THE WAIKATO GOLDFIELD.

Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 973, 24 May 1872, Page 4

THE WAIKATO GOLDFIELD.

The " Southern Cross' saye : —" We understand that there are now several natives in town who confirm in the most emphatic nianuer the reports whicb we have from time to time published respecting the discovery of gold in the southern portion of this province. Some of tho natives have seen the nuggets now in Bewi's possession,, and describe them as of good size. They further Btate that gold Las been got on both sides of the ranges—to the cast as the westward. They are of opinion that- there is a large area of ground where such nuggets, as Kewi has can be found. As formerly stated, the discovery is not quite- a new one, although it is but lately that they have understood the importance of the discovery. Over a period of many years gold has been occasionally picked up in that district, but as the Maoris had no knowledge of the nature of their find, little notice was taken of it. The discovery of gold at the Thames and the successful operations carried on there,'have given many Maoris a practical knowledge of these things, of whicb they were profoundly ignorant before. It is, W e understand, through this means that the valua of the discovery has first been made known, and an interest in it created. A friendly feeling is springing up even amongst the Kingites, in tho prospect of large royalties in the future, but we believe the statement that the Mtoris had applied to the Government for a European prospec L or to examine the rountry is without foundation in fact. Those who are likely to be best informed on these matters are of opinion that no definite arrangement will bec >me to until after the meeting of the Governor and the Waikato chiefs. The Waikatos have sent a special messenger to Auckland for the purpose of meeting his Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Native Minister, and' tlf) messenger is the bearer of an inviranon to these gentlemen to attend an important native meeting at which Tawhio and all the Haubau chiefs will be present. A little diplomacy just now may be the means of bringing round the Hauhaus, and of gaining permission for Europeans to. mine at Tuhua. The latter would be a concession, the importance of which cannot be over-estimated. The making of a few more roads, and the settlelrtent of a number of diggers in the Taupo country, would for ever settle the native question.