THE QUEST FOR GOLD

Southland Times, Issue 21430, 26 June 1931, Page 8

THE QUEST FOR GOLD

Q» TWO PROPOSED SCHEMES. TRIBUTE SYSTEM SUGGESTED. A discussion regarding prospecting for gold in the Thames district was held last week between members of the council of the Thames School of Mines and Mr A. M. Samuel, M.P. The president of the council, Mr Donovan, said the council was much concerned at the little help given to prospecting and to mining generally. He would submit two schemes drawn up by practical mining men, which could well be operated under the Unemployment Board’s No. 5 scheme. The chief point was that mines at present idle could be worked on tribute. The Occidental, Nonpareil, Lucky Shot, Alburnia, Kuranui and part’s of the Moanataiari were by no means worked out and had formerly produced a fair amount .of bullion. From 50 to 60 men could easily be employed in these. mines with a fair chance of obtaining gold, as there was plenty of ground left worthy of a trial. There might be a shortage of miners, but this could be overcome by putting an experienced miner w-ith a new man. The miners would have the right to nick their mates and the tribute term would be for at least 12 months.

The suggestion was that the Government should pay tributers £2 a week for a full week’s work and in return get onethird of all the gold won. Each party of tributers and the company would obtain one-third each of the gold, provided the company kept the levels open. If they did not see fit to do this, the company would receive 10 per cent, and the Government and the tributers would equally share the balance. Tributers would find their own tools and supplies. An alternative scheme was to form parties of about 10 men to prospect in the back country, each party to have an experienced prospector or miner in charge of it. There were opportunities for another 50 to 60 men, with a good chance of finding gold, as it was well known that reefs carrying gold had been found, but only superficially worked. Mr Donovan said the scheme would relieve unemployment and the men would be doing work which would become reproductive.

Mr Henry Lowe, chairman of the Thames County Council, supported the proposals. Mr Samuel said for some time past it appeared as if the Minister had been guided bv his executive officers, who did not favour help for the mining industry. Every effort should be made to resuscitate the industry and exploit gold deposits. The proposed schemes were both practical ones and they would be something tangible to present to the Minister. He intended next session to put in an earnest nlea to the Government to give its whole-hearted assistance to the mining industry. In the meantime, the representations made to him would be forwarded to the proper quarter.