THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT YOUR FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. MONDAY, AUGUST 30, 1880.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3643, 30 August 1880, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT YOUR FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. MONDAY, AUGUST 30, 1880.

In another column will be found an advertisement signed by Mr It. McDonald Scott calling a meeting of persons interested in mining pursuits for the pur* pose of considering the best means for securing the representation of that interest in the Borough Council. From time to time efforts have been made to induce both the Borough and County Councils to assist the mining industry by direct votes of money in the matter of the Big Pump, and now it appears that those persons most interested have considered it desirable, that upon at least the Borough Council, one or more persons immediately connected with mining should have seats. The vacancies at present offer opportunities for carrying .out these intentions, and the meeting tonight is for the purpose of considering the best men to nominate for the purpose. We have before now spoken against ratepayers' money being devoted in carrying on a private enterprise, but have admitted again that under our peculiar circumstances a portion of the sums received as gold duty might with some fairness be devoted to developing our mines, and .thereby furthering, in a great measure, the prosperity of the whole community. The County Council have already promised a sum of £40 per month towards pumping expenses, and an effort will be made to induce the Borough to give a similar sum. In the past the Borough Council acted very .liberally in this matter, but whether in its present circumstances with its revenue mortgaged to the bank, it can vote a sum of money for pumping purposes, is a matter for serious consideration. However, in order no doubt to secure so desirable an end, and to have at the Council Board a

member or members more immediately interested in this question the meeting is called. We are not prepared to question the right of any section of the com* munity taking such steps to have its views represented, and must admit that the proposal of Mr Scott is a fair way of testing the feeling! on the subject. This gentleman has always taken a great interest in mining matters, and would make a good Councillor—possessing as he does experience, a large share of good common sense, and having time at his disposal. Such men as Mr McD. Scott, no matter what interest they more immediately represent, would materially assist'the better management of our municipal affairs. ~-•-.....