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Cromwell Argus, Volume V, Issue 224, 24 February 1874, Page 7

It would appear that an amicable settlement of the dispute between Messrs Borton and M'Master and the Maerewhenua miners cannot ho effected, as the parties prefer to raise the issue of legal right before the tribunal of a local court. The North Otatjo Times admits that it will be productive of ultimate advantage that the law of the case should be clearly defined, hut says there is no disguising the fact that a decision adverse to tho miners will be a fatal blow to goldmining at Maerewhenua, and pro tanto a blow to Oamaru, Whatever may be the upshot of the present proceedings, it will be a question for the careful consideration of Parliament at its next session as to how the recurrence of similar difficulties may be avoided in the future, and some legislative provision must be made without delay for protecting the interest of one of the most important industries in the country-—that of goldmining, lf> need he, compensation must be made to the runholdcr, for it is clear that under no circumstances can the colony afford to have a serious check placed upon its goldmining industry. In the meantime, however, the miners at Maerewhenua should not be left to bear the whole brunt of the cost of trying the issue, but may fairly claim the assistance of the whole mining population throughout the Colony.