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Hawke's Bay Times, Volume I, Issue 23, 5 December 1861, Page 3

CoiiOMAXDKL.—IV e are able to announce, on authority, that tlie Coromandel district has been thrown open by the natives to Europeans for exploration and digging, (he natives agreeing not to interfere with or interrupt the prospecting parties or diggers. Should gold be discovered in any large quantity, which would lead to the conclusion that the district was very rich in auriferous deposits, the natives have signified their intention of treating, upon reasonable terms, with the government, as to the conditions on which it should be worked. In the meantime, there is neither let nor hinderance on the part of (he natives to prospecting parties going over the entire peninsula from Castle Rock to Cape Colville, including both sides, and extending down into Mercm v Eay.° The reservations made are trifling, such ns' Maori cultivations, burying places and the like. The natives expect the government to preserve the peace ; they object to Europeans carrying doublebarrelled guns or revolvers, but do not object to fowling-pieces for shooting pigeons. These are reasonable conditions for the natives to make, and we hope the government will take steps to see their wishes complied with in each respect. Within the aforementioned block 21,000 acres have been purchased by the government ; and there are from 10,000 to 20,000 acres at present under offer, two surveying parties being now on the ground making the preliminary surveys. So at last the Coromandel difficulty has been settled, and we may soon expect to learn its probable capabilities as a paying gold field. One. thing is certain, heavy quartz-crushing machinery will be required to work it profitably. Mr. Commissoncr M'Lcan deserves great credit for the manner in which he lias brought the negotiations with the natives to a close. —Southern Cross , Nov. 12.