MINISTER OF MINES INTERVIEWED.

Thames Star, Volume XXX, Issue 9383, 28 June 1899, Page 4

MINISTER OF MINES INTERVIEWED.

TWO ABBITEATOBB TO BE APPOINTED.

By Telegraph—Special Correspondent. WELLINGTON, June 27. MrO. A. Harris, who is here, had an interview with the Hon. Mr Oadman to-day. Copies of the agreement drawn up *v Mr E»rle and by Mr ' • Hesketh re the wrma under whicn th* Thames Haurafci Cbmpauy wui tafee over the Big Pump wore dMoussed, tne '.whole poßition beiag fully dealt; witn, whereupon Mr Cadman suggested that pumping should be continued, and he would send two competent mining men to determine the amount of con^ . tributio* which should be paid Mr ?■ Harris for pumping. To this Mr flams agreed, and at once wired Mr Dunlop to re-commence

Mr Hay, Mining Inspector ofOtago, and Mr Jas. Coutts, of the Thames, are likely to be appointed to deal* with the question. . Mr Gadman will finally determine his coarse upon receipt of a letter from Mr Kissling (the Chairman of the Thames Drainage Boaid), which ie ontheiwyftohim. The '-Minister of Mine* deserves the greatest praise for the trouble he,has token. -He fully realise* that the present «tat» of uncertainty cannot continue, and if the company should take up an unjustifiable position he will-exercise his powers under toe agreement. H, on the other hand, the Drainage Board does likewise, he wiU be equally prompt in dealing with them. . „ „ „ . The opinion entertained here is that in some measure Mr Harris is justified in objecting to accept *,he deed drawn up by Mr fiarle", as it provides th»t for errors or mistakes made by. the manager of the old Big Pump he (Mr .Harris) wiU, ; be responsible, notwitnj standing 1 that the manager is the servant cf the Drainage Board, Mr Harris' only oonnectiou with him being the payer of hia wages. No doubt that matter will be settled till the tune of the re-assessment of the contribu- . tions arrives, when a new Board will be constituted and the assessment re. adjusted, f '" ■ ■