The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1882.

Thames Star, Volume XIII, Issue 4349, 8 December 1882, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1882.

The contributions of "the local bodied out of goldfields revenue to the maintenance of pumping operations on the flat are likely to again pass under review, and hinging upon, but independent of, this matter, is the re-adjustment of conlribu* tions of the surrounding mines to the Big Pump. Notwithstanding the handsome moiety of Goldfields revenue received by the Pumping Association, the Deep Level Tribute Company has had more than a fair share to pay towards the cost of maintenance. The Company has determined to have matters placed on a fairer basis, and for that purpose will apply to the Warden for a re-distribution of the cost of drainage. This is but reasonable. For instance, the Prince Imperial Company could not pursue its present operations if the Big Pump were not going, yet that company only pays £5 a month towards the expense of pumping. In a matter of this sort the strong should help the weak, for these mines are largely inter-dependent on each other, and the Prince Imperial would not feel a contri* bution of £50 during that period. At the meeting of the County Council, Cr Bagnall moved that the contribution cease at the end of the year. He said the County has no right to pay £45 a month to companies whose shares are saleable at a premium, while that body is paying '£12 a week"interest on bank overdraft. He took a different view of the matter when the field was in difficulties, and the County was in a better position. The Queen of Beauty Company is in receipt of a handsome subsidy in the form of water, ; for not only is it receiving ten sluice heads for the payment of 7%, but the rate I charged is considerably lower than .to batteries. Some Councillors were in favor of charging for all the water used at full prices, and if the _Council were inclined to assist, a direct payment should be made; the amount of the subsidy would thus be apparent to all parties. While it is exceedingly desirable that the funds of the local bodies should be conserved as much as possible, yet it is imperative that mioiug on the flat

be fostered, for the prospectg there are brighter than ever previously in the history of the field. By far the greater portion of the gold duty is being paid by the mines in that locality, therefore they have an excellent claim ior consideration. Goldfields' revenue should be devoted to goldfield purposes. These pumping shafts should be regarded in the light of- roads or tracks leading to the richest claims; The time has now arrived for a re-adjustment of the burden of the Big Pump upon a fairer basis. The local bodies also are justified in minimising their contributions to the pumps, but it ' should ever be bornfl in mind that these pumps must be kept going at all hazards. On them depends the future of the Thames district proper as a goldfield. But while saying so much, we are of opinion that the local bodies would be justified in taking advantage of the improved feeling to throw a little more of the; burden upon the shareholders,' who art the parlies directlybenefited. ' i