THE MINISTER OF MINES.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13384, 6 April 1912, Page 4

THE MINISTER OF MINES.

HON J. COLVIN'S INTENTIONS

[United Press Association.]

Ghristcfrurch, April 5. Tho Hon J. Colvin, Minister of Mines, a-rrived here from Wellington today en route for the West Coast.

Asked regarding his views on the political,sitimtion, Mr Colvin re-marked that he had little to say. lie believed that the Mackenzie Ministry would prove | equal to the task of retaining office, despite the anticipations of some that the contrary would be the ease. Me thought tho Ministry was ono of the best that the Dominion has ever had and was a strong one from a debating' as well as from an administrative rciiit of view. Personally Mr Colvin said his own interests were bound up in the ir.ining industry, ,-uid he had a great deal of sympathy for the industry," which he considered was one of the best for colonists in tho world. All his life lie had boen either engaged in mining, or .in business connected with the industry. He recognised that he iad a lard uphill climb in following;his predecessor, Mr R. Mclvenzie, but he intended exerting ,his utmost OTideavouns to push ahead the mining industry in all its phases—gold, coal and oil. He hoped to be able on his present visit to the West Coast to visit the State coal mines at: Runanga and Seddonvillo. atf' ■well-as the different" mining centres. Asked if there were any recent developments in connection with tho 3votuku oilfields, Mr Golvin replied that he possessed nooffioialinformation, but he had learned from a gentleman who rcrcently^ visited ..tho field that -the pros-, pects wore improving. Mr Colvin, leaves by tho Casa train tomorrow morning for the West-Coast.