country lands of this Province, feeling assured that anything beyond a very partial development of its vast mineral resources cannot be effected without the aids of Agricultural and Pastoral settlement. Your suggestions as to the mode in which permanent setlement on lands within proclaimed Gold Fields may be best promoted, is entitled to the best consideration of Government, who will endeavor to secure tho adoption of means whereby Ruch lands maybe most speedily and advantageously occupied, and brought into a state of cultivation. "Your representation of the necessity f>r forming and metalling the main street of the Township of Lawrence, and for constructing an efficient road from that place to Wetherstones, shall receive the attention of the Government. The Road Department will be instructed to prepare an estimate of the cost of these works, in order that due provision for their construction may be made by the Provincial Council during the approaching Session; "It has already been determined to place an efficient Punt on the Clutha River, in the neighborhood of the Beaumont; also, another on the same liver near its junction with the Teviot. Plans of these works are in course of preparation, and tenders for their construction will be speedily invited.

" The Government will not object to authorize any suitable persons who may] be recommended for that purpose, by the inhabitants of Tuapeka, to take charge of the Recreation Reserves, until the establishment at some future time of a local Municipal Body, lo whom these duties would properly le transferred. "The Goverement have, for some time past, felt it their duty (except under special circumstances) to decline an expenditure of revenue, either for drainage of supposed auriferous ground or projecting purposes. This conclusion has been pressed upon them through the ab3ence of adequate results from those works towards which Government aid has alreacy been applied, and from consideration that the revenue of the Provinces insufficient to meet the constant demands, to which the performance of such works would render it liable. " Should the case you have brought under my notice be one of a special character, such as I have alluded to, possibly the Provincial Council may be induced Jhrough the representations of your members, to vote a sum to supplement the contributions of the inhabitants of the district.

" I shall take immediate steps to_ procure an extension of jurisdiction to your Resident Magistrate's Court, in civil cases. I will also move the Board of Education to comply with jour wishes that Tuapeka should be declared an Educational District. The Government will also place a sum upon the Estimates for defraying the cost of suitable buildings. " In conclusion, permit me to renew my thanks for the kind reception you have given me ; and to take the opportunity now afforded, of expressing the sincere desire of the Government for the prosperity and happiness of all classes of the people of the Province. (Signed) "J. Hyde Harris, " Superintendent. " Lawrence, Tuapeka, " Bth Feb., 1864." A-conversation then ensued, in which Mr Herbert remarked, that should the, present teti acre leases of land be extended to fifty or one hundred acres, a great, i.dncemsnt would bo offered for people to fettle dow.i in th« neisbborhoo.l to follow ay.rfrnliu".il pursuits. ll:s Honor lvphV, tint the suggestion sh uM have t!;e_c.>nsvleration of Government. H • liei"g of opinion that agriculture was of mc i.'culable benefit to ;i »,ld field, inasmuch >s it.tende! to -irolufe pro vi-ious, and to render a district partially selfsupporting. Mr Herbert again remarked, that he did not consider the present leises would be adopt d without a more secure tenure, and suggested the right of purchasa at or prior to the end of the term of lease.

His Honor appeared to see a difficulty in the matter, in the case of the ground proving auriferous,

Mr Hughes thought, that seven years was quite loi;g enough time to allow for testing whether ground was auriferous or not, and that after that period it might be purchased. His Honor concurred in Mr Hughes's opinions, and promised that the matter should have the serious attention of Government. Mr Hughes begged that as local races had already been established, a race course might be reserved in the neighborhood. His Honor would rather reserve general recreation ground ; but on being told that a ground of of the kind suitable for all purposes of recreation, could not be obtained near enough to the township, promised to give the subject his attention. Mr Herbert then thanked his Honor on behalf of the deputation, and they Yen with ire w. Then followed an address from the Hospital Committee. Unto his Honor the Superintendmt of the Province of Otago: . . " Honored Sir,—We. the undersigned, having been appointed by the Hospital Committee to wait upon your Honor, have much pleasure in welcoming you to Tuapeka. " We are happy in being enabled to inform your Honor of the great success attending the | operations of this institution since it cams under local management.

