The Lake Wakatip Mail. Queenstown, Saturday, September 10, 1804.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 143, 10 September 1864, Page 2

The Lake Wakatip Mail. Queenstown, Saturday, September 10, 1804.

We are compelled by the press of matter to hold over our leading article, correspondence, several reports, and other matter. We will publish a supplement with our next issue and endeavour to overtake arrears.

PUBLIC MEETING. j MR BRODIE'S ADDRESS TO HIS CONSTITUENTS. A public meeting of the inhabitants of the district was called together by G. Brodie, Esq., ' M.H.A., and M.P.C., one of the goldfieids' mem- [ 1 ers, ou Tuesday evening last, for the purpose of rendering an account of his stewardship, and learning the views of the inhabitants generally on various subjects. The meeting was held in Bracken's Commercial Hall, and the attendance large. Mr Harris was elected chairman, an stated that they had been assembled together that evening at the lequest of Mr Brodie, who proposed to inform them what he had done in the past as one of their members; and also to answer any questions that might be put to him. Mr Brodie, as a member for the goldfields represented several districts, though he had been fetyled the member for the Dunstan. He trusted the audience would give that reception and respect to the honorable member that he was enlitled to, and conduct themselves in that creditable manner worthy of a Queenstown audience. He had now to introduce to them one of their representatives. Mr Brodie who, on rising, was well received, said he had to thank the chairman for his introduction to them. He was there that evening in propria persona to observe the time-henored custom of rendering an account of his proceedings to those who had elected him—a custom, he would remark, often more honored in the breach than in the observance. They had, no doubt, read a good deal of the proceedings of the Provincial Council, and he did not intend to weary them with unnecessary repetition of the part he hud taken there. They had made themselves heud in Dunedin, and he now came to see them. Their local journal, which was read everywhere, had determinedly m;ide known their wants, and had certainly not spared him. As the Council was to meet in October he had presented himself for the purpose of being informed of their wants. They had unquestionably some grievances, and as far as it lay in his power he should be happy to assist in thei.- removal, and if consistent with the dury he owed other portions of the goldfields, to assist in obtaining some of their requirements. At the time he was elected the majority of the electors resided on the older goldfields and at the Dunstan. Since then the franchise had much increased. He was elected as a representative for all the goldfields, and not for the especial goldfield ou which he resided. He mentioned this because some persons supposed, or had an idea that he only represented that one, namely the Dunstan; and their local paper had styled him the member for the Dunstan. He was anxious to promote the interests of all parts, and he trusted his appearanca amongst them would be accepted as an evidence of that desire. He hoped they would not fail to understand his position and the variety of claims he had to represent. It was 110 fault of his that he was divided amongst so many districts, but it was the fault of "Old Identity" notions of electoral privileges. The system was a wretched and an abortive one. He was quite prepared to support a reform in this respect if a measure could be obtained that would give them representation on a scale they were justly entitled to. In the disposal of the revenue to which they contributed so materially, they had only three members, of which he was one, to exercise any power or control; and, under such circumstances, they must necessarily have grievances, and would be inclined to blame their members for much that they were not responsible for. Respecting himself, he must say that he felt he was not in the position a gentleman representing the goldfields should be. He had been un ible to earn out his duties properly in consrquence ot tiie state of class legislation that existed. I he other members f >r the goldfields were in a similar position. They were well aware that at the very first the " Old Identities" had never viewed with satisfaction the intiux of population, and especially the miners. They only wanted a population from the remote districts of Scotland, full of ignorance and bigotry. They could not be got to move in any matter unless it affected their peculiar interests. It was impossible to do anything with them on the subject of representation or reform. They would not move except their metropolitan or pastoral interests were c -ncerned, which reduced the votes of his fellow members for the goldfields and himself to almost a nullity. In fact, he might say they cared nothing; for the goldfields, and looked upon the miners as an obnoxious element. It was no use pointing out to them that the Dunstan, luapeka and Wakatip required separate members, as they held to the one idea that all the goldfields were alike and had one common interest in every respect. They would rather see Otago again a howling wilderness, indifferently stocked with sheep and cattle, than the scene of prosperity and industry presented by the goldfields. He had, both in the General Assembly and the Provincial Council, advocated their cause and attempted to secure, though generally unsuccessful, some of the changes desired. In the first Provincial Council he had succeeded in securing a change in the qualifications of voters. The old Act required something like a residence of eighteen months, while the new one gave the qualification to vote to holders of miners' rigiits fur six months ; ant* instead nf a 1 oil it had 01.ly to be produced at the polling boom. Tnc business hoc-use also conferred the privilege ol voting, and at t.'ie next

