SALTWATER AND NEW RIVER DISTRICT.

Grey River Argus, Volume VII, Issue 512, 27 April 1869, Page 2

SALTWATER AND NEW RIVER DISTRICT.

(PKOM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT;) RUTHERGLEN, April 24. The following answer has been returned by the Government to the petition that was forwarded by the residents of Rutherglen, requesting that the Police Camp might be retained and the Warden's Court re-opened : — " County Chairman's Office, "Hokitika, April 17, 1869. " Gentlemen — With reference to your petition relatiug to the removal of the Police Camp and the closing of the Warden's Court at Rntherglen, I am directed by Mr Hoos to inform you that the Government have decided to remove the constable to the Eight Mile. " Should it be found necessary to hold a Warden's Court at Rutherglen, Mr Warden Revell will be instructed to do so periodically ; in the meantime it is the intention of the Government to employ a person at Rutherglen, if required, to issue nnners' rights and business licenses. — I have, &c, J. Heawood, Chief Clerk." Comment on the above is srperfluous; the document speaks for itself, and is a f a ; r criterion as to the usage this district is likely to meet with from tbe Hokitika Government so long as it remams allied to it.. Nothing now reinams but Separation. We have nothing to lose and all to gain by a change. This district has been systematically neglected up to the present time. No roads made excepting to the Black Sand Lead, a distance of about 400 yards. Not a single bridge erected, and loss of life has actually occurred through the neglect. Only two police officers are allowed for the protection to life and property over the whole of tbe Grey country district. A Warden's Court has bsen virtually closed that had proved of inest:mable value to the miners. In fact, instead of studying our wants the Hok.it.iVa Government are showing daily how much they want to make us dissat'sfied. Therefore the sooner we part company the better it will be for all parties. Mining in the district is confined in a great measure to sluicing and puddlirg. Most of the men trat are engaged are doing very well. Manuka Flat, a mile-and-a-half from here, still holds a few men, and there is no doubt that most of the ground from thence to the Saddle will xiltimately be worked. The ground is shallow, and is considered patchy. There are upwards of 50 men scattered through the bush, some few of whom are making wages, whilst the majority are making a little over tucker.