THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O' CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1880.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3661, 20 September 1880, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O' CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1880.

Ik the concluding portion of the article in our last issue on the Miner's Bights question we were discussing the form alterations might take in the existing law. We said that probably the first to gain any advantage from amendments would be the holders of ground under mining leases unless that, in consideration of the rent paid for such ground, the workers engaged therein should not be required to be holder* of Miners' Eights. If this course was adopted the natives would naturally point out that it was a direct breach of the agreement made with Mr Mackay, which required every miner to hold a right, whereas licensed holdings only pay rent in proportion to the number of men's ground held. It would also be introducing a new principle for the collection of revenue, but one, while it would not meet the views of the native owners, is that held to be the correct one by the working miner. It may be asked, if it be considered desirable or necessary, that holders of leases should continue to pay £1 for each man's ground held, why not allow the sums thus obtained to be credited to the Miners' Bight account, and a certain redaction be made in the charge made for such to the working miner P This may appear reasonable, but in practice we are afraid it would lead to great confusion, even if the lease holders preferred no claim to a diminution in their rent charge. If it is found, however, that the nati?es have no claim to revenue other than from Miners' Bights and the sale of kauri trees, then a simple alteration in clause 173 of the Mining Districts Act of 1873 might make all surplus revenue payable in certain proportions to the Borough and County Councilß, and if the claims of the mining industry are recognised to have such revenue spent on goldfield roads, tracks, or in other directions calculated to foster and advance the industry, it might be looked upon in a measure, as a refund to the miner of the revenue he contributed under the very peculiar circumstances of this goldfield. But that the miner will always have to pay a yearly sum for a right is very probable, for the custom is universal in all goldfields, and in New Zealand the charge has never been less than one pound, although in the neighbouring colonies the amount has varied at different times. There is nothing, however, to prevent the privileges conferred upon the holder of such a right being greatly increased, and many matters which now require an extra on tlay, such as the yearly rental for the residence site, might be considered as covered by the payment for the Miner's Bight, and in that way the tax would press less heavily upon the poorer men. But the simplest way out of the difficulty would be for the Government to make a fresh agreement with the Native owners, and either agree to a sum for the purchase of the freehold of the goldfield, or stipulate for a surrender of their rights up n the payment of a fixed sum yearly. Upon the natives finding that a probable reduction of from £1500 to £2000 is likely to take place in their income, owing to the facts lately brought to light, they will be the more ready to accept a fixed sum or part with the freehold. They are also by this time well aware that the revenue from the field is very precarious, and if the depression continues the income will materially decrease. These are facts well understood by our landlords, and the

sooner the Government are urged to take advantage of the same the better. The goldfield in the bands of the Government, the desired redress can be given to the miner, and regulations with a new schedule of fees can be issued, which, while not unnecessarily pressing upon the goldmining industry, may yet yield more than sufficient revenue to cover the cost of administration. These suggestions we commend to the members of the Borough and County Councils appointed on the committee to investigate this subject, and to the committee nominated by the public meeting to report upon the question of Miners' Eights. If united action is taken and representations made to the Government by both the local authorities and the miners, we may hope for such an alteration in the management of this field that a reaction of a favorable character in the goldmining industry may be fairly anticipated.

We would remind our readers of the concert in aid of the Tararu Bond Wesleyan Sunday School, to be held thia evening in the Academy of Music. The programme appears in our advertisement columns. The object is worthy of support.

The rage for billiard matches seems to be rampant on the Thames just now, .and on Saturday night at the Pacifio hotel two wellknown knights of the green cloth amused themselves and a large company by a spirited match of 500 up. We hear that Mr Holdcn and Mr Tregoweth intend to-night to play a match, 500 up, the latter gentleman receiving 100 points. It is likely a small charge of oue shilling will be made for admission to the room, as on previous occasions too many persons assembled to witness the sport, which interfered sadly wilh the play.

