Correspondence.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4885, 5 September 1884, Page 2

Correspondence.

These columns are open to all correspondence of pubic interest, but we do not hold oureelves responsib'efor the opinions of writers. Correspondence must in all jasea hs authenticated by the real name and address of the writer—not necessarily for publication, but a 8 a guarantee of good faith.

[To the Editor of the Evening Star.)

Sib,—Everyone mast deplore the present inaction in the mining industry-. It is rather difficult at first sight to assign any very good reason for this want of speculative enterprise. It may be caused partly by the fact that the residents and people who know the extraordinary extent of ground that is known to be auriferous not having the means of prospecting; it certainly cannot be from the want of intention or belief in the payable character of the greater portion of this district—my experience being, that those longest here and having the best means of kn«w» ing the real value qf either real property or mining areas are just those, who hare the firmest belief in the value and ultimate prosperity of the Thames as a large mining centre. Capitalists and specula* tire men at a distance do pot seem to have that confidence that such, not only indications but actual value as a mining' district entitles it to. Now, there must be some cause for this, and as those hay ing the confidence have not the means, an effort should not only be made but con* tinued that would restore to the Thames that attention and faith in its future that is certainly warranted by the indications shown throughout the whole district. Very much evil has been inflicted by the continually recurring: periods of company floating by so-called speculator*, to be as regularly followed by a raid of forfeiture which is quite right and useful* but the evil has been inflicted on the dis~ trict by the promoters of such questionable methods of lining their own pocket?, Oftei, indeed, au air of respectability and solidity is given to these ventures through the broker who transacts the business, he being completely power* less to alter the state of things. lam satisfied our Thames brokers see this, and would much prefer to see legitimate work carried on; indeed, to their credit be it said, there are vory few —if any—of the gentlemen now forming tho Association but who have warned their clients of the nature of many of theso transactions* but the evil does not stop here;: for men. who would otherwise invest their capital largely in legitimate enterprise get bitten, and unfortunately the district gets blamed for evils brought about, and practices introduced and carried on, by those who have nothing in common with either the residents or hone-fide miners. If.it were possible to have the voica of the community, or some board of control, which could either stamp such ventures as were purely for floating purposes in contrast to speculation, it would be & boon to all save those desiring sharp practice.— Tours &c,

ASjellbb of Tea.