THE OHINEMURI COUNTRY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4357, 8 March 1875, Page 3

THE OHINEMURI COUNTRY.

(From the Correspondent of the New Zealand 7/crald.) Pakkoa, February 23. A run along the new road yesterday afternoon from this place to the Gorge or Mackayto\vn, indicates the interest which the General Government take in the development of the district. That it will prove a great boon to the community there can be no doubt, and Mr. Mackay, in employing such a large staff of men in improving the communication with the upper township, deserves the thanks of the miners. The present route is little better than a pig track, and winds so frightfully that the distance from one town to another is almost a day's journey, although the direct route is not over four miles. The first section of the road will be a permanent one, but for the present it will cross the river twice, and the approaches to the water are being improved, the banks being cut down—the latter just now proving great obstacles to packhorses. Eventually the road will be carried around the base of the hills, to avoid the river, but as this would necessitate several deep cuttings, it is for the present abandoned. Should the field prove successful, then it will be undertaken, and a branch road will strike off to join the Te Aroha and Cambridge track. This latter incurs the building of a bridge, but it will be inaugurated at the very fh-3t opportunity, in order to open the splendid country that skirts the Te Aroha line of ranges. There are about eighty men at work on the road, under the superintendence of Mr. Walker, the , surveyor, while Mr. C. F. Mitchell is as active as ever with suggestions, which, from his knowledge of the country, have proved advantageous. The Maoris have proved very friendly indeed. In several instances they have allowed the road to pass through their cultivations, only stipulating the re-erection of their fences and the erection of new ones where necessary. This generosity enables the construction of a splendid line of road, and will eventually save the Government a large amount of money. When completed the several 'busses now on the ground will be able to meet the steamer at the Puke and run direct to Mackaytown (Gorge), calling at Paeroa, a distance of six miles.

In Mackaytown the -whole of the business sites (66 by 132 feet) in the principal street, the one facing the Tauranga track, are taken up, and already business men are commencing to erect premises. In other instances there is only a tent, and many of the latter are shepherding the allotments for their friends, or with an eye to sell out. The knowledge of such proceedings has created a vast amount of ill feeling in the lower camps, Paeroa, and Mitchellstown, ami there are those who openly avow that, should they be fortunate enough to secure a business site license before the present occupiers, they will feel no compunction in pegging off an allotment, whether it is erected upon or not. The present occupiers have no shadow of a right or be where they are, for the law distinctly lays down that no person can irark .. out either a, claim, business or residence site, without being a possessor of a right or license, and as these cannot be issued until after the proclamation, their present occupation is illegal. It appears that many of those who are in business there have been under the impression that Mr. Jas. Mackay, jun., would protect them as far as lay in his power, should they erect a passable building, but so strong was the feeling on Sunday night in the lower township, that the residents began to feel nervous, and asked Mr. Mackay his opinion on the matter. He distinctly told them that they were illegally in possession, but he thought that it would be unfair on the part of any person to peg them off should he secure his license previous to them. There are several stores which were erected previous to, the laying out of the township, and which were absolutely necessary to the comfort of the miners in the district. These I would not like to see disturbed, and I think there is a feeling extant among all the men that these have secured a title by previous occupation, but for the vast majority of those erectedno sympathy will be shown, as this wholesale possession of sites is beyond reason. The town is well laid out, every _ alternate street being reserved for business sites, while there are some situations across the gullies that run on either side of the township, which are well adapted for pretty suburban residences. The question of this being the principal township is considered by many to be premature, inasmuch as the storekeepers will get' as near the gold as possible, and as there are many other equally good situations, it is not at all improbable that other townships will arise. From what I can gather, it is very likely that several camps will be formed. I hear that many Aucklanders contemplate opening business places at one township or another, but if, they would accept gratuitous advice* they had better stay at home until something definite is heard or a larger popu-lation-is located. There are too many here already, the various camps are overrun with stores, while on every side additional ones are going up. I do not think that any storekeeper is doing a great stroke. Cassrel and Bennet yesterday morning commenced the erection of their large hotel at the Paeroa, arid this will prove a boon to the travellers who only spend a night or so here, as the present accommodation in this respect is very often unequal to the demand. ■ Yesterday afternoon a most brutal assault was committed upon a Maori woman by her European, husband. The name of the brute * , is Thomas Keilan, a Pakeha-Maori, who has resided here for years, and is known as a law- ""' Jess character. It appears from the slight information I can gather that Kielan had been drinking most of the day. About five p.m. bin wife found him in a roadside shanty owned by a Maori, located beyond Mitchellstown. ■• She attempted to get him home, when he abused her, but not content with this he commenced to beat her. The road party on the other side of a small swamp heard the cry of some Maoris, but thinking it -wan a conjugal.quarrel, they, declined to interfere, but the alarm becoming more exciting, Mr. Mitchell, who was with the road party, rode oyer, and found the poor ■wahine to all appearances insensible, and

