WESTLAND COUNTY.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 September 1923, Page 3

WESTLAND COUNTY.

PROSPECTING PROPOSALS. A meeting was held at the County Chambers at 7.10 p.m. last evening for the purpose of conferring with the Inspector of Alines with regard to the Government proposals affecting prospecting in the AYestlaiul County. There were present Air T. W. Dull’, County Chairman ,in the chair), Air Downey, inspector ol Mines, Hon 11. L. Aliehel, .Messrs E. A. Wells, H. A. Baiicke, IT. Jones, .). J. AlcTntosh, W. Smith, S. J. Ford and G. I.initiator.

The inspector of Mines explained the position leading up to the Government proposals, which offered L'2 for L'l on prospecting operations. In respect to the proposed boring at Alananui Flat, the estimated cost of the work was CI.TO. The Keys!one borer would ho available in about a week's time, and the Department desired to know if the Committee were prepared to go on with that work. It was decided to proceed with the work as soon as the Department was ready, and it was resolved to pay in the eontribulion of CIO to the I’uhlie Account next week. The Inspector indicated that during the period of the prospecting operations, the area in the vicinity would he reserved, under the provisions of the “Alining Act," by the Minister of Alines, for the protection of the operating parties.

With regard to hack counlry pros peeling, for which the Government was prepared to grant CBOO ns a subsidy for local contributions of C-100, Air Downey stated that the district suggested was the locality between the Taipo and the AVilherforce. After discussion it was agreed to adopt the locality lor the operations of the prospecting party. The Inspector of Mines stated that llu- leader of the party would lie a geologist. and that he would have with hint four or live men to carry on the work, which was likely to occupy about eight months. The work would ho ill the nature of surface prospecting, including exploration and trenching, and the locality would he covered as thoroughly as possible within the time slated. The Inspector also indicated that in any case the area covered by the proposed operations would be reserved by the Minister of Mines, for tic lie-m-tit of tiie prospecting scheme. Messrs .Mclntosh., Wells. An ken and Dull' were appointed to canvass in respect to raising the local quota required. Il was slated that oil subscribers at t'o each would provide tho money required, in addition to the sum promised hv the local body.

A discussion ensued as to the terms on vhc b tin operating would proceed, it tia- indicated that there "as an alternative propostil either to pay the standard rate of wages or to pay at a prospecting rate and give the parly preference in regard to any discoveries made, in which it was suggested those eont rihllting to the prospecting fund should participate also. This latter proposal was generally approved, and it was resolved that the Department would lie notified as soon as possible of tho decision with regard to the commencement of work, and to ask the Department to make the necessary nrrangemeiiis accordingly. Air Baiicke brought before the meeting the subject of a proposal from the Lands Department requiring payment of an extra Ids in respect to reports furnished witli regard to applications for mining privileges. Air Downey thought that this request affeeted only applications for residence sites and did not apply to applications for claims or privileges in connection thereto. Air Downey was asked io enquire into the matter and advise the purpose of tho proposed charge, witli a view ol taking such steps as may lie considered necessary lo have the amount remitted if alVected the miners. The Chairman thanked Air Downey for bis: attendance, and the information alforded. and the meeting concluded at S.oO o'clock, with a vote of thanks to the chair.