THE Grey River Argus. PUBLISHED DAILY. FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 1872.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1257, 9 August 1872, Page 2

THE Grey River Argus. PUBLISHED DAILY. FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 1872.

i I Superintended 'of the Province of Nelson by the grace of Providence, and commission- agent by choice of profession, Mr Oswald Curtis is gradually forgetting his professional affinities by a preference tor his providential position — a natural consequence, probably, of associating for a series of years with Heaven-born statesmen, the self-elected types of " the governing classes." Arhe rose from earth and commission-agency to this heavenly society, he looked down from his easy seat in the Superintendent's chair, or from his uneasy seat on the back of his Pegasus, and seeing a class of creature essentially of the earth, earthy, yclept "miners," he exclaimed of them, in the language of those scriptural characters who were of a melancholy turn of mind, that they were but as worms— as birds of passage — as fleeting shadows — as flowers that fade. While they were located within his domains and faithfully imitated the worm in its proclivities for tunnelling, they were pleasures spread like poppies over the prairie, but the misfortune was that you no sooner seized the flower than its bloom was shed — you no sooner squeezed this metaphorical worm than mayhap it died. The miner freely bled — contributing half-a-crown for every ounce of gold gathered, and a pound per year for every year of gathering ; but, as soon as the opportunity offered, he as freely fled to foreign but more favored parts. More and more, as time went on, Mr Curtis abandoned his primitive professional sympathies, and, without saying much for the miner, he has finally declared that all antagonistic action towards him in his political capacity is attributable, not to the miners, but to " the publicans, storekeepers, and baffled speculators, by whom Mr Fox had been surrounded during his visit to the Coast." "The mirfers themselves had carefully kept aloof from Mr Fox," possibly presuming him, in their simple ignorance, to be of the nature of his name, "but had in large numbers attended meetings which he had himself held at Charleston and Reef ton, and had passed votes of confidence in the Nelson administration." He forgot to say anything about the Grey Valley and its miners, but at Reefton he was the cynosure of the miners' eyes, and at Charleston, he might have said, he had a reception and ' a supper, from an assemblage who were all miners, no doubt; while Mr Fox— i poor, libelled, teetotal Mr Fox — was sur- < rounded, of all persons on the face of ; this earth, by" "publicans," by those i sinners of storekeepers who give those j who share in their sin by signing antiNelson petitions "more tick" and "a 1 glass of whisky," and by those specula- ] tors who buy sections at Westportor shares / . at Reefton, without the intervention of i commission agents, and who have by him, ] been " baffled." He (Mr Curtis) is a friend ] and a Codlin to the miners— Mr Fox, 1 forsooth, was Short, and very far short \ of representing any but the sentiments of ( publicans, storekeepers, and speculating j sinners; the latter having so much to c gain from sympathising with Mr Fox on g the principles of his Permissive Bill, and 1 the former having so much reason* to con- t sider Mr Curtis to be the " correct card," t and his administration to be the nearest li approach to the advent of the Millennium f that they had as yet experienced. p This was apparently the particular and ti precious line of argument used by Mr g

