MINING CONFERENCE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 254, 12 December 1872, Page 7

MINING CONFERENCE.

Wednesday, December 4. On re-assembling at 6.30 p.m., the consideration of forming a Provincial Miners' Association was proceeded with. Mr. Alexander said that valuable suggestions made by a body almost similarly constituted to that now sitting, had been ignored by the General Government ; and it was not beyond the bounds of probability that, unless united action were taken, the recommendations of the present Conference would be similarly treated. There were a number of associations throughout the province, the objects of which were twofold — viz., the redress of local grievances and the forwarding of the general interests of the miners. He proposed that an Otago, associations to comprise the whole of the miners of the province be formed. A central committee might not be a necessity, but it was advisable to federalise the various districts. They had already commenced this work in the Duustan district, and had then out of four associations successfully formed one central committee ot management, which they had arranged should meet quarterly in each of the various localities represented. Should the proposed Otago Association be formed, there should be a Secretary, who should reside in a central locality, the duties of which office should be to communicate with the various districts ; watch the coarse of legislation affecting the goldtields ; inform the associations thereof, and rec ive suggestions from them to transmit to Wellington. If a central committee were formed, he was of opinion that it should consist of three members, of whom one would be Secretary. Mr. Ferris said the great object to be secured was unity ; but among the miners it was advisable to establish the least expensive maclun -ry possible in securing it. He thoughtthe formation of a central committee, would necessitate the keeping of an expensive staff of officials ; and that it would be better not to do so at present, but to keep on as they wore at present doing. Mr. Grey believed that if the Conference could see its way to the appointment of * central committee it wonld be well ; but he thought it could not be done without its being first referred back to their constituents. He would suggest the appointment of a. special committee to carry out the views of the delegation— to give them the propulsive force necessary to compel their being listened to by the Government and General Assembly. There were certain expenses necessary, but these would be forthcoming He suggested that the special committee should at first sat at Lawrence. That town presented many advantages for being headquarters. It was in easy communication with the metropolis, and had postal and telegraphic facilities ; besides, should it be necessary for the committee to wait upon the Provincial Government, they would nave to travel only » shorr distance. Some things, he was convinced, they would have to fight for ; and a central committee could do this much netter than a lot of local unconnected assooi*tions with no bond of union between them. Mr. Crombie thought a central committed necessary, but objected to its meetings being hold in one place. Mr. Allan concurred with Mr. Alexander in his remarks relative to the shelving by the Government of the suggestions of the late Mining Commission, through the want of a properly organised body to urge them prominently before the Government. Mr. Ferris opined that the members of the suggested central committee should be elected by the various districts. The committee ought only to meet when business was to be transacted. Mr CandweU advocated the establishment of a central committee. 'Mr. Alexander, to test the feelings of the delegates upon the subject, moved, that it Is desirable to form a Provincial Miner's Association. Mr. Allan, in seconding the motion, remarked that the Government would be glad to have tome organised body to consult ra« gurding the direction mining legislation ought to,t*ke. In the event of such a body as that proposed being constituted with propar working machinery, he apprehended that it would carry great weight. Mr. Morrison sain the experience of the past led him to the belief- that combination was required to protect the mining community against legislation. The time had come when the miners must stand on their rights. A general feeling of insecurity prevailed, which the formation of a powerful association would dispel. It mattered not where the head of the Association was located. He himself would be prepared to advocate that the Arrow should be the place where the central committee should meet, aa the Miners' Association of that place had originated the movement which had resulted in the present meeting. The individual ideas of each association were of comparatively little weight compared with the influence a body like a, widely spread organisation each- v It wu proposed to call into existence would caJry. He would remark that the principal work

Wnuld Of necessity devolve on the Secretary. Mr. Crombie, Mr Anderson, and Mr. Caudwell supported the^motion. The Chairman Jiad felt strongly for a long tinte upon the subject under discussion, And he Was glad to see the Unanimity which prevailed thereupon. He thought, however, Chat the delegates then present should take the tnatter into their oWn hands, and elect a Central committee without delay. He disagreed altogether with Mr. Alexander's idea On the subject ; they, to his mind, seemed I impracticable. An executive should be formed, to consist of a secretary, a treasurer, tod a chairman. He referred to the success Which attended the formation of a mining association at Bendigo, in Victoria ; -ami concluded by Stating that, if it was not worth adequately remunerating the administrative machinery of the Executive, they had better not take action in the matter. Mr. Shaw said that a central mining committee was exactly what was Wanted. Mr. Alexander replied to the Chairman's observations. He explained the constitution of the Dunstan Miners' Association, stating it represented foiir different localities ; and intimated that he did not think that, if a central committee were formed of members from one locality, that Association . would give in its adherence, but would, to a certain extent, act independently. ' The Chairman said that, Up to the present time, the Arrow Association had Worked as a central conunittee by transacting the business of the whole goldfields. Mr. Alexander said it had been suggested that the Conference should ask for a subsidy from the Government ; but he, for his part, indignantly repudiated the idea of accepting anything of the kind. They were met there to represent the miners only ; and, as they resided in the districts for which they were returned, and oame in daily contact with their constituents, they must act for their own interests, and the interests of those who had elected them. The suggestions of delegates elected and sitting as|&t present Vere more valuable than a dozen reports from subsidised commissions. Mr. Morrison said the Government subsidised agricultural societies which gave prizes for the improvement of agricultural inachinevy. He could not see ;why the same principle should not be applied to mining Societies — why rewards should not be offered, Bay, for the best essay on gold mining, or for the best machine for working the bed of the Molyneux. 