MINES REPORT

Hokitika Guardian, 4 September 1925, Page 1

MINES REPORT

WELLINGTON Sept. 2

The quantity of gold bullion produced during the year in New Zealand was 39,2350 z. less than in the previous year, and value less by £129.917. This reduction' was principally due to the diminished returns from quartz mining in the Wailii Borough and Tauranga County, though decreases were also shown in tho gold got from dredging and from alluvial mining. The actual total value was £697.27-3. of which £190,850 came* from quartz mines. There were 2,083,201 tons of coal produced during 192-1, an increase of 113.373 tons. This increase was wholly of liigh-class bituminous coals, of which the output was 149.307 tons greater than in 1923. There were small decreases of 21.343 tons and 14.591 tons in the outputs of brown and lignite coals. During the year the coal mines in the Dominion have been free from any serious industrial trouble, ami ample supplies of coal have been available for all tho requirements of the country. “1 am one of those who think there is an immense amount of gold in the Txawarau River,” remarked tho Hen G .1. Anderson, in presenting his Mines Statement to Parliament today.

“When the company which was building a dam commenced operations there was not one claim on the river,’’ continued Mr Anderson, “and they had the right to come in if they could get the gold out.” He consequently arranged to assist them in the interests of the country, and hoped their venture would be a success. There would, no doubt. lx> “duffers” among the claims, hut ho was hopeful there would he a lot of gold got out. Another syndicate was taking over the Khotover River, and discussing the best means of working it. This mu ht necessitate legislation, and lie whs sure, if this was the ease, the Ho -| fr would readily put it through. Some companies working the T\n,'i-rn-u River had made a. statement :iiat: the Mines Department was guaranteeing the operation, but n had done nothing of tho sort. All ‘.ln Government had done was to assist the company to develop the scheme, and everyone who put in his money would do ,'o with his eyes open. “I wish them c'ory success.” added the Minister, lx A WAR ATF DAM.

The Txawarau Falls dam is described bv the Minister in his statement, which points out that it must not he overlooked that tho erection of tie gates referred to will not lay bare the bed of the Txawarau River, as there are other streams and other rivers from which water flows into the Ixa"aran. “The company lias, it is understood. arranged to suh-leaso under tribute agreement- portions of thc< mining rights hold by it- in the Ka’•'arau River. .Substantial sums of money have been raised bv snhsldary companies for tho purpose of carrying o i mining operations in the river. Tf is, in my opinion, a matter for serious consideration by all those- concerned lo meet one another before the gates ao' closed, for the purpose of devising and carrying out systematic mining operations, so that llie most beneficial results may he obtained.”