Original Correspondence.

Otago Witness, Issue 585, 14 February 1863, Page 5

Original Correspondence.

DISORDERLY CONDITION OF THE LAKE

GOLD FIELD.

(To the Editor of the Otaoo Witsess.)

Sir,— Know-ins; that you are the stern advocate of the peoples' rights, I beg to forwaid for your information, aud that of your readers, the following facts relative to the shameful m inner in which Government has neglected to provide for the protection of the lives and property of the miner? of this important gold field. It is now over three months since the rush first set in towards the Lake country, yet it's but the oth-r day fhat Mr Warden Wood was sent to us, and for any practical use he is to the miners, he might as well be in Kamchatka, there being no force at his disposal to carry out his decisions when necessary. The consequence is that all the outlaying 1 creeks and gullies are at the mercy ot well organised gangs ot rowdies, who make a, trade of jumping claims from other miners who may have hotter c'aims than themselves. And should the lawful owners refu.se to give up possession, the} are often maltreated nnd ejected by force. Numbers of very valuable claim? have been lo 3 t to the rightful owners on this creek within the last three weeks in the above manner. Fights of the most sanguinary character are the order of the day, and yet theie is no redress from Government. Several of the wronged parties went to the Warden with complaints, hut his reply was that lie was powerless to protect at present. Should this unsatisfactory state of affairs last much longer, the miners will be obliged, in self-defence, to return to Californian Lynch Law, revolvers, kc. Should serious disturbances ensue, or lives be lost' the blame will rest with his Honor and his heavenborn advisers.

As the Provincial Government seems neither able por willing to administer justice on this gold field, it is high time the miners should take measures for petitioning the General Government to resume the management of the Otago gold fields -when, no doubt, they will have less to complain of. A great number of miners' righta being wanted lately, the miners received from Mr St. Jolin Branigan, and others, ordinary receipts, on note paper, for their cash— they naturally look with suspicion on such documents. Query, is there any doddery auent the forthcoming elections 1 I remain, sir, Your obedient servant, Colis Campbell M'lhttre. Rowdy Creek, Shotover River, January 25th, 1863.