The Mines' Department.

Thames Star, Volume XXXXI, Issue 10419, 21 September 1903, Page 3

The Mines' Department.

GOLDFIELDS: AJsD MINES ESTIMI^TES.

Im the House of Representatives on tihe igoldfielda and mines' estimates, Mr Jas. Alteni xiirged the appointment of fli aountpetent ;Gk>v«tiTnini|Mirti gjeidkr gist', as tihe present official was ill and unable to undertake field! work. Many pants: of New Zealand! wanted a geological survey. Hie urged the Minister to encourage t:he training of youths to ■assist in the development of our mineral [resources. The Minister of Mmes (Hon. J-as. McGowami) 'Said' that although in t<K) ■bad liealtili to do field work, Mr MicKaiy had dkme some valiuia,ble work, for the colony in placing on record the ■whole of his notes and; Jiis wide knowledge of the geological features of New Zealand. The Goviernimanit were now only; •awaiting the passing of a niea.euire, to be introduoed; shortly, to so adijuat mnatters tJia,t a ■thioraugUy competemib geologist oould b& appointed, and the divided oontrol of the geological survey liemwed- At the earn® timie, al curaitor o£ the Colonial Museiuim,' "Wouidl be appointed.

The Minister stated tibat the Government ihad) done moire to develop' mining industries tha.ni any pr:o'."ious administration, andi drew attention, to the .State 'Coal mines. ,

Mr Allen -asked what steps were bangi taken for the estabLishmenti of a museum of -Maori antiquities .under the Act of 1901.

Mr Baiunie urged the claims of the Auckland! Museum. to> assistance, point ing out that £1000 had' been subscribed! for tine ipurchase of the Mair Maori oolleotion, and suggested that a siulbsidy be paid on thisi for housing the cwrios-

The question passed' unamsiwered. Mr JlbGovran informed Mir Allen that it was intended that those distraots which contributed most to the schools of mines would receive the largest amount of Government assistance.

The vote was passedi unamended,