election the number of voters would have so much.increased that they must carry greater weight. This Act was certainly a boon, and a great improvement upon the old one; and he trusted it would be taken advantage of, as no man' ; had now any excuse for not being a voter. There was another Act also that required amendment, namely, the Customs Act, which was most oppressive in its operation, and laid a heavy tax upon articles of utility and lightly touched those of luxury. The hon. member then proceeded amid cheers and laughter to point out several instances in illustration of these assertions, and continued to say he had brought the injustice and unequal operations of this Act before the ITou.se, poi:itin<>- out how seriously it affected the minim; population. Mr Reader Wood had replied to this with that always available excuse —the Maori war—and asked what could be done while that lasted They required a revenue, and had ulwuys found they could calculate upon the Customs revenue. He (Mr Brodie) would say this could not always continue. So gross an injustice should not be allowed to be much longer called a law of New Zealand, There must be a redress of this and other matters. It was impossible the country could progress and population be retained under so heavy a tax upon their efforts. He had urged these matters very strongly, but the invariable answer was it would be better to wait to the end of the war before proceeding to discuss any reform, and he found himself compelled to defer to the voice of the house He had, however, obtained a promise that the subject should be examined into as soon as possible, and an amended act brought forward upon the principle that the taxes of the country should be paid by those best able, and not by those least able to do so, as was the case at the present moment. He had shown that this would not injure the revenue. Then another action he had taken'shortly after entering the house was in reference to the goldfields. He found from examination that all mention of the goldfields had been excluded bv peculiar means from the documents laid before tiie Crown on the state of the colony. He at once placed a notice on the paper of the house calling attention to the unfair treatment the goldfields were receiving. He had succeeded to a certain extent, as Sir George Grey had written a despatch which would be accepted. Another reform had been accomplished —the new goldfields act. That act was sent up to Auckland in a style worthy of the u Old Identities." It had not been sent up in charge of any of the goldfields members. Mismanagement characterised its introduction into the Asembly. He could not tell them how the bill was sent up to the Assembly. A member of the Dick Ministry travelled with it end yet knew nothing of it. The only person who could know anything about it was the goldfields secretary, and he did not go to Auckland. Under such cheerful circumstances lie could oniy tell the General Government that if they carried it through he would give them every assistance in attempting to make a good bill of it. They declined to take charge of it. Mr Brodie then entered into the particulars of the passing of the measure, the increased facilities it offered in one or two respect?, and especially in not limiting the powers of appeal. They were much indebted to Mr Gilles for the assistance he had rendered in passing the measure. The old act was a very confused one, as they all knew. In passing this new act they strove to pick out as much good as they possibly could of the bantling sent up to the house, and passed the measure now in force, and which was working well. No one was responsible for the bill, and, therefore, all was done that could be, and to Mr Gilles, the Postmaster General, they must be thankful for having it in existence. Besides the enlarged rights granted of allowing heavy cases over £IOO to be tried, and the enlarged powers of appeal, it also gave powers to create a district judge. An appointment had been made under this power in the person of a gentleman known to most Victorian men—Mr Wilson Gray. (Cheers.) The hon. gentleman then alluded at some length to the difficulties experienced in obtaining any attention to local subjects, as the naiive difficulty and northern interests engaged the entire attention of the house, and dwelt at some length upon the fact that they were paying os 8d of their revenue to carry on this war for the benefit of the north. He thought that the remedy of separation must be resorted to, and that was the only thing they could go in for to secure redress. (Cheers.) The county of Hampden possessed, by the last list published, a large body of electors, aud it would be powerful in the expression of their views. Passing on to other matters connected with the late session of the Provincial Council, Mr Brodie said the reckless intriguing spirit of the Dick Ministry had plunged the Frovicce into debt, and that the policy thus pursued upon the basis of unnegociable loans, would have a long and injurious impression upon the Province. A lengthened account of the action and policy of the late ministjy was then entered into by the speaker. They had produced such a state of things, that the public works had to be stopped, and many thrown out of employ. A difficulty existed which must be combatted, and their first consideration was in departmental expenditure. The reduction was not in salaries but in number of officials. He believed in paying good salaries, having the best men, and getting the work done effectually. (Hear.) The Provincial Council would, next session, further reduce this large expenditure, and carry out a more advantageous system. During the seSaion Mr Vogel had introduced a motion affecting the representation, by which it was proposed to give permanently to such places as the Lindis, possessing fifteen electors, the Wakatip five, and the Manuherikia a similar numberpermanent members. Queenstown, Dunstan, and Tuapeka were each to have a member by this proposal. It did not propose to alter the districts, and the motion, if it had been carried, would have left them in a worse position than ever, and saddled more fixedly upon them the interests he had alluded to in the first part of his speech. He should advocate larger legislation, a re-casting of electoral districts, based upon their importance and population. As the motion of Mr Vogel did not attempt to secure thia he opposed it. (Hear, hear.) Mr Brodie continued for some time dwelling upon this subject. He had now, he thought, detailed to them his proceedings, which had really taken plaie. He trusted he had removed all misapprehension from their minds. The Council would soon meet and it would be a source and subject of O 7

