THE DEVELOPMENT OF'THE ECONOMIC MINERALS IN N.Z.

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2765, 8 May 1916, Page 7

THE DEVELOPMENT OF'THE ECONOMIC MINERALS IN N.Z.

Sir,—Now that tho Imperial Government are asking for .supplies of sehealite, molybdenite, vanadium, nickel, antimony, etc, from the British Dominions, which minerals are' urgently .required for. the manufacture of munitions,; I would suggest that the time is now opportune (if we ever are..going to develop our mineral resources) to givo every encouragement ,ft experienced prospectors to systematically searoh, and if discovered in payable quantities, to open up and develop same. There will undoubtedly be a great demand for'economic minerals through the wastage of war, and seoing also the high price's ruling for 6ame, this would not only prove a great asset .to the Dominion,but would materially assist the Old Country at the present time, and also after the war. These minerals could be either concentrated or, sent Homo in their raw state,' the Imperial authorities seoing to their prooess. The Governments of Australia, South Africa, and Canada are giving every inducement to'encourage industries of this nature, but,'except for a,few tons of scbeelite exportedto England, ■ Zealand is doing nothing in this respect. In Queensland old oopper mines' which have been' closed down a .great number of years are being opened up and worked again, although of a low-grade nature.. Tn industries of this description wou|d giro employment to a great number of men, and would also give work to a large proportion of emigrants coming' to this country. Trusting, sir. you will kindly insert this letter m." The Dominion,--I am,etc., ' '; ■■'■"- PROSPECTOR.