THE TOUR OF THE MINISTER OF MINES. TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2410, 10 May 1900, Page 22

THE TOUR OF THE MINISTER OF MINES. TO THE EDITOR.

Sic, — As your reporter has not got the true gist of what took place at my interview with the Minister of Mines, and as the answers, as published, might henceforth be quoted so as to do harm, I beg to report what actually took place. First, I did not make any application as to coal leases in general, but only as to coal for the Gibbston district. On behalf of the United Morven, Arrow Junction, Morven Ferry, Kawarau Bridge, and tlawarau Consolidated Dredging Companies' and others, 1 referred to the Minister's \ recent refusal to grant additional coal leases for the Gibbston district, and asked that the question be reconsidered, as it was absolutely nece-'saiy for dredges if they are to be Miccessiul to get cheap coal, and to keep coal cheap there should be competition..

The Minibter stated since he had come up to the district he had learned some further facilities for getting coal are required, and he quite recognised the dredges near Gibbston must be supplied with coal. He would see that a siifficicnt number of coal leases were granted to Mippiy the demand at Gibbston, and he would also see that the coal leases granted were WKked. •

J stated that that was all that was required, atid J fhanked him accordingy. t Second: As to protection, I did not ask a"ny amendment of the law, as your report implies. At present protection of any claim may be granted by the warden for six months, and by the Minister for 12 months. I asked, as a matter of administration, a general quest" on as to the principles on which the 12 months would be granted. His reply was to the effect that in general he would not grant long protection, unless a very strong case was niscle oiit. I stated it was impossible to get dredges built for all the claims floated just at once; that moreover it was not expedient to do so, asi it would be bettor some claims should be tested before all the dredges were built ; the late Minister for Mines had recommended investors to be careful, and not to build too many dredges at onco, but the only way to avoid that was for the Minister to allow protection. 3»fr JM"Go\va,ri'sCi-eply to this was, practically, " Every application must be decided on its own meiits. '

I may &ay this question of protection is a very important one. It was discussed in your leading columns some time ago, pnd still deserves a prominent place. — I am, etc., ROET. GILKISON'. Clyde, May 3.