The Hokitika Guardian THURSDAY, DEC. ‘22nd, 1921. THE MINES STATEMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 December 1921, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian THURSDAY, DEC. ‘22nd, 1921. THE MINES STATEMENT.

Tick, annual statement of the Minister of Mines which has been circulated lately is much on the lines of recent issues— bald and rather unconvincing. It lias been a frequent complaint in these columns that particularly in respect to gold-mining, the Department is without a set policy so far as progressive development is concerned. There is no sign now- of any pioneering effort to promote an extension of the industry. Of the making of regulations there is no end; and the aim always seems to be to go to the last “n” in every regulation. Mining is to a great extent of a. speculative character, and the Department is not prepared to do much for its share. Subsidies are offered for prospecting, but the work is left .almost- to chance. The average prospector knows but little of geology, and to a great measure be stabs in the dark. Now Government have a geological branch of the Mines Department, and our contention has boon always that all prospecting should be under the scientific guidance uf that branch. If the geological branch is not practical enough to lead in matter of actual prospecting, it should at least indicate the more promising localities whore private enterprise could undertake the work. If we aro to have a real revival in gold mining, aid of this nature is necessary and requisite and the Department should accept its responsibilities accordingly. Now Zealand is so highly mineralised and the gold bearing districts are so expansive that there is a wide field for the Department to display its utility. The recurring annual reports are a record of what' private enterprise is doing to promote industry and pros-

peritv. The Department's officers are j content to critcise the operations that , are done. Some initiative should bo taken by the Mines Department to expand the valuable industry. The gold was the magic element to attract population and help settle the countiy. It served a useful purpose and gave the people much wealth. The workings which have gone on over a limited area have not exhausted the stores of wealth and there should he some obligation on" the Department charged .with the care of the gohl-mining interests to follow up the work that has been done and seek anew for further deposits of hidden wealth. At our own doors we have an example of what can he done in regard to modern dredging. The promoters relied entirely on their own resources and they are reaping the reward of their enterprise. The country expects something more from the Mines Department than the negative record which it supplies regarding private enterprise. The Department is a costly service to maintain, hut it contains officers who should be qualified to direct a useful prospecting poliry. When the Minister comes amongst us there should be the effort to turn his attention to the work and so utilise his staff in work which if successful will prove of the greatest importance to the Dominion. Now is the time to move for the country needs a mining revival, and gold will always he valuable.