Curtis in indirectly supporting his own motion on the subject of altering Provincial boundaries, and in indirectly opposing the motion for that individual alteration which will yet assert itself a3 an important and inevitable reason for impending changes both as regards boundaries and forms of government. Mr Curtis is, no doubt, capable enough, and quite acute enough, to havo discussed the general principle pretended to be involved in the motion which he proposed ; and, in advocating that principle, he will probably find — in fact, he cannot fail to find — sympathisers even among -those whom he sj grossly misrepresents eitherjas to their position in society or as to their honesty of intent. If there is an existing example of the popular desire on the West Coast being in no degree in the direction of hasty changes, it is the fact that, for year after year, the inhabitants have patiently petitioned and waited for what, among communities capable of better or more concentrated action, would have been acquired by revolution. The change is sought, not by a hasty, but by a long-suffering community ; and if there had been hopes, as there are now, of such changes as those proposed by Mr Reynolds becoming accomplished facts, it | would probably be in that direction, as a preliminary step to a better state of things, that their petitions and prayers would have pointed. But hitherto they have set>n no chance of the accomplishment of such a change ; and if the Assembly is to assent to the principle advocated by Mr Curtis, that Provincial Superintendents and Executives as at present existing should be Resident Ministers and General Agents of the Colonial Government, they may well abandon hope. They are with Mr Curtis so far that there should be a change of general application — a change which would sweep away the township of Nelson from its assumed position as the political centre of the extensive Province which bears the same name ; but they are not with him in pretending to possess a desire of that kind, and at the same time struggling to the utmost to maintain the present state of things, or even to regain that power in the administration of public works which his Province has so much abused, and has as yet only partially lost. Much less, we should think, is the West Coast community disposed to assent to one single statement that. he has made, so far' as it has been reported, as other than a caricature and a misrepresentation of the facts. It is an insult to the not inferior intelligence of Mr Fox, as compared with that of Mr Curtis, to suppose that the "publicans, storekeepers, and speculators" of the West Coast could find in him such a simple Simon, or in the miners themselves &o many more simple Simons, as to be able to hoodwink both him and others into believing, contrary to the facts, their complaints against the miscalled Nelson administration. And we shall not insult the intelligence of the majority who voted for Mr Curtis's general motion bysupposingthat they for amomentagreed with his specific statements. - The composition of that majority is accounted for by much more palpable facts — by the presence in the House of such a number of Provincial officers, as the Provinces at present exist, and by that fraternity among them which has developed itself in association with their efforts to attain a common . purpose. But it is well that, the House should be assured of the bam fides of Mr Pjox, and of the vmla fides of Mr Curtis ; and in view ,of the early raising of the question a second time, either by the specific Bill proposed, or by Mr Reynolds's series of resolutions, it should be the effort of communities on the Coast and their representative committees, to forward to the Assembly, with every possible expedition, the several memorials which have beeu prepared, so as to confirm the information which the Premier, not Mr Cnrtis, correctly conveyed. The Premier, as he himself says, had no occasion to promote the discontent at the domination of the Nelson Government, for he found it at the boiling point of indignation. The metaphor may be more plain than poetical, but our advice^would be— Keep the kettle on, and keep it boiling.

The report which we published of a meeting recently held by the shareholders in the Westland Gold Mining Company should afford matter for very serious reflection to all who have either directly or indirectly an interest in- any mining company. As we stated at the time, we do not attach much weight to the report published by our Hokitika contemporary, though it contains beyond doubt a strong flavoring of truth. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that, as our mining law at present stands, such a report might be literally in accordance with the facts of the case, and yet that those who were morally responsible "for such a posture of affairs would incur no material reiponsibility. to the shareholders, nor subject themselves to any penalty whatever for their perfunctory administration of the company's affairs. To avoid the possibility of misapprehension, we repeat that our remarks upon this occasion are upon a case purely hypothetical, but which may any -day in every particular realise itself in fact, as multitudes of instances, occurring both in Victoria and in the Auckland reefing districts, might be brought forward to testify. I

The people of Westland are at present almost to a man looking forward to. the development of a quartz mining district of great extent and value, and the antecedent alluvial fields of the Coast atford, if geology is to be regarded as any criterion whatever, a very sufficient ground of belief that their expectations are not misplaced. As far back as the time when Hochstetter visited New Zealand, the ex-' istenco, and, indeed, the locality of these reefs were prophesied. After years of patient prospecting the mystery has at length beeu solved, and the source from which, at some infinitely distant epoch, our alluvial gold was derived, has been partially revealed to us. But the widely exUwded area over which that alluvial gold was found fully justifies — nay, geologically speaking, necessitates — the belief that as yet only a very small fragment of the auriferous reefs of this Coast has been laid open. A bird's-eye view of the conformation of tho country sufficiently explains this assertion. A range of mountains, which has at no very distant geological period, been subjected to vio*

