CORRESPONDENCE

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 54, 14 June 1884, Page 7

CORRESPONDENCE

Under no circumstances is the Editor responsible for the mutter contained in correspondence.

(to the editor.) Sir, — A month or two ago a most successful concert was held in the schoolhouse, Waiorongomai, to celebrate the opening of that institution. Seeing such a large number of the public present, and the fact that, in addition, subscription papers were taken to nearly every resident within reach, and who subpcribed his or her 5s or 10s, a considerable amount of cash must have been collected. The expenses for tea, refreshments, etc., provided for the children during the afternoon, could not possibly have exceeded the amount taken. Therefore there must be some large amount in hand. I would ask who was treasurer ? and why a balance-sheet, or some published financial report was not made through the columns of your paper, as is usual to do so ? I think a great injustice has been done to those who assisted, directly or indirectly, to make the concert the success it was. It would be unnecessary to refer to other matters pertaining to this question as it wouM occupy too much space. Apologising for the trouble I have given you, trusting you will insert the above for public information. — I am, etc., Pro Bono Publico.

(to the editor.) Sir, — I carefully read the leader in your issue of the 7th instant, and though I agree with it in the main, I must take exception to your remarks about the correspondence that has of late appeared in your columns as being too personal. O O O O 0 O There can be no better example of what good management will do in the hand'ingof quartz reefs in New Zealand than the one you mention, viz , what Mr Moore has done with low grade quartz at Waihi, conceding as I do that the Waihi quartz are softer and more easily won. The average reef on the Te Arolia goldfield is more thanffour times as rich as what Mr Moore lias to handle, and should, with careful management, pay good dividends. Then look at the splendid results obtained at lteefton. There a judicious use of capital, supported with good management, contrive jointly to pay handsome dividends. Keel's composed of hard clean quartz, not worth more than ha!f-an-ounce to tlic ton, pay good dividends. What must then the future of this grand field be when good management h a. fait accompli ? We must acknowledge all changes ior the better as they are meted out to us in just fairness, and a, reduction in the charge of berdans at the existing battery from 6.s 8d to 5s per dfcrn is a *rep in the right direction, as well as the reduction of charges in ciushing for outride cl«iims (those not giving paid-up shares co the Battery Company) from 15s p. r ton to 12s 6d, these, though small, are nevertheless acceptable. What we desire, is to have such management as to warrant a further reduction on these heads ; and a reduction in tramway charges, with a thoroughly separate and independent management ; as also the uianageis of the different mines allowed more license, ami be held more responsible for the wotking of their mines. It i.«i a* reasonable to expect a mine man.iger to work his mine to tlu best advantage when he has to receive hit, vital instructions from Auckland (.ikely from people who are totally ignorant of mining), as to expoot a commander to light u battle by ideas the Duke of Cambridge might conceive alter a sham fight at Aldershot. U cumstances must guide management, and those entrusted with the power to manage mu^t be unfettered. I will take tor instance two examples to be ir these ideas out. The New Find, with a view oi opening up the mine properly, put in a l>w level to intersect the reef, this has been done by connect ; the last contractors have kept good faith with the shareholders and cirried out their contract. The moment t.iis work was completed the ttwinagcr t-hou.d Imvu been in a position to at once measure up tue work and

settle with the men, and without delayproceed with the object intended, viz., to drive on the reef so to open up a fresh block of ground. But nol red-tapism comes again to the front, and time, which is money, must bo lost pending instructions from Auckland. o « c © « # Men remain idle, stampers are hung up, to the injury of all concerned, and for what? Can a reasonable excuse be given V I imhe-otatiugly say no. Theory is all very well in u book, but it is prac tice an.i common-sense that is wanted on a goldhVld, or in any other busings, The Colonist started some nine we.:ks ago a iow level, in order to open up a fresh block of ground ; the contract was let very low, ii.iil after the contractors (hove 78 feet they were compelled to throw up their contract and forfeit the 25 psv cent held in hand as a guarantee. Now, it it was necessary to put this level in, was not it important that steps should have been taken at once to arrange for the continuance of this level ? yet, from the thus the contractors ceased work, about thrae weeks were required by the ruling powers to decide if to continue work mi this low level. Such unheard of vacilating management gives the mine managers no chance to do credit to the shareholder-, or to themselves. 6 d 6 c c 6 Wo want co-operation, reciprocity of action, and menthorughL competent at the head of each department. a o o c a * Suece*s will be the reward of all who are interested in the field. — [ am, &c, A SIIAUKHOLDER.