much anxiety as to what positive redress could be obtained during its sitting. He should really like to hear from them, and to do service to the district as one of their representatives. He addressed them as a part and parcel of the goldfields. He was not representing one goldfield, but all of them, and if there was any matter they desired, which he found to be consistent with his duty as a member, he would do all he could for them. He earnestly hoped they would freely communicate with him ; but the only matter in which they had hitherto corresponded was that of the Fire Brigade. He should always be glad to promote their views if he could (cheers), and he had now, in conclusion, to thank them for the very considerate attention with which they had received his address. (Applause, amid which the speaker sat down.) The Chairman —Mr Brodie is quite willing to answer any questions or listen to any remarks. • A pause of some duration ensued: no one seemed willing to break the ice. Mr Manders finally and reluctantly rose, and in a most able and effective speech reviewed Mr Brodie's arguments, and allnded to what he considered to have been the hon. member's best course of action as essentially the representative of the Dunstan district. Repeated cheers greeted the speaker during the delivery of his eloquent address; but we are unable to publish the speech in full, and if curtailed it would be lost.

Mr Gordon said he was glad to see so large a number present, and fully coincided in thj remarks made by the last speaker. He certainly thought that the hon. member might have visited them before, but that he only came to see them when he thought they were on their last legs. He thought the Dunstan was more nearly on its last legs, and the hon. member also. He meant no disrespet to Mr Brodie; but what had he done for the Wakatip district during the last two sessions ? Absolutely, nothing ; and as Mr Manders put it, what was he going to do now ?He did not tell them that. He thought that the goldfields had better be divided into electoral districts, and the Wakatip district to have its own members before it could obtain any remedy. Mr Brodie did not desire to interrupt, but he should like to know what was required. Mr Gordon—We only require common justice meetedouttousin the same proportion as in other districts. They were more indebted to Southland than Otago for reducing the cost of living. That province was forming a railroad to them, while Otago would not even make them—until a late date—any bridle tracks. The Dunstan bad been eternally puffed up. Roads, snow pales, shelter sheds, and everything else had been done for the Dunstan, and why, he would ask ? Simply, because it possessed two members. (No, no, from Mr Brodie ; and cries of hear, hear.) Well, there was Mr Brodie, a host in himself; and Captain Baldwin, who had a station near the Dunstan. Had Mr Baldwin come and seen them twelve months ago when they had a large mining population, before it had been driven away through sheer neglect, they might have had a representative in him and obtained some of their wants. They had not a single horse and dray road in the district, except between the Atow and Frankton, while from Dunstan, in several directions, good roads, upon which large sums of money had been spent, had been made. This showed how the votes had gone. (Cheers.) They had no member, while the other portions of the goldfields had three. There could not be the slightest doubt but that an attempt was being made to force at any cost the Dunstan into a central position. No matter how much this portion of the province might suffer, that must be accomplished—the grand idea carried out. He should not like to see them driven to annexation with Southland or into a separate province; but the pursuance of the same line of policy must end in some disruption as it was not to be expected they would stand by and see the district strangled. These were simple facts, hard to digest. (Cheers.) Mr Brodie decidedly and strongly denied that he had caused any expenditure of public funds in the manner mentioned by Mr Gordon. There was a sum voted, and he could exercise no control ; nor had he any over the surveyors who laid out the lines of road. He should be happy to see more roads made, but if the loans could not be negotiated how could works be carried on ? He defied ar.y individual to show they could be in the absence of funds. If the capitalists of Great Britain would lend them money then something might be done. The speaker then went into the principles of adjusting the representation. They required, for the goldfields, fourteen or fifteen members to adjust the balance of representation. As he told Mr Vogel that, on the Ist of October, the new roll would be in force. Messrs Clapcott, Murison, Walker and other members would then tremble in their shoes. They had the power, and he was not going to give up any privileges. (Cheers.) As regarded any new election concerning himself for the Assembly, four years would have to elapse. He might, however, say that it was no li"ht or easy thing to represent them ; neither did it benefit the pocket (hear, hear.) What time he could spare he was prepared to devote to them, but he could not, at all times, be visiting them, and it was not consistent with his purse to devote the whole of his time to them. What ability and knowledge of the goldfields he possessed was at their service. (Hear, hear.) He had been already on duty for them for six or seven months. Mr Manders had fairly put the case of want of reports at Auckland, and probably they had no means of judging how laborious was that Session. What he had done was not a farce, and he hoped they would not turn the meeting into one, as no election was taking place. (Cheers.) A discussion of great length, in which Messrs Carey and Gordon took part, ensued about the lands and the small allotments surveyed, when Mr Brodie agreed that he should like to see large farms surveyed, and detailed the trouble that had arisen in obtaining even these 10-acre allotments at first. Further conversation ensued about roads and bridges, when Mr Brodie repeated the remarks made at the Arrow meeting, and in which Messrs Morris, Webster and others took part.

