PIONEER GOLD MINERS

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2246, 4 September 1914, Page 6

PIONEER GOLD MINERS

SERVICES.TO BE RECOGNISED,

In the early days of European settlement m New Zealand James Kelly discovered payable gold in the Reef ton district. Now, at the age of 82 years, he has petitioned Parliament for some recognition of his services, for, some £6,000,000 worth of gold has been drawn from the mines there. The old pioneer, who is described by members or Parliament as a very worthy citizen, has suffered severely from rheumatism for some yeaxs.' Last evening top Mines Committee of the Souse reported to Parliament on Mr. Kelly's petition, and asked that the Tequest should receive the favourable consideration of the Government.' Four ,times- '■ Kelly has petitioned Parliaments, and each time /'favourable consideration has been recommended- by the Mines Committee, but nothing more. The Minister of Mines stated respecting the present petition that he would look into the matter very carefully, and would not be influenced by the fact that previous Ministers had'not extended assistance to the . ancient dis< corner of gold. ' < Another petition respecting an early' discovery of gold was recently presented/' to the House, the petitioner in this inetanoe being Louis Gabriel, who claims to be the first discoverer of gold .-oil the West Coast of the South Island. Mr. P. O. Webbj M.P., who had charge of tlis .petition, said , that in- th© early days Gabriel and his mates walked from Duriedin to the Coast. ; They took ton or twelve days on the trip, and suffered considerable hardship en route. The Mines Committee reported last evening that in, their opinion the petition should receive the Government's favour-" able consideration'