THE SHOTOVER DISTRICT.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Volume I, Issue 8, 27 May 1863, Page 4

THE SHOTOVER DISTRICT.

A public meeting was held on Monday evening last at Bracken's Hotel, convened to take into consideration the grievances sustained by the miners on the Shotover, and the best means to seek their redress.

On the motion of Mr. Bracken, seconded by Mr. Gash, Mr. Manders took the chair. The Chairman in a few words explained the object of the meeting, in remarking on the almost complete isolation of the miners on the upper portion of the Shotover, and the absence of all protection for them. The desire of the miners was twofold—first, they wished to obtain an efficient police force, and the establishment of a Warden's Court; and secondly to have a bridle track made from Queenstown to Skipper's. In calling the meeting, the object of the deputation was to obtain the support of the inhabitants of Queenstown in obtaining those objects. He would introduce the deputation, Messrs. Bergen and Jones, to the meeting, so that they might explain their purpose. Mr. Bergen said he had just come down from Skipper's to seek the support of the people of Queenstown on behalf of the miners, as well as of themselves, for what injured the one interest of course affected the other, and they could no more do without the miners than the miners could do without them. The Government would remain quiet so long as they allowed them, but they must make their voices heard and compel them to redress their grievances. At present they had on the Shotover neither protection nor roads, with the exception, perhaps, as to the former, of

Colt's revolvers, sticks, and stones. Of course under those circumstances might was right, and the weakest had to give way to the strongest. There were on Skipper's alone from 1400 to 1500 men, and the Shotover could well afford to support a Warden, and a proper body of police. If a Warden was granted to Fox's, he did'nt see why they should not have one also; and unless something were done to redress their grievances he had no doubt the miners would take the law into their own hands, and there would be a repetition of the Ballarat riots. Then, as to the roads—the track from the Shotorer to Foi'3 was entirely closed up, and that from Queenstown was not in a much better condition. This township was not very brisk, and they would have business worse yet, for it was almost impossible to convey supplies to the upper portion of the Shotover. A good bridle track to Skipper's would not cost more than £450 or £SOO. If they could not get what they demanded, they would request the Southland Government to establish an escort on the Shotover. Both roads and police were what they required. A Gentleman —Have you not been offered police ? Mr. Bergen —Yes; but when are they coming ? ' Mr. Bruce—l thought you had police stationed at the Shotover ?

Mr. Bergen said that at Maori Point there were two, but they were wholly inadequate to meet the demands of the district. He moved the adoption of the following resolution ; and in doing so protested against any collection being made. If the Government would not make them a road, they might then make one themselves, put a turnpike on it, and charge a toll: That this meeting pledges itself to assist the miners of Skipper's Gully and the Shotover, in their endeavors to obtain a Warden for that portion of the Wakatip District, and also to obtain a bridle road to Skipper's; such efforts to consist of a general representation to the Government, and by every other constitutional means.

Mr. Jones, in seconding the resolution, said he did so, not as one of the deputation, for he was not one -he spoke as an independent individual, but he could bear testimony to the truth of what Mr Bergen had stated. If any disputes occurred they had to tramp from 15 to 20 miles over very rough country to reach the Warden, whereas if one were upon the ground, no disputes would occur. Rather than take the trouble to come in, with its attendant expense and loss of time, they preferred in many cases yielding the point. Tomahawks, sledge-hammers, and similar weapons, were the order of the day at the Shotover. The speaker then cited a case respecting the vexed question of beach and river claims, and concluded by stating that the present Warden (Mr Wood) was incompetent, and ought not to fill his present situation. He also stated that Maori Point was in every way a suitable position for the establishment of a Warden's Court. It was central, and had a goldfield for ten or twelve miles on each side of it.

