THE NEGLECT OF NORTHERN GOLDFIELDS. Auckland, December 20.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 234, 24 December 1887, Page 8

THE NEGLECT OF NORTHERN GOLDFIELDS. Auckland, December 20.

The failure of the Government to provide on the estimates, any assistance for theNorthern goldfields has caused ageneral eeling of indignation amongst the commercial and mining community. This found expression in a meeting of the mining com mittee of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. Mr J. H. Witheford has also been taking an interest in the matter, and yesterday sent the following telegram to Mr Peacock, M.H.R. :— Thomas Peacock, Esq., M.H.R., Wellington. Miners and other able-bedied men leavgg in scores. Make proposal to Government to offer work to unemployed on goldfield at 4s per day, making up the wages to 7s a day if results warranted. I undertake to poinb out payable reefs without charge to Government. This would be a reproductive work. J. H. Witheford. Mr Witheford received the following reply : " Have seen Minister of Mines and Minister for Public Works ; the former cannot undertake mining, the latter can only give assistance for road-making ab usual rates. Thos. Pkacock. Mr Witheford thereupon sent the following telegram : — "Thos. Peacock, Wellington. It is time Parliament started re productive works and stopped non productive. Move in House that Hon Mr Mitchelson be authorised to employ a few hundred men on Auckland goldfields. Supply of gold would relievo financial strain on country; would also benefit by retaining colonists. This will help com pensate for omission on estimate. J. H. Witheford.