THE WEEK.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3576, 12 June 1880, Page 2

THE WEEK.

In mining and indeed general circles throughout the week, the principal topic has been the Miners' Eights question. It appears that the Inspector of Miners' Eights, Mr Mcllhone, had, or supposed he had, a discretionary power in the matter of compelling miners to take out Bights. In other words, being the Inspector, and the only person likely to institute proceedings under the Gold Mining Districts Act, if he saw fit a man could work for years without being the holder of a right. We are perfectly of opinion that tho Miner's Bight is an irksome impost on an otherwise heavily taxed industry, but as the law stands it must ba obeyed, and the retention of such powers as these assumed by the Inspector, by a comparatively speaking irresponsible officer, was open to abuse. Since the adrer* tisement appeared announcing that the power had been revoked about 200 Miners' Bights were taken out, clearly showing that to carry-out the spirit of the section, the revocation was necessary. We will only be too happy to assist in any movement for lessening the taxation on miners, with whom our sympathies are; but let it be done fairly, and let all participate in the benefits alike.

j The principal events in connection with the mines are, a find of golden stone at the 360-feet level, and improvements in the lower levels ot the New Whau and Alburnia. Pumping has. been going on satisfactorily, and a very few months should see work in progress on the flat i with pristine vigor.