SIR GEORGE GREY'S VISIT TO KUMARA.

Kumara Times, Issue 443, 26 February 1878, Page 2

SIR GEORGE GREY'S VISIT TO KUMARA.

In yesterday's issue • the proceedings in connection • with Sir George : Grey's visit were reported up to the termination of the formal reception in Greymouth. After partaking of luncheonat the Crowu Hotel, Sir George and 1 party, accompanied by His Worship the Mayor, Mr Wylde, Town Clerk, Mr C. Y. O'Connor C. E., and several other gentlemen,proceeded toDillman'a Town, horses being provided by Mr Rugg, who carried out his portion of the arrangement to the entire satisfaction of the Committee.

At the foot of the trick leading over the hill, the party was met by the Dilltnan'rt Reception Committee, and cordially welcomed. Mr Everett, the Chairman, read the following address:— To Sir Georgb Gket, K.G.8., Prime Minister of the Colony of New Zealand.

We, the Miners of Kumara, wish you a most hearty welcome- on this your (first visit to the youngest, goldfield in the colony; and we desire to express" to > you our great gratification at having, you, present in our midst this day, and we trust that the self-imposed task of hearing for yourself what our requirements are, will

result beneficially to us, be a pleasure to yourself, and of profit to the Colony at large. And we trust that before you leave we shall have an opportunity of bringing under your notice the magnitude and importance of this goldfield, and what is required to maintain the present population in profitable employment, and at the same time further extend and develope our resources. As you visit the workings, we Would call your attention to the fact that eighteen months ago the spot you stand on was only a wild bush, and very many difficulties have had to be overcome to bring about the change of which you will be an eye-witness. Through the dangerous nature of the ground, large quantities of timber are required, and that commodity being scarce in close proximity to the workings, makes it very expensive. We would, therefore, respectfully submit to your Government what, in our humble opinion, would tend most to secure and maintain our permanent prosperity. First comes the water supply.—The field is at the present tune supplied by the Government branch, race and the Okuku Co.'s. If arrangements were made for the purchase of the Latter by Government, one staff could manage the whole, and the miners receive the benefit by having water at reduced rates. The Government would then have many advantages, and at small outlay be enabled also to increase the supply. The ground here is particularly adapted for sluicing, and with cheap water, used in large quantities by the hydraulic process, would pay splendidly;'': construction of a main! sludge channel from the Teremakau River to Larrikin's, through Dunedin Flat, is ,ari absolute necessity. This would serve the double purpose of draining the ground and also allow the mmers generally to sluice into it. A similar work was constructed, with beneficial results, at Mount'lda, inOtago. Third.—The construction of a main road from the Christchurch road is an important work, and would open up the country for prospecting and settlement. Also, the construction of the Teremakau bridge would be a great benefit. Fourthly. We trust your Government will be enabled "to reduce the miner's right, and remove the class taxation imposed upon us in the shape of gold duty, and, whilst readjusting taxation, bear in mind that the avocation of the miner is fraught with many dangers, and, as a rule, the average earning is very low ; so that any relief granted in that direction will be heartily appreciated. Feeling satisfied that your sympathies are with us and the working classes generally, we, in conclusion, wish you once more a hearty welcome.

Mr O'Connor C. E., was consulted by Sir George as to the cost ol the sludge-chauuel, which he roughly estimated at £3OOO. '

Sir George Grey then brl-fly , addressed the Committee, thanking them for the reception, and promising that if the sludge-channel cost" no more than the sum raetaToiieTlTjy'MrO'eonnor, It—would be constructed. The other matters would h:tve. the serious consideration of himself and his colleagues?. fn the eveuing Sir George'was entertained at a banquet in the Public Hall, to which a large number of invited guests and of the general' public sat down. The catering' wa,a done by Mr Adamson iu his usual excellent style. A full report of the speeches delivered is unavoidably held over. .:'

This forenoon, about 11 o'clock, the Ministerial party staYteil for Hbkitika, Sir George' being driven in si buggy, drawn .by four horses, by Mr H. L. Robinson, Chairman of the Westland County Council. The other members of the party followed in a waggonette.