The Minister of Mines at the Thames. Thames, April 10.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 199, 16 April 1887, Page 4

The Minister of Mines at the Thames. Thames, April 10.

SCHOOL OF MINES. At an interview with tho Minister of Mines, on Saturday afternoon, the Committee of the School of Mines laid before that gentleman their proposal for an experimental testing plant, to bo erected in connection with tho School. The entire cost of the plant was estimated at nbout £1250, and after some discussion the Minister agreed that if the School of Mines would raise one half, viz.,£Coo, the Government would grant a subsidy of £ for £, or the other £000.

BROKERS DEALING IN SHARES. MrT.B. Hicks inquired whether it would bo possible to have the Mining Companies Acs altered in the direction of preventing brokor from trading in shares. This was very desirable as the brokers received the first information, and it was generally believed they used it for their own benefit, so that the outside public had not a fair chance when dealing in shares.— Mr Larnach explained that the Act referred to as originally passed in the Lower House precluded brokers dealing in shares, but through some influence brought to bear, it had been altered in the Upper House. He would bo pleased, however, if Mr Hicks and thos« who believed with him, would write to him on the subject.— Mr Hicks : The present depression is largely caused by the directors being brokers —Mr Larnach : T think you arc not far wrong.— Mr Hicks thanked Mr Larnach for according him a patient hearing androtired.

AGE ASSESSMENT. A deputation consisting of Messrs Hicks, Comer, and Turtle, requested that the Act relating to the Damage Board should be so amended that it would be necessary to take the matter of area and depth workings into consideration when assessing the companies, as at present too much was lovied on thoso who were not really benefited by the jpump. The Minister suggested that the deputation should got up a petition, and forwai'd it to the Board, at the same time sending a duplicate to tho Government.

HARBOUR BOARD. The members of tho Harbour Board waited upon Mr Larnaoh, as Minister of Marine, and requested him to assist in getting a bill passed next session, to give the Board extended jurisdiction, procure an endowment, and raise a lpan to fill in the remaining portion of Goods Wharf, with mullock, and prevent the snags and debris beinc: emptied into the river. The Minister promised to attend to the various matters. Messrs Larnach and Gordon left hero for Waihi, Karanga Lake, etc., yesterday morning.