THE MINING CONFERENCE.

Evening Star, Issue 3446, 9 March 1874, Page 3

THE MINING CONFERENCE.

"We make the following extracts from the report in the ‘Dunstan Times’ of the Conference’s proceedings Maebewhenua Difficulty. That the Maerewhenua water pollution ease, being one which affects the mining population of the whole Colony, is justly one calling for the advice and assistance of the General Government ; and that a petition be forwarded to the General Government, praying that the necessary expenses of defending the action of Messrs Burton and M Master be home by them. Tnat a memona l , representing the facts of the case as attesting the mining interest, be circulated among the miners of the Colony, and that the memorial contain a prayer to the Provincial Government, asking them to pay expenses of defending the action. That, as great delay may occur before receiving replies from the General government to their memorial, subscription lists be circulated throughout the Province, aud assistance solicited from every person interested in the goldfields, to cover the cost of defending the case. That, in order to obtain the answer of the Provincial Government as to whether they will bear the ex- °* defending the suit, a telegram be sent at once. That, the Conference ask Messrs Bradshaw, Pyke, and Oliver to Mt as a deputation to present memorials to the Provincial Government. The further consideratxon of the question was adjourned till a reply had been received from the Provincial Govern- ■ tekgJfam sent.—On the 4th inst., the following telegram was received“ Maerewnenua The question was some time ago considered by the Executive, who decided it was inexpedient to promise Government to interfere on either side. In all probability the question will come before the Provincial Counmi* P er k to Executive Council.” ine matter then dropped. Pbicb of Gold.— On the 3rd the following motions were tabled By Mr Colclough: That m order to uefeat the present monopoly of the Banks, the _ miners be asked, through their several associations, to pledge themselves to sell their gold to only Bank, unless more than 75s per ounce were offered. By Mr Ewing: That the Conference resolve itself into a Committee, | W-Conaidar iFfeccieTTc'^possiSl.e^r institute a co-operatisc-banking company for the purchasCf gmd and conferring other advantages not offered by the existing Banks. By Mr Forster; • u , desirable a central assay office be established in Otago. Mr Ewing moved, as an amendment, to place after the word themselves the words, “That, in all cases where the miners cannot avail themselves of the' arrangements made by the Government for the transmission of geld to Melbourne.” The amendment was earned.

. Co-operative Bank. —The following discussion took place on Mr. Ewing’s proposition ; Mr Colclough did not see his way to cany out a&y banking institution on. the ' system known g BT°.P. era Ji.Y§* Mv Ldgar. did not consider the matter within the province of the Conference. Mr Sims thought it impracticable. Mr Roberts thought it established, it would be a good thing; but the difficulties of management and directorship would be insurmountable. Mr Healy said to carry it out all the miners must combine, and foreign capital must be sought, which would make it simply a commercial speculation. He produced a letter, vouching for its reliability, to the effect that the banks divided their profits on the gold. Mr Ewing believed that a capital largely in excess of what would be wanted could be easily obtained for such an establishment. Mr Colclough proposed, ‘ ‘ That While acknowledging great benefits would accrue to the miners from the establishment of a co-operative minors’ bank, feel that the difficulties are so great that it would be impractiCftt "* As an amendment, Mr Healy proposed, and Mr Forster seconded, “ That the Conference consider the question practicable, and strongly recommend that capital fco raised to establish a joint-stock miners’ band.” A numxvj amendments upon amendments were tabled and a great deal of desultory conversaLon ensued, eventually resulting in the motion of Mr Colclough being carried. Centbax Assay Office. —Mr Forster’s proposition for the establishment of a central assay office in Otago was discussed, and eventually earned. -

Gold Export Dunr.—'The Chairman said the next matter for considerationwas the gold export duty. He read copy'of memorial as prepared by the Executive of the'Otago Miners’. AssqciaF°n to the General Government on the subject, fend asked $6 to adopt it. Some Blight difference of opinion appeared to exist toiong melribers ak to whether it was desirable to memorialise! for the total or partial abolition of the duty. . Mr Robertson said he feared that strenuous opposition Would he brought to bear the abolition, mdre especially by the Auckland members, find hg hgd but little hopes i *' j total fibphtlpn. It was eventually resolved that the memorial be adopted. Discharge op Tailings.—Mr Roberts said one matter on which it was desirable a very definite expression of opipson should be given by the Conference was the right of miners to discharge tailings into river beds or other water courses. He moved, “That, in the opinion of this Conference, it is indispensible to the existe“°e of gold-mining in this Province that miners should have confirmed to them their assumed right to discharge ■ tailings into rivers or watercourses, by proclamation or. otherwise.” Mr Sims thought that the right should be extended to run tailings on to Crown lands, and he would propose that after the word water-course, the words “or upon unoccupied Crown lands” be added. The motion as amended was carried.