" They at the same time beg to mention to your Honor, that a difficulty has arisen between the Government and the Committee regarding the admission of patients. " We have no doubt, your Honor is acquainted with the circumstance, and that you will see that the stand ths Committee have taken in the matter is judicious and reasonable. " The deputation would beg to suggest to your Honor, the desirability of the Government communicating with the officers in charge of those districts, whose inhabitants have ayailed_ themselves of the benefits accorded by this institution, and who have contributed bntlittle to its support, viz : Mount Benger, Teviot, and Waitahuna, for the purpose of enlisting their sympathies and support. _ , ~ .. " We have also to call your Honor's attention to the inefficient provision made for the sewerage and closet accomtno-Jation of the institution. "In conclusion, we beg to mention to your Honor the incomplet:ness of the institution, without being provided with a ward for female patients ; many such having made application, and we hope, that the Government will make this addition, and thus render the institution complete. • f Grant and Lewis "(Signed) < Thomas Darton. (Duncan Campbell."

His Honor, on thanking the deputation, expressed himself much pleased with the condition of the hospital, and the arrangements generally, and that much praise was due not only to the Committee, but also to the Resident Surgeon. He would see that sums were placed on the Government estimates for the hospital generally including the additions which the memorial had represented as being necessary. The deputation then withdrew.

I neglected in ray last report to mention a most interesting episode in Saturday's proceeding. Miss H. Dartnn, a girl of seven years o)d read the following address to las Honor from her fellow school-children, before quite a large audience. The eff fit 0:1 Ibe minds ot1 Ui^o v.'lio ■-vitnes-i'/il th'.s m f •r>i:\-ion will I ;t"i sure iv> lasting, and !.y Mietoaa «i *''S HoaV:- innrer, lis amst 'have tVlfc hi.t;ii]y gratifi?/i on tlie osca-:! m. I inu^t nob omit to ineation that »« re dins a'idress, Miss Darton presented his Honor with a. ranst beautiful bouquet from her own garden. The address runs thus: — " To his Honor John Hyde Han-is, Esq., " Honored Sir,—We, the children re?irting on the Tuapeka gold field, do most cheerfully welcome your Honor on tlm your first visit to this district.

" And we sincerely trust that on your return

to your important duties, it wiii remain & hi '!i»# source of pleasure tr> your ninii.'inFrance. "We beg to express our earnest prayr that you will long be spared to perform tlujsn uk< fill and important duties which devolve on you. " We would beg your Honor, as the patron and guardian of the welf;in> of the rising /renovation, that you will use 1 hnt influence cm fi !"i to-you in procuring for tliß children of fhW <'i<tric.t find ilif. ijold fi 'I !s generally I.i;"i c :>.v 1?;'>: i so necessary in venC:r:Ui- t ; ur, in .\i>, r i::'. >■ • f>.-I nn<) iiiloi'eciuil Wm'ws ■■■'; -o^ctvj •;::'■• , . mp.y remember with y;i -Hfim- i'iVi, '>■• ; -■ which fii'?t admhii/cei'e/.i to oar p-fu't:'-- •■-■■■■ • sides. YyisUg you;;!! li^vtL jioti'V, a--A h mess, we liumbl> rem.'t'ii thn chiljron oj- .• . s peka School. (fSigued), 't'homr.s T)-r.-i i,:<r-.. ji ~ Isabeila Newton, Jatnts Bray Darum, -'-X . a:. The following is his Honor's answer:—-To T,.-...•;. Uarton, jun., Isabel.':i Nuwt'in, J.uv.c.x :ii-;\.y Darton, and tho othyr Rhil'fren rrsl.ltsv.r. o'i mo Tuapnka gold fields. My doar children,— I iiu ye received with great piensu"e atui gr.'itiUi'ie yi-ur very kind address to me, on tin's m; first ofiL'Ll visit to your district. " It affords me additional pleasure to be a 'le to grant your request, that I will use my ii;fl*ienee iv procuring for you the means of acqiiiiif'g an education calculated to prepare you for the efficient discharge of the responsibilities of life " In order to'accoinplish your wishes, the Government will plac^ a sufficient sum _on the estimates (now in course of prepnration) for the erection of suitable buil-iings, aud for defr-u,'!..;■ the other expenses incidental to the establishment of public schools for the district. " I (hank you, my dear children, for bringing your educational wants under my notice, ;md I heg of you to accept the assurance of my earnest hope and desire thut, the Providence of Gorl m;iy endow you with physical and rnontd health, and with all those virtues by which the human character is beautified and ennobled, ami the possession of which will render life a blessing to yourselves, your parents, and to the world, and redound to the glory of your Creator.

