THE THAMES GOLDFIELD.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 464, 11 February 1869, Page 3

THE THAMES GOLDFIELD.

(prom a correspondent.) Since my list there hns been a large meeting of Natives in Shorthand, and a meeting of the European inhabitants. The Native meeting was opened by most of the Maoris marching down Pollen street, with from one to ten loaves each, and piling them up in front of Mr Commissioner Mackay's; and I must say it was rather a strange sight that was presented to view on going up the biil, to see some hundreds of loaves in one pile. and the Maoris sitting in parties all around. It put me in mind of the scriptural story of the loaves and fishes. The only diiference was that there was any quantity of fragments left on the grass, after the feast. Mr Mackay opened the meeting, and was followed by several of the Natives, but there was very little business done; in fact, nothing but Mr Mackay reading the names of all those who had consented to open up the Thames district. The Natives proceed up the Thames or. Monday, and I intend to go up with them,as several have given mean invitation to do so. I shall send you full particulars of their meeting, which is expected to be the largest held in the district for a number of years. Business in Shortland is very dull. Speak to whom you like, they are all grumbling, and say that things must iaiprovewhen the Thames opens up, but they dou't seem to have the least idea when that will be. The rules of this goldtield crive anything but satisfaction, and they want altering badly. One of them was upset by the Supreme Court the other day. The Government has been taking money for business licenses, and the holders of the land have been paying the Maoris rent for the same, so that the tenants have been burdened something like the Buller folks. I do not think there is any chance of the Thames being opened up for some time yet, and when it is there are plenty of people here to take up all the ground in a few hours.