The Changing Scene,

Hokitika Guardian, 6 May 1922, Page 1

The Changing Scene,

EXIT THE .MIXElf', ENTER TIIH AGRICULTURIST.

(N.Z. Times). The disappearance of the miner and the advent of the agriculturist is cue of the tilings that struck the lion G. J. Anderson during his recent visit to Central Otago. There is very little mining in Central Otago now, he says. There is some at the Nevis, and at St Hathans there are two companies at work. A eoiip'o of dredges are working at Earnsdough and there are a few other small sluicing claims, but nothing to what there used to bo.

Fruit-growing and other forms of agriculture are taking the place of mining, and to-day many of the old diggers are orchardists. There is every evidence in Central Otago that mining is disappearing, and that all the water over which mining reservations are held will he required for irrigation. It has been proved that the land in Central Otago responds so well to irrigation that in the future that vast area will he the home of many.thousands of settlers on small holdings. Irrigation is going ahead, and the counlry will lie a great settlement in time. A deputation -met the Minister at Alexandra and asked that the provision giving miners power to mine the land should l;e repealed. It was advanc’d in support of the request that mining was at such a low ebb now that it was wrong to continue it. The Minister replied that the matter would lie inquired into, but that very strong reasons would have to he forthcoming before lie or the Government would agree to this.

Representations were made to the Minister also that there was plenty of room for prospecting on the Old Alan Range, and the Dunstiin Range.