THE WEEK.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2835, 16 March 1878, Page 2

THE WEEK.

A chronic dulne3.i teems to hare set in regarding mining affairs, and as a matter of consequence all other business suffers. The worst feature is that there does not seem to be any chance of affair* assuming a better appearance. The mines which have contributed so largely to the gold product during the last twelve months are not improving—at least they have not developed anything lately which can be depended upon as likely to sustain their average production during the past year. The Moanatairi is not producing a large amount of gold, while the Alburnia, with its large area and numerous tributes, is not gaining in favor in the share market. The stoppage of the southern drive from the low level of the Pumping Association shaft, though perfectly justifiable at far as the County is concerned, will have a prejudicial, effect on the district-. As long as the drive was proceeding there was a chance of something being struck which would warrant the companies starting to work on their own account. Betides this, had the tunnel been continued, ultimately a connection would- have been effected with the Wato-Karaka drainage system, and the money now being ex-; f>ended on the pumping works of the alter might have been saved. Irrespective therefore of the dilatoriness of the companies . through whose ground the southern drive was proceeding, its stop* page by the County lesuens the chances of a fresh discovery at the low levels. . A Mining Inspector has been appointed at last, and as the appointment happens to have been granted to the gentleman who filled the office daring the whole time since the creation of the office to the interregnum of the past few months,, there cannot be any delay in the appointee getting at once into harness It is hot as if one new to the duties had been appointed, who required a probation to become accustomed to the requirements of the office. Captain Goldsmith has administered the office for some years. He mast be conversant with the powers and functions of the office, and there can be no excuse for delay in reforming the abates which have arisen during the late existing state of circumstances, while there was no one in a position to exercise the important powers delegated by law to a Mining Inspector. It is also patent to every one that a perfunctory exercise of the duties of Mining Inspector will not give satisfaction. The- various Acts which give power to the Mining Inspector must be carried out in their entirety. The.lives and limbs of miners will have to be more carefully looked after than they hare been, while the monopoly of ground by non-working companies which has been tolerated will have to be broken up. If the Mining Inspector is prepared to carry oat the duties faithfu'ly, without respect of persons, he will earn the respect of the community and the confidence of the Government. If he acts otherwise the protests of the miners will be anmistakeably registered against any procedure which respects powerful companies.