The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. MONDAY, JUNE 16, 1884.

Kumara Times, Issue 2493, 16 June 1884, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. MONDAY, JUNE 16, 1884.

We must take exception to the manner in which "Hydraulic," in his communication elsewhere, Btarts out as concerns ourselves in bis general condemnation. It is true, perhaps, that it the words quoted were the correct words, we might reasonably have come under his castigation, but even then

the little word "the" is frequently dropped in where it should sometimes be left out. But turning to the paragraph referred to, we find " Hydraulic " studiously leaves out two words—- " amongst the." The words really read as follows:—"to represent to Parliament the grievances that exist on this field amongst the miners." It will be seen therefore that the charge against us is entirely misconstrued, and, except viewed through selfish and narrowminded eyes, could not be taken to apply to the whole body of miners on this goldfield. But as regards the County and Borough Councils, our correspondent's letter is somewhat misleading. Although not embodied in the resolution of the County Council authorising the vote of £4O to assist miners of Kumara goldfield in sending delegates to Wellington to lay their grievances before Parliament, it is well understood that the price of water on this goldfield is one of the first matters of grievance that is to be brought by the delegates before the notice of the Government; and, as far as the Borough Council is concerned, that is specially and clearly set forth in the resolution passed at their meeting on Thursday evening authorising a vote to the delegates. The resolution was as follows :

That whereas this Council petitioned the House of Representatives setting forth the great necessity that exists for a reduction by the Government in the price of water on the Kumara goldfield, that such petition should be supported by evidence ; and that whereas Messrs Morris and White are about to proceed to Wellington, this Council hereby requests Messrs Morris and White to give evidence in respect to said petition ; and that the sum of £2O be allowed them towards their expenses.

Then, again, as regards the new regulations and the object of the delegates, whatever concession if any may be gained by their »oing to Wellington, such concession will benefit " Hydraulic " and his coadjutors in the same ratio as regards the working of the sludge-channel as it will benefit the fifteen parties who according to " Hydraulic " are only a clique amongst the the miners. We are very much mistaken if the delegates have any authority to agitate anything more than what is intended to benefit all parties and the field generally. The water question is one that affects not only those whose tail-races connect with the shidge-chan-nel, but all the miners on this field. As we have frequently pointed out, one third and twice as much per head for water is being paid by miners on this field than is charged on other «oldfields in this colony. The object of the delegates, therefore, so far as we understand it, is for the general good of the field ; and it will be a pity if through any representations to the contrary, these objects are thwarted, and the general grievances allowed to continue.