THE WESTLAND MINING RULES.

Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 734, 1 October 1870, Page 4

THE WESTLAND MINING RULES.

A public meeting was held at the Road Board office, Paroa, on Thursday evening, for the purpose of receiving the report of the Committee appointed at the last meeting, and to take immediate action to get the obnoxious mining laws withdrawn. Mr Leach was elected Chairman, and called on the hnn. secretary to read the report, which was as follows : — ' • Gentlemen — A considerable time having elapsed since the last time you were called together, your committee deem it advisable to lay the result of their labors before you in a3 concise a manner as possible hoping that it will meet with your approval, your committee therefore beg to report as follows : — 11 1 st. That immediately after the last public meeting copies of the petition were forwarded to all parts of the County, and in every case met with approval of the miners, ami in all the chief centres of population public meetings were held, and resolutions passed, condemning the new Gold Fields Rules and Regulations, and the petition has been signed by about 2000 miners. " 2nd. That the miners in Stafford Town and the Waimea have taken the matter up in a very energetic manner, iv which district more than one half of the signatures have been obtained, aud several active and painstaking committees have been appointed who work well for the general good, and that they have always kept your committee well posted in the steps they were taking, and that a deputation from them waited upon the Governor's delegate and obtained from him several important concessions, and they, in conjunction with your committee, do not deem this the most fitting time to forward the petition. "3rd. That the secretary of your committee waited upon the Governor's delegate with the following result— That the clause compelling surveying be at once struck out, as had already been promised to the Stafford Town deputation. That if a committee, appointed by the miners iv this district, ■would point out to him such clauses in the new Gold Fields Regulations as were oppressive or unsuitable, he would at once suspend them in this district ; and at the same time he would gladly receive and favorably consider any suggestions or amendments such committee might make on the regulations, aud that if a conference of miners (to which he had not the slightest objection] were held ib would be out of his power to pay their expenses, and that he would strongly advise each district to appoint its own committee an (I forv aid him a report. 4tb. " That your committee has received an intimation from the Stafford Town Committee that it was desirous that a conference be held at Hokitika, on the 3rd October, and that each Road Board District be represented by two delegates, for the purpose of drawing up a code of rules and regulations for the better working and development of the Westland Gold Fields, and it is chiefly upon this matter that your committee desire your instructions and advice; and that in the meantime your committee will continue to

work and agitate until, they accompVsh the work they were appointed to pev.'orir. Trusting, gentlemen, that what has been done meets with your approval. " We. are, gentlemen, " Your obedient servant, "Geo. W. Venabi.es, " Chairman of Committee." Mr Joj:n Dowliug moved and Mr Cakowelli seconded, that the report be received . — Carried. Mr Colton moved that two delegates be appointed to attend the Conference at Hokitika on the 3rd instant, on behalf of this district, acaording to the request of the Stafford Town Committee. Seconded by Mr Gadd. Mr M. O'Connor moved as an amendment that only one delegate be sent. Mr John Dowlinq seconded. — The motion was carried by a majority of one. Mr Dowling moved that the meeting adjourn till Saturday, when the two delegates would be elected. Mr O'Connor seconded the motion, which was carried. A vote of thanksjio the Chairman terminated the proceedings.