Original Correspondence.

Dunstan Times, Issue 206, 7 April 1866, Page 3

Original Correspondence.

(We Jo not identify ourselves with the opiuions c.ipiessed by our correspondents.) TO THE EDITOR OF TIIE " DUNSTAN TijlilS.'' Sir, —Can you give mo any information as to when the Goldhelds Amendment Act of 1865 is likely to come into force—, the said Act having been gazetted? I sujmose the reason we have no forms as therein set forth, Is in consequence of the Provincial Government not taking action in the matter—or may be the printing press is out of order. No forms are to be obtained from the Warden's office, the Government assertion to the contrary notwithstanding. The magnitude and importance of the present mining operations and the prospect of their rapid increase render it necessary that Mining Boards should be established in the different districts, and as the law provides the means, the sooner the miners take the matter up, the better it will be, both for public and private interests. Hitherto there has existed a most reprehensible apathy amongst the miners as a body, with respect to their own iuter-v.<. t >ne thing is certain, those who help themselves are always in the best position. Unless some change is made, we shall <*et into an inextricable state of confusion and red tapeism. That Mining Boards will lighten the duties of both the Government and Goldfields officials there can be little doubt. At the same time, regulations formed by practical men will be more suitable than those made by persons at a distance, and totally unacquainted with mining pursuits. What we require is a responsible Minister of Mines ami Mining Board Districts. Otago may then become what she ought to have been long since, the most permanent and prosperous goldproducing province of New Zealand, if not of the world. Much mow might be written on the subject, and, with your kind permission 1 will resume the subject in a future issue. I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant, W, W. W.