blood streaming from her right eye. Ho called for assistance, and had her carried to his residence. The poor woman was found to have been kicked on the eye, which protruded, and Mr. Mitchell, seeing the seriousness of the case, rode off to Paeroa Camp for the doctor and police; the former was out of the way, and the latter proceeded to see the woman, but could not arrest Kielan without a warrant. Information will be laid to-day, and it is probable that the brute will be in the hands of the authorities before night. I am in a position to state that on Saturday a few ounces of wash gold were purchased by one of the storekeepers, and it is rumored that several lots were purchased by others. Beyond the one lot, I cannot vouch for ; and I would again caution the public to be careful in digesting gold news from here. There are a number of men on the ground who are writing letters to the various papers, who, I believe, are not accredited or known correspondents to the journals ; and they are doing their utmost to cause a rush. On several occasions letters have appeared, and the question is asked : Who is the representative of such and such a journal ? For my own part I could not answer the question ; and I consider it the duty of any correspondent on the day of proclamation to be in a position to verify what he has stated with regard to gold news, by making known the locality from whence it came, and the person who gave it.

(From the Thames Star's Correspondent.) From a trial crushing made a short while since of stone from a lead on the line of reef at Ohinemuri, a return equalling somewhere about 100 ozs. to the ton was obtained. Obtained, I repeat, because the information is.from a source most reliable. If this may be taken as an example of what the lode in this particular instance is likely to bear, the parties interested are decidedly lucky. But such a find has a more comprehensive meaning than the fortune of a few men. It means an indication of the country's worth as a goldfield. "Where one rich find is made it is usually considered that more is to be found for searching. Were such not the case, prospecting would not be followed up by goldseekers with such zeal as it is in all parts of the world. The gold at Ohinemuri, however (so far as in its present half-unveiled state it is permitted us to know), has not been discovered in one or two places only, but has been brought to light in many—even outside the boundary of the goldfield there are one or two reefs known to be payable. So that I think little fear need be entertained as to the prosperity which the opening of Ohinemuri as a goldfield will bring. From what I can gather I believe that about fifteen applications for prospecting claims have been lodged. What the fate of them will be I cannot say, but disappointment will await some of the applicants—perhaps all—if the Government adhere to the determination previously expressed by. Ministers. Arnold, formerly a boatman at the Thames, is said to have a good " show," and the Messrs. Thorpe are "in " with him.

Several gum-diggers have come in to the Waitekuri, a report having got about that gum exists in large quantities.

(From the Correspondent of the Southern Cross.) Guahamstown, March 2.

A pigeongram to the Thames Advertiser says that Palmer (surveyor) and party went to the prospectors' claim this morning to mark off ten acres for a reserve. " Coleman and Smith and sixty men were on the ground opposing the survey. Palmer returned to the Camp, and Mr. Mackay despatched SubInspector Newall with six men. Mr. Mackay followed on horseback, and pointed out the absurdity, but they insisted on their right, and produced the Superintendent's letter. Mr. Mackay had seen it before. A dispute followed. P. O'Neill said he laid claim to Smith and Coleman's claim. Mr. Mackay disposed of him by saying, that if he made his claim, Mr. Logan would press his claim. Mr. Mackay told him he had no business to apply for a prospecting claim ; besides he had broken the arrangements entered into with the other parties. He did not recognise him at all. A warm dispute between Mr. Logan and Mi - . Mackay took place. Mr. Mackay said to give Smith and Coleman a show he would reserve fifteen men's ground instead of ten. This gave satisfaction to all except Logan. Mr. Mackay asked if Coleman had found gold. They took the party to various openings in the burnt spur, and showed where they alleged gold had been taken. Then they took some from their pockets, which, on careful examination, showed gold in patches of a very fine description. Then they discovered a deposit in the front of one of their workings, from which they took a hundred weight of stone in large blocks, in comers of which gold was plainly visible. Coleman stated they had 3cwt. of similar stone hidden in the bush, which they would show to-morrow. The show, although not rich, is a convincing proof that gold existed in the reef, which, they stated, was from 2ft. to' 3ft. wide. Mr. Mackay returned to the Camp, and informed the diggers what had taken place. General satisfaction was expressed, especially that gold had actually been seen in the stone. Applications from large numbers of miners, and resident rights have been lodged.

