OTAGO MINERS' ASSOCIATION.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 225, 27 June 1873, Page 3

OTAGO MINERS' ASSOCIATION.

The Secretary to the Executive of the Central Committee has been directed to report for the information of the public,-that suggestions in reference to the new Goldfields Bill are being prepared to be forwarded to the Government in time for consideration by the Assembly. In discussing the Bill, much valuable assistance is being received from Mr Warden Stratford, Arrow. The case of Boldt, on whom penalties have been imposed for mining outside the proclaimed Goldfields, has been recommended to the Provincial Government for compensation both by Mr Bradshaw, for the Switzers Committee, and by the Central Committee. The Cardrona arbitration case is engaging attention, with a view of suggesting a better system of arbitration in such cases. Waste Lands Act.—Now that farmers are extensively availing themselves of the deferred payment clause, very extensive areas of- known and probably auriferous lands are being converted into freeltold property; and the urgent necessity for a Bill for mining on private and leasehold property ia deeply felt, as, should a liberal measure of this description be introduced, our present Goldfields would be virtually augmented to double their extent: the want of it causes antagonism between the mining and agricultural and pas'toral interests, and in consequence progress is retarded. Water Supply on GoMfields. —While regx'etting th-3 ahortive measures taken by the General Government in regard to subsidising races, which have resulted in much loss and disappointment, and wishing to suggest amended regulations to carry out that object, the Executive arc of opinion that such works as those now in progress at Naseby, and the proposed drainage works at Waipori should be vigorously prosecuted" by the Government. The Nevis is also a field on which it would be desirable to initiate similar works, and the Executive of the Central Committee strongly recommend the miners at Waipori and Nevis to submit to the Government definite information, and offer whatever co-operation they can to enlist their aid. Prospecting for Quartz Reefs : Coal and Minerals other than Gold. —To encourage these important branches of mining, liberal grants of area on the line of reef, seam, or lode should be awarded to,.the discoverers, and also a money bonus in proportion to the value of discoveries.-r-' Star.'. .