MINERALS AND MUNITIONS.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2507, 7 July 1915, Page 5

MINERALS AND MUNITIONS.

Sir,—Noticing letters in your paper recently re tho manufacture of munitions in New Zealand, and according to experts tho impracticability of making the same, I would suggest a more feasible plan to assist the Mother Country, viz., tho development and opening up of our economic ..mineral, deposits,' and ship the raw, material .to,, England. Molybdenite, scheelite, copper, and graphite exist in workable deposits all over tho country, according to the geological branch of tho Mines Department, and aro lying undeveloped for want of capital and lack of interest by the Government. The Old Country would, I amsure.'beonlytoograteful for help of this nature, which we: could easily accomplish with the support of the Government. Tho present, prices of minerals ruling now would more than' repay, and would also be a great asset to the country, as we are notoriously short of industries of this nature, and which would give 'employment to' thousands of peoplb. After this war there will''undoubtedly be a great scarcity of minerals of this nature. lam an experienced prospector, and very well acquainted with the mineral'fields in this country, and. can' therefore vouch for what I say. Sirj I need hardly say that industries of this nature would undoubtedly increase in 110 small .way the prosperity of the, country, and which would also do. a . great deal of ' good to the Old Country. I may say, Sir, all these minerals are , required in the manufacture of guns and munitions. Great countries owe their prosperity to the development of , their mineral resources and j consequent industries. Trusting, Sir, you will kindly insert this letter in; your paper.—! am, etc., P. H. HUGHES. .Carterton. -