21

C—2,

4. For the payment of compensation for the resumption of land held under occupation licenses and residence sites. As a very large amount will be required for some years to come, it is to be hoped that Parliament will see its way to give the necessary assistance by annual appropriations, in order to allay the feeling which seems to be gaining ground in our mining centres that the encouragement Parliament always seems willing to afford the farming, dairying, and other industries of the colony is gradually being withheld from the mining industry. Provision will also be made for battery superintendents to have full control of and be responsible for all the machinery and appliances for the reduction and treatment of ore, where cyanide of potassium and other chemicals are used. Further provision will also be made for carrying on dredging operations on foreshores. CLAIMS FOR REWARDS. As a large number of petitions are presented to the House every year claiming rewards for the early discoveries of many of the goldfields, I think it would be desirable for the House to express some general opinion on this question. Rewards for the discoveries of future goldfields are provided for in the existing regulations. CONCLUSION. In concluding my remarks, I would point out that the mining industry has formed a large factor in the advancement of the colony. From 1861 to 1866 emigration poured in from all parts of the world, and a large number of people found profitable employment on our goldfields. Many of these made considerable sums of money in following up a digger's life, which they invested in the purchase and cultivation of land. Many people from the Australian Colonies were also attracted here by the discovery of gold, bringing considerable sums of money with them, and making homes for themselves in the colony, which possesses an invigorating climate, a great extent of rich arable and pastoral land, large areas containing auriferous drifts, metalliferous and mineral lodes, and a quality of coal which cannot be surpassed, together with almost an unlimited water-supply, which can be utilised as a motivepower to drive machinery. New Zealand is pre-eminently a country suitable for mining, for the establishment of industries, and the investment of capital. The mining industry opens up a field for the employment of the working-classes whereby they can earn an independent livelihood ; but, in order to give greater facilities for the extension of this industry, a further expenditure is required in opening up the country by roads and tracks, and in granting assistance towards the development of our mineral wealth. By so doing we will open up new fields where our surplus labour can be profitably utilised; and, if men cannot make large wages, they will at least earn a fair livelihood. The proposed legislation to give a good tenure to small plots of land on the goldfields will give the miners an incentive to remain on the land, and to employ their spare labour in the cultivation of the soil. I trust my lengthened remarks on mining have not wearied the honourable members. The importance of the question demands considerable attention ; and, as we have a large extent of hilly country which is only suitable for pastoral and mining pursuits, it is our duty to utilise this to the best advantage, and furnish a means of enabling the workingclasses to find profitable employment.