WATER-POWER LICENSES

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7141, 31 May 1910, Page 5

WATER-POWER LICENSES

PRIME MINISTER AND RIMU. MINERS. When the Prime Minister, Stir Joseph Ward, visited Rimu last week ho was approached with the object of securing some relaxation of the waterpower regulations. Ho informed the miners that they must remember that when tho .water regulations and charges were framed they applied to tho whole of ' tho co'ony on a basis of such proportion that in comparison with other countries—America, for 'nstance—they wore the cheapest charges in tho world. The Government had found that the water-powers of NewZealand would some day be an invaluable asset. The West Coast railways might some day be worked by energy generated by water-power. Ho would nko to see tho auriferous deposits of the Rimu Flat brought to the surface. The present Governmbent of New Zealand- had no particular spot in their hearts for any one industry. " Anyhow," added Sir Joseph, "we shall start afresh on Monday morning after my return to Wellington. After n conference with my colleagues, I shall wire the miners of Rimu something that shall be definite."

After consulting the Hon. R. McKenzie, Minister of Mines, in AYellin«.ton, Sir Joseph telegraphed as follows to Mr T. E. Y. Seddon, the member for Westland:—- ~. ■"'.,; -:: v.

'" Since my return I have; with the Minister of Mines, looked into the position of water rights for mining purposes. Proviso to section 105 limits the Warden's power to forty heads -of water for each license, and for over fortyheads the consent of the Minister requires to be given in writing. The course for tho Rimu syndicate to_ follow is to surrender the three individual licenses and make a fresh application to the Warden for one liconso for 120 heads. If this course is followed the Minister of Mines will consent to the license for 120 heads. The Hon. Mr MclCenzio informs me ho has already intimated to the representatives of the syndicate the course they ought to pursue. There is no power under tho Act for amalgamation, and there .is no power to enablo the Government by Order-in-Councii to bring in clause 93 of the Mining Regulations,. to which the legal representatives referred when discussing tho matter with me, as were the Government to do so it would bo illegal, "J. G. WARD, "Prime Minister." ACCEPTANCE OF THE PROPOSAL. Tho Rimu syndicate's representatives telegraphed the Prime Minister later in the day stating they had agreed to cancel tho existing licenses and to give effect to tho course suggested, as they regarded it as a very satisfactory settlement of the difficulty. Commenting upon this prompt result of his attempt to settle a long-standing question, Sir Joseph. Ward remarked that the syndicate's operations were'said to involve an expenditure of. .£200,000, so that it was a great enterprise with a big field before it.

It is proposed, states a Press Association telegram from Hokitika, to form a company with a of ,£200,000 to undertake tho bringing in of tho water and installing the necessary appliances to successfully work what has for many years been an almost abandoned auriferous field. The negotiations with London financiers in regard to tho. necesr sary capital are well advanced, and tho promoters are assured that tho prospects of raising the large amount required are particularly bright.