PROSPECTING

Grey River Argus, 15 March 1932, Page 3

PROSPECTING

UNEMPLOYMENT COMMITTEES PART

Representatives from Unemployment Committees on the West Coast met on Saturday at Greymouth to discuss the formation of a Central District Com mittee, and to consider the question of gold prospecting by unemployed. There were present: Messrs J. W. Greenslade (chairman), P. J. McLean, A. IL MeKane, Wilson, A- J. Fairmaid, W. Sampson. J. Higgins, and F. G. Davies (Greymouth), Perry, Coles and Heenan (Hokitika), and Murdoch (Ross). Apologies were received from Messrs Sullivan and Ogilvie.

The Westport Committee wrote regretting their inability to send a delegate, but stated that they were in

agreement with the object in view. The delegates were welcomed by the Chairman, who outlined the purpose of the meeting, and it was unanimously agreed (1) that a Central Committee be appointed; (2) that the local unemployment committees be authorised to spend the allocations to open up tracks to facilitate gold production, and employ •'.he men on consecutive days, equal to the total number allowed for four weeks; (3) that the Unemployment Board allocate, each week, a special sum to be usd for gold prospecting, over and abevie the amount required for the No. 5 scheme; (-U that it is desirable to concentrate on locating or proving new reefs, in lieu of fossicking and that, when approved by the committee, the latter may allocate money out of the unemployment funds to provide food and tools, the committee to have a general supervision of the work, with power to extend the subsidy period, on the recommendation of the local experts, or of the Inspector of Miney; (5) that the Central Committee meet every throe mouths, or, if desirable more frequently. Mr Murdoch read a pap'er on prospecting. and there was a discussion on the providing of food, tents, blankets and tools for prospectors, and on th” need of capable leaders for men in virgin country, which it was considered

advisable to try out in preference to fossicking. The completion of the geological survey of the Westland district, was advocated, and the empowering of committees which have expert guidance available to extend the time of subsidy until a report from the Inspector of Mines is obtainable.