FEAR OF CONFLICT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22887, 16 November 1937, Page 14

FEAR OF CONFLICT

FORESTRY AND MINING

COROMANDEL PENINSULA ASSURANCE FROM MINISTER [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] THAMES, Monday Tho possibility of conflict botwoen afforestation and mining interest on the Coromandcl Peninsula was referred to to-day in tho course of a discussion between Mr. J. Thorn, M.P., and tho Thames Chamber of Commerce. Mr. C. S. Donovan, president of tho Thames School of Mines, said he had noticed that some of tho areas proclaimed for afforestation wcro really in tho auriferous belts and tho position became difficult from a mining point of view. Geophysical research might discloso very rich territory, and if tho area was tree planted there would bo danger to both industries. Recently an nrea in Tarnru Creek, including tho famous Eclipse mine, bad been declared forest reserve. Tho Eclipse had been a wonderful producer in tho past and might bo reopened. Mr. Thorn said he had that day received a letter from the Commissioner of State Forests, tho Hon. F. Langstone, which met the position. Tho Minister stated that tho consideration of land for afforestation embraced tho value of such land for mining purposes, and in this connection it was an established practice to consult the Mines Department. Tho School of Mines council could bo assured that it was unlikely that valuable auriferous areas would be precluded from mining by State afforestation.

Mr. Thorn went on to say that it wn£ not to bo wondered at that the Forestry Department took an interest in the Coromandel Peninsula, as it was one of tho best timber areas on the faco of tho earth, and it would not hesitato to plant eyery acre if it could. There certainly was conflict between the Forestry Department and certain people in tho electorate, especially about land alleged to be good for agricultural purposes. He had been in close touch with tho Minister, who had recently revoked four or five areas suitable for farms, but where there was any doubt the Minister was intending to continue his tree-planting scheme.