PROSPECTING ASSNS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 10 November 1931, Page 9

PROSPECTING ASSNS.

A REEFTON DEMAND [OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] REEFTON, November 10. The monthly meeting of the Reefton Prospecting Association was held yesterday. Present: Thos. E. Williams president (in the chair), D. McKane secretary, S. Austin, Geo. Black senr., Thos. Patterson, A. T. Brooks, W. J. Morris, W. Kirwan, J. Pearce, G. W. Osbourne, T. Dellaca, A. Wells, N. Lawn, Thos Galbraith. Mr. E. J. Scoble Inspector of Mines was also present. The President reported having interviewed (with the deputation) the local Unemployment Committee and stated the result of the meeting with the committee, the Mines Inspector having submitted a number of districts which should be examined.

The Secretary stated that a considerable amount of misunderstanding and friction had arisen over the men whose names were submitted and who had been told by the County Overseer that if they did not go out prospecting they would be without work and would not be given work under the unemployment scheme. The rates for men going out would be for married men up to 30/- per week; single men 18/-. This was considered by the Secretary totally insufficient for men prospecting for quartz, as they would not have a quick return for their labour. It would be a hardship on married men and had placed the Association in a false light with suitable men, and the response from men who understood the work was poor. The names submitted were supposed to be confidential but this had not been observed. It was considered that a breach of confidence had taken place. The general feeling of the meeting was that a straight out grant should be made to the Association and administered by the Reefton Prospecting Association under the supervision of the Government Inspector of : Mines.

It was moved by Mr D. McKajie and seconded by Mr N. Lawn: That the Government be asked for a straight out grant of £5OO to be administered by the Reef ton Prospecting Association in the Reefton district under the supervision of the Inspector of Mines. This was carried without dissent.

It was decided to telegraph the resolution to the Minister of Mines, Messrs G. C. Black, H. E. Holland, and J. O’Brien M’s.P. for their co-opera-tion.

It was decided that this Association take no action in regard to the matter of sending out prospectors until the Association receives a reply to the telegram sent to the Minister of Mines, regarding the grant to the Association.

Accounts were passed for payment and the secretary was instructed to purchase three dishes. It was decided to request the Public Works Department to leave the camps at Stevenson’s Flat intact for the use of prospectors and any tools that could be spared for use in that district.

HOKITIKA. [OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HOKITIKA, November 10. A public meeting was held in the County Chambers last evening to discuss the question of forming a prospecting association- and other questions relating to unemployment. Mr M. Keenan (County Chairman) presided. He explained the object of the meeting- Mr *J. Peake was appointed secretary. Mr J. A. Murdoch expressed his disappointment at the small attendance of business people. He moved that an association be formed to be called the Hokitika District Prospecting Association. They needed a committee which could deal intelligently and quickly with applications. Mr N. Warren seconded, but thought the title should be “Westland Prospecting Association,” because Rimu, Woodstock, Kanieri, Blue Spur were included. The motion was carried.

The question of subscription was discussed, Messrs Warren and Lawn considering there should be no subscription. Mr Warren moved that the subscription be 2/-, which was duly seconded. Mr W. J- Butler moved an amendment that the subscription be 10/-. The motion of Mr Hyndman, seconded by Mi' Jeffries, that 5/- be the subcription, was carried. It was resolved that all present be enrolled as members of the association.

Mr Jeffries suggested that the chairman be a practical miner. It is necessary that he should have the confidence of the public. Mr Houston supported Mr Jeffries’ remarks, and suggested Mr T. R. Chesterman, who had taken considerable interest in raining. Mr Boyd suggested that the Executive should be five town members and four county representatives. Messrs S. Hyndman, T- Chesterman, W. Boyd, N. Warren, T. Moore, E. Heenan, SHoney, F. Lawn, and G. Sutherland were elected an executive committee. Mr Jeffries moved that the Minister of Mines be informed of the formation of an association, and be asked for an immediate grant so that the men who are out may earn something before the Christmas season. The motion was carried. Mr Heenan intimated that a subsidy of 15/- per week would be paid by the Government. Mr J. A. Murdoch said his brother in Ross had given £lO, but he would do better by giving £lO/10/-. ((Applause). At a subsequent meeting of the executive, Mr A. H. Lawn was unanimously elected chairman, and in returning thanks said such an association should have been formed before. He was quite sure a lot of good would come of it if all worked hard. An apology was received for the absence of the Mayor, who promised all the assistance he could give. Mr E. W. Heenan moved that ,two members—Messrs Warren a*nd the Chairman—be appointed to the Unemployment Board.