THE SHOTOVER.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Volume II, Issue 80, 3 February 1864, Page 4

THE SHOTOVER.

(from our own correspondent.) February Ist. On Saturday morning last, at half-pasl nine, his Honor, attended by Mr. Commissioner Branigan, Mr. Warden Beetham and Mr. Inspector Morton, arrived at Arthur's Point. The deputation from th miners and business men was waiting to receive him at Mirfin's Hotel, and a considerable crowd assembled to watch proceedings, as is usual in such cases. The river this morning, through the rains oi the preceding day, was at high flood, rushing furiously through the gorge that is spanned by Bond's bridge, so that his Honor in crossing could form a slight idea, from the immense volume of water rolling down, of the great difficulties the miners have to overcome ere they can obtain those riches that are hidden in its bed. Through the above cause also, very few were at work, both race parties having been driven out by the flood, and the few men working about the terraces were not to be seen at all; so that Arthur's Point on this particular morning presented anything but its usual lively appearance, which was to be regretted, for, to the eye of a stranger, a place presenting any indication of a deserted village would hardly appear of that importance which its wants entitle it to. Before receiving the deputation his Honor stood courteously chatting with those around him, asking many questions of Messrs. Hyde and Gillespie, the " bosses" of their respective race companies respecting the height of the winter floods, the present state of matters at the Point and those chances that would be likely to effect its future prosperity, and altogether conducted himself like a stout English gentleman on a visit to the district to see for himself the abuses that exist, and to remedy them if possible. Mr. Inspector Morton presented the deputation to his Honor in Mirfin's Hotel, when Mr. C. Harris read and presented to him the address from the miners of the Lower Shotover. His Honor having thanked the miners for the courtesy and kind attention shewn him, read and presented in return the following answer:— Gentlemen,—l accept and reciprocate your expressions of congratulation on this my first visit to your district. I am aware that many of yourselves and of the residents in this district, some time since signed and forwarded to his Excellency the Governor a memorial setting forth the inconvenience to which you have been subjected, as also certain grievances which you considered entitled you to demand that the administration of the goldfields should be transferred to the General Government of New Zealand. It is neither my business nor my intention to dispute your perfect right to adopt that particular mode of procedure, although I may be permitted to remark that I doubt very much the efficacy of the remedy you propose for past and existing evils, even if that remedy could be applied. To the Superintendent of this Province individually the transfer of the goldfields administration to the General Government would be a release from much work, anxiety and responsibility, but whether those immediately interested in that administration would experience a corresponding relief or be benefitted by being governed from Auckland, rather than Dunedin, is an undetermined question. I should have been silent on this subject had not an allusion been made to it in the address which you have done me the honor to present to me, and all I would wish further to say in regard to it is, that the action you have taken will not prevent me from using my best endeavors to promote by every means in my power the interests and prosperity of this and the other mining districts of the province. It is the intention of the Government, as you have been correctly informed, to proceed with all possible despatch with the trunk road from Dunedin to the Lakes. The precise direction which this road will in many places take must of course depend, to a great extent on the recommendation of competent engineers ; at the same time my own opinion inclines me to think that, however necessary a road from Queenstown to Frankton may be, it will be essential that the main road itself should, if possible, be carried to Queenstown by way of the Arrow and Arthur's Point. Steps are being taken to procure approximate estimates of the cost of constructing available bridle tracks to the Upper Shotover and other localities, in order that these works may be proceeded with, should it be found that they can be constructed with the means at the disposal of the Government. It will probably be satisfactory to you to learn that I have determined to appoint an additional warden for this district, in order that the inconveniences which arise from so much of the time of the present warden being taken up with magisterial cases may be removed.

The attention of the General Government jL$ called several months ago to the necessity of • establishing for the goidfields judicial courts with extended jurisdiction, and I am informed that the appointment of an additional judge will shortly j be made. In order to ascertain to what extent an amendj ment of the present Mining Rules and Regulations is desirable, I propose to commission a duly qualified officer to proceed to the different gold- : fields of the province to confer with the miners or with such delegates as they may choose to ! represent them on the subject. j The propriety of appointing a responsible | minister for the goidfields was, as you are doubt- ! less aware, discussed by the Provincial Council | during its last session, and decided against. Should the question be again raised in the ensuing session, and should the principal objections which present themselves to such an appointI ment appear capable of removal, I shall urge no objection to its being made. With reference to pecuniary rewards for the discovery of extensive goidfields, the Government have on more than one occasion recognised the claims of those who have discovered and opened up new and important workings, and I have every reason to believe that any future well founded claim will be respected. In conclusion allow me to assure you that the Government desires to distribute the revenue of the province with justice and equity, and to see, as the result of their labors and yours, the prosperity and advancement of the province. J. Hyde Harris, Superintendent The deputation having thanked his Honor, then withdrew. A protest against the decision arrived at by Mr. Warden Beetham in the late case of Miller, Anderson and Co. v. Hyde and Co. was laid before his Honor. His Honor listened patiently to the complainants and the case is, I believe, to be re-heard on Tuesday or Wednesday. Some dissatisfaction wa» felt by the managers of the companies that they were not present to negative the statements made by Miller and Co. His Honor having bade adieu to Arthur's Point, proceeded en route to Maori Point to receive the deputation from the miners of the Upper Shotover. February 2nd. Yesterday's rain has again swelled the river to a great extent. All work is stopped, but on the Lower Shotover very little damage is done. The long continuance of unfavorable weather is most disheartening: we have nothing for it, however, but to wait and hope that we shall, during the latter part of the summer and beginning of winter, be able to give a good account of ourselves.