LAND FOR OCCUPATION ON GOLDFIELDS. TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Witness, Issue 1933, 25 February 1892, Page 14

LAND FOR OCCUPATION ON GOLDFIELDS. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — An increase in the amount of land to be held upon the occupation license system from 50 to 100 acres was provided for in the Mining Act passed last session. So far so good ; but, apparently with the idea of preventing dummyism, a clause was inserted that the licensee should reside upon the section. This did not appear in the original draft copies, but must have been inserted in committee. And here the mischief began ; for just fancy forcing a man to build a residence upon land when the lirst Chinaman that came along could come and claim the ground under his miner's right, without compensation. A man would simply have to pull the house down and clear. I pointed this out in a strong remonstrance sent on behalf of the Lowburn Branch Association to the Minister of Mines, asking him to mitigate the evil resulting from this provision by the regulations to the act (then not published), and to have the residence clause struck out next session. But what do we find in the regulations ? That the licensee can hold one acre of the ground for his residence— to be surrendered only after receiving full compensation. This, of course, does away at once with the spirit of the enactment, and is altogether unfair both

to the miner, who cannot get the land for mining, and to the licensee, for it will cause very few licenses to be granted — not only through objections of tho miners, but also through the fact that the place of residence is useless to a licensee if all the rest of the ground is confiscated for mining. That our present Minister of Mines means well to the miners and others struggling for a living, I am thoroughly convinced ; but lam also convinced that he has in this matter made a blunder that will have an evil sequence to all and sundry, causing litigation, &c. ; and perhaps Mr Scddon in future will not be above taking advice from the 'Miners' Associations in matters connected with the welfare of the miners, as in this they can advance a good claim for having their voice heard in the councils of the nation. Thanking you for insertion, — I am, &c, John Wernkb, Secretary Lowburn Branch CM. A. Lowburn Ferry, February 20.