OHINEMURI.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 1921, 1 March 1875, Page 2

OHINEMURI.

(fbom our special kepoeteb.) Baeroa, Saturday.

Much speculation is rite concerning the time at which the proclamation is to issue,

and any of those supposed to possess the latest information, such as pressmen and new arrivals, were beset as the

steamers arrived with enquirers as to the whereabouts of Mr Mackay, and whether -lie had arrived from Auckland. An impression, appears to prevail that the opening will not. take place until the end of next week. There is very little stirring hero. Every boidy is on the gui vive, and there is just as much of mystery as ever. Reports are heard of the finds still, and received with different degrees of credence. I conversed to-day with a very old friend who has been for some time engaged in prospecting the country here 'and-he confirms the opinion given by some others, who profess only to have been prospecting,, without brilliant results. From him I learn that he has found the " color" in most of the creeks with little difficulty. In; the Waitekauri ii is to be obtained from one end to the other ; but at the Aroha the country is different: reefs are to be found in ; plent3T, some of them being of-a good size, but the color is not met with. Similar information with respect to this direction I Have received from others, and men upon whose word I would rely without hesitancy. A mistaken impression got abroad with regard to business sites in Mackaytown. It was thought that protection would be granted to those who, pegged out. Mr Mackay was interrogated, and, I believe, plainly stated that no protection would be allowed, and that everyone would have to take his chance pending the issue of licenses. The effect of this has been rather amusing so far. Curtis of the Pacific Hotel pegged out an allotment, and this morning some one jumped the site and toot out his pegs. _ :

. There is a marked change in the Paeroa since seven days past. A wharf has been run out, and buildings (of a primitive type certainly) are beginning to be numerous. But a week back^ the only buildings were—Austin's pub; a wooden structure kept by one P. O. Jones as a Tbßute of accommodation, for sleeping, shaving and shampooing; a small butcher's shed and a small baker's shed; Now there is, a few yards from the wharf, a receiving store, the speculation, of Mr Featon, correspondent of the Auckland Star ; and a number of buildings erected by speculative business people. The road to the Gorge is becoming quite defined. And, in fact, it is obvious that in a very short time the metamorphosis will be very astonishing: always providing that the goldfield, when opened, proves worthy of the golden opinion formed of it.

(FBOM A COBBESFONpENT.)

Paeboa, Sunday. I see the correspondence sent. by me last Thursday respecting the meeting of Natives and signing of the Schedule has not appeared. I entrusted it to Mr Fisher, 'buss proprietor. He will please return the same as soon as convenient; I have twice asked him for it. On Saturday! called at his tent, when I was told he had taken the letter to Portland.

The new weekly paper, She Despatch, took the miners by surprise, and found a ready sale. "The Star Extra which reached here today gave general satisfaction respecting the prompt action taken by the Government Agent. 55 passengers arrived by the steamer.

The Consl tabulary seem to get along well with the miners, and are quite at home. , Should anj rowdyism or disturbance take place they will be supported. Smith, the prospector, has been in Aucklandjlooking after his party's interest respecting the prospecting claim. The paragraph copied from the Auckland Star into the Advertiser respecting a dreaded conflict between the Orangemen and Catholics is without the slightest foundation.: It's a pity that such should .appear, as it is calculated to breed : mischief. Most of the parties formed are composed of menof all religions, denominations and nationalities. If the Government grant a prospecting claim to. Hbera, the native, after their having expressed themselves to the contrary, there wiil be general dissatisfaction. If any ia tp, be granted, let the Government look iritb every, applicant's claim. It appears there are miners who, for years back, have had permits from Superintendents and natives for prospectingthecountry, and been promised prospectors' claims; therefore,they should investigate the title to such. To adopt such a course would create confidence among the mining community. The creek, or flat, where my esteemed friend Lipsey has established himself is getting in favor. Mr Dunn, of the Salutation, has started a store at the same place, and others are being built. A great number of miners are camping there. Mr Lamb has started a timber yard, ,and in a few days will have sufficient timber to meet the demands. A cargo of timber vas expected yesterday from Gibbons' Mill.

Mr Baker has been here, and intendsto start business in the coach and express, line. . , -

Having read in the columns of the j Herald of a brutal assault upon a-Maori, I interviewed the woman, who told me it was her own fault, she wanted no one to interfere between her and her husband, and that parties -would like to see her husband in prison because he has been a stumbling block against a certain land speculator. I paid a visit to Rotokuhu Creek and was shown where some work had been done in the sluicing, line. It will not pay; for the soil is too clayey; if there was gold sufficient, it might do for a sludge machine. It is the. opinion of some experienced miners thatr it will not pay even to work in that way. The flour mill belonging to the Natives has been leased to the Europeans. , :

Anxious enquiries are being made; respecting the whereabouts of a gentleman of the name of Ha^let r who-some years back exhibited specimens and alluvial gold, representing the same, to be from Ohinemuri. /

Mr C. F. Mitchell is supplying timber for the road.