The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 1929. MINING REVIVAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 July 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 1929. MINING REVIVAL.

In reference to the suggestion made in this paper that the time is opportune for approaching the Government regarding a systematic method of prospecting Westland, it is worthy of note that steps have been taken in the North Island in his direction. The visit of the Minister of Mines to Auckland district recently, was made an occasion for urging upon the notice of the Government the great potential importance of the gold mining industry in this part of the Dominion and the possibilities that still lie untested and unexploited at the Thames and Waihi. Mr Veitch seemed to be adequately impressed with the importance of these matters, and the replies that he has given to the various requests put before him, by deputation and otherwise, are distinctly encouraging. Both at Waihi and Thames the Minister has enunciated a policy which embodies two main ieatures—practical assistance to prospecting by experienced miners, and the thorough investigation of these areas by competent and reliable mineralogists and geologists. It is regrettable that so little has been done in past years in the way of mining development. The undeveloped mineral resources of New Zealand seem lately to have been entirely overlooked. It is said the old race of miners

is now practically extinct and that the present generation has no inclination to go out into unexplored country, suffer hardship and privation in the* search for gold or the other hidden treasures which nature has stored. If this is so the reasons should he investigated. It will probably be found that the race has not deteriorated—that the spirit of and enterprise is slid there. But. the incentive and the opportunity have been lacking, and there has been an extraordinary apathy shown regarding discoveries wiiieli have been made. For example some 30 years ago a discovery of asbestos was made in the Nelson district, but nothing was done about it, though its potential value was realized. It is now reported a South African mineral magnate has remitted £SOOO to have the discovery thoroughly investigated. Would it not have been better if the Government had investigated this and other similar discoveries, and compiled reliable data for the guidance of investing capital? At the present time when thousands are clamouring for work surely a percentage of them would be only too glad of the opportunity of joining up with properly organised exploring and prospecting parties. They would at least, if under the control of exerienced miners and thoroughly qualified mineralogists be gaining useful experience. The joint enorts of a number of such prospecting expeditions might well result in a revival of the mining industry which would re-act marvellously on the economic and financial position of New Zealand.