(From the Star, March 2.) FINDS BY PROSPECTORS. The reticence of diggers is giving way somewhat, and various reports are afloat on the finds of prospecting parties through the Gorge Ttanges. One old miner, well pleased with the general aspect of the field, and the particular show resulting from his own labor, has written for a number of his old companions. Many parties of miners who are shepherding ground in the ranges find their exchequer getting low, and feel the stern necessity of raising the wind as soon as possible. One digger in charge of a tent, mentioned on Saturday the fact of himsejf and three mates coming from Hokitika to secure a piece of ground they had discovered to be gold-bearing four years ago, but that they were barely able to keep themselves in tucker another month without in some way increasing their funds, having waited at the Thames for the opening of the field, and fooled away most of their money before going up. WHERE THE BEST COUNTRY LIES. A prospector who came up on Saturday from a tour to the boundary line this side the Aroha mountain, states that a great part of the best ground he met with was in the vicinity of the gorge, but was of such a precipitous character that in some places there was no footing, and he had to rise hand over hand up roots of trees. The indications of gold were most satisfactory, and the result of panning off from many of the reef-washes was exceedingly good. His opinion was that mining during the winter would be found a very difficult matter, and in some of the best-looking spots au impossibility. The soil on the back ranges was of a very rich nature; diggers would be able to keep their tables easily supplied with vegetables, and as an old Australian digger, constitutionally weakened by toil in unhealthy districts, ho believed the Ohinemuri district was destined to prove a haven of rest to Australia, Palmer River, and other fagged miners who could pursue their usual avocation, and at the same time to resuscitate their failing energies, amid this natural paradise of a country, with its abundant supply of fresh water, rich soil, a mild congenial climate, which has not its equal in the colonies. Situated at so short a distance from Auckland, that in spite of its winding river, a good steamer could make the passage in eight hours. The old miner's earnest expression of opinion will be borne out by any tourist who has the good fortune to travel through the fair district of Ohinemuri.

THE FLOWING RIVER. One gentleman, a Waikato landowner, who is a great admirer of that portion of the province, states they have a beautiful river in the Waikato, but that the Thames Eiver beats it—with banks firm and sandy ; the miles of flat land adorned with every variety of indigenous shrubs and plants, with rich back ground of forest trees and auriferous ranges—a most perfect panorama of nature. Every mile further up tho river, as tho traveller proceed-*, adds some new feature to the exquisite beauty of the scene. Few in Auckland aro aware of

the tremendous volume of clear fresh water continuously running through the plains of Ohinemuri down to the sea, in some purts with such velocity that a man cannot swim against its current,_ while the depth is as great as thirty feet in some places. As the mind contemplates this placid scene, a feeling of deep regret is experienced to think of the limpid stream, so transparent and pure, being polluted with filth of every description. The air, at present so calm and clear, soon to be filled with smoke and taints, and resound with the noise of batteries, and the hum of city life. Forests, shrubs, and all native vegetation to be swept away for ever from the place. Such, however, is the march of civilisation. OHINEMDM UEGUIiATIONS. The Auckland Gazette containing the regulations under which claims at Ohinemuri are to be pegged out and held, will not be issued in Auckland till Wednesday, and consequently | will not be in the hands of miners when they most require guidance. A considerable number of alterations have been made, at the suggestion of Mr. Mackay, while in town. In order, however, that miners may know what to do, we (Thames Advertiser) have procured a corrected copy of the regulations relative to marking out of claims, the area of claims, &e., which will be found sufficient for the present:— PART I.—3IINERS' HIOIIXS, CLAIMS, TUNNELS, PROTECTION, &o. Miners' Bights to be issued.—l. Miners' rights for the Ohinemuri goldfield shall be issued by the Receiver of Gold Revenuo on payment of a fee of one pound (£1), and no person not being the holder of such a miner's right will be permitted to mine on the said goldfield. Miners' Rights to be exhibited on demand.—2. Every holder of a miner's right must exhibit the same on demand of any goldfields officer or any other person duly authorised in writing by the Warden to demand such exhibition. Marking out of Claims.—3. Any miner desiring the occupation of land for mining shall mark out the same by causing to be fixed at every angle thereof a post not less than Sin. square or 3in. in diameter, standing not less than 2ft. above the surface of the ground, and having thereupon some distinguishing mark, and shall cause to be cut an L trench 6ft. long and Oin. deep along the boundary lines, commencing from each angle post; and any piece of land so marked out shall be a claim : Provided that when an angle cannot be so marked on account of the nature of the ground, the post and lockspit trench may be placed at the nearest practicable point. Form of Claims.—4. A claim, with the exception of river and creek claims, may be of any form, provided that it shall not exceed in length twice its breadth ; but unoccupied land of irregular shape between two or more claims may be takeu up irrespective of length or breadth. Division of Claims.—s. Claims held for mining are divided into three classes—(l.) Class N0..l comprises shallow alluvial deposits, where the depth of sinking does not exceed 30ft. (2.) Class No. 2 comprises quartz lodes, reefs, and leaders. (3.) Class No. 3 comprises deep alluvial deposits, river and creek beds, and all other claims not comprised iu Classes 1 and 2.

