JOHN O'GROATS GOLD MINING COMPANY.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 473, 17 July 1871, Page 2

JOHN O'GROATS GOLD MINING COMPANY.

This morning a deputation consisting of Messrs. F. Whitakev, W. C. Wilson, and Alexander, waited upon his Honor the Superintendent in reference to the lease of the John O'Groat's Gold Mining Company, which lias been applied for by Mi;. Dixou. It will be remembered that, a short time ago, a gazette was published from the Superintendent's oliiee throwing open fur selection the ground of the John O'Groat's Gold Mining Company. Immediately on the publication of the garttte, which was issued between nine and ten o'clock at night, one of the old shareholders telegraphed to the Tbnmes to Mr. Thomas with instructions to at once tnke up the ground on behalf of the old company, who had only abandoned work until Biieh time as they could form a new company, aud carry on tilings satisfactorily. But Mr. Dixon, 01 the Thames, had got prior intelligence surreptitiously, and had pegged off and manned the ground beforo Mr..Thomas. 1 he object of the deputation this morning was to ask I he Superintendent not to grant the lease to Mr. Dixon, and to huvean enquiry made as to the way in which information had been given to certain parties at the Thames as to what would be the contents of the gazette in question. A long discussion took place, and Mr. Whitaker contended that the ground was obtained by fraudulent means, and he asked the Superintendent- whether, that being so, he would grant it to Mr. Dixon;—The Superintendent replied that ho should not oppose Mr. Dixon'a getting the lease, and that the parlies must fight it out in the Warden's Court. With the decision of the Warden he vould be perfectly satisfied. With regard to the information beiiig obtained surreptitiously, His Honor termed it " sharp practice," aud said he wquld cause an inquiry to be made iv the matter. —The deputation then withdrew.