Sib Hercules Bobinson has accepted an invitation to be present at the Adelaide races, to be held on tbe 24th September. Mb R. A. Lusher, late officer in charge of the Auckland Telegraph Station, was presented by tbe members of his late staff on Saturday night with a handsome pari n marble clock under glass shade and an illuminated address. The Auckland vi employed have declined tbe Council's oifor of alone-breaking at 4s 2d per yard. , Ok Friday evening last the Sbortland "Volunteer Fire Brigade held their usual meet ing. The principal business was the election of a captain in lieu of Mr Curtis Moore, who is now Superintendent. Several gentlemen who had been nominated at the last meeting withdrew from tbe contest with the view that the future captain should be elected by the unanimous vole of tbe Brigade. Mr John West, of Willoughbv street, a citizen who bus always rendered valuable assistance ut fires, was proposed and duly elected captain. We have to acknowledge the receipt from Mr L. W. Parsons, the Thames agent, of the first number of The Observer, a paper dealing especially with politics, society and sporting news. The get-up of our young contemporary is exceedingly creditable, and the editor gives an earnest of bis determination ! to be independent by striking freely all round The columns of the number before us contains " Town Talk," " Out-door Sports," "Thames Jottings," Our Puzzle," "The Critic," " Pen and Ink Portrait*," and " A Morning at tbe Poli< c Court." The Observer is well illustrated, containing on excellent portrait of the new Governor, sketches of Auckland Police Court notabilities, etc. We predict, for the new paper great popularity if the succeeding numbers are as meritorious as the first one, but believe it would be an improvement; if a lit tie less of the proprietor's individuality shone through its columns.

The following are the tenders received by Mr Deeble for the cottage to be erected on his land at Tapu, the first mentioned being accepted:—Devy, £34 14s lOd ; Penks, £52 10s; A. Hanlej, £49 )ss; T. Liddeil, £51 16s; Grundy, £48 10s. The above tenders include labour, doors, windows, and nulls, Mr Heebie providing all the other material required. This will make the building doable the cost required by the Government regulations under the Homestead Act.

The Observer saje:—" Since bis return to town that good old gentlemen, Dr Wsllis, has found things somewhat Bultry. Even liberally minded men consider the sale of Newton Kirk to the Catholics a very questionable proceeding, and the strong Anti-Romanists are perfectly rabid."

Pbom the Standard we learn that C. D. Berry was returned at the head of the poll for the Gisborne municipal Council, and Mr W. Braesey was fourth on the list, but as only three seats were vacant he was excluded. .

Onb person was fined for drunkenness at the Police Court this morning. Dr Kilgour was on the Bench.

Speakikg of tbe late elections iv Auckland the Observer remarks:—On the whole the elections resulted most satisfactorily. In returning Mr Aitken by euoh a large majority the burgesses paid that gentleman a well deserved compliment, which should be followed up by presenting him with the Mayoralty. Mr Peacock it a good mau, and has'done his duty fairly well, but tha feeling of the town is rightly against a third term. Now, people respect Graves Aickin sincerely ; at least I know I do. Du>ing his term in the Council, he never connived at a ''job," nor did he ever attempt one himself. This is saying a good deal." Moreover Mr Aiokin has proved eminently successful iv his own line of business, and it is a theory of mine that men who have made small businesses into big ones are a good sort of folk for the public to trust and employ. I dou't believe in a fellow who entirely neglects his own business to attend to a municipality's. Either ho spites his own flesh and blood for an empty honour, and is consequently a fool, or else, as seems to be more often the case, be has some job in band which will repay the sacrifice."

It can be unhesitatingly asserted that C. McLiver sells the best and cheapest tobaccos and smokers' requisite* on the field. Ho buys his goods for cash in all market*, and consequently the benefits to ba derived fiotn dealing »fc his establishment cannot be excelled. Note the address, and give a call. —0. McLIVBB, Brown street.