A series of questions concerning a gaol and sittings of the District Court, were asked by Messrs Prosser, Shepherd and Gordon ; but the replies were not considered by the meeting to be satisfactory.

Mr Manders inquired what Mr Brodie's view was of a mining minister; and finally Mr Gordon moved a vote of thanks to Mr Brodie for his attendance, Mr Manders observing that it must not be construed into a vote of confidence. Mr Brodie returned thanks, and the meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chair. [We have been compelled throughout to condense our report, and especially the last portion.] ♦ WAKATIP DISTRICT HOSPITAL. The usual monthly meeting was held on the 3rd inst, in the Board Room of the institution. Present—Messrs Rees (president), Beetham, Broad, Bracken, Angus, Haughton, O'Callaghan and Gordon (hon sec.) The minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. The following Report of Finance Committed and Balance Sheet were also read: Finance Committee Meeting. August 31st. Present—Messrs Rees (president), Brown and Gordon. The accouuts for the year were duly examined and passed, and showed a balance due to the bank of £3 14s sd. After being signed by the president, treasurer and secretary the accounts were ordered to be sent down to the Provincial Treasurer, with instructions to pay into the Bank of New Zealand the sum of £IOOO due on collections received from the public. W. G. Rees, President. Balance Sheet op the Wakatip Hospital for Year ending 3rd August, 1864. Cr. £ s. d. By public subscriptions - - 1504 10 9 „ Balance due Bank - • 314 5 „ Government Grant-in-Aid - 2000 0 0 £3508 5 2 Dr. £ s. d. £s. d. By Provisions, vegetables, groceries, wines, &c. 793 1 9 „ Butcher's meat - 461 5 8 „ Bread - - 320 11 9 „ Furniture,bedding,&c 292 0 2 „ Firewood - - 204 17 0 „ Drugs, &c. - - 122 10 0 „ Buildings, fencing, &c. 121 1 0 „ Advertising (£3 10s) and printing - 72 10 0 „ Milk - - 53 15 0 „ Funerals - 42 13 0 „ Stationery - 8 9 9 Salaries and Wages Resident surgeon 328 16 6 Acting steward and wardsman 210 19 10 Night wardsman 118 1 0 Clerk, &c - 99 10 0 Cook - 87 8 10 Assistant & extra labor for gardening, &c. - 145 11 0 Collector (travelling expenses - 7 0 0 Sundry small items - 18 2 11 I hereby certify that the above statement is true and correct in all particulars. Queen9town, 29th August, 1864. ' (Signed) H. Mamders, Accountant. We hereby declare that we have examined the above Balance Sheet, and certify it faithfully represents the receipts and etpenditure of the Hospital to 3rd August, 1864. (Signed) W. G. Rees, president. T. H. Brown, hon. treasurer. H. A. Gordon, hon. sec.

