MINING CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 4 February 1926, Page 1

MINING CONFERENCE

Til' TELEGRAM —PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT

DUNEDIN, February 3.

After an interval of thirty-five years, the second Dominion Mining Conference was opened this morning, Professor Park presiding.

The Hon G. J. Anderson, in opening the conference, pointed out that rhe progress of the Dominion was greatly indebted to the mining industry, and mining had played a most important part in the development of the Empire. The Minister referred to the indications of a mining revival, and stressed the need for lnisiness-like methods. He pointed out that Stock

Exenlinges should be guardians of the public, and should exercise great caution before listing shares in any company whose methods of flotation were open to criticism. Cheap hydro-elec-tric power was essential to the mining industry. The Minister added that ho was still prepared favourably to entertain any application made by, or through, a local body to be granted a subsidy for reliable party prospectors, headed by a mining engineer. The Minister emphasised that the cardinal principle of safety must come first in coal-mining operations. Referring to oil, the Minister said that it was absolutely essential, before embarking on experimental boring operations. that the services of skilled and experienced oil geologists should he engaged to determine the reliability, as much as possible, that the prospects were such as to justify the raising ot capital, which should be adequate, that suitable plant was installed and that expert drillers are engaged. The following papers were placed before the delegates:—

“ On the Prospecting and Revival of Metal Mining in New Zealand,” by J. F. Dowry.'

“ The Auriferous Benches of the West Coast,” by Mr J. IT. Powell. “ The Auriferous Conglomerates or the Cement Deposit of the Tuapi ka District. Otago,” by Mr W. R. Sint Hi. “The Trend of Cold Mining Legislation in New Zealand." by Mr Robert Hilkison. "The New Zealand Iron Industry.” by Mr .T. A. Heskett. “ Notes on the American Type of Dredge Operating af Ilium Flat,” by Mr .T. F. Dowry. The following remits were discussed and adopted:— That the .Mining Act. 1908. and its amendments should ho consolidated. That the Department should instirutc the office of Mining Warden for the whole of New Zealand, and the holder of this office should have technical knowledge and experience of Ihe conditions of metalliferous mining throughout New Zealand, and should lake over the works done by the present District "Wardens.