THE PREMIER- ON GOLDFIELDS LEGISLATION

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 279, 11 July 1874, Page 3

THE PREMIER- ON GOLDFIELDS LEGISLATION

The subjoined communication, addressed by the hon. Julius Vogel to the gentlemen forming the late Mining Conference,- has been placed at our disposal by the Chairman, Mr Healey:— General Government Offices, Wellington, 16th June, 1874. GitNTtEME^, —I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the Report of the Otago Mining I will cause the document to be laid before Parliament,, so that it may be when, legislation is proposed concerning any of'thesubjects to which the Report refers.. I desire to say that personally I have much sympathy with the wants of the gold miners. I was one of the Representatives of the district of the Goldfields; and from associations extending over many years, I naturally feel largely interested in all that affects the welfare of the Goldfields. But I must beg you to remember that in New Zealand the Management of the Goldfields has been more nominally in the hands of the Colonial Government; that the entire administration and control have practically rested with the Provincial Governments; and that, therefore, it is desirable that the representations of miners should be made through the Provincial Governments.

A' Bill dealing comprehensively with gold mining was prepared for the last Session of the Assembly: It was ably drawn by Mr Haggitt, Mr Shepherd, M.H.R;, and Mr Mbuat; and it appeared to be a,full and extensive measure. The Government did not, however, find that it commanded hearty sympathy in the House of .Representatives; whilst there was so much difference of opinion exhibited by members representing districts -within the Goldfields,-that there was no possibility of passing the measure. * , '. The Government have, pending the receiptof answers to a circular letter addressed l 'to the Superintendents, been unable to come' fo a conclusion as to what course shall be adopted with respect to the Bill next session; Copy of the circular letter is appended for your information. / •=. >

I; would not have you suppose that I imply that any dispositioritodisregard"the*interests of the miners has been- eTinced by the Provineial'.Gbvernments ; in .charge : of. Goldj; fields—on the contn ry, I am bound to say that these Governments appear to me to be thoroughly,: conscious.; - of. their . goldfields * responsibilities. The difficulty in the way of legislation Beems, rather to bo that that the circumstances of the several fields are so different that what may be suitable for one locality creates opposition in others. Whenever a measure relating to any of the subjects referred Xo in your Report is before the House of Representatives ]ihe Government will give to your recommendations very careful consideration, but.l. am not able to further assure you.respecting the course which they may taVe.—l have, &b.'

yf j 7 ''■} y f JtJLIUS VOOKI. - To Messrs James Healey, Thomas Sims, and the other members "'of the Otago Mining Conference;'*' ?,; .'j :-::■: ■-1>- ;ys.ii- •:■•:.■.;. ; GOPT OF CIBCOtABIO SUPEBIxrENDENTg. 3. ; ,AColoriiali>ecretary!s Offices/; L

r , . May.l4th, 1874, herewi: h':enclose the "Bill to amend the laws relating to the Goldfields < which lapsed lust session in the House of Representative?. _

The management: of the-; Goldfields, though nominally, confined to, the. Governor, has really, through the system adopted, rested in the charge of .Superintendents, with more or less assistance from; their Provincia Councils and Executives/ "•'•''■ - r ' There is evidence that the conditions which may suit the goldfields in- one part of the Colony are not necessarily suitable to those in other parts. Ih« Government desire to ask your Honor—(lst.) Whether in. your, opinion there is that pressing need for legislation oh the subject which makes it necessary or, desirable to deal with the matter during the coming session, or (2) whether it would be' better to defer legislation. . Supposing- your Honor thinks legislation during the coming session desirable, do you approve of the .bill under considerationi.or in what respect .would you advise its amendment., —' Arrow Observer.'