THUESDAY, MAY 21.

Waikato Times, Volume VI, Issue 316, 23 May 1874, Page 2

THUESDAY, MAY 21.

Mr Bngnall asked the Provincial Secretary whether theGovernment intended to take steps during the session for transferring to the Thames Borough Council the present Tbntnei water supply and wharves ? The Provincial Secretary replied that a message would bo sent down to the Council o» this and other subjects relating to tho Thames Borough Council next sitting day. Captain Morris moved that a Select Commitleo be appointed, consisting of Messrs Shoehnn, Byron, Carpenter, Shepherd, Sir R. Douglas, and the mover r to enquire into tho Homestead Act, and the possibility of extending its operations and provisions so as to facilitate tbe settlement of the Waste Lands of tbe Province. Committee to have power to call for persons, papers, and reports, and to report this day week. Mr Sheehan hoped tbe honorable member would withdraw his motion as a message •would shortly be received from the Superintendent dealing with the general question of the- settlement of the Waste Lands of the Province, which it was proposed to refer to a Select Committee. After somo disouseion an amendment was carried on the motion of Mr Beveridge to the effect that a Select Committee be appointed to enquire into the position of the Waste Lands Law of the Province, and the possibility of extending its operations and provisions to *s to facilitate tbe settlement of the Waste Landi of the Province. The East Coast District Sheep Bill was read a third time and passed. The Highways Bill was considered in committee and progress made through tbe first and second parts. The committee will sit again this afternoon when the Government will tako tho opinion of Council on the parts relating to the appointment of Central District Boards, and the giving of borrowing powers. Tho Education Bill was moved into committee, but progress was immediately reported, and leave given to sit again to-day. The second reading of tho City Loan Empowering Bill was fixed for Tupsdaynext. Tho Council adjourned at eight o'clock.

Tne diamond fields of Africa are calculated by a Writer in tlio London Timer to have yieldad during the last three years precious stones of the raluo of £5,000,000. The latekt news from them is that the discovery of a gold field is causing excitement. The writer alluded to aayi r — " Thirteen pounds and a quarter of gold were found in one hour in a single claim, the largost nugget weighing 41 bs. This gold was brought down to Kimberley diamond fields on Christmas Day, and Las excited much admiration. I know, as facta, of the following funds :—ln: — In one week a party dug out 15oz, next week 340z ; another party lOOoz. in four weeks ; and so on. The present number of diggers is about 500, but fully 800 are also on tbeir way fromKimberloy." The Colosberg Kopje Diamond mine, he says, if one of the wonders of the world, and contains tho largest number of workers on a small spaco that has bi>cn seen in any modern work. " The actual prcient value of the mine is estimated at £1,000,000, three months ago it wrb vnlned at £2,000,000, but claims hnve fallen Bitty per cent. II ia proposed to spend £60,000 immediately in rendering the mine safe by removing tho outside dungcrous reef. Some of the claims are 130 feet deep, and (ho whole mine, resembling a vast basin, is being emptied by moans of the wire rope tramway system, which lias cost an enormous sum in erecting. This can easily be imagined when it » known that ercry pound weight of wire, every pound weight of deal wood and limber, has cost from 41 to (3d for transport, alone. Great numbers of the original Hiiiniliolders havo made email fortunes I know of at lenat ten among niyoun personal friend* who will average £8,000 cauh — ull made, it may be said, in two j can, out of nothing."