APATHY IN THE MINING COMMUNITY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22259, 11 May 1934, Page 6

APATHY IN THE MINING COMMUNITY

. TO THE EDITOK. Sir,—On reading the report of the recent visit of the Unemployment Board to Central Otago, one cannot but be astonished at the stupendous apathy ot the mining community on this occasion. Mr Hamilton said that he had with hiin representatives of the Unemployment Board, Public Works Department, and Mines Department. "They hoped that in all the propositions put before them this -week there would be some that would comprise a useful contribution to the scheme of gold-mining relief under which 3000 or 4000 men were now engaged." The extent and value of the auriferous areas in Central Otago having been so persistently' trumpeted abroad recently, the visitors naturally hoped to have some helpful suggestions placed before them whereby the unemployed would be assisted towards more remunerative employment and the country as n whole benefited by the creation of new wealth. In this highly auriferous area the visitors were solicited to assist in the revivtl of No. 2 scheme to assist in the absorption of unemployed in their own trade; an allocation for a landing ground; relief for fruitgrowers; requisition for 100,000 trees; improved roading facilities on Beaumont-Craigie Flat road; dual track for Tallyburn bridge. Ye Gods! and Central Otago is stated to be a second Rand minus the development, and it is confidently believed that Gold Miners' Associations exist in Cromwell. Clyde, Alexandra. Macraes, Maniototo. and Qucenstown. Just what purpose do these associations serve? Is there f.ny real organisation or solidarity amonfrst them? Or are they just lone-hand associations concerned only with their particular

parochial needs? The Cromwell Associa-1 tion has admittedly shown signs of life in matters affecting the flat or gorge, and other associations may have raised a feeble voice to "the powers that be "for some local want or in protest against some local grievance. But what have the various associations as a whole done, or endeavoured to have done, for the gold mining industry in Central Otago? Just what is lacking in the average goldminer's makeup? Farmers, 'fruitgrowers, and almost every other indutry. in New Zealand are organised and speak as one on behalf of the industry which they represent. But gold miners, with opportunity knocking at the door, remain dumb. Is the industry so well served and protected that there is no need for effective organisation among miners? Is the miner satisfied with the law which charges him 12s 6d per ounce export duty on gold as weighed by the bank, with the possibility that it may later lose anything up to 20 per cent, in the process of retorting? He receives payment only for weight of fine gold, but is charged export duty on gold which does not exist and, obviously, cannot be exported. Is he satisfied to be allowed the privilege of purchasing water only when the Public Works Department cannot dispose of it for irrigation, and this at a season when the working day is short and the severity of the frost prohibits his working? Is he satisfied with the condition which compels him to pay promptly every month for water or have his supply cut off, and thus be deprived of his livelihood, while in the past irrigators have been allowed by a paternal Government to fall into arrears for years in some cases, and 'huge sums have been allowed to become owing by them? Is he satisfied with the tortoiselike progress of having the deeper ground in approved areas tested for deep leads, and is he satisfied with the dozen and one hardships, handicaps, and injustices which he labours under? One may be excused for answering one's own queries by stating that, past events and present conditions considered, obviously he is satisfied. " Blessed are the humble of heart, for they shall inherit the earth."—l am, etc., Dibector. Naseby, May 9.