MINING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2083, 25 January 1894, Page 12

MINING.

MR MURRAY'S VISIT.

We can conceive of no adequate reason why Mr Mubray, the geologist to the Victorian Government, should not visit the Otago goldfields during his Btay in the colony. He is makiDg a visit to New Zealand, under an arrangement made with the Victorian Government, for the purpose of examining the strata and workings of our various goldfields,^ and it would be a very great pity indeed were the extensive gold-bearing distriots of Otago to remain uninspected by him. We are glad to learn that Mr W. Fjbasbb, M.H.R , has been in communication with tbe Government on the subject. In reply to a telegram sent by him asking whether arrangements could not be made whereby Mr Murray could extend his visit to Otago, Mr Fraser received a telegram yesterday from Mr Oadman to the effect that Mr Murray must return to Victoria early in February, and will be unable 'to do more than visit Reefton and the Thames " unless further arrangements can be made with the Victorian Government." It is manifest that the Government will seriously neglect their duty to this part of the colony if they do not at once endeavour to make those " further arrangements." We cannot think the Victorian Government will place any obstacle in the way of New Zealand securing the benefit of Mr Murray's services for three or four weeks further. We feel quite sure there can be no ob j ection on Mr Murray's part to undertake the additional work, and tbe additional cost should not be allowed to influence the Government's action. There are several localities where Mr Mdruay's examinations might prove of the greatest benefit — notably the extraordinary auriferous deposit at the Criffel,— and it is the duty ot our local M.H.R's. to do their utmost to astfst Mr Fbasek in his efforts to secure the benefit of Mr Murray's valuable knowledge and experience.