THE KAIPARA AND WAITEMATA ECHO WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED "THE KAIPARA ADVERTISER & WAITEMATA CHRONICLE" HELENSVILLE, THURSDAY, June 12, 1919 OUR MINERAL RESOURCES.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 12 June 1919, Page 2

THE KAIPARA AND WAITEMATA ECHO WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED "THE KAIPARA ADVERTISER & WAITEMATA CHRONICLE" HELENSVILLE, THURSDAY, June 12, 1919 OUR MINERAL RESOURCES.

THERE is probably no country in the world which possesses greater mineral resources than NW Zealand. Gold, silver, coal, copper, iron, scheelite, sulphur, and almost every known mineral is to be found here in abundance. Enormous quantities of gold and coal have been won from the mines, but there are still immense fields awaiting development. No serious attempt has been made to work the huge iron deposits that are to be found on the Taranaki beach, at Para Para and elsewhere. The copper ore at Maharahara, near Woodville, only requires treatment with modern appliances to make it a paying proposition. Hills of sulphur are to be found in the Rotorua district, and scheelite and other valuable minerals abound in various parts of tho South Island. So far, we have barely touched the fringe of our mineral resources. There are millions of money to be acquired by the application of industry and science. The one great handicap-to development is that of labour. If a bold and business like attempt were made to develop our mineral resources, profitable employment would be found for thousands of men. The matter is one which should receive the serious attention of Parliament. It should also be brought under the notice of British capitalists and Statesmen with a view to the emigration of experienced miners and prospectors. The Dominion Geological Department should be strengthened by the employment of scientists who have gained wide experience in older countries, and are acquainted with the most economical methods of treating iron and other minerals. There is enough wealth in the minerals of this country J;o pay the national debt of the whole of Australasia. It rests with the Government and the Parliament of the Dominion to devise means for the utilisation of the immense resources that are lying idle.