" Believe *;me, my dear children, to be youi sincere friend,

"J. Hype E*rris, " Superintendent "Lawrence, 6th Feb.> 1864."

This evening a public dinner was held at the" Camp Hotel, in celebration of the arrival of Jus Honor the Superintendent. The chair-was taken at eight o'clock by J. Hughes, Esq.. M.P.C., who was supported on his right-hand by hu Honor the Superintendent, and on his left by Major Croker, R.M. There were also presentVincent Pyke, Esq., J.P.; Capt. Baldwin, J.P., M.P.C., itf.G A..; G. Duncan, Esq. (Secretary Public Works); Dr. Halley (Vice-Chairman); and about sixty of the leading gentlemen of the district. The'dinnerwasgot up in really firstrate style by our host, Mr Watch, and the liquors I were excellent. Alter ample justice had been done to the viands, the speeches commenced. In the usual way, tiie* Chairman first proposed the health o? the Queen, which was enthusiastically responded to, as was that ot the Princa and Princes? of Wales by the Vice Chairman. Thirdly, the Chairman- proposed " The Army and Navy," co-ipled with Uio names of Major Croker and Mr Maukay, gentlemen whom he was sure he neei not on thi3 occasion say much about, as they had been known by all for a considerable period, and their many good qualities werehighly appreciated. Mejor Croker, in return, thanked the gentlemsn present on behalf of the army and uayy, and remarkel that at some future period this toast might be responded to with still greater warmth, for if diplomacy failed in the Northern Island the army and navy and volunteers would be compelled again to have recourse to the argument of steel and bullet, and that uuny in the latter fores were from amongst themselves. He hoped that before long the Macris would be led to recognise the law of the land, and that they would receive what is called in vulgar parlance "such a raution" as would prove both salutary and lasting. He again returned thanks on behalf on the army and navy. Mr Mackay said that after such an able speech from Major Croker, he had little to say. But that any time In was willing to devote a certain portion of the day to the drilling of as many as 130 men, whom he would guarantee to scatter a? ininy as 300 Maoris, though they had proved themselves by no means a despicable foe. The Chairman then proposed the health of the evening—1' His Honor the Superintendent"—and remarked that he found great difficulty in doing anything Jike justice to the toast, it afforded him and the company present very great pleasure to meet on such an occasion, the first time that we have been visited by the representative of Her Majesty. His Honor twelve months ago was a comparative stranger among us, and after a somewhat severe contest was elected cmv _ tfuneriutemlent. . Since t:'--t ho ha I b;»mi i-ri<>! a-.il found most'euTfcs^io forth* ; ;-.v.tion, .;n.!. •<■:>>. i ■■(', to :.dvanc:? tun uitr-reit? both oi t.hs mi"..-;.* *--s the Province e*:nara>!y. LU) ■ aid oj/y :•;;.■ -i: during the short tim/he hvi had the :- v"-"/ his acquaintance, he had aiwa/s ioutia >■-v corlial and gentlemanly. At one time a deci-icd fv.iiip^;)-"''*•■•;•";■■■ '•'.'" tweeu the ol iie;'.ti;y a;id r.lu Vieww , \ -•■• ■■■■ which lie was >ie>i r •*■ ■•i to -^ ■•• •- '■■ - - ■ f.vav. up. ftnnsi 'ei'ii'l i:.int i.ii-; in •■■ ■..■• "-. 'h« ininina, pa-itoiui.'unl umi-u-'-'--I.'' ■ ■> we b-hg ciail.v luoi\> olj-^ly <•• ),i'u ;l ; ..- ,+,• :■ ■.; .act that (lie gmtiriu in now at r.hd livH'i of t .; Government was using his best endeavor** fcj meet the requiremants of all. Hia Honor in responding, remarked tint wlrile offering his best acknowledgements ami thuuks for the enthusiastic manner iv which, hte health had been drunk, felt himself most unworthy ot the honor conferred upon him. He was however deeply sensible of the obligations which he owed to the inliabifconts of the gold fields here and elsewhere for their very kind and cordial reception : a reception which he could hardly have anticipated, considering the report that had arisen ~ that on the gold fields a