Meeting of Goldflelds Members.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3602, 13 July 1880, Page 2

Meeting of Goldflelds Members.

In response to a letter from' the goldfields members, the Ministers and the Premier invited those members to meet them yesterday morning. Present:— Major Harris, Messrs DeLautour, Seddon, Finn, Tait, Brown, Beeves, Shepherd, Masters, J. B. Fisher, Hirst, Shnmski, Jones, and Ireland.

Mr Brown opened the discussion by stating that in response to an invitation he was prepared to hear what the Premier had to say. The Premier said he had written a letter to the gentleman who had, signed the resolution, but that he had concluded that it would be better to meet him. '

Mr .Reeves said a general feeling favoured the appointment of a Minister of, Mines the same as in Victoria. The mining interest had been neglected in this Colony, and and the effect had been to create unemployed. There were no unemployed on the goldfields. Mr Brown thought it Has not necessary that the administration of the mining interest should be in the hands of a person holding a single portfolio. The Minister of Mines be thought might be employed with some other portfolio such as Minister of Lands. The mining industry has been neglected. The mining and agricultural went hand in band. Wherever facility offered miners turned their attention to the Art of Agriculture. Mr Shrimski said that it appeared that the Government did not desire the opinion of the Goldfields Corporation. The district which he represented was capable, according to Professor Ulrich, of maintaining thousands of families; yet no facilities had been offered for such develop* ment, because it wonld interfere with the pastoral interests,, of which the Government were so careful.

Mr Finn said he did not think the present Government solely responsible for the neglect pointed oat by the previous speakers. The past Government were equally culpable. He explained at considerable length the difficulties under which miners in his district suffered through not baring a road from Mace* town- to Arrowtown, which would cost only £3000. Were this done, he knew for a fact that a large number of miners with capital. would come from Victoria next spring, and engage in the development of this important field, the average from which has been nearly 40z3 to the ton. No shafts were required. There was tunnelling only at present. Only capitalists could work profitablyupon the field. Mr Beeves corroborated what Mr Finn said.

Mr Seddon said he thought the intention of the Government was to give pound for. pound subsidy on the whole amount expended by mining associations had not been done. .

Mr Hall said that towards the end of last session he introduced a bill for the appointment of a new'minister to hpld the portfolio ofmines amongst others. The idea was adandoned because of the strong feeling in the. House against it. TJie duties performed by ministers were difficult. They could net govern from any one centre, and were compelled to visit all parts of the colony, which occur pied considerable, time. That was why he thought it desirable to have an eighth minister. '' In reply to Mr Ireland, he said Mr Oliver hsd been giren the portfolio of, Minister of Mines, because heunderstood something of mining. He was aware the presen> system was unsatisfactory. The Government had discussed the matter, and purposed to efieot a re-arrangement of portfolios on the rising of the House. He^farticularly wished: those present to

consider the unfortunate financial position of the country. There was absolutely rO money available for anything, and the greatest economy was' forced npon the country. Mr Fisher drew attention to what the local revenue on Government goldfields was devoted to, namely, maintaining main roads. The Interests of the colony de» tnanded that the revenue of goldfields should be left, as far as possible, to be devoted to opening new tracks. The course pursued by the Government regarding Waimangaroa reserve, and the withdrawal without consideration or inquiry of an important goldfield to suit the interests of a coal company, showed the necessity of a Minister of Goldfields.

Several other gentlemen having spoken, and the deputation having thanked Mr Hall, withdrew.—Star.