'J he miners of the country had not looked after themselves. If they had done so, they would not have been so dppressed. The fact of the matter was that j the miners had not, for a lengthened period, - considered themselves settlers in the country, but had. been looking forward to reside in other countries when the gold of the province Vras exhausted. Now, however, the case | was different— the mining population had re- ' holved to li ve and die in the country. It was well for them, therefore, to endeavor to make the country prosperous. The proposed association would form a bond of- union among them, thereby creating that endeavor. - Mr. Alexander, by permission of the meeting,, amended his inption to read that the Otago Mining Association shall consist of .the "miners of Otago, that the central committee, shall be the delegates then assembled, and that an .executive "council of three be appointed. He considered the present meeting a.semi-pohtical one, that it foreshadowed that ' the miners of Otago- were about to band . together to amend the laws affecting them, and generally to protect their own interest. Mr. Ferris observed that locating the '. central committee in any one district would operate prejudicially, as they could not become sufficiently acquainted with general -grievances. The amended motion- was then put and carried. Mr. Caudwell moved, that the members of the committee be Mr. Morrison, of Tuapeka ; Mr. Alexander, of Clyde ; and the Chairman. (Mr. Edgar, the delegate from the Upper Shotover, was here introduced to the meeting by the Chairman, ) On the motion of Mr. Shaw, the further ; Consideration Of the matter iras deferred till j the next sitting. I The next subject on ths order paper was i ihe gold export duty. Mr. Jotrey moved, that, in the opinion of this meeting, the time has oome when the export duty on gold should be entirely abolished ; that every effort to secure that such should be done be used by the Conference. Of all unjust taxes, this was the most iniquitous. It was a direct robbery committed upon the miners. In the days that had gone bye the tax might have been required, but it was now quite unnecessary. He would point out that a man who might be receiving an income of £40,000 a year contributed less io the revenue than the miner who might be merely making an existence. Mr. Alexander seconded the motion. He pointed out that the legislature had acknowledged the injustice of the imposition by reducing it by sixpence an ounce last session." What was now wanted was energetic and persistent efforts to procure its total abolition. He suggested that all the miners' associations in the province be asked to draw up resolutions in support of the 'motion, to be forwarded to the General Assembly, and also petitions, if necessary. Mr. Shaw said the subject had been well discussed, and to speak on it now "would only be repeating old words. The best way to work was ta keep continually pricking up their representatives. .- Mr. MorrUon said that Mr. Macandrew had stated in his place in the House of Representatives- that the tax was entirely indefensible. If so, why had it not been swept Uway. It was a tax on labor, felt more severely by men earning small wages than those obtaining large dividends from their claims. The*am6ijnt paid by some men by this iniquitous ta^c would provide them with ciothiug. He had advocated the total elimination of this obnoxious tax from the statute book for Tie last eight years. No 1 half measures were required — an earnest, stand should be taken. Mr. Orombie said, it was unknown in nature &nd un-vrise itt practice to tax metals, and all enlightened nations had abandoned such tax. The motion was carried unanimously. Mr. Shaw thanked the Conference for Iheir courtesy in allowing a special hearing, jfear the Waikaka was a run leased by Mr. M'Nab, situated outside the goldfields. On that rUn some prospecting operations had been carried on. Mr. M'Nab singled out two men tvho Were thus engaged, and sumasaned them to appear at the Resident Magistrate's Court, Tapanui, to answer the charge of trespassing on his lands. The case was adjourned from Tapanui to S»it»ers. On being heard there, the Kesident Aiagistrate decided that, Under the U6tk Clause of the Goldfields Act, the "teen had been acting illegally, and fined the** 4'l each with £5 6s. 6d. costs, with tha altejrnative of a month's imprisonment It *ouldt'uus be seen that prospecting, which ■fyie Oovernment expressed such deep anxiety encourag«, wis deemed by a Goldfields 'Wanted a criminal offence, and 'punished as feuelJu Th& local; Minera' Association, he might fcay, Were not'Bpprise'd of the circnimsptances of the case in. time, or they would have carried it to a higher court. lie had comWMwtated With Mr. Bradshaw, the Prd<-

