OTAGO MINERS' ASSOCIATION.

Grey River Argus, Volume XIII, Issue 1534, 4 July 1873, Page 4

OTAGO MINERS' ASSOCIATION.

The Secretary to the Executive of the Central Committee has been directed to report for the information of the public, that suggestions in reference to the new Goldfields Bill are being prepared to be forwarded to the Government in time for consideration by the Assembly. In discussing the Bill, much valuable assistance is being received from Mr Warden Stratford, Arrow. The Executive make the following recommendations :— Waste Lands 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 Bill for mining on private and leasehold property is deeply felt, as, should a liberal measure of this description be introduced, our present goldfields would be virtually augmented to double their extent ; the want i of it causes 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 regulations to carry out that object, the Executive are of opinion that such works as those now in progress at Naseby, 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 lode should b§, awarded to the discoverers, and also & money bonus in proportion to the value of discoveries.