CAMBRIDGE PROSPECTING ASSOCIATION.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2436, 21 February 1888, Page 2

CAMBRIDGE PROSPECTING ASSOCIATION.

In' accordance with an invitation issued by the Mayor of Cambridge, a meeting of those interested in forming a Prospecting Association was held in the town clerk's otliee at -1 p.m. on Saturday. About 10 persons were present, among whom were nearly all the leading men of the district. The Mayor having briefly stated why the meeting had been called, asked Mr Russell to explain the matter more fully. Mr Russell said that in these times of depression they were, all looking for something that would help to put them on their legs again, and ho thought that nothing would get them out of the mud as quick as mineral wealth if they could only rind it. It had always been accepted that there was gold at Maungatautaii, and they would doubtless hear from Mr E. li. Walker that it was the opinion of experts that such was the case, as the hill was situated in a direct lino from the Thames to Rangitoto, at both of which places gold had been found ; and as it was an accepted fact that the, auriferous veins usually ran in a straight line, there was every reason to believe that tho gold was there. Several specimens had been found, but the source fiom whence they came had not been traced, and it was with a view to form an association to send out men to find them that the meeting had been called. A Hamilton syndicate had men out at the present time, but that need not interfere with them. It did not matter who found the gold as long as it was found. He suggested that no wages should be paid, but only tools and food be found _ for the' prospectors. He then moved, "That an association bo formed, to be called the Waikato I'rospccting Association." Mr E. 11. Walker seconded the proposition, but said as the Hamilton people had already formed an association, and had men out, he thought they should join them instead of forming a separate association. —Mr Watson asked what grounds Mr Walker had for believing there was gold at Mamigatriutari ? Replying Mr Walker ?aid that several specimens had deen found, and one which was undoubtedly found at Maungatautari, he had taken to Wellington and Sir James Hector had analysed it. and the result ho gave was 320>>z. of thread gold, and 1700>z. of silver to the ton. When asked what he meant by thread gold, he replied that it was the best, and not liable to be patchy. O'Neill, who had found the specimen, had offered to give his time to go ai)d look for the place where he found it, but as, they were going, they unfortunacely met with an accident, which resulted in 'O'Neill's leg being broken, and he was confined to He had been out prospecting several times lately, and had stayed with the natives, they had not objected to his going. Captain Owen said he had found several specimens containing gold, but not on the mountain, it was nearer the river. Mr Russell said a eominitte would have to bo formed to see to the, working-, etc. The motion to form an association was then carried. Captain Owen and Mr Bach asked questions referring to the law regarding prospecting on Native Lands. Mr Russell said the committee would have to see to that matter. Mr Walker said he had got a prospecting license when in Wellington, but as the Hamilton men had helped him, he had handed it liver to them. Mr Bach then moved and Mr Forrest seconded "That a subscription list bo opened for furthering the object of the previous resolution, the funds to be spent solely in providing tools and tood. — Carried. Mr Russell then moved, " That the following gentlemen be a committee to draw up rules and allot shares to each subscriber, at the race of one share for each shilling subscribed. Messrs ,Tas. Hally, T. Wells, E. B. Walker, D. Richardson, dipt. Sonter, J. P. Thomson, and (i. W. Russell. Mr Walker said he was in a peculiar position. He had joined the Hamilton, and could not be on this committee without they joined with tho Hamilton society.—Cant. Soutersaid they could not work two associations.—Mr Forrest said they could be an independent branch of the Hamilton Association; they would then havo comirjand of their own funds.—Mr Russell said Mr Walker had taken an active part in promoting the meeting and now seemed to wish to back out. — Mr Walker explainod that O'Neill had given him information, and ho did not feel at liberty to divulge it, while the inan was in the hospital,---Mr tjillett said he understood Mr Walker was going to give them all the information that he could.—-Mr Russell said the meeting had assumed a dilferent turn. Mr Walker now appeared to bo antagonistic to them.—Mr Walker, "No, no! I will subscribe, but I can't .give information while- that poor man is in the lnspital."—Mr Russell: "I consider the meeting has been humbugged. It seems that Mr -Walker has given what information he had acquired to the Hamilton Association, and having told them where the gold is, lie wants this meeting to go and prospect whero it is not. Why did he not go to the' Hamilton mayor and the Hamilton editor if ho intended giving them tho information."—Mr W. S. Stuart: "I don't see what good tho association will be in conjunction with Hamilton. It really means us asking them to let us help to pay their expenses.—Mr U. Richardson then moved, and Mr Oillett seconded, " That the meeting bo' adjourned until Mr Walker is inn position' to give'tile required information. The meeting then broke up in some confusion.