INCREASED CHARGE

Hokitika Guardian, 19 February 1931, Page 6

INCREASED CHARGE

FOR .MINING APPLICATIONS. PROTEST AT AVAR DEN’S COURT. 1L was mentioned at the Warden’s Court this morning on an application for an ordinary prospecting license that the application was held tip pending the provision of a 5s fee, and travelling expenses, if incurred, for a report by the Land Board. A strong protest was made by Air Elcock at the proposed charge, ospecally as it would involve in further ex-

| pease, men who were at present miom ployed, who were desirous of doing .some fossickiny. .Mr Murdoch staled lie had two similar applications coming up for hearing at next sitting. He had to | ”dmit that these reports, from the I Lands department were of material a.v

to me Court. He pointed out however, that a miner, applying for a series of rights previously to the new mining regulations coining into I i-i ee, eon id take them out at a cost of Ids. To-day the cost was L'7 7s in lees. Now the Lands Department v> i re asking for a fen of 5x and travelling expenses |or any report asked for I by the Court. The principle was cnLii'idy wrong and he entered a protest against the charge.

His Worship slated the reports of the Commissioner of Crown Lands are exceedingly valuable to the Court. It had not been Ihe ,practice hitherto lo charge this fee. Why it was being charged now he did not know. Vie thought the best course would he for counsel to make, representations to the Minister ol Mines and to place the subject under notice of the Member for the District, with a. view to the

matter being placed in a more satisfactory position. In the present applications lie thought the best course would lie |o ,pay the fee under protest and if any reduction was made the amount could he latej- refunded.