AGRICULTURAL LEASES IN THE TUAPEKA DISTRICT.

Otago Witness, Issue 801, 6 April 1867, Page 7

AGRICULTURAL LEASES IN THE TUAPEKA DISTRICT.

Messrs James Keppel and S. Hailes, accompanied by Mr John Hughes, M.P.O; and Mr T. L. Shepherd, fiLP.C. waited upon the Superintendent, on Wednesday, and presented to His Honor a petition signed by 90 miners and others, resident at Blue Spur, Gabriel's Gully, and Monroe's Gully, praying that certain agricultural leases applied for there might not be granted. The petition set forth that various parties had applied for agricultural leases on the dividing ranges between Wetheratones and Gabriel's,, , and ■ between GrabrieiVand Mnnroe's Gully ; that the greater portion of the land so applied for was well known to be auriferous; that leases would impede prospecting, prevent many of the Spurs from being worked, and be a most serious inconvenience to the many settlers who had cattle running on the ranges; and that it was for the general interests of the community of the district that the leases should not be granted. Mr Keppel said that the lands applied for were really on the approaches' to what was the commonage for the miners and other residents ; and, if leases were granted, the lessees would hold the keys of the district The lands applied for were in the immediate neighborhood of some of the diggings ; and perhaps half of the whole number, of diggers working there depended as much upon access to the lands, for the purpose of running a few cattle, as they depended upon mining purj suits. If leases were granted, the lessees might purchase the fee- simple in three years ; and then prospecting over the land would be prevented, and water-races on them would be either forbidden, or be so costly, by payment for trespass, as to be impracticable. It was often the case, that a miner could better afford six months' labor in working at a race, than he could afford to pay L2O as damages- for trespassing on land in order to make it. He knew that some of the lands applied for were close to rich auriferous ground, discovered within the last 12 or 14 months, and which, with facilities for working, would most probably prove amongst the foremost in the district. Some of the Spurs not yet worked, might prove equally as payable as those now being worked. In addition to all this, if the lands applied for were put up for public sale three years hence— instead of lessees being entitled to purchase— they would probably fetch as many pounds' as they now would shillings. The Supebintjbndbnt felt that the subject was one of importance to the whole community. The present was the third petition on the subject that had been presented to him. In the case of the Waitahuna petition, the Government had requested the deputation to name two of their number, to meet two on the part of the Government, in order to examine and decide in what localities lands should be ; reserved from lease. Possibly, the present deputation might name two of their number, to join in the consultation. Mr Hoghes said that there was dissatisfaction at Waitahuna; because very few persons there knew of the result of the interview with His Honor, and it was. thought not right that .the deputation should uame two of themselves to confer with the Government. Many were very much interested ; and it was thought that the nominations should have been made at a public meeting. ■ The Superintendent understood that there had been such a meeting. Mr Hughes said that if the Government would notify that they meant to send officers up, the people in the different districts would make their own arrangements as to who should meet those officers. Mr Shepheed suggested tbat Wether* stones, Lawrence, Wuipori, and Blue Spur should each appoint two representatives to meet the officers. Of course, the appoint-

ments or elections could be made at public meetings. . ' ' The SuraxnrrßKDßOT : .That is just what I suggested to the Waitahuna deputation, and what £ understand has been done.

Mr. Shepherd ; believed , that it would give satisfaction to the Tuapeka community generally, if it was made.known that it was His Honor's wish that such a course should be taken in each case.

The Superxhteitdent said tbaf he understood it to have been implied that there had not ' been a public meeting at Waitahuna, for the appointment of representatives. He had a letter dated the 26th ult. [which lie read] • stating that Messrs Butters and Withers had been appointed at a public meeting* Mr Hughes said that he was at Waitahuna on, the 28Vn. The subject of the naming or appointment of the representatives was then being discussed ' very much'; and there appeared to be, dissatis • faction with the mode in which it had been done.

Mr Shepherd knew that the miners in the Waitahuna district were very much incensed against the administration of the system ; they thought that there had not been proper discretion exercised on the part of the Warden with respect to certain leases. The miners thought that the Government should introduce a better system; for it was a very bad ore, when lands that might prove auriferous were leased, and miners were consequently harrassedia their operations. The SuPERrNTENBEifT thought that the important point at present was — How to get chosen as representatives in this matter, men in whom the people had confidence. Mr, Hughes suggested that the Government should give notice of their intention to- appoint two officers to inquire, .and of .their desire thai public meetings should be held to choose men to meet the officers. The Superinteiohbnt ajrreed. ' He would n»w give notice to that effect to the deputation, and to Mr Hughes as regarded those from whom he presented a petition on the previous day. No doubt this would be published; and it should be intimated throu'zh, the newspaper about what time the officers would be in the. district. It was a very important matter ; and, so far as he was concerned, no time should be lost, except such as was necessary for giving to those concerned, notice of what was the Government's intention.

It was agreed that it was advisable that Lawrence, BJue Spur, Wetherstones, and Waipori, should each elect two representatives to meet the officers.

Mr Keppei, said that the present holders of agricultural leases would be entitled to purchase the fee-simple ; but he was not aware that there , were any reserves, or right to make reserves, on the lands affected, for the purposes of water-races— there was no power to make races on such lands, as far as he knew, except on payment for trespass. Mr Hughes believed that the Waste Lands Act and the Goldfi elds Act, together, provided for the matter. The Superintendent thought so, too; but the Gold fields Act was such a mare magnum that he did not know where to look for the clause. He hoped that the result of the interview would be to secure the object the deputation had in view. It would be well that arrangements should be at once made to have t^ie representatives elected ; and, if there was time, it would be desirable that their names should be forwarded to him.

The deputation retired, after thanking his Honor for the courteous reception given to them.

Coppee Smoke.— -For generations past efforts have been made to utilize or neutralize the smoke emitted from the various copper works of the kingdom, which is known to be so injurious to all vegetation .around. In the ueighbothoood of Swansea, remarks the Times, .which is the principal seat of the copper trade, there are thousands of acres with hardly a blade of grass upon the ground, and in many instances the smeiters have had to pay heavy damages for the injurious effects of the Bmoke on adjoining properties, even trees many miles distant being affected- About twelve months ago Mr H. H. Vivian, M.P., adopted an invention at his works in order to see whether Eomething could not be oone to abate the nuisance, and, if possible, utilize the sraok,e as well. A considerable outlay was incurred in giving a thorough practical test to the invention, and at the meeting of the West Glamorgan Agricultural Society, Mr Vivian announced that his efforts had ;been crowned ;with entire, success. The smoke is condensed, and by judicious admixtures a very excellent superphosphate is produced which js especially suitable for root crops. Mr Vivien calculates that in a short time he will be able to produce annually sufficient manure for 40,000 i acres, of lafnd. The sucpess attained wiU\, 1 no doubt, induce other copper smelters to follow the example, and many thousand acres, which are now almost a barren waste, mil then be made fertile ground.