THE MINING CONFERENCE

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 172, 25 May 1871, Page 4

THE MINING CONFERENCE

At Wednesday's sittings of this body, the following letter from His Honour the Superintendent was read :—: —

" Before proceeding to the consideration of the important subjects upon which you are about to confer, perhaps it may he as well to indicate generally the questions with respect to which the Government dosires to have the benefit of your suggestions. They are :—lst,: — Ist, The consideration of legislation affecting the Golddelds, with a view of making practical suggestions as to the amendment and consolidation of existing Acts 2nd, The recommendation of such alterations in the Regulations as may be suitable to the present condition of gold-mining in the province. 3rd, The applicaoion of Pare 111. of "The Immigration and Public Works Act, 1870," to the goldSelds of the- province. With regard to this latter, perhaps I may be permitted to observe that I am disposed to think that the most economical, practical, and speedy mode in which the limited amount obtainable by this province can be applied, is by advancing money on loin at not exceeding 5£ per cent, to companies alre idy in existence, or which may be formed hereafter, the Government to alvanoe the money upon such terms as shall recoup itself, and as shall provide for the supply of water at the lowest possible rates. Trusting that the result of your labours may be such as shall greatly conduce to the interests of the mining community, and promote the general benefit of the province. — I am, &c"

The Commissioners replied to His Honour's letter, and stated that the suggestions contained in it would have their serious consideration. , The Commissioners considered the consolidation of the various Statutes affecting the Goldfields as their primary duty, and suggested to His Honour the propriety of postponing the consideration of the regulations until they have before them the amended Statute. They thorefore suggested that on concluding the consideration of the other subjects, they should be permitted to ad-

jonrn their sittings until after the next sittings of the General Assembly. The Commissioners then commenced the consideration of Goldn'elds Act 1866, and made a great many recommendations thereon, after which they proceeded -to OTHER BUSINESS. It was resolved to recommend that the Victorian Mining Sjtatues he carefully considered, and the provisions contained in the same (when suitable to the circumstances of the Q-oldfields of this colony) be included in the newconsolidated Act. That the G-oldfields Wardens of this province should give their decision within the Q-oldfields Acts and Uaining bye laws, so that tbe discretionary power at present vested in the Wardens may be d ne away with. That the gold duty should be reduced at the rate of 6d per ounce per annum, until abolished. That the clause in the Hundred Act, 1870, authorising the pastoral tenants to select a block of lan'J of 640 acres on runs within the goldfields, should be repealed. That water-rights may be granted when required for supplying a township or for domestic purposes, and also for the working of machinery.