A letter from Dr Douglas was read, calling' attention to tho necessity of ploughing part of the garden; also suggesting the advisability of carting some manure from the Police Camp. A letter from Mr E. Prosser was read, calling attention to the report of the Wakatip Hospital, published in the Otago Times of the 25th ult., in which the following paragraph occurs:—"Dr Douglas having been summoned, stated that amputating instruments were absolutely necessary at once. Prosser, at Queenstown, had a set, but they were not complete. They might be obtained in Dunedin." Mr Prosser asserted that this report was incorrect with resp ct to the incompleteness of his set of amputating instruments, which he said were of the most approved principle and only recently from the manufacturers in England, and contained all the instruments usually used in amputations. A letter was read from the treasurer, T. H. Brown, with reference to the proceeds of Mr Bracken's Concert given in aid of the funds of the Hospital (£26 12s), which had been handed over to him.

Mr Haughton proposed that a vote of thanks be given by the Committee to Mr Bracken for his handsome donation to the funds of the Hospital. He considered that donations like these deserved the tspecial attention of the Committee, as they were of great advantage to the Hospital. Mr Beetham said that when he returned thanks at the Concert he was quite unaware of the relations existing between Mr Morris and Mr Bracken. He had great pleasure, however, in seconding the vote of thanks moved by Mr Haughton for this handsome donation from Mr Bracken.

Carried unanimously. Mr Broad said he had also to move—" That ft similar vote of thanks be awarded to Mr Scher* nekow, of the Arrow, for his handsome donation to the funds of the Hospital." In doing so, he might say that Mr Schernekow was a hardworking journeyman baker, who had made three cakes which had been raffled for at Mr Butlers and produced £l3. Mr Kees seconded the motion, which was car» ried. Mr Haughton considered the letter from Mr Prosser a very impertinent one, and as one dio» tating to the Committee. Mr Broad and other members of the Committee thought the report in the Daily Timet coi> rect, and that they should prefer accepting the advice of their medical officer. The President asked if it was understood that the report was perfectly correct. Mr Haughton said he, for one, would not sit upon that Board if they were to be lectured by a druggist who had certain things for sale. He

