THE MINISTERIAL VISIT.

Kumara Times, Issue 2636, 17 February 1885, Page 2

THE MINISTERIAL VISIT.

The Ministerial party returned from the Lead yesterday at about 3 p.m., after a lengthened inspection of the sliulge-f-hannel, the proposed site for the relief tail-race ;iikl tailings, and various claims in working. They ex-

pressed themselves as much surprised at the magnitude of the undertakings, the amount of work done by the miners, and the laboriousness of the occupation. Shortly after four o'clock they received several deputations, most of tbem with petitions, for a reduction in the price of water for sluicing purposes, for increased sludge-channel accommodation, and for various other mining concessions. At present we have only the copy of two petitions—one from the Reception Committee (included among whom are the Mayor and Borongh Councillors), and the other from the merchants and tradesmen residing at Kumara and Dillman's. They are as follow : To the Hon. Robert Stout, Premier of New Zealand, and the Hon. W. J. M. Larnach, C.M.G., Minister of Mines.

Gentlemen—ln reference to matters to be brought under the notice of the Government the principal and most important is the reduction in the price of water, because upon this poinc depends entirely the vitality of this goldfield. The deputation wish to point out that the present rate charged is not only excessive but manifestly unjust, being considerably more than the rates paid in any other part of the colony, and double the price paid iu the neighboring district of the Waimea, although the cost of construction of the race to that place was far more than the branch to Kumara. It should also be noted that the owner of the private race had already recognised the necessity of this fact by reducing his charge. The Borough Council had presented a petition to Parliament for this purpose which was referred to the Goldfields Committee, who recommended that the price of water should be reduced ; and we now simply ask the Government to give effect to the recommendation of that Committee.

One other subject is of pressing importance, and that is the necessity of providing some refuge for the aged and destitute persons on the West Coast. A large number of chronic and incurable cases are crowding the Hospitals, rendering the committees incapable of providing accommodation for legitimate cases of accident or disease; and it is to be expected that this will continue from year to year on all the goldfields districts, and will require the earnest consideration of the Government for a solution of this difficulty. Geo. Robt. Rudkin, Hon. Sec. Reception Committee. February 16, 1885.

To the Honourable the Premier, and the Honourable the Minister eor Mines for the Colony of New Zealand.

Your petitioners, merchants and tradesmen residing at Kuraara and Dillmau's Town, in the County of Westland, respectfully represent to you as honourable members of our Government that the inhabitants of this district have been and are now subject to a heavy tax on their resources, by being compelled to pay such an exorbitant price for water for mining purposes as three pounds per week per head. Notwithstanding that this tax is apparently charged to and borue by the miners, those persons engaged in commercial pursuits are equal sufferers, inasmuch as in very many instances after the water having been paid for there is nothing left to the miner, wherewith to pay' for the necessaries had by him on credit from the tradesmen, sucl) system of credit being i u _ dispensable to a mining community, as in the absence of which the vast mineral resources of this goldfield would have never been developed, and the land whereon so much work has been done and capital expended, and which is now so great a factor in enhancing the status of this colon}', would as yet remain a bnrren waste. The impost forced upon us thus, in addition to the great loss of time caused by frequent stoppages in the sludge-channel for want of sufficient accommodation, keeps the whole population poor, who might otherwise acquire the means of living in comfort. Your petitioners emphatically state that whatever outward display evinced by the inhabitants touching your reception here is more the reflex of that usual hospitality and good will towards members of her Majesty's Government, than that of any evideuce of prosperity among the people, which, owing to the causes herein before enumerated, does not exist. We, therefore, respectfully ask of your honourable Government that yon will, at the earliest practicable peiiod, reduce the price of water and remedy the frequent, stoppages in the sludgc-chaimcl, and so grant to your

petitioners a relief which cannot fail to materially advance the general prosterity so much needed in this district.

And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray— John Denfield, John Davidson, ■ And 25 others.

With regard to the first, and the reduction of water, which was read by the Town Clerk, Mr Larnach stated that this was a matter they could not give an answer to at once. The deputation would have to wait their arrival at Wellington. Mr Dungan stated that this was an old grievance; they had petitioned the Department of Mines, the Government, and Parliament many times, but without avail, and wished now for something definite. Mr Hannan pointed out that the Waimea water-race formed a part of the original Public Works policy. Mr Larnach said he would give the matter his earnest consideration.

With regard to the question, of establishing a Home for destitute old men,

The Premier said he did not believe in such an establishment. He considered that old men should not be so isolated, but taken care of in private houses, where they could be looked after and enjoy the comforts of a home. The petition of ihe business people was read by Mr D. Hannan. In reply, the Minister of Mines stated that Government were disposed to assist the miners by granting some concessions, but he could not come to any conclusion without consulting his colleagues; he would, however, see what could be done that evening.