The Southland Times. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1866.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 222, 28 February 1866, Page 2

The Southland Times. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1866.

The resources of New Zealand are only now becoming known. The undeveloped wealth possessed is immeasurably great. 3?resh evidence of . the varied and valuable products obtainable in every Province is continually arising. The mineral riches which lay hidden are inconceivably large, but still sufficient has been discovered to lead to the conclusion that they are unbounded. The goldproducing Provinces — Otago, Canterbury, Nelson, and Auckland, — are now beginning to realise the fact that mining to be of any positive advantage must be something more than the surface scraping of auriferous country. Experience shows that the unity of capital with labor is essential to the full realization of a country's wealth. Mining should only be looked upon as the " means to an end," and its progress watched, more with a view to control and direct its course, than to reap any immediate benefit from it. The great aim should be to create, and foster a steady-mindedness among the gold-delving community, to persuade them that " a rolling stone gathers no moss," and that if they desire contentment and permanent prosperity, it can only be obtained by strict industry, and a final determination to sow the " gold seeds" obtained by mining, in land of their own. It is a matter for congratulation that this feeling is becoming prevalent. In Otago, companies are gaining favor; the advantages arising from the unity of capital and labor is acknowledged as the only safe mode of securing the complete development of the mineral resources of the country. It is by the adoption of this system that Victoria has emerged from her dark cloud, and again attained to the enviable position of being the greatest of the " New World" colonies.. It is by a free recognition of this principle that New Zealand must base its future operations in order to secure the prosperity which Nature offers. Southland cannot boast of extensive established goldfields, but it can boast of possessing fertile land in " galore," and border goldfields which may virtually be made her own by a little judgment and caution being displayed by her legislators — enterprise and perseverance by its citizens. Still more than this she has mineral resources of a high order — amply sufficient to prove a powerful stimulant to progress, if properly understood and turned to account. We published yesterday an extract from an English, paper of the result of an experimental smelting of New Zealand black sand, which is strong presumptive evidence ' that the sea coast here is teeming with riches — that a field for enterprise and fortune is at our doors. True it is, that the sand in question was obtained from Taraniki, but it is well known that similar sand abounds in every part of the coast line from Nelson to Hokitika, on the "Western route. "We have unmistakable evidence that between Riverton and Jackson's Bay any amount of this sand is to be obtained. A sample has been in our possession which was analysed, and the result was most favorable: it showed that the sand was composed of gold, silver and iron, the latter predominating, and that it would be a fortunemaking speculation to even send it to England to be smelted. The Lake goldfields are extending their bounds, and assuming a permanent character surpassing all expectation. Invercargill is the natural market for its produce, and a little public spirit and energy could secure that trade. The Biverton district is undoubtedly gold bearing, and although it may not be sufficiently rich to attract many individual workers when other enticing attractions present themselves, would, if systematically worked — a combination of capital and skilled labor — prove remunerative to the investor, supply a large field for labor, give an- impetus to trade, and restore prosperity to the province. The coast sand should be tested by a company, and if it was there is little question that it would prove profitable. What is most wanted is enterprise — a manifestation of a faith in the future, and a determination to aid Nature in making it a bright one. To this end action is indispensable. The northern line of railway must be completed. This is essential to the securing of the Lake District trade, and opening up, for

real settlement, the cream of the Province: I It "appears to us that unless this is done' the place must go from bad to worse, that the "small bill" to the General Government will be dishonored and progress stopped. If energy and public spirit is not now displayed, great will be the lamentations in after years. The Provincial Council will, in a few days, be in session; they have important work before them — to do their duty they must be deliberate but bold, cautious but not cowardly, economical but not stingy—in short, put forth their determined efforts to legislate like statesmen, keeping constantly before them the . great truism : : — " Non progredi est regredi.