The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1882.

Kumara Times, Issue 1708, 21 March 1882, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1882.

The stoppage of water to all claimholders refusing to pay iu advance was put in effect on Monday last by the Government race manager ; and, in consequence, many miners have abandoned work rather than be subjected to the unjust principle. A report was industriously circulated that the miners of Stafford and Goldsborongh bad yielded to the terms proposed. But sUch is not the case; and so far from that petitions from these goldfields to the Hon. the Minister of Mines aie uow in Kumara ready to be delegated to him.

The following letter is from the Hon. Secretary of the Goldsborough Miners Committee : To the Secretary of the Kumara Miners Committee. Sir—l have the honor to inform you that the Goldsborough Committee have forwarded petition to Mr R. J. Seddon, for presentation to the Minister of Mines ; and I further desire to inform you that the Goldsborough miners have come to the conclusion not to accept Government terms, and to refuse free water, also not to pay in advance. Wm. Murdoch, Secretary Miners Committee, Goldsborough. [ Mr James P. Byrne, the Hon. Secretary to the Stafford Miners Committee, writes to the Hon. Secretary Kumara Miners Committee :—« The miners using Government water here have all signed a document promising not to pay in advance for water, nor accept free water." The Westland County Chairman (P. Dungan, Esq.) this morning forwarded a telegram to the Minister of Mines at Auckland. The following is a copy : To the Hon. W. Rolleston, Minister of Mines. Intense feeling exists amongst the miners of Kumara, Goldsborough, and Stafford relative to the recent order for payment of water in advance. I most earnestly and respectfully point out that if this regulation is insisted on, it will be disastrous to the goldfields. The reaction already set in is doing injury, and is prejudicial to all the goldfields districts, as the miners are earnest in their opposition to the new rule, and will insist that the old system, which was fair to all parties, ought to be adhered to. I do earnestly hope that the unanimous voice and wishes of this most important goldfield will be acceded to, and that you will send me favorable reply to convey to them. Peter Dungan. Hokitika, March 21, 1882. It is reported that coaxing has been tried with the large claim holders to pay just a nominal sum in advance, as it were to acknowledge the principle. But the men scorned the action, and sixteen in one claim laid down their tools rather than be parties to break faith with their fellowmen.