" (To the Editor.)

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 189, 21 September 1871, Page 3

" (To the Editor.)

Sir, — I, as a miner, having to sustain myself by that occupation, am, of course, very desiroua that the mining interest should be supported to the utmost in its strict integrity, and that "The Miners' Mutual Protection Committee" may nourish, for I am well satisfied that if property conducted, it will be of much service to the mining class ; but if private feeling and pique are allowed to mix with their otherwise laudable proceedings, we had better be without such an institution.

Your correspondent on the 6th instant writes, that "this society was brought into existence several months ago, through the determined efforts of one or two residents to obtain agricultural leases, &c." The one case I am familiar with is that of Mr. Joseph Dewes, storekeeper, of this place, who wished to have an additional twenty acres added to his little farm. I could not then, neither can I see any reason why he should have beeu opposed, for not a sod of earth on the land applied for has been removed for the discovery of gold up to the present time, and I do not imagine ever will be in this generation. Mr. Dewes made an offer to -pay half expenses of prospecting the same, but no one lias stepped forward to accept his offer, and, as far as I can see of the place, it showed wisdom on their part. Now, in my opinion, Mr. Editor, this plainly shows an animus on the part of some few individuals ; and this is more forcibly impressed on me when I consider that in every paper I ta.ke up, agricultural leases are applied for, and this long titled Committee make no opposition to the applicants. Fairplay is the general motto of rougli-and ready men, and when it is taken into consideration what a long resident Mr. Dewes has' been on the Waitahuna Goldfield, and how often he has supported the miner in his distress* tlia least they could do would be not to make such a vain-glorious boast of what they have dona in this respect, for it does their manly feelings no credit.

I would, Mr. Editor, wish to enter more fully into this affair, but your space will not allow of it, so 1 will merely beg to call this society's attention to the peerless author Dickens, aiid beg them to take note of how " The Brick Lane Branch of the United Grand Junction Ebenezer Temperance Association " came to grief, and what was the cause of the downfall of "The Hot Muffin and Crumpet Punctual and Safe Delivery Company. " I am, Mr. Editor, one who would live and let live, A Miner. Waitahuna, September 18.