MEETING AT NAPOLEON'S.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 634, 19 March 1870, Page 2

MEETING AT NAPOLEON'S.

(Erom the Qrey River Argus.) "We have frequently called the attention of the mining community in . the Grey District, especially those resident in that portion of it belonging to the Nelßon South-West Goldfields, to the movement which was recently set on foot at Westport, for the formation of a Mining League—an association of members of the mining community for the protection of the interests specially appertaining to their calling, and for the removal of the grievances under which they labor. At present this League is confined to the Nelson Goldfields, but there is no reason why it should not be extended throughout the entire Colony, and we have no doubt it will be so, if the present society should be successful in its endeavors to do away with existing evils, and in some degree to ameliorate the condition of the community which it represents. The originators of the League have, therefore, before them a work of greater magnitude than they imagine, which is fraught with immense results for good or for evil in the future political historty of New Zealand. So long as its objects are legitimate, there can be no possible objection raised to the creation of the League, and, we must say, that so far the projectors have confined themselves to legitimate objects—such as the amendment of the present imperfect code of mining laws, so as to adapt them to the varying requirements of the different diggings; the alteration of the present mining representation ; and taking steps to induce the Nelson Government to show more spirit in encouraging more extensively, than hitherto, the development of the mineral resources of the Province. A meeting of the miners, largely attended, was held during the week at Napoleon, and it was unanimously resolved to join in the organisation, and assist by every means in their power to forward its objects. The only regret expressed was, that the time allowed was too short to enable delegates to reach "Westport in time for the conference; but they will be sent for any subsequent meeting, should sufficient notice be given. The of the movement may, in their endeavors, rely upon receiving the unanimous support of the miners resident in the Nelson-Grey District; and there is no doubt that the Committee just elected will vigorously cooperate with their Westport brethern. The following is a copy of the letter forwarded by the Chairman of the meeting we have referred to, to the Westport branch of the League:— " Gentlemen, —Tour letter to Mr Mackley, M.P.C., has been laid before a public meeting here, and the undersigned have been appointed a Committee to co-operate with you. " We find it utterly impossible from want of time to prepare and send a delegate to your meeting, but we hope to do so on the next occasion. May we beg of you to send us a copy of the alterations which you propose in the present regulations. In preparing them, we would beg to draw your attention to the following subjects, which appear to us as requiring much consideration and changing:— " 1. In prospecting we think a party should be allowed to peg off double area, with protection, and appiy to the Warden afterwards; and that prospecting areas should be granted, say within one mile of old workings, instead of not nearer that three miles as at present.

"2. In tunnels of ground that is not worked, extending over 500 feet in length, we think 80 square feet, and up to 1000 feet in length, say 100 square feet, should be the size of claims. As at present, when a claim with a tunnel of 1000 feet in length is worked out, the shareholders have not reimbursed themselves for their outlay. "We think, also, that the present water regulations, modes of granting races, &c, require considerable amendment. " We regret very much that a delegate cannot now be sent to you, but if you will favor us with your views more fully than they are expressed by your letter to Mr Mackley, and inform us how we can best co-operate with your Committee, we shall only be too glad to do so.—We are, Ac, "B. H. Coe, " Chairman.

"Names of the Committee:— Messrs Bernard, Horn, Hector, Dickson, and Parry."