lent igneous action— at right angles to this range many rivers which, through a vast number of confluent streams, drain the whole western slope of the mountains referred to, and after a short but rapid course, debouch at Westport, Greymouth, Hokitika, &c, carrying with them to the sea the debris swept from the hills during the raiay i season — such are most striking geographical phenomena of the Coast. If, then, amongst this debris gold is found, there is, we contend, sufficient evidence that it was derived from disintegration of reefs up in the ranges, and that these reefs are co-extensive in a parallel line with the maritime alluvial fields. We are well aware that there is nothing especially novel in all this, but we are very anxious that everyone who has at heart the welfare of Westland should fully realise to himself the vast prospective interests with which in all human probability the inhabitants of this part of the Colony will one day be called upon to deal, and of which the reefs now opened in the Inangahua District may be regarded as the sure harbinger. It is then of the last moment that the utmost efficiency should be attained in the management of these mines, together with the most unquestionable integrity in their direction. Thus, and only thus, can we hope to escape those . disastrous panics which in all other Australian reefing districts have from time to time occurred, and, by their occurrence, brought ruin to many a home, and loss of character not merely to individuals but even to communities as a whole. We are convinced thajt, in the gradual development of our mines, a great peril has to be provided against, and that our mining laws, as they now stand, do not adequately meet the case. It is still within the power of managers and directors to depreciate or raise the value of properties committed to their charge without regard to their position and prospects, and thus unwary persons may still be defrauded of their rights, and cunning ones inequitably benefited under sanction of the law. Tims also may the character of a whole mining community be injured, and properties other than those immediately concerned be prejudicially affected without any reason whatever, save that at intervals some glaring instance of malversation whereby a few individuals are benefited is brought to light. That capital to a very large extent will have to be invested in these reefs before the mines are thoroughly opened and steady dividends declared is as certain as anything can be. How, then, can we expect to attract that capital while we deny security to the capitalist ? This it is which largely retarded the development of. the Victorian quartz districts ; this influence is still at work at . the Thames. There are many moneyed men who would by no means be averse to invest a portion of their wealth in goldmining, speculative though it is, if they had simply to take their chance with the apparent caprice of inorganic matter, but when snperadded to this they have * to run the gauntlet with the cunning and chicanery of irresponsible share-jobbers, they are naturally extremely slow to avail themselves of an opening to make a possible, or even probable, fortune by the hazard of an assured livelihood. On a future occasion we propose to resume this subject, and to show in what particulars we believe the existing law is defective, and how those defects may best be remedied by the legislature. At present we will merely express the fervent hope that the people of the Grey will give the subject their most earne^tconsideration, and by devising such means as may duly secure purchasers from legalised roguery, will initiate a totally new era in the history of "gold-mining, under which mining shares may become judicious investments, and mining business be set free from' that onus of unscrupulous jobbery under which it elsewhere reata through the prevalence of practices which are ;but too easily tolerated.

The telegraphic intelligence, which we publish to-day is limited to our usual summary of Parliamentary news, up to the close of the sitting on Wednesday. We are without any report of the proceedings yesterday, or other inter-provincial telegrams, telegraphic communication having been interrupted in the. afternoon by a breakage between Christchurch and the Bealey.

The dramatic company who are doing so much to ameliorate the monotony of life in Greymouth during a watery winter, by giving fresh entertainments at the shortest possible intervals, are again to appear this evening at the Volunteer Hall, and in Bulwer I Lyttoivs five act play of "Money." There was good reason for complimenting the correctness of the cast in the last piece played, and the efforts of the members of the companyindividually and collectively. Judging by the playbill for to-night, there has been equal discrimination in casting the characters, as there will, no doubt, be equal exertion to make the play a success. The leading part, "Clara Douglas," is to be taken by the "leading" (our P.D. wishes to add "lovely") lady, Miss Clara Stephen? son. . Miss Ashton and Miss Folland are also in the cast, and the masculine characters are to be sustained by Mr Burford, Mr Herman, and other members of the company, with several gentlemen amateurs of dramatic tastes and taste. The play will, no doiibfc, prove to be, equally with the afterpiece, " An Object of Interest," and let us hope that the audience, especially in the promenade, will exhibit the attributes of auditors, and leave those on the stage to exhibit the attributes of actors.

