MINING

Hokitika Guardian, 22 September 1931, Page 6

MINING

OPERATIC NS REV IE WED. The Mines Statement, presented to* Parliament on Friday by the Minister for Mines (the Hon. A. J. Murdoch), states that during the latter portion of the past year very widespread and renewed interest was taken in ■ prospecting for gold and other minerals. The .Minister, stated ...that a record number of subsidies was granted by him. but it was too early yet to he able to make a pronouncement on the results of the work carried out. It was pleasing to be able to point out that the number of persons or companies producing gold in the year 1930 was almost 20 per cent, greater than during the preceding year. It would appear that the general consensus of opinion of a mining revival taking place in New Zealand was stronger today "tharC -for sooner or later it would be found that a number of low-grade mining areas in several parts of the Dominion would be worked on a very -large—and-compre-hensive scale, and results financially. The quajnti'tyAof gold and silver produced during 1930 was greater than for several years past, but owing to the drop in the selling price of silver there had not been a proportionate increase jnrthe value.■ During the year seven companies were engaged in boring for oil in several parts of the Dominion, and the aggregate footage fibred by them amounted to 8641 feet. During the year 2.5*2,092 tons of coal were produced from the mines operating in the Dominion, which is the-highest output since coal-production commenced. During' the year only 157,943 tons of coal were imported from overseas, which is the lowest quantity imported since 1904.

Referring to the Stale coal mines the Minister said there was no doubt ip his mind that-there were, too many stoppages, aiul vf ’ they . could be • obviated :the Government would be in a position to reduce ",the selling . price of coal to "the public.'