At Te Aroha.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 199, 16 April 1887, Page 3

At Te Aroha.

On Tuesday morning the weather wns fine and blight, and a start wns made at | 0.30 to visit Waiorongomai gold field, the Minister being accompanied l»y | "Warden Stratford, Professor Brown, Messrs Gordon, G. Wilson, G. Fraser, J. Hot', P. Ferguson, Crs Smith and Gould, etc. The New Find mine was first visited under the guidance of the mine mannger Mr McLiver ; and from thence the party proceeded on foot to the New Era Battery, where the machineiy was put in motion. Mr G. Fraser (who supplied all the plant, and is part owner theivof), explained the modus operand!, and also gave information respecting further additions and improvements contemplated. The ilat was again reached about half-past one, and refresh incuts provided by Mr 11. 11. Adams were paitaken of at the Battery Company's office. Mr Adams showed a number of plans of new and improved machine! y i'ur treating auriferous and argentiferous ores, which he had P' en at woik during his recent visit to the American goldliel Is, and gave information respecting new machinery which Me-ssis Firth and Clnike shoitly purpose electing in connection with their battery. Wairukau Block. — Me-srs McLiver fiml J. Sampson (nho had 1 ecu appointed as a deputation by those who <omo time lack formed themselves into [in association and wrote Mr Ballance requesting that he would acquire this laud and throw it open for occupation by mineis), waited upon Mr Larnach, pointed out the pi Mtiou of the block, «ome 3000 acres, and explained that it : was desired that Government should try and acquiie the J.iud, so that it might be placed at the dispos.d of the miners in small holdings, in the same way as the Gordon settlement block, and urged the great advantage it would be to those woiking on the hill to be able to acquire ! homes of their own within Qdsy reach of their work. ; Mr Larnach said the matter was one for the Minister of Lands to deal with, but he was always gad to be of use to the miners, even if the matters brought before him were not in his department, and he would see Mr Ballance on the subject. He fully recognised the impoitauco of giving every possible inducement to keep miners in the district, and the advantage to them of having some land to work on when out of regular employment. He would advise them to get up a petition and forward to Government, which Mr Ballance. it' he thought (it might present to Parliament. If it had the recommendation of the Warden it would be greatly strengthened, and he would do what he could to assist the matter himself. The deputation having thanked Mr Larnach for his kind reception, withdrew ; and a move whs made for Te Aroha which was reached about 4 p.m., and shortly afterwards Messrs F. Pavitt, Frazer, and Dobson waited upon the Minister re the- following matters. Mr Pavitt acting as spokesman :-— Prospecting Track, To Aroha. — A subsidy of £ for £ was asked, towards constructing a track fiom the foot of Te Aroha mountain to connect with the upper hill track towards Tui, near the Premier mine, estimated cost LI 2O te Ll3O. Mr Pavitt said the work was a most desirable one, would prove of mud benefit to miners and others, and the Piako County Council had promised Ie provide the balance of tho money. Mr Larnach said Government wouk grant the amount asked for, anc bo very glad to assist, a work o. tho kind, « r i3 money devoted to opening up tho country was well spent. Land Tenure at To Aroha. — M: Pavitt next referred to the disadvantag* it was to the progress of To Aroha tha the land was still in the hands of th< native owners, and tho only title obtain able a goldfields one. If freeholds, oi failing that perpetual leases were ob

tamable, it would be a great benefit to the community. Mr Dobson stated that Mr Ballanco had boon interviewed when at To Atoha about two years ago on tho subject, and promised to see what could bo done in the matter, but they wished to take advai,tage of his (Mr Laiuach's) presence to further urge the importance of the subject. At the interview referred to Mr Lipsey, the principal owner interested was present, and expressed his willingness that a better title should be given. Mr Larnach : Dealing 1 with native lands is a difficult master. If, however, the native owners were willing- to assist in this case, he would advise that a petition addressed to the Minister of Lands be prepared, and signed by the native owners as well as by the townspeople interested ; if that were done, he ' fhousjht there would bo nothing to prevent Government acting in the matter. Mr Jf'razer asked would it be possible for Government to buy the land right out, Mr Larnach : Tho natives might not be willing to sell. Mr Frazer : I believe they would. Mr Larnach : If you think so and can get their signatures agreeing to sell at a reasonable price, I believe the Minister of Lands would bo inclined to consider the matter favourably. I am willing to do anything I can, as I am in sympathy with you in this matter, and can see the progress of the place is being retarded by the amount of land still held by the natives here. Thames Harbour Board. — Mr Dobson stated that there was a report abroad to the effect that the Thames Harbour Board were now trying, or about to try, and obtain the contiol of several rivers iv this county, including the Waihou as far as Matamata, with the object presumably of being able to enforce rates over ns wide an area as possible. Mr Larnach said the Thames Harbour Board, even if they could obtain charge of the river, would have no power to levy rates in tho direction feared. To enable them to do so an Act would first have to be passed, and those objecting" would have an opportunity of opposing the Bill. Mr Larnach further stated it was very desirable some steps should be taken lo prevent the deposit of so much debris in the river. Libra y Building. — Tho deputation stated what had taken place between the Public Libraiv Committee and Government respecting an unoccupied two-room cottage on the railway station ground, which Government had been asked to give for library purposes. Mr Larnach promised to speak to the Minister of Public Works on the subject. After thanking the Minister, etc , etc., the deputation Nuthdrew. Wednesday Mr Larnach spent at Te Arohn, being engaged for several hours of the d.iy with his private secrctniy upon matters co»necft\l with his department. He also had interviews with Messrs J. C. Firth and P. Feiguson (respecting their special claims at Waioron^omnh, and others, who called to see him. Mr Gordon, Professor Brown, Mr J. B. Whyte, in company of Mr J. G. Firth, wont out to Waiorongomai in the forenoon and visited Filth and Clarkes battery plant, etc.