thought they should be guided by Dr Douglas' opinions. He wns perfectly willing to propose a resolution. The President aud members of the Committee thought it would be better not to make any resolution, but to give instructions to the secretary to write. It was ordered finally—" That a letter be written to Mr Prosser by the hon. secretary, stating that the report in the Daily Times (Dunedin) cinc°rning the surgical instruments, is perfectly correct; but that the Committee prefer taking the advice of their medical officer on the subject to that of Mr Prosser." Carried. Seventeen applications for the office of clerk and collector were read. After ballot being taken the result was—Manders, 4; Johnstone, 2 ; Smith, 1 and Marshall, 1. Mr Manders was therefore duly elected. Moved by Mr Bracken, seconded by Mr Haughton—" That Mr Manders be required to find two sureties of £SO for the due fulfilment ot the appointment." The letter from Di Douglas was referred to the House Committee. It was proposed and seconded—That a vote of thanks be returned to the Misses Dovle aud Coutanehe for the valuable services rendered by them as collectors." A vote of thanks was then passed to the chair and the meeting adjourned. At the sitting of the House Committee, which took place after the above, Dr Douglas' letter was read on the subject of ploughing the garden and carting manure, and the requests were ordered to be complied with. Mr Kees offered the use of his plough, cart and bullocks at cost rate, which offer was accepted with thanks. AMENDED MINING RULES. The Otago 'Gazette' proclaims that the Superintendent has revoked sections 1 to 10 of the 2nd Rule of the Bye-laws and sections 1 to 7 of the 14th Rule; and substituted in lieu thereof the following 11.-—CLAIMS. 1. Classification of Claims Alluvial claims shall mean all claims in alluvial ground. River claims shall mean claims in the beds of rivers. Beach claims shall mean claims situated between the ordinary high flood mark and the edge of the water on the beaches of rivers. Quartz claims shall mean claims in quarz reefs or lodes. 2. Size of Claims. Alluvial claims shall not exceed 45 feet by 45 for each holder of a miner's right, unless the depth from the surface exceeds 50 feet, in which case such claim may be extended to 60 feet by 60 feet. River claims shall not exceed 50 feet for each holder of a miner's right employed thereon ; to be measured in the direction of the course of the stream by a width not exceeding the boundaries of the bed of the river, which shall be defined by the Warden or other officer duly authorised in that behalf. Beach claims shall not exceed 45 feet in length for each holder ot a miner's right along the course of the river, with a fiontage to the water, by a width by ordinary high flood mark : provided that when any beach, or portion of a beach, shall exceed 50 feet in width, the Warden may, upon application being made to that effect, authorise the holding and working of any such excess by persons others than the holders ot the frontage claims. Quartz claims shall not exceed 45 feet in length along the course of the lode or vein, by a width not exceeding 100 feet upon each side of the course for each holder of a miner's right. 3. Claims to be marked. Alluvial claims and quartz claims shall be marked by pegs standing at least two feet above the surface of the ground, or by trenches at each corner thereof; river and beach claims shall be marked by pegs as before specified, or by marks not less than one foot in length, to be cut upon the rocks above high flood mark ; and such pegs, trenches or marks shall be maintained during the occupancy of the ground: provided that when any corner cannot be marked, on account of the nature of the ground, the peg, trench, or mark may be piaced at the nearest practicable point 4. Surplus ground to be forfeited. If any person shall occupv a larger area of ground thpn that to which he is entitled under these regulations, he shall forfeit the surplus. 5. Shepherding forbidden. No person shall be deemed to possess a valid title to any claim, unless the same shall be fairly worked during the entire period of occupancy ; and any claim unworked beyond the space of twenty-four hours shall be deemed to be forfeited, unless sufficient reason, such as sickness, or other urgent cause, shall be proved to the satisfaction of the Warden. 6. Rights of Servants vested in Employers. If any person shall hire himself to an employer for wages, the right to hold and occupy the claim of such servant shall vest in the employer. 7. Claims not to be forfeited by neglect of Hired Workmen. No claim, right, or privilege, shall be deemed to be forfeited through the neglect or absence of any hired servant thereon: provided that if, after seven days' notice in writing of such neglect or absence has been given to the owner or holder thereof (either personally or by leaving the same at his last known place of residence), such neglect or absence is continued, any such claim, right, or privilege, shall be deemed" to be absolutely relinquished. . 8. Form of Alluvial Claims. Alluvial claims may be of anv form, provided that no block claim shall exceed in length twice the breadth thereof. XIV.—EXTENDED CLAIMS. 1. Old Worked Ground. Upon receiving sufficient proof that any portion of the district has been fairly worked, and is either wholly or for the greater part abandoned, the Warden may declare the same to be old worked ground, and shall thereupon define the boundaries wherein holders of miners' rights may occupy claims, not exceeding double the ordinary area prescribed by the regulations.

