LATEST FROM OHINEMURI.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 116, 22 February 1872, Page 3

LATEST FROM OHINEMURI.

(FROM A COR I! KSI’ONDENT.) February 21. There is nothing of great importance to chronicle respecting the affairs of this district. The rain came down to such a great extent yesterday that great precaution had to he taken to make all secure in case of a flood. It transpired, however, that the precautions were not necessary, as there was an abatement of rain after a good day of it. The river rose to a great extent, about 12 feet, but no damage was done either to buildings or crops. I’he native difficulty is still in the same position. Our sable friends are having a meeting nt Te Moaunnui's settlement. All the available people in the district arc present. To Ilira will attend to-morrow, being prevented by stress of weather from coming up the river yesterday. TlicNgntikoi people are over from Wailii, and tho business for discussion appears to be the telegraph question, and also as to persons who arc said to be mining oi land in this distiiet without authority of the native owners. I presume, from the preparations which have been made, that 1 lie usual amount of “ kai ” and “ waipir./ ” will bo consumed by the visitors. Mr Mackay lias not yet returned from the East Const, but is expected here this day, in order to take part in the proceedings at Te Moaunnui's. Several gentlemen were here during the week, negotiating with some of the principal chiefs for the erection of a flax-mill in the district, and were, 1 am glad to say, successful in completing their arrangements. Nothing (except the opening of the district for mining) could possibly give a greater impetus to the district than the establishment of a flaxmill, and I only hope that on this occasion the promoters will reap the reward duo to the spirit and enterprise which has prompted the undertaking. The potato crop, I am soiry to say, is a complete failure this season, owing to the long drought. The rain has come too late. The potatoes are, as a rule, not much bigger than marbles, and it is feared that the natives will suffer somewhat in consequence. Possibly this may

lead the paternal Government to offer, and the natives to accept, pecuniary overtures for the opening of this coveted district, and what appears to be n calamity may turn out to be a real blessing. I should he verry sorry to see the natives suffer, hut if a little deprivation for a short time from potatoes should lead to the opening up of the country, it need not he greatly regretted. The facts I have mentioned may he turned to good account by skilful hands, and I hope the opportunity will not be lost sight of.