THE MINING ACT. TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2427, 19 September 1900, Page 22

THE MINING ACT. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — The meeting held on Tuesday was attended by persons desiring an amendment of the law, but not all animated by tho same interests,.. The speculator pure and simple was prpJaably not without a repi esentative, and against changing, the lav/ to &uit his purpose? the Legi-Jatuic must be on its guard. That, however, some alteration of the law is needed is'rudeniabio. The difficulty has arisen in applying inflexible rules to the conditions of an iiidusliy more fluctuating and uncertain in all ways than any other. It is a, case where, instead of prescribing the number of men to be employed and the length of time to be given for any particiilar work, a ve\y v/idc, general provision requiring reasonable diligence in prosecuting work and the employment of means reasonably adequate to its profitable accomplishment would be suitable and sufficient. In no case should anyone be made the victim of circumstances over which he has no control, such as the difficulties arising fiom natulal causes, the impossibility of jn-ocuring labour and materials, etc. The system of granting protection whether for a few days or months is absurd and objectionable. The law itself should be the protector of everyone who does his best to comply with its requirements, and proof that he has done bo should be sufficient to protect him if he is attacked. As the law stands at present, rights are liable to be attacked which ought to be, but cannot be, protected, while others are protected which ought to open to successful attack. — I am, etc., John Moitat.