Cromwell Argus. AND NORTHERN GOLDFIELDS GAZETTE. Cromwell: Tuesday, April 14, 1885.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XVII, Issue 835, 14 April 1885, Page 2

Cromwell Argus. AND NORTHERN GOLDFIELDS GAZETTE. Cromwell: Tuesday, April 14, 1885.

The official tour o£ the Minister of Mines through the Goldfields of Otago has afforded strong and satisfactory indications that the industry over which the JBon. Mr Larnach has special control is not unlikely to receive a vigorous impulse in an onward direction. Not since the abolition of the Provinces has there been so evident a desire on the part of the Central Government to fairly and honestly recognise the goldmining industry as one of the leading factors in the prosperity of the Colony as has been shown by the present Administration. Previous Governments have been content to allow the Goldfields to be administered by under-secretaries, the title “ Minister of Mines ” being merely an adjunct to some other more pretentious, but less important, portfolio. So far as can yet be judged, Mr IiAKNACHhas no intention of subordinating the Department of Mines to that of any other within his jurisdiction ; indeed, if the hon. gentleman’s public utterances may be taken as an index of his feelings on the subject, he is rather inclined to invest the Mining bureau with all the dignity it is entitled to. We are glad to note this, as there has long been a wellgrounded idea in the public mind that the Goldfields were recognised in the Ministry merely titularly, and notas a practical reality. If Mr Larnach raises the status of Mines Minister to a level with other portfolios, in this alone he will have done a real service to the Goldfields. When the hon. gentleman was called to office, we expressed a fear that his appointment merely meant a continuance of the empty form by which we had so long been mocked. We were not singular in the opinion that the Member for Peninsula lacked the necessary qualifications to fib him for the office that his sympathies and experiences were not such as would enable him to administer the Goldfields Department in that liberal spirit and practical manner essential to the results that Goldfields residents had a right to look for. However, immediately upon taking office Mr Larnach set about making himself acquainted not only with the internal workings of the Department, but also acquiring personal knowledge of the characteristics of the various fields and their necessities. And it is worth noticing that the new Minister has done this not in the perfunctory method so generally adopted by members of the Cabinet when travelling officially. Mr Larnach, while not sparing himself in hard work and constant travel, yet managed to stay long enough in each centre to obtain a tolerably accurate idea of their requirements, and was not content to obtain his information at second hand. He went ont of his way even to hold conference with the miners themselves, and this earnestness of purpose has vastly advanced public opinion in his favor. The Minister has demonstrated that he is by no means the novice in mining matters that most people took him for, and this has further strengthened confidence that his advent to office will mark a new departure in the management of our goldfields. All that is anticipated from him may not come to pass, but there can be little doubt the Minister of Mines will use all his influence in Cabinet and Parliament to maintain the favorable impression he has created during his tour. That he has a wide field of operations, and one from which a rich harvest may be reaped, Mr Larnach evidently realises, and we will be much mistaken if great good does not result from his accession to the Mines portfolio. Not for many years have the Goldfields had so fair a show of having justice done them as now. The persistent protests of the Press and people whose welfare more immediately depends on the success of the mining industry against the apathy displayed by successive Governments in encouraging the developement of onr mineral wealth seem at length to have made themselves heard. The agitation regarding the School of Mines was the means of initiating a system of practical instruction in a popular form that is certain to be continued on an enlarged and more’useful scale. Already good results of these lectures show themselves in renewed energy In old workings as well ns in combined efforts to prospect new Qounfry. The interest displayed by the Mines Minister will undoubtedly accentuate these efforts, and if they are aided by liberal, but judicious, assistance from the Government, there is every reason to hope that the Otago Goldfields will soon enjoy a new era of prosperity. The dark cloud has hung over this important industry long enough in all conscience, and the silver lining now appearing is therefore cheering and inspiriting, The news flashed' by the wires during the latter part of last week, that Russia had assumed hostilities against the Afghans, naturally created quite a sensation, and all sorts of speculations are indulged in as to the probable outcome of this act of indiscretion on the part of the Russian commander of the Trans-Caspian. For it seems the fighting, with all the consequences that may follow it, lies entirely at the door of this General

Komanoff —at least so avers the Russian Government. It does not appear that a satisfactory explanation can be given of what seems a grave breach of honor on the part of Russia, while parleying was going on for an amicable settlement of the frontier question. TheCzAßinaytry to appease the wrath of the British Lion by conciliatory overtures and plausible excuses, but all the same the English nation will assuredly not relax in its work of establishing itself on a war footing, prepared to give the Bear a warm reception. Everything goes to show that the Russians are playing a cunning game, and it is only a matter of time when she will show her hand. Forewarned is forearmed, and therefore every day’s delay will place the British in a better position to deal effectually with her wily foe. England is bound at all hazards to maintain the independence of Afghanistan, and if Russia persists in menacing that territory war must ensue. The struggle will be a costly one to both Powers, but the ultimate issue is one that admits of no doubt. In another day or two we shall know what it is to be —war, or Russia exercising the better part of valor and retiring from the position she has taken up in Central Asia. Meantime it is satisfactory to know that the Australian Colonies are hastening on works of defence and will not be altogether powerless in the face of an enemy’s presence on these shores.