THE WAITOA AFFAIR MEETING AT CHRISTCHURCH.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 236, 7 January 1888, Page 4

THE WAITOA AFFAIR MEETING AT CHRISTCHURCH.

Mr J. B. Smith, owner of the site ot tho reputed gold discovery which has been so prominently before the public during the past few months, has returned to Auckland trom Chvistchurch, whither he had gone to attend a meeting of tho shareholders of tho Waitofi Goldminiug Company. From what we can gather of the proceedings the meeting (which was nob reported in the Christ church papers) was held at Agricultural and Pastoral Association's llooms, Christchurch, on December 22nd, Mr Maude, chaitman of directors, presiding. The first business Avas the reception of the leportof Messrs Maudo and Barnes, who had come to Auckland several weeks previously to inquire into the alleged salting of tho trial parcels. The report, which was most voluminous, contained the minutes of evidence given by Messrs Pond, Whifcaker, .Wifchcford, and others, and though much of it was conflicting, it showed clearly that tho parcels had been salted. The report, however, expressed no opinion as to who wero tho guilty parties. Mr Smith also admitted that he was himself convinced that there had been fraud, but to what extent he did not know. Some discussion ensued, and Mr Smith was questioned as to his position respecting the Company. He stated that he had leeched £2,000 cash on account from the Company, "and had sold about £200 worth ot shares. Tho €2,000, however, had been paid away entirely for commissions and brokerage in connection with the floating of the concern, and with the other expenses he was fully £1,000 cut of pocket. Mr Smith then ottered to cancel the agreement whereby he was to receive £12,000 -for his property, moneys already jpaid. to him not to be refunded, and the land to bo handed back to him ; or lie would be agreeable to test 100 tons of stuff at his own expense, but under the supervision of the Company, and if the result proved payable the directors might complete the original agreement. It was resolved that a test of from 100 to 300 tons bo made, the Company to pay the cost of testing any stuff exceeding the 100 tons, the cost of treatment of which Mr Smith offered to provide, the Company at once to cancel their right to the lower 1,000 acres. Several of the directors, who said they had no confidence in the company, resigned, and others were appointed in their places. It was agreed that Mr Price should put up a pan on the ground for the purpose of making the test suggested by Mr Smith. The shareholders sympathised with Mr Smith, and expressed themselves perfectly satisfied with his bona Jiden throughout the whole affair.

A REWARD OFFERED. Since Mr Smith's return ho has been in communication with the police with regard to the galting of the test parcels, and we understand that he intends offering a reward of £100 for evidence that will lead to the conviction of the offenders. —Auckland Star.