HOW TO MAKE OUR QUARTZ REEFS PAY.

Cromwell Argus, Volume III, Issue 131, 14 May 1872, Page 5

HOW TO MAKE OUR QUARTZ REEFS PAY.

In reverting to the above subject, I find that little remains to be said in relation, to the manner of working our mines. If the few suggestions already stated by myself and " Crusher" are attended to, and a certain proportion of gold is found to exist in the quartz, there is nothing to prevent our so called "poor reefs" from becoming remunerative ; and if the work of proving them so was entered upon more in the spirit of legitimate business than that of more speculation, it is probable that the disappointments would be fewer, and quartz mining in Otago would resolve itself into what it has already become in the neighbouring colony of Victoria, —a safe investment for spare capital. Indeed, it is there proved by statistics that mining ventures yield a considerably larger per centage of profit on the capital employed than many other businesses and speculations at present carried on in the Colony. Surely, with this fact before us, we can afford to throw aside all doubts as to the future of our reefs, any of which coining under my notice would be considered anything but "poor" in the sister Colonies ; and, by prudence, careful and efficient management, patience, capital, and sound business principles, render them what they are eminently designed for, —a permanent source of wealth and a benefit to the whole community. I believe there is a tradition extant in mining circles, that when the Government grant a mining lease to any Company, they reserve the right of a certain supervision of the works while in progress. Upon enquiry, I have failed to discover a single instance in which the right or power has been exercised ; and I consider the Government neglects its duty as a landlord by the omission, by allowing its valuable mineral estates to be worked in an improper manner, often resulting in useless expenditure of labour and capital, a final collapse, and a great loss and injury to the community, which, by causing business depression, must naturally re-act unfavourably on the prosperity of the Province. I am certainly not an advocate for stumbling blocks being placed in the path of mining industry ; but there could be no harm in trying the supervising power (if it exists), if placed in the hands of a competent officer appointed for the purpose, who, by an occasional inspection, and by offered suggestions as to improved modes of working, might in time do away with the present reckless and injurious system of utilising our mineral wealth ; which, if persisted in, will bring people back to the old, old notion that the production of gold is but an ephemeral blessing instead of a permanent good. The statistical information as to mining in Otago is meagre indeed. If an officer such as 1 have alluded to was appointed, it might be made part of his duty to collect and compile reliable reports. He would receive great assistance in such work, if mining managers were instructed, as in many of the large companies in Victoria, to furnish and keep in progress a plan or working section of the mine, showing the depth, width of reef, amount of work done each week, quantity of stone crushed, yield, &c. &c. Such a work to a competent manager would prove interesting, amusing, and instructive, and would be an especial boon to directors on their visits of inspection. In conclusion, I would state that it is possible, in endeavouring to reform our present crude and imperfect methods of mining, I may meet with the fate of reformers generally, and get snubbed for my pains ; but reformation is not, in these enlightened days, a hanging matter, and I, being slightly pachydermitous, shall persist in the attempt, and will at a future date take in hand some of our local reefs, in the hope of inducing a further trial of this fine but neglected gold-field. r.endigo, May 7. VIATOR.

[Adirrlhement.] —Having purchase:! for cash, , and personally selected One Thousand Pounds ! worth of Autumn and Winter Drapery, Clothing ; Boots, &c., we feel much pleasure in announcing | to our numerous customers and other residents I in the district that the same will be added to our : present large stock and he open for inspection this week. We can therefore safely assure constituents that we have the largest and choicest J stock of Seasonable Goods on the Gold-fields ; j but don't take our word for it : come and judge i for yourselves.- I. HallcDsteiu & Co.