MINERS' CONFERENCE.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 649, 23 April 1870, Page 2

MINERS' CONFERENCE.

(To the Editor of the Weslport Times.) Sir, —I am extremely sorry to learn that our worthy Warden lias conceived such an unfavorable opinion of the present agitation among the miners of this district, and especially the character of the delegates whom the miners have appointed to prepare a clear state7nent of their complaints and wishes, as appear from his voluminous report and correspondence which have been published in your paper during the last day or two.

In his report to the Government he states his opinion that the present agitation among the miners is uot a spontaneous expression of the great body of miners, nor is it conducted bv fie most experienced or intelligent among them, but may be considered as a growl, simply for the want of some - thing else to do, although by a peculiar inconsistency he believes the present, delegation may be endeavoring, to the best of their ability, and in a lawful and temperate manner, to draw the attention of the Government to grievances under which they suffer, and which they consider capable of remedy. Then again his significant hint that these delegates only represent some of the district in which public meetings have been held is an insinuation for the pith of which he must be deeply indebted to his late subordinate, Mr Franklyn. After this very considerate and generous treatment which the miners have received at the hands of the Warden, it would, perhaps, answer the purpose of the mining community, and be more satisfactory to Pr Giles if the miners would make a more formidable display of their feelings. Their lawful and temperate attitude does not seem genuine nor enough to satisfy the scepticism of Dr Giles. Dr Giles was invited, as Warden of the district, to co-operate in the discussion of certain subjects with the delegates, and, although as Warden he never has been furnished with any specific charge against the Goldfields Regulations, still, as would appear from his annual report, he is fully aware of many objections which could bo maintained against them, and therefore had he complied with the invitation he would have been a valuable assistance to the delegates and have exhibited a becoming act of courtesy ; besides there is nothing in the invitation which the

most critical or sensitive mind could object to, as it plainly requests the favor of his company to a discussion of purely mining matters, but he declined the honor to meet them, though curiously enough he expects the delegation to meet the Wardens of the South-West Goldfields at the Grey some day soon. But to pass over this matter, why hold this Wardens' conference at the Grey ? Possibly after the recent visit of Mr Franklyn, or after some liberal donation by way of new roads or tracks made that district during the recent visit of the government officials, the Grey may be considered the safest and most suitable place to receive our worthy Wardens. Why not Westport?—Where this League organisation was first proposed and where, perhaps, more than anyother place the impracticable working of the G-oldfJekls Regulations could be most easily illustrated. No, this is not considered expedient. I think it is a great pity if the miners do not resist the plan which is being systematically organised to shelve this praiseworthy movement on the part of the mining community.—l am, sir, youra, &c, Chamomile. Westport, April 22.