ANSWER TO MR JOSEPH REID.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2911, 14 June 1878, Page 3

ANSWER TO MR JOSEPH REID.

(To the Editor of the Evenik» Stab.) Sißj—Answering Mr Joseph Reid's letter published in your issue of 12th inst., I would first mention his statement as to my promise is quite correct, at the same time I would like to shew him and all those interested in the future prosperity of the Thames Goldfield, thnt no trouble or expense has been spar:d to obtain a good title to the machine site on which the Golden Arrow battery and plant is erected, and so, shortly, placing sarae*in a position to be worked. At the time of purchase at auojjjpnij^said plant, I was given to understanfWaYne might remain on the site, but found afterwards no transfer could be obtained for the machine site; meantime the Government forfeited the licensefor site and advertised same open forapplications. Only two applications were receifed (one f-om myself, and one from a party who has no interest in. the plant). The Warden appointed the first July next for sale thereof. Solicitor's opinion was obtained on the matter,, acting on which the machine site was duly marked put and application made for same in the usual manner. On hearing on 7th inst, Warden decided to refuse my application, on the grounds that he was dealing with the site in another way, and could not grant game. I regret such a fine plant has to come away, as I am not in a position to parchase same a second time, and only hope the person who has applied for the site will purchase same and meet the proper "reward usually attending such operations, and which merits the due notice of miners and others. Attached are copies of letters re the subject, which will point out the efforts made to retain and work said Battery. It is a pity our respected Warden's hands appear to be bound by so much law without the power to use a little more equity. It is likely the whole matter may be brought before tUe Goldfields Secretary, Wellingtoa.—l an, &c, A. Hume. [copi.] Grahamstown, May 16,1878. To the Warden, Thames Goldfields. \ Sib,— 'According to your notification, re late machine site No. 7, known as the late Golden Arrow machine site, I have applied for right to occupy same, but should other applications be received, and the said site sold at auction, I would respectfully request you will allow me time—say about four months—to remove my machinery, battery house, water wheel, fluming, three cottages, 260 feet of tramway, and about 400 tons of firewood, should I not be enabled to purchase said site on which same now stand. I hare the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, A. Hume. [cot* ok amweb.] Warden's Office, Thames, 19th May, 1878. .- Sib,—ln answer to your letter of 10th inst., I have the honor to inform you that I can see no way in which I can grant your request—Section 107 protects the license for 30 days after forfeiture, and your only protection seems to be to purchase site or remove machinery before sale. .< Your obedient servant, W. Fbaseb, Warden. Mr A. Hume, Thames.

[oorr.] Thames, Grahamstown, 20th May, 1878.

To the Warden,

'• "" Thames Goldfield. . Sib,—l beg to thank you for the prompt answer to my letter of 16th inst, and am aorry it appears not to be in your power to grant the request contained therein. However, I would respectfuHy ask you to fix such a future day after the 3Gth May to sell the said site, as provided by section 110, which appears to leave such fixing at your option, should there be other applicants for said site than myself, so as to enable me to remove the machinery, battery, &c. I urgently make this request, knowing that the site is no use to any other person than myself directly my plant is removed, and so save future trouble and perhaps litigation. I have the honor to be, sir, Your obedient servant, , A. Hume.

[COPT.] Grahamstown, June 3, 1878. To the Warden, Thames Goldfields. gjßj-j^itling lie machinery, battery and otheipWildings cannot be removed from the late Golden Arrow battery site No. 7,before the time appointed by you for the sale thereof, viz., Ist July next, without very great loss and expense, I would respectfully ask if I leave same intact; will you recommend Government to refund me any sum over and above the price you place on samei for which the said site with the machinery and buildings may be sold for.' I make this application on the following grounds :— 1. If the machinery, battery and other. buildings, wliich have been erected at a cost of over £4000, are removed no •■■■• one will purchase said site. 2. Said site will sell only on account of the improvements erected thereon. 3. The Government will consequently be selling my "property, and I should be entitled to receive back all proceeds of such sale over the reserve you place on. §aid site. 4. lam willing to pay such reserve price on said site now, but will not purchase if machinery is forced to be - removed'6, If on the 7th inst. you consider sufficient and just objections have been lodged with you to refuse my application for said site, I shall hold the Government responsible for all loss or trouble which such refusal may cause, as mysolicitor's opinion (shewn to you) points out that under all the circumstances said site may be granted me. . 6, By granting me eaid site no one is

injured, and v refused great loss ensues privataly, and to the public if the plant has to l>3 removed. I again respectfully urge you will be pleased to extend to the utmost limits your wide powers, and &o save to the public the loss of removing such a fino plant and thereby limiting the future prospects of the Taif u'a Goldfields. If site is granted the battery will be at once started to work and men to prospect. Full particulars and copies of all letters ] euu if required be forwarded to Welling- ; ton, also a public petition if such will j strengthen this application. i I have tho honor to be, ' j Sir, „ ■ Your obedient Servant, ,' Alex. Hume. [copy.]- . . Warden's Office, Thames, 3rd June, 1878. Sib,—l have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of this date. My duty in the matter is clearly laid down by Act and regrlatioris, and from these I cannot depart, and, therefore,' decline to make any compact with you or anyone else in reference to the Tairua Machine Site. I have the honor to be. Sir, Your obedient servant, W. Fbaseb, Warden. Mr A. Hume, Thames.