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Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 646, 10 March 1870, Page 2

We. have frequently called the attention of the mining community in the Grey District, especially those resident in that portion of it belonging to the Nelson South-west Gold Fields, to the movement which \va,s recently set on foot at Westport, for the formation of a Mining League — an association of members of the mining community for the protection of the interests specially appertaining to their calling, and for the removal of the grievances under which they lab. or. At present tins league is confined to the Nglson Gold Fields^ but there is no reason why it should not be extended throughout the entire Colony, and we haye no doubt it will be so. if the present society should be successful in its endeavors to do away with existing evils, and, in some degree to ameliorate the condition of the community which it represents, The originators of the Ijeague have, therefore, before them a work of greater magnitude than they may imagine, which is fraught with immense results for good or for evil in the future political history of New Zealand, So long as its objects are legitimate, there can be no possible objection raised to the creation of the League, and, we must say, that so far, the projectors have confined themselves to legitimate objects — such as the amendment of the present imperfect code of mining laws, so as to adapt them to the varying requirements of the different diggings ; the alteration of the present miniug representation ; and taking steps to induce the Nelson Government to show more spirit in encouraging more extensively, than hitherto, the development of the mineral resources of the Province, The League at Westport has sought the co-operation of the, miners in the Grey District in carrying out these objects in the following letter, which was forwarded to MrMackley, M.P.C. for this District :— "Rochfort Terrace, Westport, " February Ist, 1870. " Sir,— At a public meeting of miners held in Westport on New Year's Day, a Committee was appointed for the purpose of obtaining the co-operation of miners in other parts of the Colony, and especially of our Provincial and Colonial Representatives, in securing and promoting the general mining interests. By the instructions of that Committee 1 have the honor to bring the purpose of their appointment under your notice, and to solicit your assistance in directing to the subject the attention of miners resident in the district which you represent. "The Committee are of opinion that so far as concerns the Nelson South- West Gold Fields, and as exemplified in this district, the objects which most prominently recommend themselves to notice, aud require most immediate attention and redress, are : — s ' 1. The imperfect code of mining laws, and their unsuitableness for general adaptation to districts varying so greatly in character ; also the inconvenient and expensive system of their administration. 2. The inequitable franchise or basis of gold fields representation. 3. The apathy displayed by the Government, and the want of direct encouragement to develop more extensively the mineral resources of the country. ,"The Committee are, of njrinion that the best means of remedying the defects of the mining bye-laws would be to grant to miners the power of framing regulalations to suit their own special districts, and the many changes which mining is continually undergoing, and that this can best be done by the establishment of local Mining Boards. ' ' To remedy these evils, and to secure these advantages, they consider that an organisation of the milling population generally is primarily desirable ; and it is with a view to that object that they earnestly invite your co-operation, and respectfully request you to promote the convening of a public meeting in your district, at which Local Committees may be formed. " The Committee are especially desirous that delegates from each district should, if practicable, meet at Westport on the first Monday in March, far the purpose of discussing and adopting a general uniform plan of action. "I ha.ye the honor to be, Sir, " Your most obedient servant, "Fergus Barhowman, <( Secretary to the Mining League Committee." In order to consider this letter, a meet" ing of miners, largely attended, was held during the week at Napoleon, and it was unanimously resolved to j[oin in the organisation, and assist by every means in their power to forward its objects. The only regret expressed was, tha.t the time allowed was too short to enable delegates to. reach Westport in time for the conference ; but they will be sent for any subsequent meeting, should sufficient notice be given. The originators of the movement may, in their endeavors, rely upon receiving the unanimous support of the miners resident in the Nels.on-.G,rey District ; and there is. no doubt that the Committee just elected will vigorously co-operate with their Westport brethren. The following is a of the letter fo;»

warded by the Chairman of the meeting we have referred to, to the Weatport Branch of the League :—^ "Napoleon, March 5, 1870. "To the members of the Mining League, Westport, " Gwtlemen,— Your letter to Mr Macldey, M.P.C., has been laid before a public meeting here, and the undersigned have been appointed a Committee to cooperate with yoUj " We find it utterly impossible from want of time to prepare and send a delegate to your mgeting, but we hope to do so on the next occasion. May we Deg of you to send us a copy of the alterations which you propose in the present regulations. In preparing them, we would beg to draw your attention to the following subjects, which appear to us as requiring much consideration and changing ':-=- L In prospecting we think a party should be. allowed to peg off double area, with protection, and apply to the Warden afterwards ; and that prospecting areas should be granted, say within one mile of old workings, instead of not nearer than three miles as at present, % In tunnels of ground that is not worked, extending over 500 feet in length, we think 80 square feet, and up to 1000 feet in length, say 100 square feet should be the sizje of claims, " As at present when a claim with a tunnel of 1000 feet in length is worked out, the shareholders have not reimbursed themselves for their outlay. We think, also, that the present water regulations, modes of granting races, &0., require considerable amendment. " W§ regret very much that a delegate Cannot now be sent to yon, but if you will favor us with your views more fully than they are expressed by your letter to Mr Mackley, and .inform us how we can best co-operate with your Committee, we shall only be too glad to do so. "We are, &c, "E, H. Coe, " Chairman. "Names of the Committee: — Messrs Bernard^ Horn, Hector, Dickson, and Parry,"