VISIT OF THE GOLDFIELDS SECRETARY.

West Coast Times, Issue 648, 22 October 1867, Page 4

VISIT OF THE GOLDFIELDS SECRETARY.

On Thursday last, Mr Bonar, accompanied by Mr Sale, paid Ross a visit. They inspected the storniwater channel, the new road to the beach, and the line to Donoghue's,. and visited various mining claims. No notice had been given of the date of the visit, but their arrival was soon known, and various parties waited on them. One party sought a lease of land for agriculture, or for protection for any improvements they might make ; but were informed that neither could be granted, although no doubt existed that, under any land regulations that might be enacted, occupiers of land would have pre-emptive right of purchase or lease as the case might be. A deputation, consisting of Messrs Cumings, Carroll, Campbell, Hoskings, Maddock, Messenger, Netherwood, and Nyulassy, obtained an audience, and after expressing their gladness at the visit of the Goldfields Secretary, entered on a detail of the wants of the district, of which the following were the chief items : — Tracks up the Totara ; this district it was asserted had been opened three years, and had maintained a large number of men. At present there were forty parties in steady work, and many more would set it in if the difficulties of communication were less, there wa3 a large district known to be auriferous, but at present almost inaccessible. Mr Bonar replied that he had been applied to for protection for a track cut by a storekeeper, and had replied that he would instruct the surveyor to inspect it and report if approved. He would subsidise the worK with a grant, and throw it open to the public. The state of the stormwater channel was next alluded to, and a hope expressed that it would be put in good order, and _ means taken to keep it so. Mr Bonar replied that he would refer the matter to the surveyor. Mr Aylmer suggested that when the new road to the beach was open it would be 1 necessary to keep some one to make small repairs, and they could also attend | to the channel. j The track to Donoghues was the next subject. It was pointed out that it was a work of very small extent, but of great importance — in faot tha moit pr«| ling want of th« district.

Mr Bonar promised that he would endeavor to put it in hand at once. A contribution was asked to the new drain for Jones' Flat. It was stated that the interest in the work was so great that all classes had lent their aid, and about LBOO had been promised, and it was hoped the Government would subsidise the work. Mr Bonar replied that he thought it should be undertaken irrespective of Government aid. He regretted he had been unable, owing to the pressure of other business, to visit the district before. It was his intention to start for Christchurch on Tuesday next, and he had determined, as far as possible, to learn what the local requirements were. He did not think the district had been illiberally dealt with, as two contracts — that for the Lagoon road, and the road to beach, amounting to L4OO0 — were near completion ; but there were no doubt many other works much wanted, and he would endeavor to get them put in hand. At present the Government were peculiarly placed — they were on the eve of a change, and it was undesirable to commence works which might be disapproved by by a succeeding administration. The deputation then thanked Mr Bonar for his attention and withdrew. That gentleman then returned to Hokitika by way of Donoghues.'