THE NEW GOLDFIELDS BILL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 242, 19 September 1872, Page 6

THE NEW GOLDFIELDS BILL.

Abkowtown. -

A crowded meeting of miners and residents was held on 3rd September at the Library Hall, Arrowtown. Mr A. Innes, M P.C., chairman.

It was resolved that the whole of the following transactions be at once telegraphed to Mr Hallenst-in, M.H.R. That portions of tho Gold Mining Act,' 1872, are entirely nnsuited to the requirements of small parties of cooperative miners, which class forms the large majority of those engaged in mining in the Colony ; that the enormous costs, penalties, Ac, and supervision of inspectors, are things wholly unprecedented, and would drive the class referred to from the goldficlds. The following amendments were proposed : — 1. That a miner's right, ' wherever issued in the Colony, .shall have equal force throughout New Zealand. 2. That the mode of application and terms of tenure of ordinary and extended claims, water-races, dams, and reservoirs, tails-races, machine, and business sites and residence areas, remain the same as under present regulations, retaining clauses in new Act, compensating owners ef races when two heads resumed by Governor. 3. The establishment of local mining boards. 4. Appointment of inspectors opposed. The meeting approved clauses where— l. The principle of applying surplus goldfields levenue to public works on goMfielda is recognised by Government. 2. Withdrawal of miner's right from beiug an element of title. 3. Provisions for mining, on private property are made. General instructions were given to oppose any iacrease of taxation by new Act and any reduction in size of olaims, residence, or business areas, &c.'; to oppose deposit of L2O on appeals from Wardens' Courts, and allow appeal on questions of fact as well as points of law. and LlO deposit. Moot ings will be held at Twelve Mile, Cardrona, and Kawarau. The public has liberally subscribed funds to toe Miners' Association to oppose the new BilL