WARDEN’S COURT.—Yesterday

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 27, 7 November 1871, Page 3

WARDEN’S COURT.— Yesterday

Before W. Fraser, Esq., AVanlen. THE CALEDONIAN CLAIM. NON-FA YJI ENT OF MINERS’ RIGHTS. Thomas Stanley, a miner in the Caledonian G.M.C., pleaded guilty to a charge preferred auaiiist him by Mr. Mcllhone, of not having a miners’ right.—Mr. Robinson, tho Registrar, proved that defendant’s miners’ right expired on the 28tb August, 1871.—Fined 21s. and costs, 15s. Gd. Mclliione v. W. Rosie. —This Avas a similar charge. The defendant did not appear, and the case Avas adjourned for fourteen days. Mclliione v. Tomficin. —This Avas a similar charge. —The defendant pleaded guilty, and Avas fined 40s. and costs, £1 15s. Gd. —It Avas proved that the defendant in this case had been at Avork for six mouths without a miners’ right. Mclliione v. John Barkly. —The defendant in this case Avas also charged in like manner. —The defendant pleaded guilty, and stated : I am a miner, Avorking in the Caledonian G.M.C. I have been Avorking there for six Aveeks. I bad no miners’ right until Friday last. I had been here only three days when I commenced to Avork in the Caledonian. I had been Avorking previously in America. Did not understand that lie had to take out a miners’ right.—Under the circumstances the Warden inflicted the mitigated penalty of ss. and £1 15s. Gd. Mclliione v. Leavis Fleming.— This Avas also a similar charge.—The defendant said: I have been Avorking for six months at the Caledonian. Had no miner’s right.—Fined 40s. and costs. Mclliione v. Henry Neavman. — Same v. Thomas. —Same v. Chappil.—These cases Avere adjourned for 14 days. All the defendants pleaded guilty, and said they did not understand that they bad to take out miners’ rights Avhcn Avorking for Avages Avitbout an interest. Mr. Macdonald, avlio appeared in support of the prosecution, said the defendants could hardly _ plead ignorance, preA r ious cases of a similar nature ha\ r ing been before the Court on former occasions, and the result announced to the public through the Press. As to the plea, if set up, that the ground Avas held by lease, and that more miners’ rights in connexion Avith the ground had been taken out than Avould be necessary to bold the ground as a claim, he could only say that eacldnian mining for gold, Avhether for himself or for hire, Avas subjected to a penalty if be so mined Avitbout holding a miners’ right.