MATHEW, HAY, Esq., M.P.C., AT SWITZER'S.

Tuapeka Times, Volume I, Issue 2, 22 February 1868, Page 3

MATHEW, HAY, Esq., M.P.C., AT SWITZER'S.

miner from Switzer's as a delegate to represent them at a conference be held for the purpose in Dunedin in "March . The delegate will receive payment ti> the amount of one pound a day for expend . it would therefore be to their interosc send a man who knew all their wants with reference to the working of tiie mining regulations. He would also say that he considered thoy were deserving of more attention from tho Warden than two days a week for mining business, however, these, in all probability, were his instructions from the Government. Regarding application forms he was of the opinion that the fault lay with the Warden He (Mr. Hay) thought that he could get them on application at proper quarter. Their next grievance was the road to Mr. Acton's, and that the present road should be continued to Frenchman's Hill. He might also inform them that the Government were in favor of continuing the road to the centre of tli9 diggings. This road would not only be of benefit to the mining community, but also to the squattci-3 ; for bringing down their wool to town on a good road would be of as great advantage to them as to the miners. Moreover, that road might open up some of the finest agricultui-al land in tho Province of Otago : in fact, the large tract of country which that road would open up was comparatively unknown. Now that the Government knew the importance of the district, ho had every hope that they would at le-i3t have a road ; and he would do all he could to secure a good one. The removal of the post-office to Frenchman's Hill was a question for tho General Government ; however, hi~ Honor tho Superintendent promised th deputation from this place, that he (Mr Hay) had the honor to introduce, tha steps would be taken to have it removed The great want of a postal communica tion must be felt by all the district. Hi would, therefore, endeavor to secure then a mail from Tuapeka -vnd Dunedin t< Switzer's twice a week. He had alsc every reason to believe that an Escorl would, before long, be established, whicl: would enable tbenj to send their gold tf Dunodin, and thereby secure a 7>ettei price for it. He could not say that he wa3 in favor of a Mining Board being established on tho various goidfiolds, inasmuch as he believed that the Commission thai would be appointed before the end of the month would render a Mining Board xinnecessary. The Bfch clause ox the Goldtields Act would, he had <v< doubt, receive Ihe attention of the Commission. Before sitting down Mr. Hay said, now that he had visited Switzer's, he hoped they would let him kno\v all their wants, so that he might do his best to supply them.- (Great apjrianse.) Trie Chaiuman then asked if any person present had any question to a*, when a gentleman rose and asked Mr. Hay if he would use his influence on the present investigation of the the five-acre dispute between Carney and Co. ; and make it a final decision. In answering that question, Mr. Hat said he would endeavor to make tho present investigation final. Samuel Strong proposed a vote of confidence in Mr. Hay, and in doing so he said he had known Mr. Hay for several years, and was confident that he was well able to advocate their cause. Ho had, therefore, much pleasure in proposing "A vote of confidence in their Member." This motion wa3 ceconded and carried unanimously. It wa3"then proposed by Mr. Graham, and seconded by Mr. Strong, " That a Progress Committee be appointed, in order to look after the local want 3 of the district." Mr. Acton would not move an amendment, but wished to express his belief that a Progress Committee would not bo the means of doing'the district any good ; he thought that $hey would take too much upon themselves, and thereby cause a jealousy among their neighbors. After a long discussion on the subject, the proposition was*put and carried. A vote of thanks to tho Chairman closed the meeting.

A public meeting was held at Jenning's Hotel, Frenchman's Hill, Switzer's, on the evening of Thursday, the 11th February, when over 200 miners and others were present. Mr. Braithwaite occupied the chair, and introduced tho business of the meeting by referring to tho visit of Mr. M. Hay, M.P.C., who had visited the , district in order to know their wants pro- « viouo to the meeting of the Provincial , .Council, which will shortly take place. \ jTho chairman spoke at some length of the ] ■importance of Switzar's diggings, as he pas certain that Switzer's would become \ lopq of thejargest mining districts in the ProvinceofOtago. With these remarks, c now call upon Mr. Hay to ad- t meeting,

*f,"iin corning forward, said it r §T^ at . Pleasure to be present -.t |fc"? "^^°^ *^ c miners of tLo M|^BK<at he mi;r]rt Income