MINING ASSOCIATION.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 269, 1 May 1874, Page 2

MINING ASSOCIATION.

The usual monthly meeting of the fiml jv mittee was held at Mr. Busch's oa Wednesday evening last. All members were present. SALE OP BESIDENCE ABEA. . After the minutes of the previous meeting had been read and confirmed the Chaibman said the first business was to receive and consider a report from the Sub-Committee appointed at last meeting to view the ground asked by Mr. Eccles to be sold, which stated that the Committee had visited the ground; that Mr. Eccles had, as requested, sank two holes, one on the east, and one on the west boundary of the area (a quarter of an acre) required. The eastern hole is 2ft. 6in. t with no wash, the other 3ft., with sis inches of wash, from which a prospect was tried, but with no trace of gold. The Committee were therefore convinced that the. ground in question is of no value so far as mining is concerned, and that the .sale of the, same will in no way interfere with "mining industry. The report, as read, was, on the motion of Mr. Coopeb,. unanimously adopted., CBICKET-GBOTJND BESEBVE. The Chairman read a letter from the Town Clerk asking if two chains were taken off the southern boundary of the re-creation-ground (adjoining "Webber and Moore's, tail'race) and reserved for mining purposes, there would be any objection by the. Association to the remaining portion being vested in the Corporation as a recreation reserve-for the town.

, This matter occasioned a most animated discussion, Mr. Jackson contending that the - ground in question should not be locked up in the hands of the Corporation, but be thrown open to the miners to work. He knew it was payable ground, and.would object to its being vested in the Corporation as a recreation reserve. j Mr. Mooee was of the same opinion; * and thought it' would be time enough to make a recreation ground after the gold had been taken out of it. He would oppose its being vested in the Corporation. Mr. Clabke considered that the value of the. ground to, the Town as a recreation reserve, planted with trees, would be far greater than all the gold it contained, and if two chains were reserved, as suggested, no injury would be occasioned to mining industry. The whole area was not more than two men's claim, and he believed it would cost more money to get tke gold than 'its worth. In order to test the opinion of. the Committee he would move —"That, considering the position and value of the ground as a recreation reserve, which is essential for the town, this Committee is of opinion that a.reserve of two chains on the southern boundary (adjoining Webber and Moore's tail .race) will answer all the requirements,, so far as mining industry is concerned, and that there can be no objection to the remainder being vested in the Corporation as a recreation reserve, and planted with trees." Mr. Coopeb had pleasure in seconding the .proposition, said it would, he thought, be a pity to see this ground -in the centre of the town laid waste for the little gold, in it. _He was of opinion that it should be made an ornamental pleasure- ,. ground; for the benefit of the inhabitants of the town. . - Mr. JACKSoN said before the motion was put he would move an amendment— . " That the cricket-ground Teserve be not""*—" vested in the Corporation, but thrown" • open for mining." Seconded by Mr. Moobe. The Chaibman then put the. amendment. Ayes: Jackson and - Moore. Noes: Clarke,- .Cooper, YV ade, Shannon, Woodhill, and The original ' motion was declared carried. Mr. Moobe : -The. Iminers."-will rise in rebellion against it. Mr. Clabke : Even so ; it would then be a valuable reserve. - leases. The Chaibman drew attention to several applications likely to be made . for leases,: which would require careful, watching, and probabjv opposing in the name of the Association. ■ FINANCE. ■ The Secbetaby reported that he had received since last meeting subscriptions from Mr. Wm. Williamson, Kyeburn, £2 12s. 6d.; Charles Parker, Kyeburn, £1 10s. After the usual vote of thanks to Mr. Buscb, the meeting closed.