JUMPING OF THE PROSPECTORS' CLAIM, KARANGAHAKE, OHINEMURI.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2046, 26 July 1875, Page 2

JUMPING OF THE PROSPECTORS' CLAIM, KARANGAHAKE, OHINEMURI.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star) Sir, —What is the cause of this "proceeding? Who originated it, and why was it sought to be done? These are questions which easily strike a person's mind on reading of the reports having reference to the above, proceedings, and to a casual observer no doubt are difficult to answer, but to any person who knows, not only the construction "of the Warden's Court, but also, its tendencies, they are easily enough accounted for. It appears the lawsuit initiated in this' case • was settled out of Court by some intrigue. The question arises, was it also originated by intrigue,, or some other not very creditable means ? If so, it is a pity that the whole • case was not placed in proper form before the Court; so that the public would become acquainted with the whole case from the beginning to the end of it. However, as far as I can ascertain, there were two reasons upon which it was sought to jump the ground. First, it was alleged that the five men's ground taken up by the Prospectors^ and afterwards amalgamated with the ten which they had been awarded, had not been properly so amalgamated. Secondly, it was asserted that the said five men's ground had been marked out and held under

miners^ .rights obtained before the proper issue of them from the Warden's Office.

Technically I don't want to find fault with those proceedings ; besides in them I - am in no way whatever interested, except in the ■ relation they bear towards tho Warden's Department on tnia goldfield," Then for that end I wish to know, if a miner or miners desire to amalgamate two or more claims, and for that purpose.placed before the constituted authorities" in the Warden's Office such " forms " or docu- - ments as are requisite for that purpos« (that is to the best of his or their ability), is it the duty or part thereof of such officer to see that the wish of the applicant is fully and legally carried into effect, or is the said officer justified in knowingly allowing some technicality to exist therein, which may afterwards come under the notice of some other official in the department, who, being interested in mining affairs, takes advantage not only of it, but also of his position to institute legal pro3?es>'ng;s against those whose titles are affected ? '..'"..

On the second reason herein mentioned I scarcely know what remarks -to make , that would" be pertinent enough to the importance of the subject. It appears the^ case stands thus : there has been what is™ is called " a miner/ right enquiry " about^ certain " rights " which had been issued. When this affair has been fully investigated, the decision of the.., Commissioner as to whether they were "legally .or illegally issued will be made known.. The enquiry has coded, but such decision, if „, any, has not been made public ; but mark,' ;" neveitheless—solely 011 the ground that such rights were illegally issued or'obr tainod, the fire m^n's ground referred to was sought to be- jumped. Where •was this information obtained?—l ask, point out, where ? Ifc must he assumed that an afterthought on this point decided those who initiated the proceedings to hush the matter up as the wisest course . - to pursue. . But it is to be hoped that in dealing with goldfields matters,. His Honor the Superintendent will not lose sight of: such incidents, as only thereby will he be able to keep public servants on the goldfields within the bounds- of their official duties.—l am, &c, A Miiter. -.' [P.S.—Please insert this in your liberal journal, and you will much favor many mining friends.] ' ..-;-." July 20th;" 1875.