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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7915, 6 April 1887, Page 4

The result of the interview which those interested in the proper development of our • goldfiolds had with the Hon. Mr. Larnach yesterday was not altogether satisfactory. . The Minister of Mines seemed to somehow miss the point which can alone be said at present to be the urgent one. He appeared more inclined to favour the spending of money in the forming of tracks and roads through the goldtields to facilitate prospecting ; whereas the real necessity of the hour is to aßcetain the processes by which the precious meals, known to be contained in the mines • already opened and being worked, can be saved. Were the question respecting these processes once set at rest, there would be no great difficulty in furthering the work of prospecting. But, until this question is solved, no really practical purpose can be served by an extension of roads or pathways over the mining territory. The matter most seriously demanding the attention of the Government at present was briefly and fairly put by Professor Brown, " He thought Mr. Larnach did not altogether distinguish between the simply experimental plant and the plant which would be adopted for commercial purposes. Mr. Larnach apparently was under the impression that the deputation wanted the Government to embark on an undertaking which ought to be left to commercial enterprise ; whereas that which they did want is, that the Government should to the utmost do their part towards placing the mining industry on such a footing that commercial enterprise might be directed to it with advantage. Thousands upon thousands of pounds have been fruitlessly expended in the purchase and erection of plants, unsuited to the remunerative treatment of the ores extracted from the mines, and the essential requisite now is to be certain as to the methods of treatment by which such waste might for the future be obviated, and the enormous quantity of bullion how being thrown away may be secured. To attain such ends as these is surely deserving of the attention and aid of the Government. Money spent by them for the furtherance of these objects would prove a good investment for the country, and be of more public service than any number of the works on the several goldfields in the colony, on which they have lavished considerable sums. It is so far, gratifying, however, to have from Mr. Larnach the assurance that the Govern* ment are prepared to give some help towards attaining the ends contemplated. And; if they are prepared to redeem the promise, which he apparently gave in their name, of contributing pound for pound on the amount subscribed, that will at all events be something definite, and will serve to encourage the miners in their efforts to overcome the peculiar difficulties which stand between them and the fruits of their labours. Still, we cannot refrain from saying that the Government do not appear to recognise the responsibility that devolves on them to see to the efficient development of an industry which more than any other would ensure general prosperity to the colony.