CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON GOLD STEALING.
To the Editor of the Thames Guardian. Sir,— It has long been said, even since the opening of the field, that a large quantity of gold has been stolen—not only from rich mines, but also from machines and berdans, and during the process of amalgamation. In some cases, no doubt, this is true. Some have been detected anu punished, but a great deal of loss lias been su.taincd by the practice.
I see by your paper of this morning, that at a meeting of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, Mr Shera and Mr W. Rattray—shareholders in various companies—directly state that “ the poor returns are owing to the existence of private berdans, ” where stolen specimens were crushed secretly, and legitimate shareholders victimised, and private berdans a nest of robbers.” Rather strong language certainly. What direct proof have they for making such ascertions ? What has that a'-gust body—the Auckland Chamber of Commerce —done for the fit’d that they should talk thus? If they can prove tha; their statements are true, and show that the proprietor has knowingly crushed stolen specimens let them do so ; and not condemn all owners of berdans, and treat'them as well-known thieves by placing them under the vigilance of the police. It is well known that specimens have been stolen, hut those wise-acres little think that other means have been adopted to extract the gold than by a private beldam In conclusion, bow is the gold disposed off. Do the Banks buy it, or do private dealers? If so, they ought to find out where the stolen goods, or gold, comes from : for if there were no means of disposing of such property without the mine manager’s note, perhaps less would he stolen.—l am, &c., Pestle and Mortar.
[The several members of what out correspondent calls that “ august body,” have sunk thousands in the field, whatever they may have gained, and are evidently indiguant at the, small yields being produced. —Ed. T.G.]
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Bibliographic details
Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 244, 20 July 1872, Page 3
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330CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON GOLD STEALING. Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 244, 20 July 1872, Page 3
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