MINING RENTALS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5235, 6 February 1928, Page 2

MINING RENTALS.

REDUCTIONS SOUGHT.

ACTION OF OHINEMURI. COUNTY.

At Thursday’s meeting of t'he Ohinemuri County Council applications for a reduction in reht were received from the Goldeji Zoine S.Q.C., Rawhiti S.Q.C., Imperial Gold Mining Co., Ltd., and the Maoriland Mine. The chaii’m.an (Cr. H. M. Corbett) said that it had been the policy to reduce t'he rent by one-half-—3s 9d an acrei However, there was., a difference in the applications. The Imperial Gold Mining Co. wa's seeking a reduction to 2s 6d an acre, and the council should be ppnaiistenlt. If the rent was reduced to 2s 6d an acre for one area, then a. similar 'reduction should be made on other mining properties. Cr. F. C. Hubbard was of the opinion that half rental —3s 9d an acre — was a fair and reasonable reduction to make;. , Cr. W. F. Johnstone said he did not object to a reduction being granted, but in his opinion the gold-mining industry was being made too much of in comparison with farming. The chairman stated that the two industries were distinct, and comparisons could not be fairly made. Cr. R. R. Morrison moved that a reduction to 2s 6d an acre be made.

In seconding, Cr. C. Mason said it was desirable that the mining industry should be helped along, and the council had an opportunity of doing something to assist. In> speaking to the resolution Cr. Hubbard said he was quite agreeable so long as t'hq council was consistent in its actions in the matter.

It was stated by Cr. Morris; that he had been paying 7s 6d an acre on mining properties; for 29 years. He felt confident that it would be in the interests of the council to grant the reductions asked for; Where a. legitimate effort 'was being made the mining industry should receive assistance. So far, as the Imperial Company was concerned in his opinion the whole rent might very well be remitted. As an amendment Cr. C. E. Mace moved that the applicants be advised that the council would agree' to a. reduction to 3s 9d an acre.

Seconded by Cr. Johnstone. After a desultory discussion the amendment was put and l°st, the proposer and seconder being the only siupporters.

A resolution agreeing to reduce the rental to 2s 6d an acre was carried.