vincial Secretary for Goldfields, on the subject, and that gentleman had written as follows:— "'I am clearly of opinion that the 87t,h Clause of the Waste Lands Act, 1866, authorizes mining outside a goldfield ; and, had I been the Warden, T would have so decided leaving the appeal from such judgment with the rilnholder. I am also of opinion that the case of Boldfcis a hard one, and requires to be remedied." Mr. Shaw requested the Conference to express a strong opinion in the matter, and mentioned that the miners of the district wished the watershed of the "Waikaka to be annexed to the goldfields. Mr. Morrison moved, that in- the opinion of this Conference, the miners fined by the Switzers Resident Magistrate for trespassing onM'Nab's run, ought to be recouped by the Government for the loss they had sustained. A case of the kind might occur any day. A mher prospecting might be put to trouble and expense, and rendered liable to be thrown into prison. The compensation that the Government could offer would be a poor one. If the judgment of the Warden was right, the law was wrong, and required immediate remedy, and it was their duty to get the Government to alter the law. Mr. Candwell seconded the motion, and it was carried. The Conference then adjourned till the following morning. Friday, December 6. The Chairman read the following letter from the Provincial Under Secretary for Goldfields :— Goldfields Office, Dunedin, 3rd December, 1872. Sib,— l have been directed to acquaint you, for the infotmationof the Mining Conference at Lawrence, that His Honor the Superintendent will be glad to place at the disposal of the Conference any official information in the hands of the Government which may be deemed useful by that body. Will you be good enough to acquaint the members of the Conference acconlingly. I have the honor to be, Sir, your obedt. "servaut, Alex. Willis, Under Secretary. To the Secretary Mining Conference. The Chairman read the following communication he had sent in reply :—: — Lawrence, December sth, 1572. Sib, --I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your lettei", and am directed by the Conference to express their thanks for the consideration shown to them. Availing myself of the offer. I beg leave to ask the following question . Whether it would be practicable and constitutional that the right of appeal from Warden's Courts be made subject to the permission of tbe Judge of the Supreme Court ? thus vesting iuthe highest court in the province the power to stop litigation. Such 3. emission or disapproval to be based upon the facts of the case in point. Also, if any change has been made since February in the scale of surveyor's fees ? Also, if the Government could supply us -with a map showing the boundaries of the goldfields of Otago?— l have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient servant, John A. Miller, Chairman. Alex. Willis, Esq., Dunedin. The discussion of the motion regarding the formation of a central committee was adjourned until the subject of a mining board was considered. Mr. Alexander moved the resolution which stood in his name on the subject of a mining board. He read from Mr. Haughton's report, showing that that gentleman was not in favor of mining boards. Mr. Haughton, in referring to the subject, asks the question : "Whether it would be safe and prudent to allow the miners to frame their own rules and regulations?" On this very point he (Mr. Alexander) considered the question hinged — viz., the right of the miners to frame their own rules. He was decidedly in favor of these boards, although he was not prepared to say how often they should mcct — whether it would be necessary for them to meet once a year or once in two years. In answer to Mr. Caudwell, Mr. Alexander said he did not think the Government would allow any mining board to elect its own chairman. Mr. Ferris, in seconding the motion, said he -t\xf>xLgh.t i-b -vp-otzlcL only t>e £a.ir -fclxa-fc tiie Government should nominate a chairman. Mr. Monison had no good opinion of mining boards. From his experience of them, he did hot think they were productive of much benefit to the miners. A session held once in 5 years might prove advantageoxis ; but he entirely disapproved of a pei-manent body. His opinion of Warden's Courts was not a flattering one. In America, the most of the kind of business transacted by Wardens was done by the resident surveyor. The duties of Wardens had resolved themselves into granting licenses and other unimportant business. He would support a motion that a board be elected for the whole body of miners, and suggested that once in 3 or 5 years would be often enough for it to meet. If the chairman were nominated by the Government, no doubt some street loafer of Dunedin would receive the appointment. He would move an amendment, that the chairman be elected by the board. Mr. Caudwell seconded. Mr. Alexander agreed to the suggestions thrown out by Mr. Morrison and other members, and altered his motion, which was carried as follows : That, in the opinion of this Conference, it is desirable that the Governor should grant the appointment of a mining board, to be called the Otago Mining Board ; such body to come into operation immediately after the passing of the goldfields bill proposed to be submitted to Parliment next session. That they be empowered to make rules and regulations under the said act ; to be submitted to the approval and sanction of the Governor in Council before coming into law.- That this body be composed of one elected member from each distiict, such districts to be hereafter defined. That the said body be empowered to meet annually atsomecentral pi ice to add to, revise, or alter any rules and regulations. That, in the event of the establishment of a mining board, the board restrve the right of appointing the chairman from the members elected by the miners ; and that one half of the board retire annually. That the first body be elected for two years, one half of the same to retire annually after the firsttwo year?. . .^ The di oission on the Goldfields Act was then res-m'd. * The 3 sect on as to the sale of land in goldfields was discussed— clause XLVIII. Mr. Morrison moved, that as soon as land outside the goldfields was known to be auriferous it should be declared into a goldfield. Mr. Crombia seconded. Carre 1. Under the heading " Administration of Justice,'* a lengthened discussion, of a very discursive nature took place. Several resolu* tions being prepared, but not put to the vote. Ultimately the question was adjourned to the next sitting. The question of delay caused by Wardens being compelled to summons assessors was next considered, and after being talked, over Mr, Alexander moved, that in cases where ■disputing parties asked tb.6 Warden, he should havif the power and be requested to call in the^ssiatanfce of assessors verbally ; and that in cases of mining disputes the said assessors -to" be minersi" . r Mr. Ferris seconded. Carridi. if r. Shaw laid on the table papers relative

