VISIT OF THE MINISTER OF MINES.

Kumara Times, Issue 2954, 19 April 1886, Page 2

VISIT OF THE MINISTER OF MINES.

* The Hon, W. J. M. Larnach, C.M.G., Minister of Mines, accompanied by R. J. Seddon, Esq., M.H.R., H. A. Gordon, Esq., Inspector of Mines, Jas. Clarke, Esq., County Chairman, Mr Larnach, jun., Mr T. H. Hamer, Secretary in the Mines Department, Inspector Emeison and Sergeant Moller arrived in Kumara at a quarter to six o’clock on Sitmday evening. The Minister and suite took up their quarter’s at Gilbert Stewart’s Hotel.

A deputation of promoters of the No. 2 sludge channel interviewed Mr Larnach at half-past seven o’clock.

At the invitation of the Mayor, by public notice, to all miners and others to interview the Minister on matters affecting themselves or the interests of the district, the doors of the Town flail were thrown open, and by eight o’clock there was little more than standing room in the hall.

Some time after eight o’clock, the Minister having been detained by the clepntation previously refeired to, Mr Larnnch, accompanied bv his Secretary, his Worship the Mayor, Mr Seddon’ Mr Gordon and Mr JDungan, entered the Town Hall, and mounted the platform amid the applause of the large audience assembled there.

His Worship t he Meyer ht iefly stated that knowing a "O >d ni eiv miners and 01 hers would be aoxio'is lo have a look at their old h ten i the Minister of

Mines, he had taken upon himself to open the Town Hall for them, and he had no doubt Mr Larnach would be happy to receive there any deputations that wished to interview him. But before doing so lie hoped as theie were such a large number present, the Minister would address a few reraaiks to them, whilst they would he was sure accord him a hearty welcome.—[Loud applause,]

The Hon. Mr Larnach said it afforded him .great pleasure to meet the miners of Kumara again. He had seen many good audiences on the Coast, but never met so large and jolly-looking a one as the present. He had for some time back determined on visiting the Coast by way of the Haast, and he had experienced great pleasure in the journey to and from the mouth of the Haast and the southern part of the County of Westland. He had passed through some fine country, which contained a good quantity of limber and good arable land; he had seen immense tracts of country quite equal to Otago ; and those of the miners who were so inclined would find many thousands of acres of land, within a few miles south of Ross, where they might comfortably settle down. As he had already said, it gave him great pleasure to visit them before another session of Parliament; by doing so Ministers could learn more than by a host of correspondence during the year. He thought they would admit that the present Government had done some good to the miners.— [Applause.] He regretted there were members in the House who did not attach much importance to mining. But it was his opinion that one of the greatest industries of New Zealand is the mining industry. Through mining the country is opened up and developed.—[Applause.] If the present Government continued in office, it was their intention to aid the mining industry as much as possible.—[Hear, hear.] He thought the services of Dr. Black were of great advantage to the country in helping to develop its resources. He was glad to learn that since his course of lectures many miners were now able to test minerals for themselves; and in a few years people would be astonished to learn that New Zealand possessed a largo number of practical miners who could test metals whilst in the act of prospecting.—[Applause.] The Government intended to pursue an onward com so such a policy as if not acceptable to Parliament, that would be at any rale to the majority of the people of the country. He found portions of a road clown south; he was sorry the county, who took the road, did not make a dray road right to Otago, lie looked upon this as a greatly needed work, and would do his best to further it.—[Applause.] The Government would bring down such measures as would perfect the main roads. Years ago they had spent thousands of pounds in making railways which have never been completed. It was also the intention of Government to foster native industries. Looking at the large number of children that were growing up, it behoved them to prepare some occupation. There was no reason why in Kumara or Hokitika manufactories should not bn established. [Hear, hear.] Unless this colony was prepared to foster colonial industries which should he a benefit hereafter, what would become of their children ? Many children might not have the inclination to follow the occupation of their parents. Mr Larnach concluded by than king the people present for their patient hearing, and resumed his seat amidst applause. Mr Seddon rose to propose a vote of thanks to the Minister of Mines for his address. They would all agree that a Minister of Mines who would travel through the country as Mr Larnach bad done was the right man in the right place.—[Applause.] The Mayor bad done his duty well by calling this meeting to-night. Ho had great pleasure in moving a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Larnach.—[Applause.]

