The Wealth of Madagascar.

Manawatu Herald, 15 October 1896, Page 3

The Wealth of Madagascar.

The French Minister of Colonies has just submitted to the Chief of the State for his signature a decree eoncernjng the finding and exploitation of gold, precious metala and stoaes of value in Madagascar The d scree guarantees to the seekerg and miners tho proprietory right to their disooveries and the fruits of their labours} provided that certain for> raalitiea, which have been drawn up in order to simplify as far as possible the payment of the dues in proporj tion to the profit? gained, are accomplished. In view of the insufficiency of existing information as the importance and nature of the underground wealth of the island, rules of great elasticity have been laid down" p?rmitting concessions to be given in the most varied form from the simple claim for rich finds exploit* able by isolated miners down to concessions extended over a district of hard rock, and the extraction and treatment of which necessitates important works, and the outlay of considerable capital. 3 The putting into force of the law 3 at the first time will not necessitate ; (he creation of special officers. I When a certain number of mines ; are under exploitation a controlling i officer will be necessary, but ia all 7 cases the expanses will bo far less L than the dues whioh will be claimed , from the results necessitating his r appointment.