MINISTER OF MINES VISIT.

Grey River Argus, 19 May 1921, Page 2

MINISTER OF MINES VISIT.

NQ doubt there will be numerous matters brought under the notice of Hon Mr Anderson, Minister of Mines on the occasion of his forthcoming visit to the West Coast. In view of the recent successful prospecting, the gold mining interests will doubtless take steps to urge a more progressive policy in that branch of the Mines Department’s activities. Yet the coal mining industry presents probably many more pressing problems for the Minister to consider, and especially those in regard to the housing and general conditions at' the mining towns. One matter which the Minister must he asked to reconsider is the attitude of his Department in refusing to make any contribution towards the upkeep

of the Borough of Runanga. JThe Department is easily the largest property owner in the Borough, but it pays no rates whatever. In the case of Black-ha-.1, the Coal Company pays rates to the extent of close upon £5OO to the local bodv responsible for the town’s upkeep; and there seems no equitable reason why the State should exempt itself in the case of Runanga. At least an‘annual contribution in raites of £5OO or £6OO should be made. The Runanga residents are taxed at present for the upkeep of streets, roads, etc. whilst the work of the Borough goes to help the mining industry, and, therefore, the country generally. Material for street formation has to be brought a long distance and, in a mining town such as this, the Council is unable to rely upon substantial assets such as older places possess where State property does not so largely figure in comparison with all other property. The Government claim** that it is desirous of improving the housing and other conditions of workers, and especially those at the mines. It has, therefore, a good opportunity in the case of Runanga to make its professions good by contributing what is no more than its just share of the cost of Borough expenditure. We understand previous Ministers have had this matter brought before them, and have seen the justice of Runanga* s claim, but so far nothing has been done to ameliorate the position. The Government has numerous cottages in Runanga on which rates should certainly be paid, just us rates are paid at Blackball on the cottages owned by the Mining Company. It is to be hoped, therefore, that the Minister will, on this occasion, make up his mind to do the right and fair thing by this enterprising mining town.