The County Chairman said it would he a novel thing for him to toll thorn anything. Ho must, however, ask them to give the Minister of Mines a hearty vote of thanks. He had done what no other Minister, either of the present or any other Ministry, had done in undertaking this journey from Otago over to Westland. He could ride a horse he believed, and swim a river better than he (MrClarke)could. [Laughter.] They, as miners, would find that they owed Mr Larnaco a debt of gratitude. They must stick to the Government who ‘ gave them such a chance of hearing them in person. lie wished to second (lie motion ami accout to the Milliner of Mines u hearty vote of thanks.

Mr Dungan, M.C.C., also desired, to support the vole of thanks. He was well aware that dm j •■n-u.-y u.ideiiakcn by the Minister Or from Otago

had been undertaken for the welfare of the mining interest.—[Applause.] Mr Larnach had manifested splendid courage and perseverance in undertaking to visit this goldfield. It reflected well on the police of the present. Government. The Minister of Mines was one of a Ministry which had been a friend to the mining industry of New Zealand, and he hoped the miners would continue to support the present Ministry.—[Applan.se.]

Mr Larnach thanked them for their hearty vote of thanks. He assured them that it was only proper that the h- ad of the Mining department should visit the mining districts periodically. There was one thing he had omitted to mention. No doubt they were ali aware of the proposals made to the County Council to take over the waterraces. He considered that the councillors could better manage these works than the General Government. He could see no reason for refusal. The Government were not asking the Council to take over works which wore not paying, and they would trot ask the county to take over works not in a state of repair. Ho thought if the countv rook over these works they would be better managed.—[A Voice : “Mo; question.”] Well that was his (Mr Larnaoh’s) point of view. The works would not be offered in an incomplete slate. He thought it would be giving the county a very fine thing indeed. Then, again, the people of the colony were crying out for local government. If the county refused them he did not see why the borough should not take them. He trusted they would consider well before arriving at any hasty conclusion. He (Mr Larnach) said he forgot also to allude to the syndicate which had been formed to construct the East and West Coast Railway. This, he said, was chiefly due to the energy of Sir Julius Vogel (Colonial Treasurer), —He had not the slightest doubt that in a few months they would see the construction of tin's railway commenced. Another line that should also be constructed as well was the Otago Central Line.— [Applause.] People would then learn that Westland, if nob the finest, was one of the finest counties in New Zealand. It was the intention of his colleague Sir Julius Vogel to have accompanied him to the Coast, but irt the last found it was impossible.—[Applause.] Mr Seddon hoped that the miners would now give a candid and outspoken opinion in reference to the County Council taking over the works mentioned. Ho believed that the miners were' well satisfied for these works to remain as they are—in the hands of the Government, He perhaps took a broader view of the matter than the Minister. Mr Seddon contrasted the idea of a member for Jackson’s Bay dealing with these works as compared with the Minister of Mines: what was the difference? He also instanced how, if the County Council had control of these works, the three Arahura members might be overruled by the other six members. He maintained that the water-races should be lire same as the rai ways.—[Hear, hear.]

Mr Charles Harris I hen mounted the platform, and, Mr Larnach recognising him, advitneed and shook hands with him, amidst the applause of the audience. Mr Harris commented strongly upon the still large duty paid upon the gold produce. Mr Larnach replied that the Government were not to he blamed, the measure for its reduction had been thrown out by the Upper House. Unfortunately now a fresh difficulty had arisen through the miners in the Hauraki Gulf. lie thought, however, that leases might bo reduced, and would endeavour to lighten these next session. He believed the Government would he disposed to relegate the gold duty to the Council.

The Mayor thou called for three cheers for the Minister of Mines, which were enthusiastically given. Three cheers were also accorded to the Premier (the Hon. 11. Stout) and to the Colonial Treasurer (the Hon. Sir J iilius Vogel). Mr Larnach returned thanks. MrSeddou tiu'n introduced several deputations, having various grievances ami objects. We purpose giving part:cu!a:s of these in another i.-siie. A rote of thank.-; to the Chairman, proposed by Mr Lunacli, was canied by acclamation.