2. Extension of Claims. Extended mining claims may be granted by the Warden, upon application being made as hereinafter directed, subject to the condition that a sufficient number of holders of miners' rights shall be constantly employed thereon, namely:— For a quarter acre, (10,890 square feet) two men, for half an acre, (21,780 square feet) three men, for one acre, (43,560 square feet) five men ; and so on in proportion. Provided that no such claim shall be granted in new and unworked ground, unless it shall be proved to the satisfaction of the Warden that such ground has been fairly tested, and cannot be profitably worked in claims of the ordinary size. Provided also, that such extended claim shall in no case be permitted to exceed three acres in extent. 3. Form of Application. I (or we) hereby give notice that I (or we) desire to obtain an extended claim ot (here state extent of area applied for), situated at (here state precise locality), and I (or we) deposit the sum of Five Pounds as security for the payment of any expenses connected therewith. (Signature, with date and number of Miner's Right held by each member of the party.) 4. Official Survey. Upon receipt of such application and depositi or as soon thereafter as may be, the Warden shall direct the Mining Surveyor to proceed to the land applied for, and to survey the same, and to report as to the area, boundaries, and description thereof; the character of the ground, the likelihood of any river, creek, or permanent water spring, or artificial reservoir, which may be included within the boundaries of the said land, being required for, or the fensibility of the same being applied to public purposes, or for the use of miners of the district generally ; and also as to any claims to prior occupancy which shall come to his knowledge, inquiry as to which it shall be his duty to make while making the survey ; and to furnish a plan of such land on a scale of sixteen inches to the mile, together with a tracing of so much of the general map of the district as will be sufficient to connect the particular area applied for with at least one trigonometrical station, or, in the absence of any such, with some fixed point. 5. Surveyor to Post Notices. The Surveyor shall, at the time of making the survey hereinbefore directed, post a notice in the form hereunto annnexed, in some conspicuous place on the ground, and such notice shall be maintained by and at the expense of the applicants, until the application has been heard and determined, and a copy of such notice shall also be posted by the Surveyor on the outside of the Warden's office. (Form of Notice to be posted by the Surveyor.) To all persons whom it may concern. I hereby give notice that residing at did on the day of apply t0 me f° r an " Extended claim" of (here state area) of land, which the Mining Surveyor has this day marked out, and that any person desiring to object to such extended claim, must, within seven clear days from the date of this notice, enter his objection at my office. And I further give notice that I will hear and determine this application and the objection (if any) lodged thereagainst at my office aforesaid, on the day of 186 . (Signature of Warden). Dated the day of 186 . Posted by me this day of Mining Surveyor. 6. Extended Claims to be Registered. If no valid objection is offered, the Warden may, upon hearing the application, issue a certificate of Registration for an li Extended Claim," specifying therein the area granted, the exact position of the same, and the special conditions (if any) upon which such certificate has been granted, and the charge for such Registration shall be ten shillings. 7. Forfeiture. If at any time the requisite number of holders of miners' rights shall not be employed or occu • pied upon any such "Extended Claim," the Warden may, upon proof thereof being produced before him, in the presence of all parties interested, cancel the certificate of Registration, either in the whole or in part, as may be equitable. Provided always that a monetary penalty may be imposed in lieu of forfeiture, as set forth in Section 4 of Regulation XI. - ♦ A complimentary benefit to Miss Annie Hall is announced for Wednesday evening next, at Bracken's Commercial Hall. We expect that a bumper house will greet the fair artiste who has used every exertion to please, and never once disappointed the audience. An application was made in the Resident Magistrate's Court, Dunedin, by the Commissioner of Police for the discharge of W. Wilson the man who had been remitted from Christchurch on a charge of being the murderer of " Yorkey," on Miller's Flat, in 1863. The prisoner was brought up, and the Commissioner produced evidence which proved conclusively that the accused could not possibly have committed the murder, as he was at the time a seaman on board the ship Coldstream, from London to Otago, and he did not arrive in the colony until three months after the date of the murder. Two most respectable witnesses, who had been passengers in the Coldstream, swore to the identity of the prisoner as being a seaman who joined the ship at Portsmouth. After hearing the evidence, the magistrate discharged the prisoner, informing him, at the same time, that he left the Court without the slightest stain upon his character. The Havelock Mail contains the following advertisement :— u The undersigned wish to draw the attention of diggeis to the fact that the Grey is a duffer, and to be cautious how they act, as not one single pennyweight of gold could be got after four weeks' trial, by scores of diggers aocustomed to all kinds cf mining labor. (Signed) James Young and H, King, returned miners from the Grey and Hchonu Rivers." By an Order in Council, dated August 16th, a sitting of the Court of Appeal of New Zealand is appointed to be held within the Supreme Court, Dunedin, on the 17th of October next, at 11 o'clock in the forenoon.

The friends of Mr Williamson, late Warden on the goldfields, will be glad to learn that the Grand Jury ignored the indictment preferred against him. It is clear that they did not believe the statements made by the prosecutrix or her witness; and we hear that a charge of perjury may very probably be preferred against them. It is stated that so great is the sympathy felt for Mrs Longworth Yelverton that her counsel, knowiug her to be poor, and believing her to be hardly used, have accepted her brief without a fee. In the Appeal Court, House of Lords, in the Yelverton case, Mrs Yelverton was present, and it was announced that the major was in Australia. The committee of the Shakspeare Commemoration Festival at Stratford-on Avon have to meet a deficit of from £2OOO to £3OOO.