AND GOLDFIELDS REPORTER A ADVERTISER THURSDAY, MAT 1, 1873.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 274, 1 May 1873, Page 4

AND GOLDFIELDS REPORTER A ADVERTISER THURSDAY, MAT 1, 1873.

" MEASURES, NOT MEN."

The question as to whether it is desirable to transfer the management of the goldfields from the Provincial to the General Government has been engaging the attention of the various mining associations of Otago. The decision arrived at by the majority, in fact all the associations that have yet spoken, has been that it is inexpedient that the goldfields should be removed from the Provincial control. Some associations have, however, to a great extent, stultified their decision by affirming the desirability of, the appointment of a Colonial Minister of Mines. The reasons which actuate the miners in deciding in favor of Provincialism, are hard to discern. For years past, Provincial administration has created dissatisfaction and discontent on the goldfields, and the miners have been the loudest in demanding the abolition of Provincial institutions. The only cause for the change in views we can assign, is some misapprehension — the confounding of a person with a system. The extraordinary Goldfields Bill introduced last session by the Under-Secretary for the Goldfields, has, no doubt, exercised a great influence in inducing the decision in favor of Provincialism-

The General Government, however, subsequently showed that they were in earnest in their desire to legislate justly for the goldfields, and to meet the views of tnose affected in every practicable way. The unfortunate water subsidy regulations framed by the same gentleman have also, •■-c think, acted as a makeweight in tie decision of the associations. It is very clear that under the present system no improvement in the administration of the goldfields can be expected. The goldfields officers are theoretically under the I control of ths General Government, bat are practically under the con:rol of the Provincial Government, ay whom their salaries are paid. The appointment of a Minister of Mines would — unless the Provincial rule were abolished — only complicate matters. He could have no real control over the officials, but could make himself exceedingly|dis- * and disorganise every:Ang if he felt so disposed. If, jwever, the administration of the : oldiields were taken over by the General Government, the appointment of the proposed Minister would be a necessity. The General (government would, in that case, have to pay the salaries, and if the whole department were under the control of a responsible Minister, the chances are that great saving in the expense and increased efficiency in the service would naturally follow. More money would be available for necessary public works, and when any grievances existed, the miners would know where to seek redress. We direct the attention of the miners to the fact that their decision will help to prolong the existence of Provincialism, which is on all hands admitted to have lived beyond its term of usefulness, and is merely permitted to exist till some better mode of governing is devised. Are the miners of Otago prepared to reI tract all they have said previously upon this subject, and now, when the majority of the people has come round to their views, to change their colors and advocate a diametrically opposite policy ? If they are bo prepared, well and good, but if the«j, r^ugh their associations, Totk&tfßFto advocate the continuance of Provincial institutions I* under any misapprehension, it [ would not be unwise on their part to reconsider their decision.