Tuapeka Times. AND GOLDFIELDS REPORTER & ADVERTISER. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1872. "MEASURES, NOT MEN."

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 244, 3 October 1872, Page 3

Tuapeka Times. AND GOLDFIELDS REPORTER & ADVERTISER. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1872. "MEASURES, NOT MEN."

.Miners' • : Associations have, for some time . past, been , established institutions on the goldfields of Ofcago; and also, .we believe, on

ihose -of the West Coast. The *""* functions of these bodies vary greatly in different places. Some were called into existence for the purpose* of remedying purely local grievances ; others were formed ' with the view of exercising influence on mining legislation. But whatever originated them, all claim to watch over the interests of the miners, and to guard against any infringement of their rights. To a certain extent the Associations 'do this; but notso satisfactorily as they might. The manner in which they were constituted militates to a great extent against their usefulness. They can only take cognizance of matters occurring in their immediate vicinity, and as they act independently of each other,- their influence is exceedingly limited. True, a sort of correspondence among the various Associations is maintained, but that, although showing a friendly •feeling, does not unite them for the furtherance of their common objects. Once only did they work, together. We allude to the measures taken to prevent the Gold Mining Act, introduced by Mr. Gisborne, from passing. On that occasion they did take concerted action, but their unanimity' of feeling caused them involuntarily to act in harmony, and lent great assistance towards having the obnoxious Bill shelved. As yet, although the importance and advantages of unity have been theorised upon, no really practical effort has been made to secure them. Frequently propositions for a conference of delegates from the various Associations have been discussed. Imaginary obstacles have, however, been conjured up, which have prevented their adoption.. At the present time/we believe, a correspondence is going on upon this .subject ', but whether it will result in anything, W& cannot at present state. We do hope, however, that it will not end in smoke. . It must be patent to everyone that the isolated endeavors of each individual Association cannot be productive of much good ; whereas, were they all united, they would be in a position to benefit the mining population to a very great extent. Many subjects' deeply affecting the welfare of the goldfields are now prominently obtruding themselves. Mining on private property, with' several cognate questions; the establishment of Mining Boards ; , the direction of -mining legislation ; the transference of the administration of the goldr fields from the Provincial to the General Government, &c, demand the i expression ;of the opinions of those chiefly- 1 — we may say -solely — intei'ested.'^ These ■ opinions can' be easily elicited; 1 but it is of little use Boing so unless determined efforts are made to carry therii out. Reforms were never, made by talking, or by isolated intermittent efforts -rr- every reform has been brought about by persistent action. I? he, people of the goldfields cannot do better . than adopt the measures which" have proved successful in other times, i.e., to league themselves together to procure the re-

. forms they desire, As the first step.. r XJrG would impress upon them the - desir^Wty:. .'of .speedily carrying ' in&) !^Seci'ihe oppositions 1 of 'the, i^iJl^g^jApsocJiaiji^ns^to holel^ p.on^ fejepc^jof /;^elfpa,tes. '„ Jhe{cQnfer : . ;me)vfl6 ,pf ', organ-, . 'ioungfcU. the 4isociati©ns; oja: ai com-: . m'on basis. Jit miglit'.ialsQsibe foiindi advisable to establish'" a "Central Committee, the duties of which Would be to exercise a general supervision ove-r^Ke interests oT^He"

whole mining .community; to select suitably. representatives to.ssend; to th& Froviaeial Council, and General Assemtly ; to watch the course of, and influence legislation upon goldfields subjects ; and to co-operate mth the local committees in alleviating local grievances. Were this idea carried out, the mining community would be, instead of a 'sne.er.ed at nonentity, a'power in the land. We would suggest that if a .conference of delegates be resolved upon, it should be held in Lawrence. That .town would be most convenient to the majority of delegates likely to be sent; and it offers greater 1 facilities for such a meeting than any other up-country "town. The meetings of the Central Committee, which would, of course, consist of representatives from all parts of the goldfields, could be arranged by its members. They could either itinerate, or meet in any town which they thought most central. But these are details which need not be entered into at present. We shall take an early opportunity of adverting to this matter again.