THE OPENING OF OHINEMURI.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 26, 6 November 1871, Page 3

THE OPENING OF OHINEMURI.

To the Editor of The Thames Guardian. Sir, The question is daily asked, “ when will Ohinemuri be opened ?” and from the very anxious tone in which the inquiry is made, a stranger would imagine that we have an overcrowded goldfield at the Thames, and capital was so plentiful that new outlets for speculation were required. But is this the c se? The answer is decidedly no ! Ad of our population being too numerois, it is utterly out of proportion to the immense block” of proclaimed goldfield extending from Cape Colville on the north to Omaha on the south, which contains an area of some 250,000 acres. Now, of this territory, can any one say that one fiftieth part or 5,000 acres has been systematically prospected. As to new outlets for capital, we have not the hundredth part of what is required for the development of the resources Of the present goldfield. It is stated that the result of opening up Ohinemuri will be to bring a large inllux of population and capital to this district. This may be correct, but the disproportion will still be the same, because the increased population and capital will be spread over a much larger area than at present. Another result is not difficult to foresee, that is the reduction in value of mining, landed, and business property at Hauraki and Coromandel. For the above reasons, it will appear there is no cause for the feverish anxiety displayed about- the opening of Ohinemuri. I would tender the following advice as to the Ohinemuri question, viz., Leave Ohinomuri alone, and by showing no eagerness to possess it,the natives will be more likely to part with it. Let the Government, or their agents, use their utmost endeavours to quietly acquire Ohinemuri, and if they go properly about it and are not interfered with, they arc bound to succeed. Many persons imaginethatif the natives agree to open Ohinemuri, they will be able to go there forthwith and commence mining operations, in iny opinion it will be three months from the day the Natives consent before the Government will be able to complete the surveys of Native reserves, and take all steps necessary to prevent serious complications arising.—l am, &c., Hauraki.