Deputation to Dr Pollen.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2138, 10 November 1875, Page 2

Deputation to Dr Pollen.

Advantage was taken of the presence of Dr Pollen at the Thames to endeavor to get something done in the way of the much-needed road to Tairua and Ohinemuri. A large deputation, accordingly, waited on Dr Pollen: at jthe Warden's Office to-day, among whom were the Mayor and Messrs JSagnall, Brddi'e, Cook, Horton, Kennan* IvlacNab, Masters, Mcllhone, Eowe, Sims, Workman, and others. The object of the deputation was stated by—

„The -Mayor, who said that as "Dr Pollen had kindly told him that he would be glad to see them on the subject of the formation of roads to Tairua and Ohinemuri, the present deputation had waited upon him. He had good reason to believe that the goldfields there were very valuable, but unfortunately they were unable to get to them. They required roads and the object the deputation had in view was to gee if the General Government would help them in the matter. There were several gentlemen present who had both knowledge and interest manuring, matters, and these would be able to explain any matter jwhich Dr Pollen might wish to ask.-':...' '.;.7.V..^ "...'..'.'./."■'.. ... "...'.".' .. ' .

Dr. Pollen said ho was very glad to see the deputation. He certainly took a great interest in the matter, but unfortunately, though his interest was great, his rower was small, as the matter was not in his hands but in the hands of the ./Provincial Government; ;he hoped the time would come 1 when the management of the goldfields would be in the hands of the people themselves. He could only say that he would be glad to do all in his power in conjunction with the Provincial Government towards developing the resources of the country. Mr jßowe said that the difficulties under which they laboured were so great, and their wants in the shape of roads so plain that there was need of but very few words. The General Government he thought should assist them, a* without their aid it was impossible to develop the district. Much better means of access were wanted. There were at present large numbers of men out of employment at the Thames; and these men would leave the district unless they had work, of which there was plenty if the roads were made.' The people were quite willing to assist as much as they could in the matter, but could not do all themselves.

Mr Masters " said that he was in a position to say that any money which Government expended in the making of roads would not be thrown away. He had himself made over 300 tests, and in almost every case there was a rich return, not" only of gold, but of silver. The Karangahake spur wa3 particularly rich in silver as also was Waitekauri, which had besides cinnabar, and this would be a large source of revenue as at present they imported all their quicksilver from America.

Mr. T Shaw said that as one of the prospectors he would like to give a few facts with which others were,perhaps unacquainted, and proceeded to refer to difficulties dwellers at- Tairua and Ohinemuri were under through the want of a proper road. , .......

Mr Kennan said that as regarded Tairua he was able to say there were 16 or 18 tons of stuff waiting to be carried from the Ajax. The machinery for crushing was all- ready/and in two months, if Government aided in the matter, a 15----stamper battery <might be erected and in working orderJ ; ? ' . ": ■ Dr Pollen said he had-^eard that the Provincial Government intended to make a road. He was going to Ohihemuri, and would see. things himself, .and would promise them that all the assistance in his power would be lent to the Provincial Government. He was unable to go to Tairua, but was quite ready to accept their statement as to the necessity of the roads being made. The deputation thanked Dr Pollen and withdrew.