REPORT OF THE DEPUTATION RE WATER QUESTION.

Kumara Times, Issue 1739, 27 April 1882, Page 2

REPORT OF THE DEPUTATION RE WATER QUESTION.

The following is the concluding portion of the report read by Mi* Seddon, M.H.R., at the meeting at Diilman’s Town, on Monday evening :

Mr Seddon asked was it the intention to give two months free water to open out with, and then two months more water to earn water money for the succeeding two months to those claims who were just opening out. The reply was “ No; once the system is introduced, and the time for which free water is available has gone by, all will have to pay in advance, otherwise Government cannot possibly know, or estimate what their losses in introducing the system may be.” We then, on behalf of the present claim holders, thanked the Minister for the liberal offer made, but argued that it was against the introduction of the prin ciple and the injustice that we fought on behalf of the miners generally, and that we felt assured that the present claimholders now opened out would scorn to accept a small pecuniary bmefit when by such an acceptance they were branding themselves as unfit to be trusted, and injuring their less fortunate fellow-miners, and in conclusion, asked the Ministar to reconsider the matter, and allow the old system to go on as being last fo • all concerned. Having arranged to meet again in one hour’s time we withdrew. The interview lasted three hours. Mr M‘Kerrow, the secretary for Mines, was present during the interview, and ably supported his chief. The Minister of Mi. ies, on next meeting the deputation, frankly admitted that they had made out a very good case, and that he had come to the conclusion to revert back to the old system, and that no payment in advance would be demanded either for use of the sludge channel or for water, and that a letter conveying this reply would be forwarded to the deputation. He also wished the deputation to convey to the miners his appreciation of the manner in which they had brought their grievances before him, and that especially as regards the petitions, they set forth matters very plainly, were respectfully worded, and r.flec'el very great credit on the miners of Kumara, Waime., and Stafford Town ; that as regards any unpleasantness they were to be forgotten ; that what had happened was considered at the time by his department to be in the best interest of the colony. We then thanked him and withdrew.

At a subsequent period we received the letter referred to, and which I hereto attach. Brit fly explained the first part alludes to payment in advance for water and use of sludge-channel. These, it states, will not be insisted on until move claims are opened out, and in full working order. Seeing that claims will for years he opening out in the districts of Kumara, Wairoei, and Stafford, it may bo safely premised that if the mineis pay as well for water in the future as they have done in the past we have heard the last of pay in advance system. As legards the sludgechaunel terms, the Minister would not consent to compute the time of using channel with water paid for, but admitted that if claims were idle for Want of water, or some unforseen circumstances, the manager would n t in such cases demand the ten shillings per week for use o 1 ’ the channel. As regards the verbal alterations. The Ist was that it was not necessary to impose conditions On certificates 2nd. That as regards d images that they are to be determined in the Warden’s Court. 3rd. That as regaids penalties fur using channel without jiermissioii, that they are to be reduced to per day in lieu of a lump sum of £lO. 4th. That to prevent favoritism, priority of right shall be fixed by date of applications for tailraces, and that though priority shall be given mi this basis it is not meant that exclusive use shall be given, but that they shall have the first turn—the manager to decide what is a fair time to give before the next parties in rotation have their turn of using the channel.

The steamer to Wanganui bavin" to leavie early next d=*y %V e were pm (T ted from writing a joint Report, but the foregoing is as near correct as I can', fiom memory and memoranda, recount what transpired, since my last report'. In conclusion I wish to bear testimony to the able assistance giVen by Mr Fitz Gerald, also when in Auckland Mr Swanson warnily espoused the mineis cailse, and did Ills level best to make my stay in Auckland as pleasant as possible. The press of Auckland and Wangamii alsd espoused the cause so ably advocated by tile press of Westland. As to local journal} the Kiu raara Times, it has done its duty well; and its editor and proprietors have well .earned the thanks of the miners of jKumara, Waimea, and Stafford, and havd proved coticlusively the benefits of having a local paper. The mining dorii. mittees have also beeh df Very great service and have done their work well; Indeed, to them 1 tender niy sincere thanks for the assistance rendered iii bringing matters td so successful a termination. Again, the Chaimianof the Westland Coiinfcy Council, Peter Pung«n, Escj., and Mr James Wylde, Town Clerk of Kurhara, have also forked hard in the interests di the Ttiin&rs and the district, and the information given and representation niade tiy them have no doubt assisted in havirfg the grievanced removed; Trusting my own hurribld serviced have met with your approv il; I am, respectfully; Yours; R. j. SErin'oV.