PRESENTATION OF AN ADDRESS TO MR DUTTON.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 490, 13 April 1869, Page 2

PRESENTATION OF AN ADDRESS TO MR DUTTON.

On Eriday last a deputation from the miners on the North Beach met Mr Dutton, late Eesident Magistrate at Cobden, and "Warden of the Nelson South-west Q-oldfields, at Hamilton's Hotel, Cobden, in order to present him with an address from the body of miners whom they represented. The Mayor of Greymouth was in the chair.

Mr Meates said that some time ago when Mr Dutton announced his aversion to testimonials, the miners resolved that they would not allow him to leave the district without some recognition of the esteem in which he was held. He then read the address, which was, of course, highly complimentary. Mr Dutton said he was, some time ago, asked by a deputation to accept what was then called a simple address from the miners of the North Beach. It was then stated that as he disapproved of any effort being made to collect subscriptions for a testimonial he should receive a simple address. He replied that he would be happy to receive it, but he had no idea it would

assume the shape of an elaborate and costly work of art. Having thanked the deputation, and recited at some length the extent of his duties as Warden, he continued: —With reference to the Grey district generally, he believed he was leaving it in a much more prosperous state than it ever was before. —(Applause.) Since he had come to it he had become convinced of the importance of the district, and he believed it was the most important and the most durable district on the West Coast.—(Applause.) The Grey district comprised a very large area, namely, 25 miles of beach by 75 miles inland, so that it would be seen that the Warden had a large tract of country to watch over. Since he had been here there had been no startling rushes, but gold had been discovered in new quarters. Only two of what might be called rushes had taken place-—one to the Nelson Creek and the other at Napoleon's. The Nelson Creek rush took place at a time of depression and brought a large population to the creek, who had received steady returns for their labor since. He believed that the rush to Napoleon's would prove to be the most important, most remunerative, and lasting that had ever taken place on the Weßt Coast.—(Applause.) He had visited it twice, and could safely Say from his observation, that during next year they would hear of grand results from that district. As to the importance of the district—he used to read, in the Government documents, Westport, Charleston, Brighton, and Grey. Mr Kynnersley had told him that he had informed the Provincial Secretary that before three months that order of things would have to be changed, and that the Grey would have to be placed at the head of the list. On his last visit the Provincial Secretary had informed him that the change had been made, and now the Grey occupied the top of the list, and would be kept so.—(Applause.) Afterwards Mr Dutton was entertained to a banquet in Gilmer's Hotel, by the members of the Greymouth Literary Association. The proceedings were of a private nature.