OTAGO MINERS’ ASSOCIATION.

Dunstan Times, Issue 585, 4 July 1873, Page 3

OTAGO MINERS’ ASSOCIATION.

—o— The Secretary to the Executive of the Central Committee has been directed to report fot the information of the public, that suggestions in reference to the new Gold-fields Bill are being prepared to be forwarded to tho Government in time for consideration by the Assembly. In discussing theJJill, much valuable assistance is being received from Mr. Warden Stratford, Arrow. The case of Boldt; on whom penalties have been imposed for mining outside the proclaimed Gold-fields, has been recommended to tho Provincial Government for compensation both by Mr. Bradshaw, for the Switzers Committee, and by the Central Gammittee. Tho Cardrona arbitration case is engaging attention, with a view of suggesting a better system of arbitration in such cases. Waste Land Act.—Now that farmers are extensively availing themselves of the deferred payment clause, very extensive areas of known and probably auriferous lands are being converted into freehold property, and the urgent necessity for a Billforminiug on private and leasehold property is deeply felt, as, should a liberal measure of this tloscriptiou’bo introduced, our present g ddfiehls would he virtually augmented to double their extent; tho want of it causis antagonism between the mining and agricultural and pastoral interests, and in consequence progress is retarded, Water Supply on Gold-fields.—While regretting the abortive measures taken by the General Government in regard to subsidising races, which have resulted in much loss and disappointment, and wishing to suggest amended regulaliong to carry out that object, the Executive are of opinion that such works as those now in progress at Nasehy, and the proposed drainage .works at Waipori should be vigorously prosecuted by the Government. The Nevis is also a field on which it would be desirable to initiate similar works, and the Executive of the Central Committee strongly recommend the miners at Waipori and Nevis to submit to the Government definite information, and offer whatever co-operation they can to enlist their aid. , Prospecting for Quartz Reefs ; Coal and minerals other than gold —To encourage these important branches of mining, liberal grants of area on the line of reef, seam, or lole should bo awarded to the discoverers, and also a money bonus in proportion to the value of discoveries.— Star.