The adjourned charges of assault against John Nugent and David Morrow were heard yesterday by the Resident Magistrate. The assault, according to the evidence, was committed on Martin Kennedy and Mrs Kennedy, and was unprovoked ; the men being apparently drunk and disposed to be disorderly. The statements of the defendants themselves was that they wire drunk. For this they were each fined 10s, with the usual alternative; and for the assault on Mrs Keunedy they were fined 20s, while 'Nugent was ordered a week's imprisonment for the more grave assault upon Mr Kennedy. Judgment by. default was given in four civil cases, in which small amounts', and no questions of principle or court practice, were involved.

The driving of mobs of cattle through the streets of the Borough during the time when most of the residents are abroad upon business is becoming a thorough nuisance, and is a practice attended with much danger to life. If the Council has framed a regulation on the subject, let it be enforced; if they have not, the sooner they do so the better;

" Have you been vaccinated yet ?" asks a writer in the Canterbury Press, and he adds:— '? lt's a very good move indeed, if you do as little Gusset did the other day. He got three days' leave because he was so ill, walked about "and enjoyed himself. Ho ia back at work now, and told his employer

he felt right, as well he might, seeing thai he never got vaccinated at all."; An adjourned .meeting of those^ who had applied for shares in the Grey District Investment and Building Society .was held at Gilmer's Hall last evening. Mr E. Masters occupied the chair. The rules, as drawn up by the Committee appointed at the last meeting were read, and, after a few alterations were made, were adopted. The following gentlemen were then elected as directors for the year : —Messrs E. Masters, Holmes, H. Kenrick, R. C. Reid, A. P. Stark, aud C. Holder. Trustees— Messrs Hill and Morice. The meeting then adjourned. A private meeting, of the directors was then held, but on the question of allotment of shares was adjourned, until Saturday evening at 7.30. A number of gentlemen connected with the Freemason craft assembled last night, at Ancher's Commercial Hotel, for the purpose of taking steps towards erecting a Masonic Hall in Grey mouth. After some discussion, it was agreed that it was desirable to erect a hall, for Masonic and other purposes, and that a company be formed, under the Limited Liability Act, with a capital of LISOO, in 300 shares of L 5 each. The memorandum of association was drawn up, when all the gentlemen present subscribed their names for shares in the company. Committees were formed to carry 'out the necessary work. The meeting then adjourned until Friday next. At a recent sitting of the Nelson Magistrate's Court, Mr Pitt, acting for Mr Bonnington, the defendant, required Mi Rout, acting for Mr Collins, the plaintiff, in a case of disputed rent, to show authority to appear as agent. Mr Rout produced a document signed by Mr Collins, authorising him generally to sue for and recover rents due to him (Collins). ..-. To this'MrJPitt objected that a general authority was insufficient, and that the document was not stamped. There was some difference of opinion among the Magistrates, but the objection was overruled, the words of the section of the Justices of tha Peace Act not explicitly requiring any authority for each specific case. Mr Pitt next objected that the authority was to sue, but not to appear as the terms of the section require. The Bench admitted this objection, and declined to allow Mr Rout to proceed. The plaintiff was therefore nonsuited with costs.The circumstances under which Henry Hilderbrand, carrier, Inangahua, lost his life, were thus described at the inquest : — • John Henderson stated that he left the Landing early on Monday morning last in com* pany with the deceased, and on Tuesday reached safely a point, within seven miles of Reefton, on the Inangahua River. The Sirticular spot is known as Sluice-box Falls, n arriving there one of the leaders in the waggon deceased was driving stumbled and got down in the water. The deceased got down from his seat upon the shaft and thence on the back of the leader to extract the horse that was down. Meanwhile the animal extracted itself in consequence of the harness being swept off by the current and the horse plunging. The deceased called to witness to let go