The Evening Herald. THURSDAY, SEPT. 2, 1869.

Wanganui Herald, Volume III, Issue 642, 2 September 1869, Page 2

The Evening Herald. THURSDAY, SEPT. 2, 1869.

"When gold discoveries are being made all over the Colony, it is time the people of Wanganui were awake to the probability of finding a payable gold field in the district, and took some action in the matter. It is the opinion of many people that gold is to be found in the neighborhood of the Wanganui river, and even specimens have been brought down, which, there is reason to believe, were discovered on this side of Taupo. Whether a payable gold field exists in our district or not, has yet to be discovered, and, although the indications are favorable, there is not any positive information or knowledge of anything more.. The false reports circulated by a contemporary, are calculated to disgust people, and prevent those legitimate efforts which might end in success ; and therefore in such matters, veracity and caution are of the greatest importance, for it is only by steady perseverance, and the accumulation of facts from time to time that any real advance can be expected in gaining a knowledge of our auriferous resources. It was by means of a public meeting and a committee emanating therefrom, that the first legitimate and systematic attempt was made to explore these resources. The funds were exhausted in the first expedition, and the woi'k of the committee lapsed. Very little information was brought down by the prospectors, but sufficient to incite them to make another trial. The prize is so great, and the probabilities are so reasonable, that, we think, the committee should resume its functions, and give an opportunity for at least one more expedition this summer. From a committee the public may expect fair and uncolored reports, nothing exaggerated, nor the substitution of expectations for realities. In any stipulations made between the committee and the prospectors, it should be an indispensable condition that a full and explicit account be given, of all operations, which should be explained to a public meeting. In several places in the Colony—amongst them, Taranaki, Canterbury, and Wellington—registered prospecting companies have been and are being formed, and this is the only way a district can be thoroughly prospected. The advantage to the company would be that it would get the prospector's claim. On the other hand, the men employed, unless very large shareholders in the company, would not have sufficient inducement to work with zeal; but where all the material results of the discovery would be secured to the prospectors, the stimulus would be greater. In the latter case there is still the objection of not being able to raise sufficient funds. The Provincial Government has not done its part. It should be distinctly known that a reward of £1000 or £2000 awaited the discovery of a payable gold field in the Province. There was such a jeward we believe once, but it was withdrawn, or the time lapsed. It is the opinion of those best qualified to judge, that if one half the exertions had been made up this river that have been made around Wellington, to discover a payable gold field, there would be one in existence at the present time. It is impossible to ascertain exactly the gro\mds of the belief that a portion of our district is auriferous, but they

have produced almost conviction, and it would be a culpable contempt of natural causes not to do more than merely entertain it. Columbus, when he found a piece of carved wood washed ashore, reasoned that there was land and there were inhabitants in the West. t The " indications" con-vince-many that there is gold in the Wanganui country.

A Nhw Wharf.--We understand that a new wharf is about to be erected opposite the Commercial Hotel, by Mi. R. S. Low.

The Natives and Flax.—The natives, halfway between Patea and New Plymouth, have caught the flax mania, and are anxious to set some mills. They purpose buying one and trying it.

Matarawa Valley.—A meeting of the rate-payers of this district, was held in the school house on Saturday 28th ult. Mr Gregor McGregor moved that Mr G. Bridge take the chair, which was seconded by Mr A. McGregor. Mr Bridge stated in opening the meeting, the necessity of a school rate, as the Government had withdrawn their support with the exception of a promise of a minimum sum of £25 per annum, if they were* able. Ms J. Plampin then moved " That there be no rate levied ;' in doing so he remarked that the school was badly conducted, and that it appeared to him that it was a musician the district wanted and not a teacher; as there were few scholars, and badly attended to. Mr A. McGregor seconded this motion. It was proposed by Mr A. Howie, and seconded by Mr T. Higgie, ' ' That a rate be levied." When put to the meeting, the first resolution, " That there be no rate," was carried by a majority of three.'

Patea.—-The Government have forgotten, in taking away Mr Booth, that they have left Patea without a magistiate. r|'he consequence is that debtors walk off when it suits them, and creditors are powerless. The inhabitants would prefer anyone to Mr Booth, who is odious in their eyes, but they would rather have even the whilom missionary than none at all. Mr Fox would confer a solid benefit on Pstea by appointing an intelligent magistrate—one, not because he knows Maori customs, and could sleep in Maori kennels, but because he was a gentleman, who had a little law and a strong sense of justice. Patea is is becoming an important place once more, and the administration of justice should not be even temporarily abandoned. Does not the present case illustrate and enforce what we have often maintained —that a Resident .VI agistrate should hold no other appointment ?