The Dunstan Times FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1872.

Dunstan Times, Issue 553, 22 November 1872, Page 2

The Dunstan Times

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1872.

«> Beneath the Rule of Men EXTIREtar just the PEN is mightier than the sword.

We perceive by our exchanges that the comingfmining conference is exciting considerable attention amongst the mining community throughout the Province ; in some instances delegates have already been elected, while other Associations are bestirring themselves to do so, and there is every probability that the mining interests will be fully represented. It was high time that tteminers began to loot after their ' own r. flairs, as, from the late proceedings in the General Assembly, nothing was more clear than that Members representing mining constituencies, but very imperfectly understood the wants of their constituents. The • General Government apparently attach some importance to the doings of the Conference, as they have expressed their willingnesss to send down Mr. C. G. Haughton, Gold-fields Secretary, to render assistance, or supply information. With competent representatives there appears now nothing to prevent the adoption of important measures beneficial to the mining interest, and which will lead to the drafting of a new Gold-fields Bill, which shall be comprehensive and easily understood by those whom it may intimately affect. At the same time we believe that there has been too much legislation for the Gold-fields, fewer and moie simple laws would have saved a vast deal of trouble and ex pense, and the desired object better served than by tediousand cumbersome measures It appears to us that we shall have to return to the old system ot special representation for the goldfields. Members representing mining districts do not possess that necessary amount oftech meal knowledge required in mining matters, and this can only be supplied by miners themselves. Eafch of thegold-flelds Electoral Districts have other interests beside those of ■mining, and it therefore becomes very difficult for any gentleman to thoroughly acquaint himself with each, and unless this is the case, he cannot possibly dolis constituents justice,and while so many interests are at stake some a re-sure to clash with the other. The business ofagold-miningis distinct employment, it exists solely by itself, sympathising with none, and not being sympathised with, except for mercenary motives. There are plenty of competent men amongst the miners that could be sent to the General Assembly, especially to watch over the mining interests, and we deem that ■such is really necessary. With Mining Associations now fairly distributed -over the various fields, to canvass the would hjo v be so difficult or ' ' j-••

expensive, while /we opine that whoever might bo the chosen representatives of the minors they would lotnru thein at their own expense, nor would they bring forward men unless tliey intended to do so ■