HON J. M‘GOWAN.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4299, 7 March 1901, Page 3

HON J. M‘GOWAN.

TOUR IN AUCKLAND PROVINCE. Tho Hon J. McGowan, Minister of Alines and Justice, has returned to Wellington, alter an extended official tour in Auckland province, begun at tho end of December. The various goldfields were visited by the Minister, who also made visits to other places in connection with the business of his departments. Mr McGowan says he found things in ta good state from a mining point of view at Waihi, Waitokauri, and Kararguhako. At the Thames and Coromandel they were rather quiet. The Thames v, as affected by the stoppage of the Tliarncs-H»uraki pump, consequent on tho re-construction of one of the big English companies. However, the chi Dig Pump, tho property of tbo associated mines, was (pumping tho water down to the 500 feet level, which enabled companies and tributors to work to that depth.

At Waiht tlio question of tlie tenure of business sites was gono into by the Minister, who has in preparation regulations which lie hopes will meet the difficulty that has been experienced. In conjunction with the "Warden, Mr 31cthnvan made certain proposals while at Wailii, and t! lose interested were perfectly satisfied with them. If regulations enu bo framed on tho lines of these proposals, the cause of complaint, which, has reference to the very limited number of buyers permitted, will hr removed. Tho persons mainly affected are those in business and occupiers of residence sites. The companies are also affected, but not to the'same extent!

As to Knaotnnu, tho' Mariposa-Kai-pal Vermont amalgamation was proceeding. Tho result of ft will ho deeper sinking, which should give a further impetus to mining in tho district. Operations wore fairly active at OpiTonul' on ore of Tjtlr average quality. 'Preparations wero being made for tho proper treatment of the slimes., in order to secure the extraction of a greater percentage of (he precious metal. Gumtown, about fourteen miles’ From M ercury Bay, is virtually a new field. The mines are some twelve miles from the township of Gumtown. The pressing difficulty, an in other districts, is tho want of good roads. They are badly wanted, in order to give access to tbe field named, but. they are also costly to construct. fro far as it has been developed, tha Gumtown field, in the Minister's opinion, is a very promising one. Air McGowan .spent some time at Wai-o-tapu, near Rotorua, in connection with the scheme for tree-planting by prisoners, lie inspected the site for tbe camp, amt afterv. artls. made another visit, with the object of seeing the camp properly established. He "found tho camp to ho in a wcll-selcctcd position, with excellent facilities for providing water. The area which is to bo planted comprises 400.000 acres. Twentyfive prisoners are already at the place.

In company with the Alinistor of Lands. Air AlcGowau inspected tho Pinko Swamp, which it is proposed to drain-for settlement purposes.