GOLD PROSPECTING

Hokitika Guardian, 24 November 1931, Page 4

GOLD PROSPECTING

THE HOKITIKA ASSOCIATION THE QUESTION .OF A GRANT. The Committee of the Hokitika District Prospecting Assoeiaton met last evening when there were present;:— Messrs A. H. Lawn (Chairman), E. W. Keenan, S. Hyndman, N. Warren, G. Sutherland, S. Honey, W. P. Boyd, T. It. Chesterman and J. Peake (Secretary.)

The Minister i.n charge of Unemployment replied to the Association's letter advising of the step that had been taken. He had noted the request for a grant of £IOO, and would place the application before the Board. The Assoeiaton would be advised of its decision. later.

Mr Heenan said it appeared as if the Unemployment Board had received the Association’s request from the Mines Department. The Chairman: We should have got one from, the Minister of Mines ,as well.

It was decided to write again to the Mines Department advising that the Unemployment Department had written, but the Association was desirous of knowing the former’s views. The Chairman said he presumed the Mines Department was- perhaps awaiting particulars as to how the proposal was being supported, locally. Mr Hyndman said it was his opinion that the Mines. Department had nothing,

Mr Warren said that he heard that another Westland Association had received a grant of £3OO from the Mines Department.

Mr Hyndman: Don’t you think the Department should subsidise £1 for £l, or £2 for £1 on vvliat we can subscribe.

Mr T. J. Moore wrote resigning his position as a member of the Committee, owing to his own activities in connection with prospecting.

The resignation was accepted with' regret.

Messrs J. D. McQuilkin and F. E. Havill, of Kanieri wrote applying for a subsidy to aid them in sinking prospecting shafts near Blue Spur. Particulars of the work ’ already done, and of that in view were enclosed.

The application was forwarded to the Unemployment Board with a favourable recommendation. The Chairman said he had received similar requests from men who were working on their own, and who had applied for help when the Association was formed. All applications received by the Association would later be considered.

The Secretary of the Ross Prospecting Association wrote outlining the work it proposed carrying out and suggesting that a meeting of all bodies interested should be held at Greymouth to formulate a united protest'-’ against the way the prospectors were being treated. An alternative scheme to bring before the Unemployment Board could be discussed,

The Secretary said that .if each Association wrote protesting it would save a delegate's travelling expenses,' Mr Heenan explained the conditions •under which the work was being carried out.

Mr Heenan thought the Ross Association was overstepping the mark. One could not expect the/ Government to do too much. It was up to the Association themselves "To do something.

I It was stated that applications to the Association from men who werd registered as unemployed would • receive the consideration of the Board. It was suggested that the Association should reply stating that the Board’s offer was quite- fair in the opinion of the Hokitika members. The motion was carried. The Chairman did not think the Association should do anything in the matter. However they would endeavour to be represented at the. meer?ng. In connection with the membership, the Chairman said he believed there were quite- a number who would join if they were approached. Members urge a that a decided effort be made jn, enlisting the assistance of the Hokitika public. ' Messrs Heenan, Warven and the Secretary (Mr Peake) were appointed for thjs purpose.

In connection with the equipmen; for the prospectors, it was decided that the Defence- Department be approached through the Mines Department asking if material in the way of tents and mining, tools could be temporarily granted to the Association.