MR. WARDEN WILLIAMSON.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Volume II, Issue 55, 7 November 1863, Page 5

MR. WARDEN WILLIAMSON.

We have received a number of letters from miners on the Shotover, complaining bitterly of the absence of Mr Warden Williamson, which is causing incalculable damage to them. One representing a party of sixteen, writes from Skipper's and states that they have been delayed now for over three weeks, during which time they have been kept in compulsory idleness, consuming their resources. Though they have a good claim and the weather is favorable they cannot go to work, owing to a dispute which there is no officer present to settle. Another person writes from Maori Point—" lam now nearly three weeks here idle, with twelve mates, awaiting the decision Of a commissioner. It is a shame," &c. Another—" It is the request of every digger on the Shotover that you agitate for the services of a Warden for this place. We are being literally ruined and starved out." Another—" If you were to know how we poor fellows are knocked about, it would be a caution. The fact is there are over 200 miners idle on the river this day for want of a commissioner: some of these men could make their pile." We refrain from quoting further—indignation will not allow us to proceed. There can be but one opinion as to this disgraceful state of affairs, and the only matter for wonder is that the naturally exasperated miners do not take the law into their own hands, and settle their disputes by means of an appeal to their picks and shovels. However deplbrable such a proceeding would be, it could not be more than natural under the circumstances; and should blood be shed over their squabbles, it will rest on the heads of our rulers, whose miserable incapacity is alone to blame for most of the evils that have happened to the miners.