MILLER'S FLAT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2179, 28 November 1895, Page 29

MILLER'S FLAT.

November 25.— A meeting of the Miller's Flat branch of the Miners' Confederate Association of Otago was held at Eady'a Hall on Saturday, 23rd inst., being the fifth meeting of this branch society, which was formed about eight months back by Messrs Nicholson, M'Donnell, Borland, M'Lelland, Lsffey, and Grant. The by-laws of the central association are adopted, and its object is simply to level the iiregulantiod under which the mining industry has been cairied on in the past, prevent-

ing defective legislation, and to stop such occurrences as the Waiporl difficulty cropping up. There were 13 members present, including Mr Nicholson (chairman) and Mr P. C. Grant (hon. sec). The roll now totals some 50 membors, with the prospect of 10 more by next meeting. The following resolutions were received from the Lowburn bianr.h of the Confed rate Miners' Association with a request that they be endorsed :— " To prospect the land in the vicinity of the Fruidburn, and that in case payable gold was found the union would be asked to assist in getting the land resumed for mining purposes"; also, " That holders of special claims and licensed holdings who have carried out the conditions of the proposed expenditure in respect to their areas without obtaining payable gold, Bhouldbe entitled to a lecluctiou of rent until payable gold has been struck, and that in such cases and for such purpose a declaration of expenditure and leturns should be made by tho proprietors of such claims to the Minister for Mines or his appointee." It was moved aud carried—" That tho Government be requested to declare the Fruidburn a sludge channel, aud that tho freehold property on the flat belonging to the owners of tho Beanmont station be recommended to be resumed by the Crown for mining purposes." This auriferous flat is stated to be about three or four miles long and from 15 to 20 chains wide, and is capable of biipporting fully 100 miners. The flat also affords a grand opening for dredging purposes. There are parties now on the ground who have for the pant two years been making fair wages notwithstanding difficulties in their way and crude appliances. The secretary show ed me a pretty sample of rough gold obtained from the Fruidburn, which ho intends forwarding to the Minister for Mines for inspection. Another party of three or four will most likely leave here during the week to prospect tha back country. I hope by the end of the week to see the Extended in full swing again.