MINING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2170, 26 September 1895, Page 17

MINING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. TO THE EDITOR.

Bin,— lt would appear from the question pub to the Premier on Tursday by the Hon. CapWn Russell (hit the end of the session is drawing near. I desire to draw attention to the fact that the bill promised by the Hon.J. M'Kenz'e, Minister for Iliads, dealing with the above question lisa not yet made it? appearauce. There was no alluftioa to this important matter whou the Goldfielda Act was before the House. I understaud considerable attention has been directed towards this subject both by petition to tho House and the cauvaising of members, many of whom have promised their earnest support to the measure when introduced. What, wo are anxious to know is, will the bill ba brought down ? I am sorry to note no acticn hag as yet been taken in connection with the resolution passed at the Garrison Hall at the great meeting of miners and others held some week* siuce — that a petit'on, signed by a large uumher of people, flheu'd be submitted tiPiulinmnnt praying for the removal of difficulties in tho way of prospecting and working fne^old auriferons land, especially euch land ai wa§ hold previous to the passing of the act of 1872. Tbo di posit in that act is quite prohibitive, and should be reduced quite one-half, which would be sufficient to cover surface damage. Then there is the anomaly of a miner beiug liable to fine and imprisonment for tie3p»s» became be refu'-es tj leave the claim ho has opened up at great expense, aft.ir obtaining the consult of the owrer to work the ground nnd paying 15 or 20 p»r cent, royalty. This appears to be a most infamous iujuslics, and should command special legislation. It is claimed by many that owners cannot demand roy&Uy on the rojal metals— only surface damage. I would say fco the miner* of the colony, and every oth/r poraou interested in the nuceesß of miuiug, that this is a most vital question and one aff<c'ing the whole welfaro of the colony. Large t-ae's of auriferous land were sold in the earlior days of the goldfields that should never have boen sold for n*xt to nothing — much of it for 10a or 12s 6«1 an acre up to 20s, — and now, when employment is so scarce, we are not allowed to extract the mineral wealth from theso lands without becoming subject to fine and im prison meut. I hope, therefore, no time will be losb iD getting a monster petition signed wi'h such a signatory as shall command the nspect and attention of Parliament. I believe, Sir, it would be a wise thing to have some sort of demonstration in connection with this question, on Labour Day, 8o as to create a st'ong't inbrrest in mining affairs among the general public. I also think the action of the labour unions in devoting the proceeds of Labour Day towards the Minors' Association funds is deserving of all praise. — I am, &c, September 19. Miner.