MINING COMMISSION.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2574, 18 May 1871, Page 2

MINING COMMISSION.

The Commissioners met again to-day. The following correspondence was submitted : “ Dunedin, May 15. “ Gentlemen,—Before proceeding to the consideration of tho important subjects upon which you are about to confer, perhaps it may be well to indicate generally the questions in respect to which the Government desires to have the benefit of your suggestions. They are—l. The consideration of the legislation affecting the goldfields, with a view of making practical suggestions as to amendment and consolidation of the existing laws. 2. The recommendation of such alterations in the regulations as may be suitable to the present condition of gold mining in this Province. 3. The application of part 3 of the Immigration and Public Works Act, 1870, to tbe goldfields of this Province.

“ With regard to the latter, perhaps I may be permitted to observe that I am disposed to think that the most economical, practical, and speedy mode in which the limited amount obtainable by this Province can be applied, is by advancing money on loan, at not exceeding 5 per cent, interest, to companies already in existence, or which may be formed hereafter—the Government to advance the moneyjon such terms as shall recoup itself, rnd as shall provide for the supply of water at the lowest possible rates.

“Trusting that the result of your labors may be such as shall greatly conduce to the interests of tho • mining community, and promote generally,, the benefit of the Province, “JL am, &c., “ J..MACANDREW, “ Superintendent.” The Commissioners reply, after acknowledging his Honor’s letter, went on to say—- “ As the consideration of the various statutes affecting the goldfields appears to be th * primary duty of your Commissioners, and as the future regulations of the Otago goldfields must necessarily be based and-con* solidaled on an amended statute, your Commissioners would respectfully- suggest the propriety of postponing the consideration of the latter subject until they have before them the amended statute. They beg further, subject to your Honor’s approval, to suggest on the conclusion of their enquiries on the other subjects remitted to them, they should be permitt cl to adjourn their sittings until after the-next session of the Assembly.The fines'ion of part 3of tbe Tmmijfaf.inq.4nid Public Works Act, and tie”'suggestions offered by your Honor, shall"receive the earnest consideration of your Commissioners. Y our ComnlissionersAoncur with your Honor in the hope that their labors may prove beneficial to the interests of the mining industry ; and, on its behalf, beg to thank your Honor for your desires and exertions to promote their interest;” On the motion of Mr. Shepherd; it was resolved that clause 21 of the Holdfields Act shall apply to Crown lands as lyell as to private lands ; and it was agreed that a subcommittee, consisting of the Chairman, Messrs. Huberts and Marshall be appointed to consider and report what provisions and bye-laws of the Victorian mining Statute should be recommended for adoption’’ by the Commission.