the reins. He did so, and at that moment the horse deceased- was on fell. There was a third leader, which deceased .endeavored to mount, but was un« successful owing to the plunging of the horses. It appeared to' witness as if one of the horses by a plunging movement threw deceased into the current, which was the last he saw of him alive. There was a little fresh in the- river and a very strong current running at. that . particular point, as the stream is much confined. ' • A healthy sign of the session, and of the spirit actuating members in discussing the business of the Colony, is the cordial way in which all parts of the House joined in receiving the second 'reading of the Tramways i Bill. That the introduction of the Bill showed a wise prevision on the part of the Government needs no better illustration than was conveyed by the words of .Sir David Monro, who said that the Bill was one which was calculated to effect more real good to the country than even the Colonial Treasurer himself could anticipate. The Resident Magistrate at the Thames, in order to put a stop to constant breaches of the Publicans' Act, has expressed his determination to increase the penalties in these cases in geometrical proportion until the maximum penalty is reached, and said, if the publicans at the Thames could stand that, then they must; be doing a better business than he thought; In his speech on opening the Kakanui Athengsum, his Honor the Superintendent of Otago, as i-eppyted in the , Qamitnt,' Tiftics, said :— " He had recently taken upon himself to order from home LBOO worth of books, and remind them that for every pound they paid into the Treasury they would get L 2 worth of books— standard books— at trade prices. He believed that the efforts of the Pro* vincial Government in this direction would call for .the blessings of generations yet unborn, and he was glad to say that there was scarcely a shepherd's hut or gold-diggers tent where books procured by the Provincial Government were not; to' be found." A " Mother of a Family " suggests to the Wellington Post, that ;f mails and mail-bags carry the infection of small-pox, persons who have the infection in their clothes run great risk of spreading it far and wide when they send telegraphic messages. '.? If a letter will carry the disease, why not a wire ?* she asks. "The Post ha 3 recommended the General Manager to have all the telegraph posts vaccinated, and trusts this precaution will satisfy its fair correspondent. The Colonial architect has reported to tke Government, with regard to the state of the Government buildings, Wellington. With reference to the report a Wellington' contemporary says :— lt seems that during tha past two years dry rot has made sad havoc among the white pine of which the building is principally constructed. . Jn the- roof over the House of Representatives, out of 92 rafters 20 are of red pine and all sound, the remainder being of white pine, 44 of which have dry-rot, and 28 are apparently sound. Temporary supports are being introduced to prop the roof up for the session, but Mr Clayton thinks it would be unwise to allow it to remain on longer than six months. Under favorable circumstances the building might hold together for several years, but in the event of an earthquake or a severe south-west gale, a collapse might occur at any moment. With regard to the Green Harp affair, the Southern Cross says j— "lt is stated that , over L§o, ooo of losses wilt, have been sus- ' tamed by the body of shareholders who bought in high when the market was steady." - An Auckland correspondent says t— lt is proposed that all batteries, public and private, also Berdans, now existing on our gold fields, shall be licensed and placed under police surveillance. The object of this proposal is to put a stop to specimen stealing and robberies of quicksilver, which we know are of frequent occurrence. At present, employees of the Auckland branch banks decline to state from whom they purchise gold, consequently chances of escaping detection are afforled to dishonest people. There is reason to Lolieve that, if the proposal referied to becomes lawi bank servants will no longer object to give the required information. It is.evident that something will have to oe done towards suppressing practices which have become notorious, aud flourish exceedingly^ if, \ve may judge by numerous complaints which appear to be well founded.