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Hokitika Guardian, 6 July 1931, Page 4

It must be fully four decades since a League for the Promotion' and Development of gold-mining was in active work in this district, and very good work was accomplished. Thoughts of that activity are recalled by the suggestion by Cr Donovan that the County Council might take up a similar task at this juncture an. the endeavour to make mining a more popular industry. It is in fact that of late the initial costs "in regard to mining from the moment an application is lodged, have jumped up substantially, and are far in excess of the charges when mining was the vogue. Useful "work could be done in regard to suggestions to reduce the high cost of attempting to mine.. That as a preliminary effort would itself be a worthy action, and a round table conference of those familar and interested with gold-mining in the district, could help in other directions. It is very pleasing to learn that .the Okarjto district, once the scene of great activities in mining, is again attracting attention with promising propositions. A visit such ns proposed might do very useful initial work, by attracting attention to the prospects of the district, and similar ventures in other localities where beaefi mining promises a revival. The present time is certainly an opportune one for local activities. With industry generally marking time, there is room for a healthy revival, and mining seems to offer special attentions. The regulations governing, mining have been tightened up for far too long, and liberalised now in keeping with th 4 times, would prove an incentive to greater enterprise. The country needs this class.of development, for the commodity produced is not likely to glut any market. Gold has its sterling value and is a commodity greatly needed in all countries just now. In New Zealand a real revival in gold mining would assist to give a fillip l which would make itself felt in many directions, and would be a real factor in assisting to overcome the cry of unemployment heard throughout the land to-day.