MINERS' MEETING AT THE PALMER.

Westport Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1224, 30 October 1874, Page 4

MINERS' MEETING AT THE PALMER.

Prom the Ccoktown Courier, of the 26t!i September, to hand per the Tararua, we learn that a public meeting; of miners and storekeepers was held at the Palmer, presided over by Bishop Quinn, when the followir;"- resolutions were carried, sent to Junction Creek by post, and thence telegraphed to the Brisbane 'Jourier for publication : " 1. That owing- to the condition of the Palmer jrolrifield, the large numbers continuing to arrive from the south, and the danger of famine during the rainy season, this meeting, comprising representatives—storekeepers as we.l as miners —from all the principal camps, deem it a duty to publish the following- statement of facts ;—2. That there is no alluvial ground on the Palmer diggings at present except what has been already worked. 3. That the majority of diggers on such ground are not earning wages —many are barely making rations, and a considerable not even so much. That quartz reefs are not and cannot be worktd so as to afford lucrative employment until machinery is on the ground. 5. That at the present rate of provisions the mere necessaries of life cannot be procured under one ounce of gold per week. 6. That the present prices of rations at the principal camps per lb are—flour, 8s ; sugar, 3s (3d ; tea, 7s; salt, 2s Gd; jam, 3s (3d; rice, 3s (3d ; potatoes, 4s; blucher boots, which cost 5s in Sydney or Brisbane, from 30s to 3£3s. 7. That the supplies being forwarded from Cooktown and Townsville are unequal to the present wants of the population now on the field. 8. That large numbers are leaving through fear of famine during the rainy season.