THE SLUDGEC-HANNEL AND THE NEW REGULATIONS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2482, 3 June 1884, Page 2

THE SLUDGEC-HANNEL AND THE NEW REGULATIONS.

[to the editor.]

Sir—Referring to the first paragraph in your issue of Friday last re my interview with Dr. Giles concerning new rules, I may state that it is. slightly misleading, and that I did not see it in time for correction. However, the substance of the interview can be given in a few lines.

In the first place, I told Dr. Giles that we desired a tangible guarantee, that Mr Gow would prove to the satisfaction of the Warden that those parties . who had the fall reduced were abusing the channel before he enforced the bar.

In the second place, that should a rehaariug of the rules be granted (which was tantamount to doing away with the new rules) that those who signed would not be bound by the new rules, but have the benefit of the alterations. Dr. Giles said that if (hat would solve the difficulty and enable us to go work, he would immediately wire to the Minister of Mines, asking him to authorise Mr Gow to give us the guarantee desired.

Enclosed is a communication I received last night touching the above.

John White. Dillman's, June 3, 1884.

To Mr John White,

Sir—Eeferring to the conversation which I had with you and Mr Gow at Kumara, on Friday last, I sent a telegram to the Minister of Mines upon the two points resyecting which you desired some assurance from him, viz., whether, in the event of any alterations being hereafter made in the rules, those who sign them now would get the benefit, if any, o£ such alterations; also, whether Mr Gow's instructions are not to enforce the clauses most objected to by the miners, viz., the clauses respecting the grating and'the grade of the tailraces, except in cases of necessity. With regard to the first point, Mr -Rolleston has sent me a copy of a telegram sent by him to the County Chairman, in which he declines to do anything to promote a rehearing or alteration of the rules, and hopes that the necessity of adhering to them will now be seen by the miners. Upon the second point Mr Eolleston says the Government does not wish to enforce the rules with unnecessary strictness, but that they should be administered so as best to serve the interests of the miners, Mr Eolleston says the practical administration of the regulations mnst rest with Mr Gow. who quite understands the wishes of the Government in the matter. In connection with this matter, I was sorry to see in the Kumara Times of Friday la3t an entirely erroneous and misleading version of the conversation which I had with yourself aud Mr Gow. I have, &c, J. Giles. Hokitika, 31st May, 18S4.