MR. FITZGEEALD'S LEASEHOLD.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 74, 10 July 1869, Page 3

MR. FITZGEEALD'S LEASEHOLD.

(To the Editor of the Tuapeka Times)

Sib, — I was somewhat surprised to hear that a large extent of auriferous land is now lying idle on account of the lessee asking an exorbitant sum from those miners who wish to enter his paddock, where the ground is situated ; I allude to Mr. Fitzgerald's agricultural leasehold, Tuapeka Elat. I should like to be informed why or how it is that the rules which are in existence are not put in force in this case. The regulations to which I refer make provision for miners entering upon agricultural leases within the Goldfields, by paying compensation for any damage they may do. lam informed that a miner deposited with the Warden the sum of dS2O some four months ago for the purpose of covering any damage he might do to Mr. Fitzgerald's leasehold, but he has never received permission to enter one paddock, nor can he get back his £20. Now, sir, when such a state of things exists, there mus.t be something wron« somewhere, and if so, where does the evil lie ? is it the fault of the WaVden ? or is it the fault of the regulations, or, in other words, in the interpretation of them? For my part, I fail to see why all this delay should take place. The case is simply this : Mr. Fitzgerald takes up twenty acres of land within

the Goldfields for agricultural purposes, under the following conditions : that miners should enter thereon and prospect the same, by paying compensation, the amount of which is to be awarded by assessors ; and tie right is also reserved by the Crown to cancel tbe lease if necessary. Now, sir, I cannot sco why the above conditions should not be complied with when "ft is found necessary, and that in less than four months. lam somewhat inclined to blame the miners for their apathy in all matters touching their interest. If they had made this case more generally known, I believe it would have been settled long before now, for it is a matter that affects the prosperity of the district. There is no doubt a large number of business people residing in Lawrence who would endeavour to find out the cause of this delay ; and I may say they have a better opportunity of ascertaining the why and the wherefore than some of those miners who reside a long distance from the , head quarters of the district. 1 have ! heard it stated that this delay, <to a very great extent, is part oi' a scheme to set the mining and agricultural interests in opposition to each other. The Warden has pointed out to the miners that the Hundreds system will be far worae than the leasing system to them, for under the Hundreds system the land would be sold and placed beyond the power of all Groldficlds regulations. If so, I say the miners will only have themselves to blame for allowing it to take place. If land within the proposed new Hundreds be advertised for sale, the miners should satisfy themselves that there is no known auriferous ground within the block about to be disposed of ; if they know otherwise, let them enter a protest against its being sold. I believe the Government would pay due respect to their protest, and withdraw the land from sale. It depends to a very great extent fox' -fclie successful working of any act or ordinance upon those persons who have to administer them. If the officials whose duty it is to see them properly carried out are opposed to tliein, there will will be no end of correspondence and vexatious delay; if, on the other hand, they agree with the measure, then everything will be made simple and easy. I do not wish it to be understood that I think any of our officials are in any way interested with either pastoral or agricultural leases, or that they have any sympathy with any holders of the same (especially with the former) ; but this Ido say : that after the recent disclosures I think it behoves both miners and agriculturists to keep a jharp look out, and see that there is no unnecessary delay in complying with their (in most cases) reasonable demands. In conclusion, I do trust that the miners will elect from among themselves a committee that will look after all matters that in any way affect their interests ; by so doing they will show both squatters and agriculturists that they are willing to work hand in hand with them so far as it is consistent with their rights and privileges. — I am, &c, Mining Interest.