to a sale of auriferous land at Switzers, and asked members to peruse them. Adjourned till 2 o'clock, and on resuming, Mr. Alexander moved, that the clauses in the Gold Mining Bill introduced during last session of Assembly, referring to the "Administration of Justice," be recommended to be adopted in any new bill that may be introduced. Mr. Caudwell thought the best way to proceed, ami the way by which the time would be best utilized, would be for any members who knew of any cases of injustice caused by the present system of Warden's Courts, &c, to state the same to the Conference. ' Mr. Ferris supported this method of ascertaining the evils of the system, if any existed. 'JPho Chairman suggested that it Would be better to discuss tlie question of arbitration, which, if agreed npon, Would supersede Warden's Courts. The question also of the discretionary powers of Wardens should be discussed. Mr. Morrison thought it would be better to do away with Warden's Courts, and establish courts of arbitration. The Chairman sated his ideas of a court of avbrra'ion. He would have every miner on the jury. Mr. Caudwell. — Would he like a judge? The Chairman.— No. The Warden would have the power to make or compel a man to act. i Mr. Crombio saw nothing against the ays' em of Warden's Courts as ac present carried on ; and would move that the present mode of arbitration be deemed satisfactory. Mr. Edgar seconded the motion, which was carried. The queslion of discretionary power given to Wardens was then discussed. The Chairman said if the miners were to take the Wardens' decisions as preceden s, they would have as many different acls and regula'ions as there were Wardens. The Wai dens established precedents according to their views of the acs and iegula>ions ; and, owing to their large discretionary power, I hey were found to be deciding exactly similar cases in a diametrically opposite manner. He referred to the decisions of Mr. Pyke, Mr. Bee ham, and Mr. Wood, which he said were entirely an agonistic to each other. Mr. Allan proposed, and Mr. Caudwell seconded, tha , in drawing up the report for the consideration of the General Government, i hey should recommend that the Wardens' discretionary power should be more defined ; and ins anced Mr. Bee ham's decision in the Scandinavian case, Mr. Pyke's in the Shepherds Creek case, and Mr. Wood's in the M'Nab ca3e, ai awrzers. The motion was carried unanimously. Afier some discussion on the question of j forfeiture, which was considered at present unsatisfactory, Mr. Alexander moved, that in lieu of declaring forfeiture of any right, it shall be ' lawful for the court- to substitu<e a monetary fine, except in cases in which there has been a wilful breach of any conditions. The mo iou was seconded by Air. Crombie, and carried. On the suggestion of Mr. Caudwell, it was resolved ihat ihe sub-eommi f fee embody in their report the advisability of introducing a clause in the new bill permi'iing miners and others to cur and use peat on the Crown lands wi hin the goldfields Mr. Crombie moved the following resolution standing in his name : That this Conference recommend the es'ablishment of a branch of the Royal lvlinf New Zealand. In support of his nio'ion he quo c.l a'a istics, showing that- Ihe cost of a ininfc would not exceed £40,000 ; and that, from the quantity of 1 gold expor ed, ihere would be a saving effected to the colony of £10,000 a year. He did not expect any ac ion to be taken in the matter for a year or two ; but. he thought it well for the Conference to give an expression of opinion upon ilic onHjnof. Mr. Allan seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. The next question on the order paper was the consideration of the formation of rules for the Central Association. Mr. Caudwell thought his adjourned motion atiouM first lie deit witli, Mr. Caudwell's motion was as follows :—: — " That in the opinion of this meeting a central committee to be formed, to be named the Otago Miners Association ; the said committee to con3iat of the members from each local district association, and to meet annually, if required by a majority of the local associations at a place hereafter to be named, and that a central secretary be appointed by this body to carry on all correspondence with the General Government on general subjects, local districts to retain the power of acting in local affairs only." Mr. Alexandor said he would second the motion of Mr. Caudwell if the similar motion proposed by himself and carried the previous day, were rescinded. The Chairman overruled Mr. Alexander in the matter, believing the motion referred to had lapsed. Mr. Alexander then said, as Mr. Caudwell's motion met his "views better than the one referred to, he would second it . Mr. Allan thought there should be an Executive located in one place. If the delegates had confidence in one man as a central secretary, surely they should have confidence in two or three — in the Chairman for instance Mr. Alexander said he could not see how a central association could be worked with an Executive, the members of which all belonged to one district association, without creating a feeliug of jealousy. The Chairman saw nothing but work — hard WDrk — before whoever should be appointed. The Arrow A ssociation had worked hard, and was still prepared to do so. He would suggest that the Central Association should apply to the Government for a subsidy towards defraying the expenses of the various associations. Mr. Alexander was only in favor of subsidy being given to the associations towards the prosecution of works of considerable maguitu'le in their respective districts, but not tgwirds paying their working expenses Mr; Ferris quite agreed with Mr. Alexander's remarks regarding subsidy. He thought it very inadvisable that the central executive should be composed of members of one district association. A secretary by and through wlnin all correspondence could be conducted, was all that was required: The Chairman thought sufficient time had been expended discussing the matter. The Government were most anxious to obtain reliable information. The appointment of Mr. Haughton on several occasions to collect evidence respecting goldfields requirements, and his pre3ent appointment also showed their desire to gain all the knowledge they could. The Conference Would have to consult and advise the Government. Mr. Alexander remarked that had the Government done their duty towards the miners, their present meeting would have been unnecessary. With regard to a central executive constituted according to the Chairman's ideas, he was not prepared to have it at Clyde, neither was he in favor of having it at any one place ; and if such a course were adopted with the resolution, he was not pre pared to say that the Association he represented -would hold . together as they would otherwise do, if there wa3 merely a central aecretary..