Mr. Bracken said that as the previous speaker had called in question the conduct of Mr. Wood, he would remark that that gentleman had no power over the police. Mr. Gash said that if they could get a bridle track four feet wide, they would soon have enough protection. At present whenever he went there he always reckoned his expenses at £2O. The Government should be proceeded against under Martin's Act for cruelty to animals. (Laughter and cheers.) Mr. Bracken said that an angel could not carry out the present goldfields rules, and the Warden's District was far too large. . At Waitahuna, and also at Tuapeka, there was a Warden, and the distance between the two places was not more than half that of Skipper's from Queenstown. Mr. Cassius, whose appearance seemed to afford infinite delight to the meeting, said that the only thing he saw necessary to be done, was for the honorary secretary of the Queenstown Committee to draw up a memorial, and send it to Dunedin with as many signatures as possible. The Government were deaf, and would be till the miners insisted on making themselves heard. Apropos of the kindness of the Government, he would read to them a document which had just been received in answer to a memorial addressed to the Government some time ago, in reference to the removal of the Camp to Frankton ; a more impertinent letter, or one more, worthy of the "Old Identity," could scarcely be imagined. The speaker then proceeded to read the answer, inserting remarks here and there, causing great merriment:—

" Provincial Secretary's Office, "Dunedin, March 10,1863. [From Dtmedin, of course, and two months' oH; so much for our postal arrangement]—" Sir—ln reply to the memorial from the residents of Queenstown, bearing date the 4th February — [See that, four months] —and your signature as honorary secretary, I have been instructed by his Honor the Superintendent to remark that, after due enquiry— [I wonder what enquiry they

made]—the Government cannot—[entertain or ascertain, I can't say which. A voice— •* Spit it out." Another—" Take your time "]—ascertain to whom you refer, as expressing their intention that the main camp and township should be formed at Queenstown. No such authority was given to any public officer. [What do you think of that.] " It is for the Government to decide whether a township at Frankton is, or is not, necessary—[You see, you've nothing to do with it!]— Had they had any doubts on the subject, they would have sought the advice of the proper officers. They have no doubts, and therefore see no reason to reconsider their decision—[You must take what they choose to give you.]— The main town and camp will be at Frankton, as conducive to the interests of the mining population in general—[and you'll have to go there for what you want, whether you like it or not. There's a letter for you!] u I have the honor to be, Sir, " Your most obedient servant, " Thomas Dick, " Provincial Secretary. " Mr. William Bruce, Queenstown." The resolution was then put and carried unanimously. Mr. Jones stated that it was proposed to hold meetings at Maori Point and Skipper's, and send down a memorial signed by the diggers, in conjunction with another signed by the residents of.Queenstown, to Dunedin. He would strongly censure the conduct of the Government in ignoring the claims of those miners at Arthur's Point, and the Lower Shotover, in removing the camp to Frankton. Mr. Bergen said that a memorial would be of no avail. They would be set down as a j lot of rough Victorians, and the memorial i would light the official cigar. A deputation j would not cost them more than Is. each. j Mr. Jones moved the formation of a committee in Queenstown. Mr. Manders explained that there was al- ; ready a committee. (Laughter, and a cry, j "the Vigilance Committee.") No; there ! seemed to be a mistake about the Queenstown i Committee. That body was constituted in I the early days of this township to watch over ! its interests, and the members had always shown themselves active and watchful, and I their efforts had been beneficial to the dis--1 trict at large. The Vigilance Committee was ' an off-shoot of that body, and were appointed to watch over the watchmen. (Laughter, and " Poor Maloney.") Mr. Cass said he would throw cut a hint j for the committee, which was to look at the I creek which supplied one end of the town | and the camp with water. It was then in a ! most filthy state. ! Mr. Bruce said that the sum of £BO 7s. 6d. j had been collected sometime ago for the ; purpose of forming a bridle track to the ! Shotover. Of that sum £l9 17s. 9d. was j left, but he was sorry to say that the contractor had done but very little good, t A vote of thanks having been passed to j the Chair, the meeting adjourned.