The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER, 7, 1882.

Thames Star, Volume XIII, Issue 4270, 7 September 1882, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER, 7, 1882.

The title of the flat from Eariika Bridge to Abraham street is a matter of the

utmost importance in this time of pegging out extensive claims. Of course everyone knows that Mr Robert Graham thinks he is master of the situation by virtue of oertain reserves which he purchased from the natives.- When the agreement for leasing the gold field from the Maori owners' was made in 1867, some cultivations were exempted . from the right to mine, and it is contended they include the ground in question. . The question is by no means easy of solution—in fact, it is a pretty puzzle. Mr Graham bought the freehold and all rights appertaining thereto. But what were those rights ? A great deal hinges upon the meaning of " cultivation reserve.' Was it a plot then' in cultivation'; was it apiece of ground which was suitable, and had been customarily used for, cultivation ; or was it some land set apart for future cultivation ? Another question may arise, Was this a township reserve, and if so, does a general right to mine, in townships exist? These points, we understand, are all involved in the question at issue. This much is in Mr Graham's favor: Some years ago ho fought the Queen of .Beauty mine as to his title through a certain allotment being a cultivation reserve, and the jury in the Supreme Court gave' a verdict in his favor. The Crown Princess Co. also paid a rent to him for their mine. On the other hand, the Warden is not at all satisfied that Mr Graham's pretensions have a legal foundation. He has referred the matter tothe lawoffices of the Grown, and expects an answer about a fortnight hence. In the. meantime Mr Graham announces that he is willing to arrive at an equitable agreement with persons desirous of mining. , That the Government was culpable of great negligence in not acquiring the freehold of all portions of the field is every day becoming more . painfully apparent. This is a fair sample of the drawbacks "with which this field is ' hampered, and the. way in which it is I placed at a disadvantage as compared to its sou hern rivals. Mr Comer, a short .time agoj bought Block Waiotahi A, containing, it is said, some 34 acres, for £1000 and the revenue therefrom will soon recoup his outlay. The Government bungled the matter in the beginning, and 'no doubt will continue to do so unless Strong pressure be brought to bear, Our

members, it will be remembered, early in #he session, insisted that the freehold should .be purchased, to put the Northern .goldfields' on,,- an ■ equality with the Southern, but the recommendation has probably been thrust into the waste' basket long since. ■..:':