THE TAIRUA CLAIM.

Thames Advertiser, Volume VIII, Issue 2075, 19 June 1875, Page 3

THE TAIRUA CLAIM.

To the Editor oi tiio Thames Advertised,

Sir,—ln your issuo of this morning, I see aspersions cast upon some of Ikoso persons associated Frith John Neves in tho Tairua claim, and 1 tbinlc it is now time for the public to be informed of a few facts, in order, Iconfess, to clear myself and any others 1 may haye been instrumental in introducing to Neves. For several years past, K eves and myself had an under* standing that in the event of his discovering payable gold I should hold a sharo with him on payment of a fixed Bum after lie received his title. I may hero say that he was the first to offer these conditions, bo much for my own position. Now for John James Wilson. He, as my manager in Tairua, was fully aware of what Neves was doing, where he was, and where supplies could reach liim whenever he (Neves) required them. Neves had frequently spoken to Wilson on the subject, and Wilson, through me, offered to give Neves a certain sum for a share in the Tairua G.M.Co. when Neves should form the company to work his ground, which Neves at once accepted. With regard to Tupp, ho was in my employment when Neves first knew him, and Neves voluntarily took him as mate, on what conditions I do not know. Now I will account for John Beecho's appearance on the scene. When Neves and 1 brought down the 45ibs weight of stone for a trial crushing, we wished to have it tested with as little publicity as possible, as the ground had not been proclaimed a goldfield. On our way down, Neves stated to me he would like to form a parly of eight. I enquired if he had selected them all; he answered he had not. I then said we had better get Beeehe to go with us to have the stuff crushed, as lie was a man I had known almost all my life, had been mates on the Otngo goldfield, and I could guarantee his straightforwardness. I Slid, "Neves, you can offer him a share and make' your own terms," which he did, and both were satisfied. I was unable to take an active part in the pegging out through having been detained in Mercury Bay by the non-arrival of the steamer, and consequently the making out of the application fell info other hands.

I now hope, Mr Editor, that in any future strictures you maybe pleased to make you will so word them that blame may not be cast where it is not deserved. -I am, &c.,

W. B. Jackson, The above statement is correct.—John NEVJ33.

Grahamslown, 18th June, 1875. f > [We are glad to insert the above letter. Messrs Neves and Jackson are entitled to the gratitude of the country, and we should have been glad to seo them get six limes as much as they have got. Not one in the community grudges them. Prospectors who .undergo what Mr Neves must have undergone in prospecting in such a country as Tairua, ought to be kept in perpetual and grateful remembrance.—£d ]