(To the Editor.)

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 240, 5 September 1872, Page 8

(To the Editor.)

As the mining community generally may not be fully aware of some of the clauses in the new bill introduced by Mr. Gisborne, I should earnestly urge upon all who are interested in this matter, to at once take into their careful consideration the various clauses in the same ; some of which are so very objectionable, that I am astonished the bill ever went into Committee. A clause provides that no miners' right, shall be available but for the district in which it is issued. Another clause says that you are to pay £1 per annum for your house. That you shall not be allowed to sell the same if not substantially built. Thatif you wish to build a dam, of any sort size or • shape, you must deposit £5, and should the application be granted, £5 more must be paid. That if you wish to use the water so stored, you must apply for a race ; and £5 will be charged for that, for every sluice head, even should your dam be only able to supply you for half-an-hour. That all machinery shall be taxed. That an Inspector shall be appointed for eveiy district, whose business it will be to examine all workings and machinery on claims, whether alluvial or otherwise, &c, &c. Now, surely, Mr. Editor, this is not what we have been led to anticipate ; but will be an intolerable burden on the poorer class of miners, in fact, the whole bill wants amending. In the face of the fact of the Government wanting immigration, they should endeavour to make those who are in the country comfortable, and then they should also keep good faith ; and their agents at home will not misrepresent things. They would not have occasion to go to Norway for people to populate this country, but thousands from England, Scotland, and Ireland would hasten hither and help us to share the enormous taxation, which is stultifying a fine people and -magnificent country, through the heedless speculations of an expensive Ministry. — I am, &c, Frank Fowler. Waitahuna, Ist September, 1872.