MINING CONFERENCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19505, 13 June 1925, Page 8

MINING CONFERENCE.

TO BE HELD DURING EXHIBITION. MINISTER OF MINES SYMPATHETIC. A proposal to hold a comprehensive mining conference in Dunedin during the period of the Exhibition took shape at a recent largely attended meeting of representative citizens. As an outcome of that meeting a deputation from the Management Conunitteo that was then appointed waited yesteraay on the Hon. G. J. Anderson, Alin fitter of Mines, to secure his sympathy and support. 'l'he deputation consisted of Professor Janies Park, of the Otago School of Mines, Alessrs J. Loudon, and IV. A. Flavell. Professor Park, who was the chief spokesman, outlined the origin of the proposal, and what it was exactly that was proposed. He said that at a meeting of about 25 representative citizens last week it was decided, without a dissentient voice, to hold a mining conference in connection with the Exhibition. A similar one was held n Dunedin during the 1859-90 Exhibit ion, and proved very successful and highly stimulating to the mining industry. That conference lasted three days, and was supported by the lull strength of-the Alines. Department, from the Aiinister of Alines to the most junior officer in the department. The chair was taken by the Hon. T. Fergus. Papers were read on subjects relating to the welfare of the industry, these being published in pamphlet form, and afterwards incorporated in the proceedings and awards of the Exhibition. At the forthcoming conference it was proposed that papers should bo read on mining legislation, on State aid to prospecting, the present status of the gold mining industry, the present status of the coal mining industry, the mineral resources of Now Zealand, mines’ ventilation and sanitation, prevention of accidents, the application of electricity to mining and cognate subjects. The papers would bo printed and discussed. Those who had arranged the conference would attend to the social side, but assistance was required for the printing, and they asked the Government for £250 to cover the cost. It was hoped that the Aiinister would preside, and that ins department would support it with its full strength. The conference would bo attended by representative* from all parts of New Zealand, from South Africa, from Australia, from England, and probably from America, and would he of much importance. Mr Flavell expressed the opinion that such a conference was now much overdue in New Zealand. They hoped it would bo instrumental in bringing together __ all the loading mining men not only in New- Zealand,but from Australia and America, and it was not inconceivable that they might get some important mining men from England. They wanted to know that they had the blessing of the Alines Department and that the department would help them with such small finance as might be required in the printing of papers and so forth. They might desire to ask railway privileges for some distinguished visitors, but the proposal was only in its infancy and they did not kpow yet exactly what they might want. Mr Loudon said they were going to try and- help themselves as far as they possibly could, nut they thought the Government might see its way to give them its patronage and to assist them in obtaining permanent records of the affairs of the conference. The Aiinister, in replying, said that the Minister of Alines would bo very pleased to preside. If the printing was not going to cost more than £250 he would say at once that he woul'l have it done. It would have ,to bo kont down to that limit. ;He could not pledge himself beforehand with regard to travelling facilities, but he would take the matter into favourable consideration when the time came. As for other assistajneo later on that would have to be considered as matters arose. He did not pledge anything in regard to that further than that, the Alines Department would assist them in making the conference a success Ho would communicate with his office and ask the staff to help them in any way they possibly could. On behalf of the deputation Professor Park thanked the Minister for his kindly reception and his very favourable response to their reque,sts.