SALES OF AURIFEROUS LAND.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 94, 27 November 1869, Page 3

SALES OF AURIFEROUS LAND.

The following extract contains good news for those who have 'opposed the sale of the Island Block. "We question very much if the capitalist who has purchased the whole of thab block would have ventured to do so had he been aware of the state of the law as to the sale of auriferous land. We suspect he has made a bad bargain, and will find to Ms cost that the Provincial authorities have not as yet obtained sufficient power to alienate the property held in trust for the people by the Crown. The opinion was called forth by the sale of some auriferous land at Wangapeka to officials of the Nelson Provincial Government ; but it is equally applicable to the case of the Island Block :—

Auriferous Lands. — The following important communication has been addressed by the Colonial Secretary to the Superintendent of Nelson. — "Sir, — Circumstances attending the sale of auriferous lands in the Province of JSTelson having called the attention of the Government to the general question of the sale of such lands, T have to inform your Honour that the opinion of the Attorney-General has been taken, which opinion is to the effect that the precious metals do not pass by a sale of the waste lands of the Crown containing them, and that an injunction would be granted by the Supreme Court to provent the gold from being taken therefrom. I have also the honour to inform you that, in order to protect the interests of the public and prevent auriferous lands being benight up by individual purchasers, it is the intention, of Governmenfto cause the law in this particular to be enforced."