The Chairman said he would be a bold man "who would take upon himself the responsibility of being dictator or king absolute of the association.

Mr. Alexander remarked that the respond sibilities of the secretary would be very light, as he would only act under instructions from the various associations. Mr. Shaw thought it would be better not to bring the question to a vote till after the adjournment. He felt inclined since the discussion which had taken place, to change his views on the question. Adjourned till 7 p.m. On resuming, Mr. Caudwell asked leave to withdraw his motion, and substitute another. Mr. Alexander said, before going any further, he might state that he had referred to the minutes of the previous day, and fonnd'that his motion bearing on the same subject had been carried ; he thought it should, therefore, first be rescinded before another motion of a similar character was dealt with. The minute referred to was read, but the Chairman ruled that the motion before him was not a conflicting one. Mr. Alexander objected that the motion should be either withdrawn or amended. Mr. Caudwell was permitted to withdraw his motion, after which he substituted the following one, which was seconded by Mr. Grey and carried, that a central committee be elected by this Conference, to consist of three members, being members of the committee of a local association, the said members to hold the respective offices of president, secretary and treasurer ; the first named to be elected by the Conference, and the two latter officers to be appointed by the President. Mr. Alexander said he would not offer any further opposition. Mr. Edgar proposed Mr. Miller as President of the Central Executive. He believed him to be the right man in the right place. The motion was seconded. Here Mr. Miller loft the chair, which was taken by Mr. Alexander, who put the motion to the meeting. Mr. Miller was elected unanimously. In accepting the office, Mr. Miller thanked the delegates for the honor they had conferred upon him. He knew the duties appertaining to the office were onerous, but he would use his best endeavors to perform theso duties to the satisfaction of the committee, and to the miners who composed the various associations. Mr. Miller then enumerated a few of the more prominent matters which would require the attention of the Central Association, Buch as getting the new Goldfields Bill circulated amongst the miners ; collecting the view 3 and opinions most generally expressed by the miners on all the subjects which affect their interests, and forwarding the same to the Government, endeavoring to get their full share of £300,000 water supply subsidy ; and getting the Government to subsidise the associations in a similar way to which Road Boards and Municipalities were subsidised. It would be also necessary, he thought, that the Central Secretary should be a paid officer of the Association, owing to the time and labor entailed by the duties of the office. Mr. Shaw, Mr, Crombie, Mr. Edgar, and other delegates disapproved of the associations being subsidised. They had worked well without a subsidy, and they believed a far more decided and independent stand could be taken if they ix-notod to cneir own efforts. Mr. Shaw proposed that a salary of £20 a-year be paid to the Secretary. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. On being asked who he proposed nominating to the offices of secretary and treasurer, Mi\ Miller replied, that in connection with the business of the Arrow Association, ho had always found an able and efficient sneretary in Mr. Symonds ; and he felt confident that that gentleman wonld prove an invaluable secretary to the oentral executive. Tha gentleman he would nominate as treasurer was Mr. Robert Clark in whom he had found a wise counsellor. He was a gentleman of strong intellect, and took an intelligent grasp of every subject submitted to him. Ho had been their right arm at the Arrow. As for himself, ha thought they had, by this time, some idea of the manner in which he would conduct the business. All the delegates expressed their approval of the appointment of Mr. Miller, believing him to be a good head centre — one who had the prosperity of the Association at heart. Mr. Morrison moved, that the rules of the Arrow Association be adopted by tho Central Association. Mr. Shaw seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr. Crombie moved, that this Conference consider tho advisability of the General Government handing over to the provinces their full share of the £300,000 for goldfields water supply purposes. He thought that if the money were vested in the Superintendent, it could be got without so much circumlocution as was at present required. In speaking of his own district, he could see that a large amount of money would be wanted in the course of time for sludge channels and other purposes. Mr. Allan seconded the motion. Mr. Shaw would vote against the motion. He considered if it could be shown that a speculation for bringing water to any place was a good one, private enterprise Would step in and supply the capital — *=• th© storekeeper^ would come to the rescue. Mr. Crombie, in reply, referred to the Carrick Range Water Supply Company, in which the storekeepers had taken up a large number of shares, but owing to the magnitude of the scheme they could not be expected to carry it out alone. When that race reached the top of the Carrick Range it would be used for quartz and sluicing purposes, and be a great boon to the place. Mr. Morrison would like to, see the services of the surveyors placed at the disposal of the miners gratis, to a ascertain practicable schemes for introducing water to places where it was needed. If it could b© shown that water was obtainable, even although it would not pay the construction of a race to bring it in, he considered it would be a good thing for the country to have it, as it would give employment to> a larger population. Mr. Grey knew many places where water could be applied moat profitably if it could be got.

