Charges against the Inspector of Miners' Rights.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3532, 21 April 1880, Page 2

Charges against the Inspector of Miners' Rights.

In yesterday's issue we briefly referred to an enquiry about to be held into the truthfulness of certain allegations against a goldfields official—that gentleman being Mr Mtllhone, Inspector of Miners' Rights. The origin of the enquiry is as follows: A. number of the natives of this district, some time ago petitioned the Native Minister for Mr Mcll hone's ' removal, and asking that Mr Campbell be appointed in his stead. We are informed that the petition was very largely signed, but one-half of the signatures were informal, and the body of it contained charges of neglect of duty aiyl favoritism to friends, hi consequence of the petition, the .Native Minister, or'the Minister of Justice, we are not sure which, directed Mr Keurick to hold an enquiry. The first sitting of this enquiry took place to-day," the natives being represented by Mr Henry E, Campbell, solicitor. A large number of Maories were examined, and we are informed that . the tenor of their evidence showed that they wished to get rid of Mr Mcllhone. No special charges were made against him, though Hoani Nahe, Nikorima Poutotara, and others stated that he favoured his friends and neglected his duties. Mr Campbell, we believe, produced a lengthy list of names i of miners working in the gold field without being holders of the Miners' Eights, whereupon, we are informed, Mr Mcllhone stated that he could give reasons why they should be allowed to do so. Mr Mcllhone was requested to send in a written statement of his reasons and the enquiry was adjourned,, Such is the history of the affair so far, but no doubt during the next few days fresh facts wiU come to light.