MOA AND MILLERS FLAT PROGRESS COMMITTEE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 316, 27 December 1873, Page 3

MOA AND MILLERS FLAT PROGRESS COMMITTEE.

(To the Editor.) Sib, — Your journal of the 10th instant contains a report of the proceedings of the above association, held on the Ist instant, but does not inform us how many of the members were present, or "who "were the movers and seconders of; the resolutions. One of these resolutions, said to be passed, and no doubt it was carried unanimously by those who -were present, is one of such importance to the mining population of the district that it calls for Boxne commenb, viz., "That the mining reserves should be withdrawn from the runs, and leased for agricultural purposes." if such proposals were carried out, the miner would be deprived of his present privilege of mining on the 10 chains reserved on the river banks for this special purpose ; or if ho did, and in the event of any improvement being made on the reserves, he would have to compensate the holder before using the ground for sluicing, This small strip of land along the banks of the river, having been exclusively reserved for the miner, is now monopolised by people (three of the members of the association included) who have fenced; built upon and cultivated it ; and report says some are doing a good business in selling grog on this same strip, of land. I have been informed there is scarcely a dwelling from the Beaumont to the Benger Burn where spiris cannot be> purchased, and lam afraid. Millers Plat 'is not exempt from such vile traffic. These small strips of land that those people have appropriated the use of to themselves, without the "sanction of the Government or the runholder, are not sufficient to support them ; therefor, I presume, they resort to this means as being the easiest of obtaining a living. Now, Mr. Editor, this is nofc the tray to get a sober industrious poj>ulation about us ; ib is only caking out a miserable existence. Why don't these people take up land which they can have a claim upon? There are now plenty of blocks of good land being opened., for settlement, which they <can get on easyleraie,while this land they are now improving they have no claim to whatever. It is to be hoped the attention of the Government will be called to this matter at once, and that they will remove, these people from these reserves, to settle on land appropriated for that purpose, and allow the miner his privilege of mining ' without .any extra expenses. — I am, &c, Enquires.