MINING NEWS.

Inangahua Times, Volume VII, Issue 1084, 8 May 1882, Page 2

MINING NEWS.

THE WEEK. [From ottb, Mining Reporter.] Satukday, May 6. The following are the battery returns for the past week ;— Keep-it-Dark — 3470z5. of amalgam, from 175 tons of stone. Welcome — 6620z5. of amalgam, from 90 tons of stone. MR. WpBrSlT AT THE ODDFELLOW'S HALL. ' *__ _ On Thursday evening, accoi"ding to announcement, Mr Weston, M.H.E., for this district, addressed the public of Reefton at the Oddfellows' Hall. On the motion of the Revd. Mr Parkin, Mr P. Brennan was called to the chair. ■ The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, said that he was glad to see such a crowded meeting to meet their representative, and hear from his own lipa an account of his stewardship. Ho paid a well merited compliment to the member for his exertions on behalf of the constituency, and after a few well cho3en remarkß had much pleasure in introducing Mr Weston to the meeting. (Cheers.) Mr Woston on coming forward was greeted with great applause. He said that it was with no ordinary feeling 3of pleasure that he camo before them. It was not alone as a member but as one who felt at heart that ho belonged to the place. } He had been in the habit of coming here | month after month, year after year, on the solemn duty of administering the law, and he was proud to say that during that time ho felt he had obtained their confidence. He had ever attempted to do justice between man and man, and he had contracted a feeling of regard, almost of love for the district and the people, which waa not likely to change. So when twelve months ago he was asked to come forward to assist in manufacturing the lav/a that ho had previously administered, he could not refuse the position placed within his reach. He offered his services to the constituency, if they thought fit to accept them, and threw himself heart and koh! into the business of tho colony. "Hi] en he went to tHe House the interests of his constituents wore paramount where colonial interests were not sacrificed. (Cheers.) He went to the members of the Government, and told them that the interests of tho goldfields should not be sacrificed, and that he would urge on them day by day that the interest that built up Victoria and other parts of the world, should receive tho recognition that it deserved. lie told the Cabinet that ho was vailing to <;ive them his support if they gave their support to hia constituents. (Cheers.) onta. Tho answer ho received wna that thoy v, r ouVl rouikr what, nssbtanco ho do;iro>"L v»-l; : -'.-;t :>tt?!o .aVuio i\\w ho would lw n^c in r-ct. and v»1v: 0.-t he ploiwl, rw/l to ]>.-. n, Mint' >: ; '/^iy hii.k^ci'ii.V-.ii!; v.iCi-.^K'r, ]fo | „ „■;,>... .;..■! f. :•:'■! ;■ !-;• : *uvn coil: ,vn/: (i,->---|i, :..;.i. :■'..• .;, r.l ■:: '•■.■;~-i ; ::;>■••!'!■, i<\

these questions at the time, and did not see that it was worth while throwing away thousands merely to put one party in instead of another. He considered that the present Government were truthful, honest, and imbued with right principles. If the present Ministry were turned out, and tho Grey-Eallauce following admitted to power, confusion would be worse confounded. In connection with tho Rating Act as introduced last session, he expressed his disapproval, and I had expressed himself to that effect to j the Government. Whilst in the House last session he had been thoroughly ! shocked at tho struggle for power that i had gone on, and the consequence was that nothing was done, and that obstruction was the order of the day. There was nothing like legitimate legislation, and all the affairs of the country were left in confusion. He deprecated the party feeling that had existed, and the Billingsgate language that was too frequently used in the House. Though no one would be more anxious to conserve the liberty of the subject, he thought that there was a limit to everything, and he justified the action of Sir Maurice O'Rorke, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, in putting a stop to the stonewalling in the way he had done, mongh. perhaps he (th^peakerWHaa somewhat overdone it. Owing to me action of Sir Maurice O'Rorke, business was allowed to go on, but before this members were sick of tho whole thing. The consequence waa that measures, which should have received careful consideratiqn were driven broadcast through the House, and clauses on clauses were passed quickly, almost more quickly than the Chairman of Committeos could gabble through them. The consequence was that a great deal of tinkering would be required to the legislation of. the past. There was a great want of real local self-government in the colony, and this was shown by the business of all kinds of a local nature that was brought before the House, which could be dealt with in the places that it arose, if local self-govern-ment existed. He was in favor of a system of local self-government, when one set of officers would do all the work, and the result would be* better than at present. He did not believe in the multitude of local Boards, and thought that if they were ali absorbed into one in each district its affairs wouid be better administered. At present all these different bodies possessed borrowing powers in addition to the Government's borrowing powers, and were able to get money which no one knew how it was expended. He spoke against the result of these powers to local bodies, as likely one day or other to affect the credit of the colony. Ho then referred to the Representation Act, the Corrupt Practices Act, and the Regulation of Elections Act, and expressed his approval of all elections taking place on one day. But for this he thought men of property would have an enormous advantage over the men of small means, as the former could move about, and property would be unduly represented. Whilst ho would give every individual a vote, ho did not think that property under any circumstances should confer