MINERAL RESOURCES

Evening Star, Issue 24331, 21 October 1942, Page 3

MINERAL RESOURCES

STATE OR PRIVATE EXPLOITATION

(Special.) WELLINGTON, October 21. The provision made in the Statutes Amendment Bill for the use of iron ore from lands not subject to the Mining Act for purposes other than the manufacture of iron and steel was discussed in the House yesterday. "Opposition members argued that it did not go far enough. Mr Broadfoot said that people who wished to develop the minerals of New Zealand were being hampered to an extent that was too great. He explained that the 1937 Act had absolutely prohibited mining of iron ore by private individuals or companies. It had been found that certain clays were used for other than production of iron and steel, and thoae using them were committing a breach of law. This had been remedied in 1941. The Minister of Industries and Commerce, Mr Sullivan, said that it was obvious that the clause now submitted to the House was framed to assist in the exploitation of minerals for purposes other than commercial production of iron and steel. The Government, was trying to meet the situation, but Mr Broadfoot wanted it done without any restrictions whatever. He hoped the day would not be far distant .when New Zealand would have an adequate iron and steel industry, but Mr Broadfoot apparently wanted to exploit deposits for other purposes. Mr Bodkin said the purpose of the previous legislation was to avoid duplication of the iron and steel industry in New Zealand, and no objection could be taken to this. The mining permit system was the best that could be devised, but the owner of land had also to issue his permission before -.active work could be undertaken. Therefore the system was complicated and needed revision.

Mr Mason remarked that the matter was too complex to, be unravelled in the time at the disposal of the House, but the clause could be looked into later.

Mr Richards declared himself a believer in complete State control of minerals. There had been too much of company exploitation of New Zealand’s resources without benefit to the nation, and he hoped the Minister would not make any surrender which would help the speculator. The Bill passed all stages without amendment.