THE SHOTOVER.

Southland Times, Volume 2, Issue 93, 25 September 1863, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE SHOTOVER.

(From the Correspondent of tbe Wala'ip Mail.) If what I have heard be true, the conduct 1 of the late Warden fMr Wood) is reprehensible in the extreme, in having told the Maories that they were at liberty to mine without being in possession of a Miner's lsi-rht, for the* reason that they were aborigines of the soil. This is a most extraordinary state of affairs, and I trust, for the credit of our late Warden, tbat it U incorrect. The result is, that they bave had their prospecting claim jumped. ln mining matters, I have the satisfaction to inform you that the Grand Junction and Perseverance Gold Mining Companies have once ngain got a portion of their dam in for tbe diverting of the river., The Wardens quaiters and Court-house are being built on a more eligible site than where it was originally intended. I should imagine that that gentleman's duties must be prettysevere. He is tramping about from morning to night, over rugged ranges, settling disputes. It is a woeful difference from the palmy days of Victoria, when Commissioners Used to ride about in all the pomp and pride of power, with a body guard of four troopers. I certainly don't think that this gentleman has got a sinecure, The mining community gonerally arc wellsatisfied witb his decisions ; and so far ashis appointment is concerned, I consider we have got the right man in the right place. \ We have been enlivened by several fresh arrivals of the f.iir sex. How on earth they manage to get over the ranges, covered with snow, is a mystery to me. A pack°r can scarcely accomplish tbe journey in three days, when a lady under proper escort can perform it in one. It only goes to prove that woman in many instances can not only equal, but surpass man in cases of endurance and fatigue. They are tiuly welcome guests to Maori Point, | which the miners abundantly testified by tho i loud cheering which greeted them from both I sides of the river on their arrival. I . 4» ■ —