The motion was. carried. Mr. Alexander moved, and Mr, Morrison seconded, that thia Conference requests the Government to place at the disposal of the Miners Associations the snrvey staff, free of charge, for the purpose of ascertaining the practicability of such water supply schemes as said associations may deem practicable ; and farther, this Conference considers that the present rules under which subsidies can now be obtained are too stringent, and should be made more elastic, so as to embrace private parties, and that the subsidy, instead of being £1 to £2, should be £1 to £1. In speaking of his motion, Mr. Alexander stated that the rules at present werealtoget'iertoostringent. Onecompany in the district he represented, had made no m c preliminary ap plications for a subsidy, but the process w as by far too expensive to be worth carrying out. The first preliminary expenses amounted to £25, so the company abandoned the idea of subsidy, and decided upon carrying out the work with their own capital. The motion was carried 6 voting for, and 1 against it. The Mining on Private Property -Bill, brought forward at last meeting of the General Assembly, was laid on the table to be considered on the following day.

It was resolved that no fnrther notices of motion during the sitting of the Conference be received after 12 o'clock on Saturday. A sub-committee of the following gentlemen was elected to draw up a report for the General Government on a new Goldfields Bill, viz. — Messrs. Miller, Alexander, Morrison, and Shaw. Mr. Alexander moved, that this Conference take into consideration the benefits that would accrue to the goldfields^ by the appointment of a Minister of Mines, and the General Government taking the charge of the goldfields. Doubtless they all remembered the great cry made in Dnnediu some years ago regarding the General Government taking possession of the goldfields. The Duneclin people were frightened the money would not pass through their hands. Lately they had seen, large tracts of country in the goldfields sold by the Provincial Government, but what benefit, he would ask, had that conferred on the goldfields. Why none at all. The money had gone to Dunedin, but the goldfields had got none of it. He thought the goldfields of the colony were sufficiently important to be represented by a Minister of Mines. The office might be considered partly a political one. That might be, but, he thought, it would at least be one nail in the coffin of provincialism. The subject was adjourned until the following day.

Saturday, December 7. On re-assembling at 10 o'clock on Saturday morning, Mr. Ferris took the chair, the Chairman wishing to speak to a resolution. Mr. Shaw drew attention to the sale of 50 acres of auriferous land at Switzers. He stated that when it was first applied for it was refused by the Waste Lands Board. At the time of the last election for the Superintendency, Mr. Allan M 'Donald and the present Superintendent walked over the land inspecting; it. Shortly afterwards Mi*. M 'Donald became the Durchaser of the land, and afterwards sold it to Mr. Bastings, b\!tT*o intimation of the fact reached Switzers till 3 months after the sale was effected. The Switzers Miners' Associate n made efforts to get the Provincial authorities to cancel the sale, but without effect. Finally tkey appealed to the General Assembly, a»d that body appointed a Commiftee, which recommended that the Provincial Government should appoint a Commission to inquire into the matter. Mr. Bastings was now Provincial Goldtields Secret iry. He objected therefore to the Provincial Government appointing the Commission of Inquiry, for it was impossible that by such a course it would be conducted in a -manner satisfactory to the public. He moved that the General Government be requested to appoint the Commission of Inquiry into the sale of lands at Switzers, recommended by the General Assembly. He might mention that the land was now being worked by the owner, to the exclusion of other miners.

Mr. Miller said this was a matter which affected the vitals of the mining community. If the Wa^te Lands Board was permitted to clandestinely dispose of the auriferous lands of the province in the manner they, for some time past, had been doing, the whole province would very shortly be entirely in the hands of landsharks and importers of Chinese labor. It was not improbable that those who were purchasing these large tracts of auriferous laiid would import tfavelaborfrom China and the South Pacific, and work the goldfields on the same principle as the diamond fields of South Africa. A strong, unanimous expression of opinion was wanted from the Conference to show that they were alive to the occasion. Mr. Morrison thought that the residents of a district should, have some power over the disposal of lands therein. Had this right been possessed, the country would not now have to lament the sacrifice of some of its richest landed property.