disaffection towards the Government was ripening to something like open rebellion. He was happy to state that his tour had completely given the lie to this report. He could look back with pleasure on the civility exhibited towards himself, and the amount of kindly feeling which prevailed. He assured t-.ie meeting that it was no disinclination on his part that he had not made a tour into the interior before this, but from the pressure of business in Uunedin, in looking after the general interests of the colony. It was possible to have made a flying visit before this, but he considered that Jie shoufd not have time to look properly into tha requirements of the respective districts. He had how been three weeks on the gold fields, and had been able personally to see their wants and requirements. He was confident that his visit would prove a benefit both to the inhabitant* and to Government, whose interests were iden • tical, and he could promise them, if spared, similar periodical visits at intervals of about six months. He was delighted to see around him so many members of the Government and Council, i and only feared that at similar meetings tli3 ! company might find themselves quite inundated with this element. He trusted that the Government would be credited for their good intentions to all classes, and their willingness to redre39 as much as is in their power, whatever grievances may exist. Although one from tha Old Identity, a fact of which he was rather proud, he knew neither class nor party, but merely studied the wants of the community. While he held the confidence of the people, he would remain in office. When this was shaken, he had ceased to be thsir Superintendent. He congratulated the inhabitants on the progress they had made, which he said was truly marvellous; and compared the place now to what it wa< eight years ago, w! en he came over the ground, being then part of a sheep run, in his.own possession. He trusted that under a gool Government, the mining, agicultural and commercia' interests would progress hand in hand, and that by the occupation of land the Victorian element might long be recognise;! on the gold fields. He concluded by observiug that though thsy were comparatively strangers th?n, he trusted that hereafter they would become better acjuainted, aud that before sitting down he would wish " prosperity to the Tuapeka district." Mr Maekay then proposed "The Mining lutereate," coupled with the names of Messrs. Pyke and Mouat. • On responding, Mr Pyke assured Mr Mackay that he hud made a grand mistake in not coupling the mining interests with the names of their representatives, Messrs. Hughes and Baldwin. He was but a very humble servant of Government, but fully appreciated the honor conferred upon him. On the other side of the Straits it was hi 3 duty to talk; here, it was his duty t:> work, and not to talk. He endeavoured to the best of his ability, and in the words of the immortal Shakespear", " Angels can do no more." Mr Mouafcthen rose and said he considered that the raining interests had hitherto been ignored, aud that the Mas of the''Government was to m ike the nowcomer3 anything but miners. Another Government even wjnt so far as to oflbr tlie-n wives if they would ssttlo- down. Bat no: bVj tine muthad of -uivuvj'ng th-iir iafcew-'w '.v-n f. > '•xtriu.l lha «?-i.l:n-=; :),!.! i-s*.-. ■ 1 T >'' ;'= ','i ♦> ! ait,i jM-'ii '.>■•'. '> N: -ii"! /■".'. :fc-- ■' '• ID.i OVBV/rt'il.!'"-, it:' t. :-. :U iiu'l > ;i:'Uithem on:: »ea-\; st-aiy w ikiiM t> :■';'■ ■ stated ii a 1? liio --pitioi thai;' )\>.\z > w•■ ■ i-i: • .'.■ ■' pro perous gpld country iti tho cjlu/.ll« ;>■■>;: n' ! with eri'iourage.uent ev«ry ('oml'jrt iiiU'H. ■. vouchsafe:! to iho l> inors. He eo.ic'-aird ■ ( returning fianks for the honor conferred upoi him. ' " The Agricultural and Commerci.vl Tntevvts were duly proposei and ivspon.le.l to, bu'. I am trespassing too much upon your valuable s.jase, and I must enueavor to come to a conclusion as

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