The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1879.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3176, 24 April 1879, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1879.

By our Auckland telegram« the result of the conference between the County and the United Pumping Association, held in Auckland to-day, may be seen. It is to be regretted .that a larger offer was not made to the County for the securities, for, notwithstanding the opinions that may be held as to the position lately taken by,the County authorities, it must be admitted that a large sum than that offered has been expended by that body in maintaining pumping operations during the last two years— we mean exclusire of the gold duty. The total- cost of pumping and prospecting 'operations' fpr the term above-mentioned has been over £14,000, of which the Borough contributed about £3600, the balande being made up of contributions from the mines, money taken from the £10,000 loan raised by the County, and the Gold Duty accruing to that body. The United Pumping Association evidently consider that the County should be refunded only the amount expended by it out of the loan, giving no credit for the gold duty expended by either it or the Borough. It is reasonable for the County to expect: more than £4000, and the Pumping Association, we say, hare not met in a liberal spirit the Council in this matter. Howerer it seems that the association is agreeable to. arrangements being made with other companies benefited by-,the continuance of pumping operations, and it is probable that an understanding may bo arrived at that will result in the pump, now once more started, being kept going. The Moanatairi, though not one of the mines mortgaged, is very much concerned in this operation of pumping, and it would be probably worth the while of that company alone to pay the cost of pumping to the 400 feet level. The County authorities deserve credit for their action ou this occasion, and it is most do*

voutly to be hoped that they may yet arrange matters before leaving Auckland that may result in benefit to this district. The Borough authorities have since the first offered to give their gold duty towards prospecting and pumping operations, and yesterday Hi» Worship the Mayor, in reply to a telegram from the Mayor of Auckland upon this matter, Baid " ho believed the Council were yet of the same mind, and would give a liberal support to all future prospecting works at low levels." There is a feeling arising upon this matter that before very long will call for other means than conferences to settle it, for the stoppage of the pump is telling most injuriously upon this community.