THE MINING INDUSTRY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 85, 9 April 1912, Page 7

THE MINING INDUSTRY.

THE MINISTER'S INTENTION. (Per Pross Association.) Christchurch, April 5. The Hon. J. Colvin, Minister of Mines, arrived here from Wellington to-day, en route for the West coast. Asked regarding his views oh the political situation, Mr Colvin remarked that he had little to say. He believed that the Mackenzie Ministry would prove equal to the task of retaining office, despite the anticipations of some that the contrary would be the case. He thought the Ministry was one of the best that the Dominion had ever had, and was a strong one from a debating as well as from an administrative point of view. Personally Mr. Colvin said that his own interests were bound up in the mining industry and he had a great deal of sympathy for that industry, which he considered was one of the best colonisers in the world. All his life he had been either engaged in mining or in business connected with the industry. He recognised that he had a hard uphill climb in following his predecessor, Mr. R. McKenzie, but he intended exerting his utmost endeavours to push ahead the mining industry in all its phases—gold, coal, and oil. He hoped to be able on his present trip to be able to visit the State coal mines at Runanga and S.eddonville and in different mining centres. Asked if there were any recent developments in connection with the Kotuku oil-fields; Mr. 'Colvin replied that he possessed no official information but he learned, from a gentleman who recently visited the field that the 'prospects were inproving. Mr Colvin will leave by the Cass train tomorrow morning for the West Coast.