MINING ASSOCIATION.

Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 1027, 3 December 1872, Page 3

MINING ASSOCIATION.

(To the Editor of the Westport Times.) Sib, —It was with great pleasure indeed I read your remarks anent the Otago Mining Assoeiation, and the hint thrown out for the formation of such an association here, worthy of the earnest attention of all miners, now when all classes of workmen are combining for their mutual advantage. I think it is a disgrace to the mining community of the West-coast to be without any means of resisting encroachment on their rights and privileges. I would ask any miner if such is not needed after reading the new Mining Bill introduced last session, after hearing Mr Shephard's latest, or ahove all when emerging from the Warden's Court here in the capacity of cither winner or loser in any case— If sir, the Mining Bill was perfection, Mr Sbephard, the Provincial Treasurer a mining god, and the decisions of the Warden uniform, I would then again ask, if the countless applications, registrations, grants, &c, &c, which it is necessary claim-owners must now have, are required, if the time spent over them is not wasted, and if the imposition of the gold duty and miners right tax is not a grievance and burden ? I venture to think no other class of operatives in the world would tolerate such for one week. Unfortunately we adore self, we are such doubters of men's motives, that sooner than combine to obtain a common benefit, wo exist without any unity of purpose, grow old and die with the greatest unconcern imaginable. It is, however, my sincere wish that another year may not be allowed to pass over our heads without an Association being formed amongst us. —Yours &c,

E.M. German Terrace, 2Sth Nov. 18/2.