Mr. Alexander strongly nrged something being done to prevent future sales of the kind mentioned by Mr. Shaw. He suggested that . the motion be amended to read, That the Secretary of the Otago Miners' Associa f ion, be directed to write to the General Government, asking them to appoint the Commission. The amendment was agreed to, and the motion carried. Mr. Miller resumed the chair. The question of the appointment of a Minister of Mines by the General Government, was then brought forward. Mr. Alexander moved, that the advantages likely to accrue to the goldfields by the appointment of a Minister of Mines for the colony, and the taking of the management orthe whole of the goldfields into the hands of the General Government, be considered by the various local mining associations throughout the province, and reported to the Secretary of the Otago Miners' Association, for transmission to the .General Government, within three months from date. Mr. Ferris seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr. Allan moved, that as a new bank isaboattobe established in the colony,

it would be advisable if ■ the . miners, offer it their support, provided it gave a fair price for gold. He stated that the average value of gold in Australia was 81s. per ounce, and •, from - some . places .it was worth 83s. Here 755. was all that could be got for it from the banks. Mr. Ferris, vsaid Mr. . Allan's , idea was good in theory, but unworkable. He thought, however, an effort should be made to break down the combination existing among the banks to maintain the low price of gold. Personally, he would support any such movement. Several gentlemen spoke on the subject, and it was finally agreed that +he Conference should use its influence with the miners to induce them to support, for a stated period, any bank that would offer a fair price for gold. Mr. Edgar moved, that in the opinion of this Conference it is necessary that greater publicity be given to applications for mining purposes. He remarked it was a habit with those who applied for water races, &c, to post their notices in places where they could not be seen. . He thought notices should be posted on the polling booth or courthouse of the district, as well as on the ground. It was resolved that the sub-committee appointed to draw up the report should make allusion to Mr^ Edgar's motion. The question of the erection of machinery was similarly dealt with. The reconsideration of the law relating to mining leases was then taken up. Mr. Alexander said one of hia objections against the present system of mining leases was, that whatever valid objections might be made against granting an application for such lease, the ground was locked up for at least two months. He was of opinion that any miner should have a title to any mining property equally as good as under the mining lease system. He also pointed out that by the lease system no share in a claim held by such tenure could be transferred without the sanction of the Governor. He thought the solution of the difficulty would be for the Warden to declare certain lands open for selection in large areas. The Chairman dilated on the advantages of the acreage system. Mr. Alexander said that by striking out all reference to inspectors, the clauses in the Gold Mining Bill relating to licenses were good, and seemed to meet the case. An alteration of one man to the acre, instead of to each 15,000 feet, would also be an improvement. He moved, that the lease tenure be abolished, and that the clauses in the Gold Mining Bill he had mentioned, with the exceptions noted, be recommended for adoption. Mr. Morrison could not see any objection to the lease system, but thought that something might be mentioned about the rent. £2 10s. an acre was too much, and prevented ground from being taken up. To encourage the introduction of foreign capital, it was necessary to allow opportunity to suspend operations while prospecting was going on. All insecurity in tenure was to be avoided. He did not care what name was given to a tenure so long as it was secure. He considered if money were laid out upon a claim, if that claim were forfeited the man who got It should recoup his predecessor all moneys he had expended thereon. Mr. Ferris considered a certificate gave a secure title so long as the Regulations were complied with. The acreage system wa3 to his mind the best. Let the Government enact that, in hold land so many men should be employed to an acre, and do away with the humbugging license. Mr. Caudwell thought the simpler the title the better. What was chiefly wanted was protection for the claim while the works necessary to operate on it ware beinsj constructed. Mr. Edgar suggested that the area of extended claims be limited to ten acres. It was made an instruction to the subcommittee to embody Mr. Alexander's proposition in their report. The Conference adjourned till 2 o'clock, and on resuming business, The Secretary for the Goldfields, and J. C. Brown, Esq., M.H.R., were introduced. The Chairman stated to Mr. Bastings that it was the opinion of some that the Government should defray the working expenses of the Otago Mining Association, as it would prove a useful source of infor. mation to the Government The Secretary for the Goldfields said he could not give a pledge on behalf of the Executive that they would do so. Mr. Allan moved, that it was desirable that the Government should subsidise the construction of local works, and that such subsidies should be handed over to the exclusive control of local bodies, such as progress committees, without the intervention of engineers or Government officials. The Secretary for the Goldfields said it was the intention of the Government to subsidise the efforts of local committees to construct useful works, if the communities taxed themselves. He was of opinion that the residents of goldfields had an equal right to enjoy the advantages of the Road Boards grant with those in the agricultural districts, and they would have an opportunity of so doing. He agreed with Mr. Allan that subsidies from the Government should be placed unreservedly in the hands of the local committee that undertook the construction of the works. Mr. Morrison, in speaking to the proposition that the Government should subsidise the Otago Mining Association, said that that body would be the means of giving valnable information to the Government. Information supplied by Government officials was not so reliable as that obtained from the people directly interested, as it generally had a tendency to please the powers that were. Many questions were cropping up which, though not mining, would fall under the supervision of the Association — the supply of land, for instance. He would not. however, argue that the Otago Miners Association should receive aid from the Government. He seconded - Mr. Allan's proposition that the expenditure of small sums should be left in the hands of those interested. Mr. Alexander disapproved of the Association receiving any aid from the Government. It was called into existence to watch over and protect the interests of the miners, and in doing so might quarrel with the authorities. Did it receive a subsidy it could scarcely do so. Mr. Crombie agreed with the last speaker. <

