THE MINING CONFERENCE.

Southland Times, Issue 1675, 13 December 1872, Page 3

THE MINING CONFERENCE.

The conference of mining delegates from the different goldfields of Otago, now being held at Lawrence, Tuapefca, commenced its sittings on Monday, 2nd inst., when Mr J. A. Miller, of Arrowtown, waa unanimously elected chairman. It was agreed to send a telegram to the Colonial Secretary, asking if any suggestions made by the Conference would be entertained by the Government with regard to a new Goldfields Bill and any industry affecting the goldfields of Otago. It was decided tbat the Goldfields Act of 1866 and the different Amendment Acts should be the first subjects of discussion ; that the present agricultural leasing system should next be considered ; and that the formation of a Provincial Mining Association should thereafter be discussed. Tuesday, December 3. The Conference proceeded to consider the provisions of the Gold Mining Act. It was resolved that miners' rights, issued for one year, should be available for the whole Colony ; and that business licenses should be reduced to £2 10s per annum. Clause 7 was amended to read that the employes have a claim upon the employer, instead of upon the claim, as at present. The Conference recorded its opinion that sub-clause 9, of clause 11, should b8 struck out ; as also, that sub-clause 7, of clause 21, be struck out; and that permanent licenses for water bo issued. It was resolved that in granting agricultural leases, or selling land, the Government should reserve all streams. In sub clause 9, of clause 21, the words " or may be" were ordered to be struck out. It was decided that sub-section 10 be struck out, and the following substituted: " That ao license granted for the diversion of water from any water course shall be deemed to confer a title to the last two heads, in case the same is required for domestic purposes ; but, if once granted, it shall not be withdrawn for mining or manufacturing purposes." The Chairman read the following telegram from Mr Waterhouse, Premier; — " The Government will be glad to receive and entertain any suggestions for new Goldfields Bill. The Government have already issued instructions for new bill, which, it is anticipated, willbe prepared by Messrs Haggitt, Mouat, and Shepherd." It was decided that 15 feet on each. side of a water race should be allowed for clearing out, repairs, &c. ; that sections 88 to 91. of the Gold Mining Bill be substituted for clause 27 of the Goldfields Act, eliminating all reference to the Inspectors ; and that the Government should charge 2a 6d per sluice head for water per annum. Wednesday, Decembee 4. The Conference met at 6.30 p.m., when the question of the establishment of a Provincial Miners' Association was brought forward. Mr Alexander said the suggestions of the Mining Commission held a couple of years ago in Dunedin had been ignored by the Government. The same fate might attend any resolutions passed by the Conference, and it behoved them to use every endeavor to secure that proper weight should be attached to the result of their labors. He moved that an Association, to be called the Otago Mining Association, be formed, such Association to comprise all the miners in the Province, and that a central committee or executive be appointed, to consist of a President, Secretary, or Treasurer, to watch the course of legislation affecting their interests, and to transact the general business of tbe Miners' Associations. He thought it was advisable to federalise the various associations, that the members of the central committee should represent different localities, and that its sittings should alternate among the various centres of population on the goldfields. Mr Ferris was of opinion that the present arrangement of local associations was sufficient. If union was required, communication by letter would secure that. Mr Gray thought a central committee sittiug for the present at Lawrence would be desirable. Mr Allan, in seconding the motion, observed the goldfields felt the want of some body to urge their wants upon the Government, and of'some recognized body which the Government could consult regarding mining legislation, and obtain information from. Mr Morrison said that combination was required among the miners. There was a widely-spread feeling of insecurity, which would continue until an organisation like tbe one proposed waa brought into operation. The miners wanted protection against legislation such as had been in vogue ; and, by forming a powerful central committee, they would be able to do it, and influence the course of all mining legislation. Mr Crombie, Mr Anderson, and Mr Cawdweli spoke in favor of the formation of a central committee, but were not agreed as to its constitution and mode of working. The Chairman suggested that those present should take the matter into their own hands, and form an executive from their number. He also stated that efficient machinery should be provided and paid for. Mr Shaw also expressed himself in favor of the formation of a central committee. The Chairman stated that up to the present time the Arrow Association had transacted the business of the goldfields. A lengthy discussion, in which the advantages and disadvantages of having a committee composed of members all from a particular locality were adverted i to, ensued. Ultimately, the debate was adjourned till the next sitting. Mr Edgar, the delegate appointed by the Upper Shotover Mining Association, I was now introduced by the Chairman.