THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL AND THE GOLDFIELDS.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 107, 7 May 1864, Page 3

THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL AND THE GOLDFIELDS.

To the Editor of the Lake Wakatip Mail. Sir, —Before entering more immediately into the consideration of the above matter, let me in passing offer a few remarks upon the article which appeared in your issue of the 26th ult., an article which perhaps your readers may remember dealt with a motion introduced by me into the Provincial Council, and having for its object the increase of goldfields members. With the statements made in that article as a whole, I entirely agree; with the comments I fully coincide ; and the views therein expressed I cordially endorse. But at the same time the article is, I think, liable to misconstruction. That it is possible to carry out the subdivision of the goldfields into electoral districts, was evidently the impression upon the mind of the writer, and I confess I thought so too when I first gave my notice of motion. Such is not the case, however, and beneficial as would undoubtedly be the division of the goldfields into five electoral districts—viz., Wakatip, Dunstan, Mount Ida, Mount Benger, and Tuapeka—it is, as I have just stated, impossible to carry out this object. The first intimation I had of any such difficulty existing, was on the evening when my motion was to have come under the consideration of the House. I then found that any such division was opposed to the meaning and spirit of the Representation Act, 1862. This opinion, afterwards confirmed by a legal gentleman, compelled me, however reluctantly, to allow my motion to lapse, and hence the reason why the subject was brought on in another lorm. By this time you doubtless know the fate of that motion. You know that instead of meeting the question fairly, and deciding it upon its merits, it was burked by a "side wind"—a majority of members supporting an amendment " that the motion be read this day six months," a course of action which was strongly opposed by the liberal-minded and thinking portion of the House—a course of action which I cannot but designate as unfair, unworthy of the majority who supported it, and an indignity to the miners —a course seldom, if ever, adopted by any legislative body when a question of any importance is under consideration. But in truth, the action taken on this occasion is only in keeping with the system pursued by a majority of the Council on almost every occasion when questions of importance to the mining interest are under consideration. It is with sorrow and regret that I have noticed this tendency to ignore the miners, because I am confident the time will come when members will see the error they have committed in not fostering by wise legislation the mining interest—an interest which is bound up with every other in the Province. That such a tendency does exist requires but little proof; one has but to read the papers to come to that conclusion. In addition to the motion I have already referred to, take the one passed in the Council recommending an increased jurisdiction to the Resident Magistrate of Dunedin. When this motion was introduced, and I moved that it should be made to extend to the Wakatip, Dunstan, and Tuapeka, what was the fate of this amendment, so truly important to the interests of the goldfields? Two members only, besides (fce goldfields members, voted in its favor. Again, look at the fate of Mr. Hughes' motion—as important a one, perhaps : indeed, the most important one as far -as the goldfields are concerned, which could be introduced. I refer to the appointment of a responsible Mining Secretary. The want of such an appointment has been so frequently discussed and so fully shown in your columns; the necessity that exists for a change in the present system, for bringing the miners into more immediate and direct communication with the Government, and for having at the head of the department someone answerable for its management, is now so fully recognised that it is needless for me to say anything upon the subject. Every effort was made by the mover to bring the question to a favorable issue. I resigned my seat in the Executive before the question came on, and sooner than I should otherwise have done, in order that no personal considerations might stand in its way. When the question came on for discussion, the House was moved into committee to give us the experience and support of Major Richardson—a gentleman whose efforts in favor of the miners is deserving of their warmest thanks. In the debate it was clearly shown there was no wish or intention whatsoever to interfere with the delegated powers of the Superintendent. Nothing, in fine, was left untried to carry a measure so beneficial to the mining community, but all of no avail. The object of the motion was lost. With difficulty, and after a most unex-1 ampled opposition, was the House got to affirm | the desirability of having even the Executive in i any way responsible for the management of the goldfields. Step by step was the question opposed, and only after dividing five times did its opponents give in to what, after all, was a barren victory; for the motion in the form passed is simply worthless.

I have thus entered somewhat fully into the matter, and endeavored to show the feeling of the House towards the goldfields, as evinced during the present session. In doing so, I have but done what I consider to be my duty to those who returned me to look after their interests in the House. And now naturally arises the question, what is to be done under these circumstances, and how are we to act ? By uniting together and adopting a moderate course of action, the miners cannot, I think, fail in obtaining redress for the existing state of things. If they petition his Excellency the Governor, respectfully requesting him to adopt one of two courses—either to give over the entire control of the goldfields into the hands of the Provincial Council, or retain it altogether in his own ; and if these petitions are laid before him by their own delegates, specially chosen for this purpose, he will not, I think, refuse the prayer. The miners have good friends in Auckland, and his Excellency is most favorably disposed towards them. In the advancement of this or any other subject, having for its object the furtherance of the mining interest, my humble efforts shall not be wanting. In the meantime it is for the miners to decide whether it would not be advisable for their representatives to resign their seats. Should such be their decision I shall at once act in accordance therewith. I am, Sir, your truly, Wm. Baldwin. Provincial Council Chambers, Dunedin, April 30th.

To the Editor of the Lake Wakatip Mail. Sir,—ln your issue of Saturday last I perceive in the report of the police court, a charge from Mr Campbell, solicitor, in the sham assault case of O'Neil v. Herring, wherein it is alleged that Mr Winter, constable in charge at the head of the Lake, refused to do his duty. I may safely assert that the charge is entirely without foundation, as was pijpved during the trial, and confirmed by the warden's jus J, decision. The manly conduct of Mr Winter apd the unimpeachable character which he bears, coupled with the respect shown to him by all classes wherever he has been stationed, either in this province or in Victoria, is a proof that he is not one of those who would shrink from his duty whenever it is required. I am sure 16peak the sentiments of the people at the head of the Lak%when I say that they have the greatest confidence in his ability and integrity, and that they are always prepared to assist him whenever his duty requires it; and I feel certain that the malicious charge of O'Neil will have little effect in hurting his character with his superior officer, or in the eyes of the public. Trusting lam not trespassing on your valuable columns by inserting the above. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, Michael Roche. Head of the Lake, May 3rd, 1864.