TESTING PLANTS FOR PROSPECTORS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2310, 9 June 1898, Page 18

TESTING PLANTS FOR PROSPECTORS.

We learn from the last number of the " New Zealand Mines Record" that it is probable that two or three small testing plants will be erected by the Government in different parts of the colony. The inspector of raines for the Hautski district; has been instructed to visit Mahakirau, in the Mercury Bay district, and report upon the most suitable site for the erection of a fire-stamp battery, to be woj ke<? by water-power. It is to be hoped that the laudable intention of the Mines department will be carried ouf;, and tlie benefit of ifc extended to other parts of the colony, where euch plants would be of great value to prospectors. Regulations for the working of the plants have been drawn up and submitted to the Mercury Bay Prospecting Association, which has expressed its unqualified approval of the draft.- These regulations are briefly as follow :—

When the' plant has been erected by the Mines Department ifc will be handed over to a re»pongible prospecting association to be held in trust for the Government, and will be managed by si person io be. appointed by the prospecting association. The charges for crushing will be fixed by the Minister for Mines at such r»te* as will merely cover the wages of the man in charge and provide for « orking expenses and keeping ' tlie plant in repair. Should the amounts, received for crushing ;vfc~any time not be sufficient to keep the plant in repair and pay the wages of the men emplos'ed, any deficiency must be paid by the prospecting association The cost of obtaining, materials required for the treatment of the ores mutt be bwne by the association ; but i a reasonable peicentage of loss will be considered a fair charge od working expenses. Payment for crushing must be made before the gold and silver obtained is handed over, otherwise the cost will be obtained from such gold and silver. Arrange' ments must be made between the association a,nd the Inspector of Miaes whereby the battery cannot be monopolised for too long a period by any one party of prospectors. Should any dispute arise it shall be decided by the Inspector of Mines for the district.