The Kumara Times. Published, Every Evening, SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 1878.

Kumara Times, Issue 494, 27 April 1878, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published, Every Evening, SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 1878.

In a recent issue, in considering various provisions of the “ Miner’s Act, 1877,” we gave a resumfe of that portion of the Act relating to Mineral Leases up to the time when the official survey is ordered by the Warden. This must be accompanied ,by a description of the character of the ground, ‘‘haying Regard ,to the nature of the minerals or metals, to be mined for.” The plan and full report must be forwarded by the'surveyor. Passing bn now to the objections, we observe that a deposit of £5 must accompany each. The Warden forwards .the application to the Minister (we presume the Under-Secretary for goldfields department of lands), if not|pbjected to; but if objected to He is to give notice to the Board of Inquiry, which a previous clause enacts must consist of three members, the Warden acting as chairman. This Board is endowed with full powers to grant or refuse the applications. It then becomes the duty of the Board to forward all documents connected with the application to the Minister. The Act then proceeds to the detailed classification of minerals. I This classification is comprehensive, including all ores of metals, except gold. So comprehensive is it indeed as to leave little room to hope (or indeed wish) for fresh discoveries outside its pale. It will also be observed that coal in every variety is included in the category. It is not worth while detailing or condensing the various subsections under this heading; but on a future occasion we' shall turn to another portion of this voluminous Act, viz. its appendices and regulations.