'WARE SCRIP.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5496, 7 November 1878, Page 2

'WARE SCRIP.

. TO THE EDITOR OP THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sm, —The Government organ has given ns a pretty specimen of social morality in its leading article of Monday last. The Geological Department is made clearly to understand that its chief duty is to go into the puffing line, * and in default of compliance that it is to bo abolished. The general opinions expressed in the article in question are those of a charlatan. Having some knowledge of mineral lands in Australia, I have no hesitation in saying that Mr. Cox’s report is an excellent one, and sound in every particular. It is encouraging to the prospects of the D’TJrville Island mine, but recommends caution. It is surely to be supposed that tbe prospects of this mine can afford to depend upon results. The promoters have got hold of the ore, and of the direction in which it lies. Let them turn out copper. What the country wants is results in produce—copper, not scrip. The sale of scrip probably only moans tbe transfer of money from one man's pocket to that of another, while the production of copper means a valuable export. On no account let us degrade our geologists by attemping to turn them into conjurers. Every experienced miner knows that even in the best mines one cannot tell what tbe drive of tbe next foot or yard may produce. No man by looking into a hill can say what the minerals within it will turn out, he can only judge whether the appearances are favorable or not. We have had lately a few choice specimens of political morality, and it appears that we are now to be favored with some of social morality. This is a blunder, and therefore worse than a crime. If men have not virtue, they should affect it.—l have, &c., One who has had Interests in Australian Copper Mines. ■