At Thames.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 199, 16 April 1887, Page 2

At Thames.

During 1 his stay at Thames on Saturday last several deputations waited upon the .Minister of Mines. Colonel Fraser, Mr Bro.lie, County Chairman, and others, urged that substantial aid be given by Govennuent towards the celebrated Big Pump ; which it is proposed to work by water power instead of by steam, as heretofore, provided the necessary funds for so doing can bo raised; the estimated cost being about £-1,000. It was stated the change would effect a saving of £200 per month ; and if the proposed alteration were not effected, the contributing companies would be unable to continue working, and were the pump to be sloppe), it would throw several hundred miners out of employment. Hon. Mr Lanuich stated it was unreasonable to look to Government year after year to suppott such concerns and he had pretty well made up his mind that it was time Government grants or subsidies towards the Biy Pump at Thames should cease, However, under the circumstances, ralhor than that a large numberof miners should be thrown out of work he would give the subsidy asked for, £2000 on the £ to £ principle,]only however on the distinct understanding that the plant would bo unencumbered, and that it should not be mortgaged in any way without the consent of Government having been first obtained. Proposed Test Plant In Connection with School of Mines. — In the afternoon the Minister paid a visit to the .School of Minos. Dr Kili>our, Piesident, claimed that £2000 ought to be annually granted by Government ; a demand so unreasonable that it is seaieely neeebsary to state that the Minister promptly refused to enentertain it for one moment, as being most absurd. Colonel Fraser, however, and others came to the rescue, and without much difficulty obtained a pioniisj of £GOO subsidy towards erecting a testing plant, estimated coat about £1200. Mr Lnrnach referred to the fact that the out!_\ ing districts were dissatisfied with the time and attention devoted to thorn by Mr Montgoiiioty. [Complaints were also made to Mr Larnach with respect to this matter during his visit to Coroinandel. and in reply to those who brought the subjict under his notice he stated that Mr Montgomery must carry on the programme arranged when the school of mines was first started.] Mr Geo. Frascr's Proces-s. — A deputation waited upon the Minister respecting the advisability of Government giving some substantial assistance towards the further improvement of a system for treatment of auriferous and argentiferous ores, which Mr Fraser, of Aucklan I, has spent much time and money in developing. Mr Larnach appeared greatly interested in the matter, and well inclined to assist so useful and important a work, but stated he was unable to do so from the funds at his disposal. lie promised, however, to see what could be done in the matter, and to place a sum on the estimates for the purpose named, Mr Fr.iser undertaking to forward plans and all particulars to Mr Larnach, at Wellington.