DUNSTAN.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 334, 28 February 1874, Page 2

DUNSTAN.

(From our men Correspondent.)

February 24,

Being on the eve of the second Conference of delegates from the Miners' Associations, which is to take place here, and failing to sed much in your columns of late which leads to anticipate that the lower districts arcta ba very fully represented, a few words onmlia subject may not be out of place. The jects which are put forth by the Cenerat Committee to be disjussed ai-e of equal mi* portance with what was set down as requiring the attention of the delegates at last meeting. That no good may have resulted from the last Conference, as put forth by the Waitahuna Miners' Committee, is surely not sufficient grounds for withdrawing from the meeting; If Miners' Associations are ever to be a power in the land, they must be united. If at last meeting they failed to put machinery in order to accomplish, the object in view,, the past experience will be a guide to help them to arrive at some method of arranging a closer connection among themselves The Maerewhenua water pollution case will require their united efforts to gain a verdict ; and should it be recqrded againßt them, its effects may reach further than Maeretrheuuft; The freeholders on the banks of the Taieri, Clutha, Waitahuna, Tuapeka, and other streams and rivers may, at any time, institute proceedings and claim any amount of damage* against Tom, Dick, or Harry, who, while pursuing their avocations, must of necessity pollute these streams. The matter then, irt my opinion, requires the united strength of the miners to rebut, and the united wisdom of miners and legislators to amicably settle the question. The oiher subject almost speaks for itself. How should the value of the proceeds of the industry of the whole of the miners of New Zealand be at the mercy of a few wealthy Joint Stock Companies, who may choose to combine to make up the large dividends they declare, by their paring what they choose for the miners hard earned produce. I trust all are not to be content with the offer by the Government to transmit parcels of over ten ounces to the Melbourne Mint. This, indeed, may be considered fair on the part of the Government ; but such will only benefit the least needy portion of the goldmining community* What ia wanted is a scheme whereby the miner, who may not have ten ounces of gold to dispose of, may get full value and ready cash for what he has, and even that need not be beyond the united power of the miners. But let me dismiss for the present subjects that will soon be diacussed by wiser heads^ I may inform you that the Town Council of Clyde has proffered the Town Hall for the use of the delegates. The local Association has appointed a delegate in the person o£ Mr. T. Sims^ Alexandra, Cromwell;" Bannockburn, Cardrona, Arrow, St. Bathans, Naseby, Maerewhentta, and, I believe, several others I have not yet heard of, will be repr©> sented- ; and if the lower districts put in an appearance, there will be a good meeting.