ECHOES FROM MOUNT BENGER

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 64, 1 May 1869, Page 3

ECHOES FROM MOUNT BENGER

As the object of the Commission appointed by the General Government to inquire into the administration of the Waste Lands Act, is not very generally known. I think it would be an act of justice to Otago and the public generally, that one. of our representatives should, during the present Session of the Provincial Council, move for a commission to be appointed to inquire into the value of the unsold lands in the Province, and to classify the same, showing the position of those lands which are eligible for agriculture, and their value, from the formation of roads &c, and the natural capabilities of the said lands ; and also to ascertain the auriferous character of the lands comprised within goldfields, and what portions it would be desirable to withdraw from sale, or agricultural leases in consequence ; and also further, to inquire into the extent and permanency of the goldfields. I feel confident that a more important series of subjects could hardly be selected for' official investigation than those I have just enumerated; and the inquiry could not be instituted at a more appropriate period. Tour readers will fully concur with me when I say that Otago is, at the present moment, in the position of a merchant in difficulties, who, with large sums scattered all over the country, finds himself in a very unpleasant pickle, owing to some unexpected derangement of his plans. In the pressing necessity" he finds it absolutely necessary to ascertain his exact position", the extent of his liabilities, and the amount of his assets — using a commercial phrase, he takes stock. That is precisely what such . a commission oilght to do for Otago, only that its

labors ought to be confined to ascertaining the value of the public estate. Ah inquiry into the permanency of the Groldfields, ought to be made the subject of a distinct and special commission, composed of men who could bring to the aid of their investigation tlie result of mining knowledge and practical experience. It is indeed of very great importance, that a propc? classification should be made of the unsold lands of the Province, especially thoae lands which have acquired, or may acquire a special value, from their resources, the formation of roads, and other circumstances. When the public estate is thus put in order and appraised, it may probably improve very materially the security the Province has to offer to its creditors, But let it be remembered that it is on the gold discoveries, the rapid progress of Otago has been raised ; that the trade, commerce, and revenue of the Province depend solely and chiefly upon the solid continuance of a prosperous mining industry.