DREDGING THE CLUTHA.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1287, 29 October 1886, Page 3

DREDGING THE CLUTHA.

On Monday last Mr Pyke, introduced to the Minister of Mines Mr Louis Cards (of Alexandra), who presented Mr Larnach with a copy of a memorial to the Government. The facts set forth in the memorial briefly were : That the Dunedin Gold-dredging Company had obtained two mining grants on the river, each one mile in extent; that one of these had not been occupied ; and the memorialists applied to the Wardeu to inquire into this matter with a view of cancelling the license. The case came before the Warden, and the point was raised by counsel for the Company that the Warden had no power to make the inquiry. This contention was upheld, and the petitioners now prayed that the Warden should be directed to take evidence in the matter, with a view to the cancellation of the grant dated December 23, 1881, the conditions of the grant not having been complied with. They algo asked that the ground bo thrown open for occupation by other dredgers. Mr Pyke explained that the memorialists contended the claim had been forfeited, and urged that the Warden inquire into the matter (though not to forfeit the claim) simply for the purpose of making a recommendation. An inquiry should have been made and the evidence forwarded to the Government, probably through the Mines Department. Hon. Mr Larnach expressed the opinion that Warden Hickson appeared not to have read the Act correctly, and it seemed to him a question whether the Wardeu or someone else should not be directed to hold an inquiry. Mr Pyke replied that all that waa desired by the memorialists was that an inquiry should be held without delay. The Hon. Mr Larnach promise I to communicate with the Justice Department and to put the matter in motion.