NEW ZEALAND GOLD MINING.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 31, 6 February 1905, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND GOLD MINING.

NEW (XJVERNMENT POLICY. CANADIAN GEOLOGIST EMPLOYED. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) NELSON, Sunday. The Premier returned on Saturday afternoon from Muiehison and hie visit to the "Lost Tribe," from whom he met with a most enthusiastic reception. In a speech at Murchison, Mr Seddon expressed satisfaction at the progress of settlement, notwithstanding the want of improved mean* of communication. He said that Nelson and Westland had exported gold to the value of £26,000,000 sterling, or otot one-third of the total production, whilst only the surface had been scratched. The gold in drifts, he said, could not have come from the skies, and must be traced to its source. He announced a new golctfielJs policy, and said that they had secured from Canada a geologist who was a very able man. The local bodies had no money to spend on prospecting, and individuals could not undertake to discover what was far below the surface. In Australia and other places richer finds were made at great depths. The Government must do more, the geologists must indicate where shafts or tunnels should be sunk or driven. Tliey must be guided by geologists and assisted by science to make further discoveries. Their mineral ranges only wanted prospecting .to prove their wealth. He showed haw mineral wealth had assisted the development of .the country and contributed to its wealth. He spoke on several other subjects, and a hearty vote of thanks and confidence in himself and the Government was carried with cheers. Some of those present travelled 30 miles the ranges to see the Premier. ?kfr Seddon was informed that private prospecting was being carried on, and a very considerable capital was being invested in mining at Matakitaki. He commented on the fact that a nugget of gold weighing over an ounce was found amongst the ballast on the railway at Alottrpiko. He received a number of deputations, and on his way back inspected the railway to the Tadmor. On reaching Nelson he was met by a considerable number of citizens, and received deputations * from several public bodies. Later on he left for Wellington.