more than two or at the outside three votes, for whilst it was desirable that men most suited to administer the affairs of the colony should be returned as members, the interests of the weaker vessels should not be overlooked. At the present time, he thought that the working man hardly knew the enormous power that he wielded. His vote and influence if exercised in a proper direction would be enormously felt in the country, but if exercised at random would be useless or nearly so. With reference to the West Coast railway, he referred to the exertions made by himself and Messrs Wickes, and Thornton. He detailed the interviews he had had with the Premier in reference to the District Railways Bill, and regretted the manner in which, after passing the Lower House, it was mutilated in the Legislative Council. With reference to the proposed West Coast railway, he said that he had succeeded in gettiug the co-operation of a large number of working men and small tradesmen, but the squatters, merchants, and business j men received the scheme with coldness, if j not rudeness. He and Mr Wickes per- j severed however, and succeeded in get- j tin" two commissioners to look at the country. These gentlemen did not perform their duties in the way they had hoocd. They took pains it was true to gain information, but having got it told them that they did not approve of the enterprise and could not support it. He protested against the Government accepting their ipse dixlt. Why did not those gentlemen say that tho grades were too. greats or the probable profits not sufficient, and he (the speaker) had told them so their faces. Had they done what they ought their action would have reflected credit on them (cheers), and would not have tiddlewinked and pre- [ vented capitalists from embarking money. That waa the position in which tho subject was left. They couid not get the money in the colony, and perhaps not at homo, but they had requested the assistance of Sir Julius Yogel in getting the project put on the London market, and he hoped that that gentleman would bo able to render them aid. Ho proceeded to refer to hia exertion", in tlik direction, and nl the same tinu; \w\ a hi.-ih compliment to Mr V T :cl:c'-- f-v hi* i -!A-rb, find I the- hea;'iy and <j;c:;;;i;^ vvy h: vUv.k he i'.Vi -.;"!. c ''i }'■■<: i Ti c :;■;! r-.-h; r'i iho <.■:?- --i\'w\: lr> ;.■•;<■ -\r, m iV.o ;; v >'-- ; ■''■ : ' ; - : <i';vs ' ' ; !'.!.! : '.l !'■'. :' ' ' . 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part, ho had taken in procuring the aboli- ; tion of the gold duty, and tho rejection . by the Upner House of the Bill that had ; passed through tho House of Representatives. Another Bill prepared for the reduction of tho duty was ono of the slautrktevod innocents at the close of tho session, whon a number had to be abandoned. From the few words ho had said those present could form some idea as to the manner in which matters stood last session. He should touch on the Licensing and the Gaming and Lotteries Acts. He was one who did not believe in making people righteous by Act of Parliament. If you wanted to bring about a change in the morals of the people, it must be done effectually, and it was no good for a small section of the people to try and ram their principles down other ! people's throats. He did not like drunkenness or immorality, but he did not see | why hotelkeepers should be subjected to excessive legislation more than farmers or merchants or others engaged in business. At the Bame time he saw tho force of providing that the interests of the country Bhould be prqperiy preserved. The Licensing Act was a Bill of oppression, an attempt to get rid of all hotels. Were this done what would become of travellers, and. where would they go to. If boarding houses on a large scale were established they would be only hotels under another name, and why should people be debarred from taking their glass of wine, if the governiug bodies possessed proper means to keep them within proper limits. He did not altogether object to the Local Option clauses, but he did object to working out a cumbrous and oppressive Act, whereby 2000 Licensing Commissioners were created in the colony, for the purpose of determining whether there should be two or three public houses in a town. Take Christchurch or Wellington for example, would it not be sufficient to have one Committee? He proceeded to show how unnecessarily multiplied Licensing Committees were, and how great a burden they became on County funds. With respect to the Gaming and Lotteries Act, he did not like to see ladies or gentlemen prosecuted for joining in a harmless sweep, or wagering a pair of gloves on whether a horse won or lost a race. He could only dissect the Bill by reducing it to an absurdity. No one could more regret the squandering of money by young people in large sweeps, but this could readily he prevented by a much more simple measure. Ho was afraid that the audience were becoming tired of him. (Cries of, no, no, and cheers.) He might refer briefly to what the members for the district had obtained during the last session. They had got a bridge over the Little Grey, for which tenders had been accepted, as well as other works which he named, and respecting which he had telegraphed to Ministers to know why there were not commenced, but he would see that the votes did not not lapse. He spoke of the recently granted Nelson and Reefton mail subsidy, and the promise obtained from the Government that at the expiration of existing contracts more frequent communication should be provided. A good track had also been constructed to Nelson Creek and Lake Brunner, and in connection with these works he paid a high compliment to Mr M'Kerrow, who had been a real good friend to the district. The track from the Christchurch road to Nelson Creek would do great good, and he mentioned these works because the interests of the Grey Talley were identical with each other. He referred to tracks