THE ASHANTEE GOLDFIELD.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 400, 17 October 1874, Page 5

THE ASHANTEE GOLDFIELD.

A correspondent sends to the " Ballarat Star " the following :—": — " A gentleman wellknown on Ballarat wroto to the Imperial Government as soon as the ■wonderful richness of ABhaiateo was made known, to ascertain what inducements and facilities would ba offered to miner 3 proceeding to the Q-old Coast, who would introduce powerful machinery for mining purposes, and otherwise open up tho country ; and by the last mail ho received a reply, of which the following is the principal portion : — 'Downing-street, 25fch July, 1874. Sir, — I am directed by the Earl of Carnarvon to ackuovdedge the receipt o? your letter of the 18th May, on the subject of mining enterprise in the Q-old Coast Protectorate. In reply to your enquiries, lam to acquaint you that tho Crown is not the owner or tho soil in any part of tho (3-old Protectorate, except on tho immediate- SeafoQj&ircL, ancl is not thoreforc ixx a. j>ojit<ioia "fco make grants of land, or concessions for "working it. I am. further to observe that her Majesty's Government would be disposed to look favorably upon any well considered plans for tho introduction of capital and commercial enterprise into the Gold Coast Protectorate, and would withhold no proper or reasonable facilities to that end which it might be in tlieir power to afford. But it is only right that persons contemplating any investment or undertaking within the Protectorate should be aware that, in the opinion of her Majesty's Government, there may be, independently of the risks of climate, many obstacles to the success of such enterprises, as regards the supply of labor and native rights in land and minerals. If or is it to be forgotten that, in consequence of the recent war, the country is, and for some time to come muefc remain, unsettled and disturbed. In view of these considerations, Lord Carnarvon cannot take upon himself the responsibility of advising or encouraging, at the present time, an enterprise of the nature contemplated. (Signed) Robekt George Hekbekt.' " 1 — — ■

Said an Irish justice to aft obstfeperoua prisoner on trial, "We want nothing but silence, and but little of that."