THE MINISTERIAL VISIT.

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 5099, 21 May 1885, Page 2

THE MINISTERIAL VISIT.

The Hon. W. J. M. Larnach, Minister of Mines, aecompained by Mr Kenrick, Warden; Mr T. Hiamer, Private Secretary and Mr Larnaeh, junr,, arrived at Thames about two o'clock this afternoon, and were met by Mr W. Fraser, M.H.TL, and Mr A. Brodie, County Chairman. The party left Tapu at 11 30 o'clock, after having inspected that portion of the dis■trict. The Minister promised that £500 would be placed on the Estimates for the purpose of patting down a shaft to test the lower levels of fhat district, or prospecting it by means of tunnelling. A meeting is to be held to-night to decide upon the direction in which the money is to be spent, and if it be decided that Bull's claim be selected as the direction in which work is to be subsidised, it was given to be understood that the workings should be open to other prospectors. The programme for this afternoon wns a visit to the mines and batteries in the immediate neighborhood of the town. In an inspection of the Coromandel district, it was promised that £1000 should be placed on the Estimates for the JCapanga G.M. Co., on the understanding that the sum should be used to carry the shaft down to test the low levels, provided an English company, such as is proposed should b^ floated with a capital of £20,000. This is a tantamount to a guarantee of five per cent. on the amount raised to be paid by Government. A vote of £350 was promised to be placed on behalf of the Tokatea Co. to enable them to carry on the tunnel they are now working. Several holders of sections complained of the sum of £3 per acre rental being charged, and the Minister said he would endeavor to have it reduced. A deputation stated that several companies held large areas of ground which were left unworked, and Mr Larnaeh said he would see that the regulations were enforced. He further stated that he was in favor of Miners' Bight fees being reduced from 20s to 10s, but arrangements with the natives were, he feared, in the way of such a thing being done. The Coromandel County Council asked that the use of a diamond drill be granted to the district, and in reply to the request the Minister stated that he thought the drill would not suit it. He suggested that a borer known as the " Tiffin.'' would be more adaptable. After leaving Coromandel, and upon arriving at Manaia, the natives complained of the deficiencies gradually arising in the amounts received for timber licenses and other revenue, and wound up by handing in au agreement to contribute a fourth part of the cost of a district road which Government has subsidised to the extent of two-thirds, and the County had to pay the small balance. At fire o'clock the deputation from residents of Block 27 will meet the Minister at the Eoyal Hotel, and at 7.30 this evening in the Court House several other deputations will, interview him. It is probable that the party will proceed from here through the Thames Valley to the Waikato and straight on to Auckland. We understand that Mr Larnaeh was much impressed with what he saw this afternoon of the work carried on on the field.