The Premier on Goldfields Legislation.

Cromwell Argus, Volume V, Issue 244, 14 July 1874, Page 7

The Premier on Goldfields Legislation.

The following letter from the Mon. Mr Vogel, received by the Arrow Miners’ Association, and published in the Observer, will be read with interest by miners - General Government Offices, Wellington, 10th June, 1874. Gentlemen, — I have the honor to acknowledge a receipt of the Report of the Otago Mining Conference, 1874. I will cause the document to be laid before Parliament, so that it may bo available when legislation is proposed concerning any'of the subjects to which the Report refers. ' I desire to say that personally I have much sympathy with the wants of the gold miners. 1 was one of the Representatives of the district of the Goldfields ; and from associations extending over many years, I naturally feel largely interested in all that affects the welfare of the Goldfields. But I must beg you to remember that in New Zealand the mananagement of the Goldfields has never been more than nominally in the hands of the Colonial Government; that the entire administration and control have practically rested with .the Provincial Governments ; and that, therefore, it is desirable that the representations of miners should be made through the Provincial Governments.

A Bill dealing comprehensively with gold mining was prepared for the last Session of the Assembly. It was ably drawn by Mr Haggitt, Mr Shepherd, M.H.R., and Mr Mouat; and it appeared to be a full and extensive measure. The Government did not, however, find that it commanded hearty sympathy in the House of Representatives ; whilst there was so much difference of opinion exhibited by members representing districts within the Goldfields, that there was no possibility of passing the measure. The Government have, pending the receipt of answers to a circular letter addressed to the Superintendents, been unable to come to a conclusion as to what course shall be adopted with respect to the Bill next session. Copy of the circular letter is appended for your information.

I would not have you suppose that I imply that any disposition to disregard the interests of miners has been evinced by the Provincial Governments in charge of Goldfields—on the contrary, I am bound to say that these Governments appear to me to be thoroughly conscious of their goldfields responsibilities. The difficulty in the way of legislation seems rather to be that the circumstances of the several fields are so different that what may be suitable for one locality creates opposition in others.

Whenever a measure relating to any of the subjects referred to in your Report is the House of Representatives, the Government will give to your recommendations very careful consideration, but I am not able to further assure you respecting the course which they may take. —I have, &c.. Julius Vogel. To Messrs James Healey, Thomas Sims, and the other members of the Otago Mining Conference, (Copy of Circular to Superintendents.') Colonial Secretary’s Office, Wellington, May 14, 1874. Sm, —I herewith enclose the Bill to amend the laws relating to the Goldfields which lapsed last session in the House of Representatives. The management of the Goldfields, though nominally confided to the Governor, has really through the system of delegation adopted, been vested in the charge of the Superintendents, with more or less assistance from their Provincial Councils and Executives. There is evidence that the conditions which may suit the Goldfields in one part of the Colony are not necessarily suitable to those in other parts.

The Government desire to ask your Honor —(lst.) Whether in your opinion there is that pressing need for legislation on the subject which makes it necessary or desirable to deal with the matter during the coming session, or _ (2) whether it would be better to defer legislation.

Supposing your Honor thinks legislation during the coming session desirable, do you approve the Bill under consideration, or in what respect would you advise its amendment.