MINING IN FIJI

Southland Times, Issue 22508, 16 February 1935, Page 5

MINING IN FIJI

GENUINE ENTERPRISES GOVERNMENT PROMISES ASSISTANCE NO SPECULATION (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 7.5 p.m.) Suva, February 15. An official statement has been issued to the effect that the Fiji Government will assist all genuine mining enterprises. It intends to prevent any speculation which would tend to damage the colony’s good name. The present prospecting licenses are fixed for a term of two years and cannot be renewed. It is proposed to amend the law and issue licenses in such terms as the Government may think fit. The licenses will not be transferable and the holder has a prior right to a mining lease, but a lease will not be granted unless there is evidence of gold in payable quantities and the applicant commands sufficient working capital. The Government states that of sixteen prospecting licenses in Tavua one prospector has so far proved that values are sufficient for the issue of leases. All the existing Tavua licenses expire in June and are not renewable and cannot be transferred except with the consent of the Government. The Government has issued a warning that the parties should ascertain the conditions prior to concluding agreements, and no trafficking in apnlications for prospecting licenses under any circumstances will be recognized. The Government will consider the allotment of Tavua areas after June 1. The Government intends to prevent the get rich quick type of speculating and promoters are reminded that the companies’ conditions must be approved by the Government. The Government is of the opinion that a no liability company undesirable.