UNPOPULAR REGULATIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14093, 22 June 1909, Page 5

UNPOPULAR REGULATIONS.

WEST COAST WATER POWER. [BT TELEGHAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION'.] Hokitika, Monday. MEETINGS continue to be held throughout West land in opposition'to the water power regulations recently gazetted. It is held that every encouragement should be given to bring capital into New Zealand without harassing regulations necessitating the preparation of costly plans and the production of heavy deposits. It is also thought that power rights should be rent free till the ventures, which involve very heavy expenditure, prove a success. In the case of Rimu and the Seddon Terrace goldtield a proposal is afoot to float a company with over £100,000 to derive power from Te Aroha river to pump water on to the field for hydraulic mining purposes. Under the regulations this necessitates a deposit of £500 and the preparation of plans, etc., at a cost of £2000, while an annual rent of £2200 will be required by the Government for water rights whence the power is derived. This is in addition to the usual charges under the Mining Act and local rating. The extra impost tends to stifle enterprise, and prevents capital coming in, hence public meetings of protest and requests for modification of the regulations. It is said that unless the regulations are shortly amended the capital which it is understood is available for Westland propositions will be diverted to another country. ) : ' *

A resident of London, Mr. Spencer Balfour, who recently visited the West Coastin connection with the Rimu antf'Aratiura' Mining Syndicates, is most favourably impressed with what he has seen (says the West Coast Timet). A joint committee of the various syndicates have held several meetings with faun, but it is understood that Mr. Balfour considers the regulations referring to the electro mining must be greatly modified before any London or outside capital would be available. If these harassing conditions were withdrawn (says the Times) Mr. Balfour would have no difficulty in finding £150,000 for the development of the two propositions which have been laid before him.