THAMES NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 31, 7 February 1928, Page 3

THAMES NEWS.

NEED OF PUBLIC BATTERY. SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) THAMES, Saturday. If there is one thing that Thames requires at the present time it is a public crushing plant that could treat small parcels of ore at a reasonable cost. It is admitted by mining men that such a plant would do more to promote a revival of the mining industry than any other means save a large influx of capital. There are a number of unemployed here at the present time that would take up tributes if there was any prospect of them getting the ore crushed cheaply. Hundreds of known leaders exist in the claims around Thames that would pay a party to work, but will not pay a company, but the high cost of treating the ore at private batteries makes it impossible for tributers to get a reasonable return for their labour. If a public battery was erected at Thames it would be kept fully cmployed, as besides the quantity of ore that would be treated from here parcels would be sent here from all parts of the goldfield. It is estimated that a tenstamp mill with ore feeder and crusher could be erected for about £1250. This matter has already been put before the Mines Department on several occasions so it is hoped that this year the Minister will see fit to carry out the wish of the community and authorise the erection of a public battery at Thames. At a recent meeting of the executive of the United Fire Brigades' Association held at Thames matters in connection with the forthcoming Dominion conference to be held at New Plymouth in February were fully discussed. Unfavourable comments were made that the Government grant this year was not sufficient to enable a demonstration to be held which, it was stated, was not in the best interests of the fire service of New Zealand. In addition to the full course provided by the Government for mine managers, battery superintendents and others associated with mining at the Thames School of Mines a variety of other subjects of scientific and technical character will be taught this year. The new and extended syllabus will include an agricultural course which will deal with the soil, crops *nd fodder, animal husbandry, breeding, veterinary work and agricultural chemis- I try. It is anticipated that this course will be largely availed of by farmer student« in the district.