Area of Claims.—o. In Class No. I—The area of land which may be occupied for mining by one miner shall not exceed 2500 square feet In caoli claim taken up by him, but any party of miners not exceeding six in number, each being actually present at and engaged in the marking out of any land for mining—or represented by a miner so present or engaged, such representative miner being at the time of such marking out in personal possession of the miner's right or rights of the miner or miners represented—instead of marking out separate land for each miner in such party, may mark out in the manner hereinbefore described an aggregate area of land equal in extent to 2500 square feet for each miner in such party. In Class No 2.—The area of land which may be occupied for mining by one miner shall not exceed 15,000 square feet in each claim taken up by him, but any party of miners, not exceeding ten in number, each being actually present and engaged in the marking out of any land for mining—or represented by a miner so present and engaged, such representative minor being at tho time of such marking out in personal possession of the miner's right or rights of tho miner or miners represented—instead of markingout separate land for each miner in such party, may mark out in the manner hereinbefore prescribed, an aggregate area of land equal in extent to 15,000 square feet for each miner in such party. ... . In Class No. S (not being river or creek claims).— The area of land which may be occupied for mining by one miner shall not exceed 3,600 square feet in each claim taken up by him ; but any party of miners not exceediug six in number, each being actually present at and engaged in the marking out of any land for mining—or represented by a miner so present and engaged, such representative miner being at tho time of such marking out in personal possession of the miner's right or rights of the miner or miners represented—instead of marking out separate land for each miner in such party, may mark out in the manner hereinbefore prescribed, an aggregate area of land equal in extent to 3,600 square feet for each miner in such party. In River and Creek Claims. —The area of land which may be occupied for mining by one miner shall not exceed in length fifty feet, measured along the course of the stream, and shall not exceed in width the width of the bed of the stream when the bed of such stream is more than sixty (00) feet in width. When the bed of such stream is less than sixty (00) feet, and exceeds thirty feet, in width, fifteen feet of each bank may be added to the claim, and when the bed of such stream is less than thirty feet in width, twenty-five feet of each bank maybe added to.the claim ; but any party of miners, not exceeding six in number, each being actually present at, and engaged in the marking out of any land for mining—or represented by a miner so present and engaged, such representative miner being at the time of such marking out in personal possession of the miner's right or rights of the miner or miners represented—instead of marking out separate land for each miner in such party, may mark out in the manner hereinbefore prescribed an aggregate area, equal in extent to fifty feet in length, measured as aforesaid, for pach miner in such party, and not exceeding the width aforesaid. The boundaries of the bed of the stream shall be defined by the Warden or other officer dulyauthoriaed. Amalgamation.—o. The owners of adjoining claims being in tho same class, and which, together, shall not exceed in area or extent four times the largest area or extent allowed for a claim of their particular class, may amalgamate the same. The owners of the several claims desiring amalgamation shall sign, in duplicate, a writing in the form in the schedule hereto appended, marked A, and deposit tho same in tho otiico of the Mining Registrar, who shall return one of such writings, sealed with the seal of the office, to the parties, and thereon the several claims mentioned in such writings shall bo amalgamated, and thenceforth be held and worked as one claim.