Meeting of Ohinemuri Miners.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 1914, 20 February 1875, Page 2

Meeting of Ohinemuri Miners.

(FBOM A COBBESPONPENf.)

Paebo, Friday.

A meeting of miners (200 were assembled) was held: at Mr Creagh's landing place about 10 o'clock this morning, for the purpose of appointing a deputation on behalf of the miners to thank Sir Donald McLean and the other gentlemen for their exertions in opening Ohinemuri for goldmining. Mr P. Hogan was called to take the chair. Messrs O'Haire, Porter and J. Stewart were appointed to retirn thanks on behalf of the miners, and were also requested to ask the Native Minister, the following questions. How long until the Ohinemuri district is proclaimed a Goldfield ? After the district is proclaimed will 48 hours bo allowed to every miner who may mark out a claim so as to allow him sufficient time to get a miner's right. A long discussion then ensued as to who was best entitled to get a prospector's claim. Finally it was proposed and seconded that a prospecting claim be granted to the first party who: discover payable gold and report the same, to the Government. This was carried almost unanimously, as being considered the most satisfactory manner in which the Government could decide who was to get a prospecting claim or license. After the meeting had most temperately discussed this latter resolution,'and every point both legal and moral had been well ventilated, it was as before stated then decided that the party who first reported the discovery of payable gold had the best moral right to be .rewarded for'the discovery.'; .~ ■"- The miners then, headed by the deputation proceeded to the Luna. On arrivug they met Mr Mackay, jun..» who saw Sir Donald on the subject. The .Native Minister deuired that the deputation and miners present should go aboard. They went accordingly, and were introduced by Mr Mackay, ion. Mr O'Haire: Sir Donald McLean,.at a meeting, of miners held this morning at Mr Thorpe's landing, we were appointed, and beg leave to 'thank you on their behalf for your exertions in opening ■Ohinemuri for goldmining. We also wish to return thanks to the Hon. Dr Pollen, and James Mackay, Jun., Esq., for the able assistance they rendered in bringing your negotiations witE the Natives to a successful termination.

Sir Donald McLean thaaked them in the most cordial manner, and stated that it gave him great pleasure to be able to render them such a service as the one Successfully concluded. He also thanked them on behalf of Dr Pollen and Mr Mackay, who, he said, had rendered him most valuable assistance. To the question of proclamation, he said it would be about 10 or 12 days before the country would be opened. Q. No. 2: lie replied no days grace would be allowed; that the rules were being revised by able hands, and according to the Act of 1866; and that the miners would have to abide by them. He also stated distinctly that no prospecting claim would be granted to any party whatsoever. The deputation then thanked Sir Donald McLean, and withdrew. Mr Mackay then addressed the miners present, and thanked them, and said he would be always happy to render them whatever services he could. Some discussion then took, place between -Sir Donald, Mr Mackay, and the miners, about the former questions, but no additional light was thrown on this point. I have a word to say in reference to this license arrangement. It strikes me that there is something morally wrong in the conclusion come to by the * Government I siy so unhesitatingly.. I would nofsay it were it not for what I bad seen since this affair took place. I have been shown a copy of a letter from the late Superintendent, acknowledging the receipt of a letter informing him that the party had found payable gold in Ohinemuri, and requesting that an area of six acres be granted to them, as a reward for their discovery. In the letter of reply referred to, the late Superintendent distinctly declares that when the - said district is proclaimed open for gold mining, if the party shows payable gold, he will grant them the said area. I have no desire to become, the advocate of any person or persons ; but I cannot refrain from saying that I now feel thai this party has a moral right to some special privilege. It appears that even without the full knowledge of particulars, the miners have conceded this point;- but, if. all that I hear is" true, tho worst is to come. Namely, in this affair the bosom friends of the late Superintendent, even before his mortal remains are consigned to their final resting place, treat with contempt and dishonor his word, his honor, and his handwriting. It may be ; but, if so, I womld certainly exclaim : Heaven ! what a delusion and mockery are friendship and honor.

I forgot to mention that Sir Donald McLean said the delegated powers would be. in the hands of Dr Pollen. . .