WARDEN V. MINERS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 204, 28 December 1871, Page 6

WARDEN V. MINERS.

(To the Editor.)

Sib, — I beg to correct a statement made in your issue' of tbe 14tu inst., on the Dunstari Miner's Protection Association. It appears in your report that the objections to the leasing of 40 acres on the Wai-Keri-Keri Creek were sustained by the Warden, which was not the case, he having grantad the application. The course taken by that gentleman, in that ease, is looked upon by the mining community as being at variance with their interest. I therefore take the liberty of laying before your readers the facts of the case. Application was made for an agricultural lease of 40 acres in the above mentioned locality. It being an ascertained fact that a great portion of the land, already leased there, was auriferous, a few miners thought it their duty to object to the granting of this lease. The case was called ; and the objection banded to the Bench, who declined to go into the case as tbe objections should have . been lodged twenty-four hours previous to hearing. He then adjourned the case for a week. The objectors again came forward. One witness proved the existance of gold ; also that if the portion applied for .were granted it would lock up a large extent of auriferous laud, as the nature of tie ground required a tail-race, which must go through the dortion applied for. The Warden said that had nothing to do with the case, and asked the witness whether or not he intended to work the ground. Witness replied that if the ground he was then trying did not come up to his expectations he would probably do so. The Warden said I must have an answer " yes " or " no," to which the witness replied, " I can give no other." "I will keep you there until to-mor-row if you do not give me a definite answer," said the Warden. Witness answered, " You may keep me, if you like, until the day after, but I can

give no other answer." For- this answer he was committed to gaol for contempt of Court, and locked up for nearly an hour, at the expiration of which time he was released with a caution. The decision was put off for a week, and resulted in the granting of the application. I have been thus precise in the details of the case, to show that there is ground for the current report, that instead of an impartial Judge the was more like applicant's eounspl. A numerously signed petition has been sent to the Executive, praying that the lease may not be granted, the result of which is not yet known.

The Provisional Committee of the Mining Association, appointed for the purpose of enrolling members, have not yet called their meeting to elect a permanent Managing Committee. I trust the movement will be productive' of much good, among other benefits that it may be the means abolishing sorap of the despotic rule which sometimes emanates from our Benches, and that it may instill into the minds of those holding these high positions, that though rulers, they are the people's servants.

I am, &c, Wai-Keri-Keri, Robert Little. Dec, 18th, Ib7l.