between Moonlight and other places, Coal Creek and Brunnerton, and the Matakitaki track to connect Hampden with this place. He called on all to exert themselves to open up the country by obtaining the subsidy of £1 for £1 contributed locally, and he pointed out how that would bo obtained. He had asked the Government if they would accept labor instead of money, and they would consent to do so. With reference to telegraphic communication with Boatman's, he explained tho exertions he had used to obtain it by letters, interviews, &c, to the heads of departments, and ho expressed his opinion that it would be profitable to both places. He pointed out that the public must be satisfied with what they could get, and then get more presently, and ho pledged himself to always tiy his best on behalf of the district. As an instance, lie spoke of the tolls on the Brunnerton bridge, which had at least been reduced to one half, and tho other half would no doubt some day be abolished. In connection with the re tirement of tho Hon. John Hall from the Premiership, he testified to the ability and industry that he had ever displayed in tho discharge of the onerous duties of his position. He (Mr Hall) had knocked himself up with work. There was no doubt he was an honorable, up-right man, who had fairly killed himself wsth hard work, and tried to do it with half a dozen secretaries and as many clerks. In his (the speaker's) opinion the Hall Ministry would be broken up by the secession of their chief, broken up when the Premier was gone. With Mr Wbitaker the Ministry must be a new Ministry. Mr Whitaker was an old politician, and knew well the political and natural history of the Colony since its foundation. He (Mr Whitakcv) had a largo practice and experienoa in tho I:uv, find had been con nectod for some years with one of the largest banking institutions in tho Colony : F.till, theV[iu-stio:! was whether the confidence of tho country vsmv<\ be rrith him and his Cabinet. Ho (Lho ?pci\k ; v) was not r<\\vn }.-> lAeiVio lihuMMt t.> ;wv \VhihiW<,i-;! 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succeed them. Ho. for one, would not be a party to turniu- tlio-ui out, unless no sw that the interests of his constituents and the Colony sjeucrally would bo bettor served by substituting others in their places. With reference to tho present Minuter of Mines, Sir Roileston, lie would ask him why some of the promises he made had not been kept, though at tho sarao time, he (tho sneaker) believed that Mr Roileston was most earnestly desirous to do all that ho could for the goldfields. That gentleman believed in the power, the value and the resources of the goldfields, and would, he believed, do all in his power to promote their prosperity. In conclusion Mr Weston said that he would then sit down, but before doing so he wished to assure his hearers that no one could possibly more appreciate the great honor the constituency had done him in the past in returning him as their member, and ho would endeavor in the future to keep their wants and wishes steadily in view ; he would endeavor to show the electors that their confidence was not misplaced. He had lived many years in the Colony and in it expected to end his days. During his career in the past session his desire was to do nothing that could injure its prosperity, and for that reason declined to aid in placing in power a Government that would disgrace New Zealand, or that would cause its credit to be affected in the home country ; he believed sincerely that prosperity of such a great kind was dawning on the Colony that could be hardly realised, and in tfen years hence they could fona noconception of the change. With the present pastoral lands cut up and occu pied by the agriculturist, the lands, as Sir George Grey had once said, would ! teem with population, one industry would bring forth others ; though, loans might bo increased, railways would increase the Colonial wealth, and those who now were bearing the burden and heat of the day would participate, and their children also, in the blessings of the future. (The speaker sat down amidst loud and prolonged cheering.) In reply to questions Mr Weston said he was in favor of giving the individual and the holder of property a vote each. He agreed that the management of tho Waste Lands was defective. The Waste Land 3 laws should be administered with less formality, less expense, and less waste of time, and he did not^ see why lands should not be disposed of in a more expeditious manner. Without speaking disrespectfully of tho Nelson Wasto Lands Board, he must say that they were a very slow lot. (Cheers. In reply to Mr Clifford, Mr Weston said that the borrowing question must arise during the forthcoming session ) he was not favorable to borrowing for all and sundry pdrposes, but if it was proposed to borrow for specific and re-productive purposes, he would advocate a loan, the uses to which it would be put being embodied in an Act of Parliament. He would do all in his power to promote the extension of railway accommodation in the direction of lleefton. A number of other questions having been put and answered satisfactorily, MrJ. B. Beech© moved— "That the electors of Inangahua beg to offer their thanks to Mr Weston for his present address, and to express their thorough confidence in him as their representative in the future." (Cheera.)* Mr W. H. Jone3 seconded the resolution, and paid a high compliment to Mr Weston's ability and assiduity. The resolution was then put and carried without a dissentient voice, amidst great, dheeriiig. —^ Mr Weston listing suitably acknowledged the compliment, moved a vote of thanks to Mrßrennan, County Chairman, for occupying the chair, remarking that though they had been political opponents, he hoped that in future they would be fast private friends. The motion was carried unanimously, and thus brought to a close one of the most orderly and satisfactory meetings over held in Reefton.