M?. plan's motion was .tftengos^jpnecL Mr. " Allan, then moved, that m' tha opinion of this Conference, mining associations should be placed upon a legal status. He. suggested they. should? ;be incorporated by Act of Parliament. M?. Ferris remarked that the question >was greedy settled. Mr. Morrison , seconded the resolution pro forma. Although he Afea^beliera in it, yet he considered tne^^featipilS should be recognised by the Government* Mi-. Grey pointed out that agricultural societies were not .incorporated. Tae matter was deferred. Mr Alexander moved, that, some pro* vision be made for mining on private property in the next Goldfields Bill. Mr. Brown, M.H.R., mentioned that it was the intention, of the General Go* vernment to circulate all bills to be introduced during next session of the General Assembly three months beforehand. Mr. Caudwell moved a3 an amendment, that the sub-committee be instructed in their report to recommend strongly to th& Government the advisability of introducing a measure to provide for mining on private property. Mr. Ferris seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr. Crombie moved, that it was absolutely essential to the prosperity of .tha goldfields .that sufficient commonage be declared. Where he lived, the moment he put his foot outside Ms door he was trespassing, and it was impossible to run a horse or a cow. An endeavor should be made to prevent the renewal of the squatters leases. The squattera paid no more than the miners — in fact, not so much. He thought pressure should be brought to bear to secure commonage. He believed that there should be written on the back of a miner's right, that the holder was entitled to a residence area, to run one horse or two head of large cattle. Mr. Alexander seconded the motron. He thought that the impounding* by Messrs Lougbnan had done good, as he now heard that Cromwell had a commonage. Mr. Morrison said the matter was one which affected all. As lands got taken up, more was wanted. The miners were twitted that their miners' rights conferred the privilege of occupying residence areas, erecting dams, cutting races, &c. The fact of miners living in the country enhanced the value of all property — enhanced the value of squatting property in their vicinity especially. Oold mining to Otago was what cotton, spinning was to Manchester, and tha ironworks to Glasgow; therefore, it must be suicidal to attempt to cramp and impede it. A horse and cow were actualy necessarily to the miner, a3 was well known ; yet, in many localities he was not permitted to run them. He believed, if the matter were properly represented to the Government, they would willingly grant all that was required. Mr. Bastings in withdrawing, hoped the labors of the Conference would be crowned with success. The meeting of the Conference was a creditable sign, for it showed that people were becoming alive to the necessity of acting on their own behalf. If they placed their demands fairly and reasonably before the Government, he had no doubt but that they would be acceded to. He concluded by hoping that their deliberations would be productive of individual good to themselves and benefit to the community at large. Mr. J. C. Brown, M.H.R., impressed on the Conference the desirability of acting in conjunction with the miners of the VVest Coast. The Secretary for the Cfoldfieias intimated that early next month himself and the Superintendent would visit the various goldfields of the province with the view of ascertaining, by personal observation, the grievances of the country. He might also state that it was his intention to take periodical tours through the goidfields. The Secretary for the Goldfields and Mr. Brown, M.H.R., here withdrew. Mr. Alexander move*?, that the Qrd^ vernmeot be requested to subsidise at the rate of £2 to every £1, sums raised to carry on local public works. The Chairman thought this a catchpenny resolution. The miners had contributed by far the largest amount of revenue to any other class, and it was spent in Dunedin, and a few favored districts. When the prosperous days were over, and the income found insufficient to keep the roads to the beautiful suburbs of Dunedin in repair, Road Boards were devised. Agricultural districts were different to goldfields. In the former the ratepayers did the work themselves cheaply, and their taxes were nominal and unfelt. The goldfields wanted works out of the large suma they had already contributed. The generous offer of the Government, was only increasing their already heavy ttfxes. Mr. Ferris said the proposition was nothing new. The Government had always been willing to give £2 to £1 on money raised locally, for the construction of works. And no -wonder, for it was only a means of raising revenue. Mr. Morrison seconded the motion, and it was carried. Mr. Ferris moved that the Government be requested to adopt the scale of fees recommended by the Mining Commission. Mr. Ferris moved, every person who shall be summoned to act as an arbitrator in any Court, to be holden under the Act, shall be entitled to receive for every day of such attendance, the sum of ten shililngJJ»and the additional sum of ten shillings for every issue, provided that'no such person shall be entitled to receive more thaft one pound for any one day. Tfie Conference proceeded to fix the place for the meeting of the next Conereuce of Delegates. A lengthy discussion*ensued) much difference of opinion existing, but all agreeing that the place selected should be the locale of a newspaper, and be in easy telegraphic and postal communication with Dunedin, Finally, it was resolved to take a ballot, which resulted in 4 votes being recorded for Clyde, 4 for Tuapeka, and 1 for the Teviot.' 1 member was absent. The Chairman gave his casting vote in favor of Clyde, which has therefore been selected as the place of meeting for the next Conference. The' Conference then adjourned till Moiiday.