MINING IN FIJI

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 16 February 1935, Page 7

MINING IN FIJI

GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE FOR GENUINE ENTERPRISE (United Presß Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) SUVA, 15th February. An official statement has been issued to the effect that the Fiji Government will assist all genuine mining enterprise. It intends to prevent any speculation which will tend to damage the colony’s good name. The present prospecting licenses are fixed for a term of two years and cannot he renewed. It is proposed to amend the law and issue the I.censes on such terms as the Government may think fit. The licenses will not be transferrablo amt the holder has a prior right to a mining lease but a lease will not be granted unless there is evidence of gold in payable quantities and the applicant commands sufficient working capital, The Government states {that of sixteen prospecting licenses in Tavua one prospector Ims so far proved values sufficient for the issue of leases. All the existing Tavua licenses expire in dune ancT are not renewable and cannot he transferred except with the consent of the Government. A Government warning was issued that parties should ascertain conditions prior to concluding agreements and no trafficking in applications for prospecting licenses under any circumstances will be recognised. The Government will consider the allotment of Tavua areas after Ist June. The Government intends to prevent the get-rich-tvpe of speculation and promoters are reminded that companies’ conditions must he approved by the Government. The Government is of the opinion that no liability companies are undesirable.