The Minister of Mines.

Southland Times, Issue 17083, 4 November 1902, Page 3

The Minister of Mines.

[Per United Press Association.] THAMES, Nov. 3. The Hon James McGowan delivered an address to the electors to-night. Ho referred in eulogistic terms to the good work of the Premier at the Imperial Conference, making special mention of the necessity for a preferential tariff. Referring to the colony he .claimed a steady and substantial increase of exports, making special mention of the mining and dredging industry, citing the increase in the Auckland gold returns, from £393,583 in 1895 to £728,1)00 in 1901. The increase of the export of mutton, beef, butter and cheese was from £1,709,102 in 1895 to £3,245,265 last year. The Minister stated that from his personal experience of Labour Union management he deprecated extreme tactics. Ti e Miners’ Union should do nothing to scago capital from the industry. Capital was Independent and, once withdrawn, was attracted again with difficulty. It should be encouraged, not harassed by vexatious restrictions and conditions in mining. The Minister declined to go to Parliam nt as the delegate of any par.y — Labour, Liquor, Prohibition, or other. IJo claimed freedom from all extremists, and would not truckle for votes. Thames deep level mining was not possible without foreign capital; the companies were suffering from depression and must have breathing time. Replying to a question, the Minister said he favoured Stite education from the primary school to the university colleges in an unbroken course, open to any lad of ability. He did not favour the subsidising of private schools ; the State schools were quite sufficient, and persons starting private schools took their own risk. At the conclusion of the address e yote of thanks and confidence in Mr McGowan as a member, and in the Ministry of which he is a member, was carried by acclamation.