Auckland Provincial Government Gazette.

97

That, in the opinion of this meeting, one of the causes of the present great depression upon this goldfield is, that large areas are held under leases unworked, and they would most earnestly urge the Government to request the proper officer to take steps to forfeit the unworked leased ground.

Mr. T. Shaw moved that a Progress Committee of twelve be appointed, with power to affiliate like committees in other places, and power to add to their number; such committee to be chosen by this meeting.

There were nineteen names then proposed as members of the committee. They were put severally to the meeting, and the following were elected:
Messrs. John Brown, C. F. Mitchell, W. Davies, W. Rowe, C. A. Cornes, C. Rowley, T. Brighouse, J. E. Macdonald, R. Harris, P. Nolan, R. Fairbairn, and James McGowan.

Mr. Brown then moved that the Mayor be empowered to convey the foregoing resolutions to Dr. Pollen and Mr. Reader Wood, and to convene a meeting for Wednesday evening at the same time and place.

Mr. Mitchell seconded the motion, which was unanimously agreed to.

(5)
General Government Offices,
Auckland, 18th January, 1876.

Sir,—

With reference to Mr. Reader Wood’s letter of yesterday’s date, received by me this morning, suggesting the propriety of at once incurring some expenditure on Public Works at the Thames, to prevent distress amongst the miners now out of employment,

I beg to inform your Honour that the Governor will be advised to sanction the expenditure of a sum of One thousand pounds (£1,000), on works for the improvement of the road between Shortland and Ohinemuri.

The money will be remitted in due course, and I venture to express a hope that your Honour will be able, by putting works on the line immediately in hand, to prevent the threatened distress.

I have, etc.,
DANIEL POLLEN.

His Honour the Superintendent,
Auckland.

(6)
Superintendent’s Office,
Auckland, 19th January, 1876.

Sir,—

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated the 17th instant, forwarding the Resolutions passed at a public meeting at Grahamstown on the 15th instant, in reference to the distress existing on the Goldfield.

The Superintendent has been in communication with the General Government on the subject of incurring immediate expenditure on public works at the Thames, and I have the honour to enclose a copy of a letter received from the Colonial Secretary this day.

I have, etc.,
READER WOOD,
Provincial Secretary.

His Worship the Mayor,
Borough of the Thames.

(7)
Auckland, 19th January, 1876.

To James McLaren, Esq.,
Grahamstown.

General Government have authorised the expenditure of One thousand pounds on road between Shortland and Ohinemuri. The work to be done under your inspection, by means of small contracts, based upon a moderate valuation by yourself. Work to be well done so as to form part of a permanent road.

READER WOOD.

(8)
Auckland, 19th January, 1876.

To W. Rowe, Esq., M.H.R.,
Thames.

I have received the following letter from the Colonial Secretary:—“The Governor will be advised to sanction the expenditure of a sum of One thousand Pounds on works for the improvement of the road between Shortland and Ohinemuri.—D. Pollen.”

Mr. McLaren has been instructed to act.

READER WOOD,
For the Superintendent.

(9)
Grahamstown, January 19, 1876.

Reader Wood, Esq.,
Provincial Treasurer, Auckland.

Re Road Shortland to Ohinemuri—Road passes through native lands nearly all the way, through which, as far as I am aware, no right to make a road has been acquired. The permanent road should go round the base of the hill behind Kopu; present track goes over the ranges, and is far from being a suitable line for a permanent road. Even on this track no right has been acquired. When the late engineer, Mr. Millett, tried to repair it, the natives came out with their spears and turned him off. Though they do not prevent anyone from travelling on it, I have not heard that the objections which then existed have been removed. I believe the chief difficulty that has to be overcome is at the commencement of both routes in Parawai, where even if I proceed to make a road I will be stopped till some special arrangements are made. Under these circumstances what will I do?

JAMES M. McLAREN,
District Engineer.

(10)
Auckland, January 20, 1876.

To Mr. McLaren,
Grahamstown.

Have seen Pollen; he does not think there should be any difficulty about making the Ohinemuri road. He has telegraphed to Mr. Puckey on the subject, with whom you are to put yourself in communication. Keep me informed from time to time as to progress of events.

READER WOOD.

(11)
Grahamstown, January 25, 1876.

Reader Wood, Esq.,
Provincial Treasurer, Auckland.

Saw Mr. Puckey on Saturday, who had telegraphed to Dr. Pollen that the natives would object. He recommended me to start at Puriri, but not to attempt to pass Hikutaia on the one side, or Kirikiri on the other. This I have done, though it must look strange to begin a road without a beginning or an end. Have just returned from Puriri, where I started the men this morning working towards Shortland, but the natives came out and turned them off. Have shifted them further out towards Hikutaia, in the hope they will not be stopped there. Had I taken the advice given to me on all sides I could have easily forced the making of the road with the number of men I had, but I considered that if the natives have a lawful right to the land...