THE MINERS' CONFERENCE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 337, 11 March 1874, Page 3

THE MINERS' CONFERENCE.

(From our ovm Correspondent.)

Clyde, March 4th. The Conference met at 10 a.m. all the members were present. Mr.' Roberts proposed and Mr. Ewing seconded, " That no restrictions be placed on the receipt of notices of motion by the Chairman." — Carried.

The discussion upon Mr. Colclough's motion to permanently raise the price of gold, was resumed.

Mr. Roberts as seconder spoke in favour of the motion, and said that hisMistrict favored the idea.

Mr. Forster opposed believing if it should have the desired effect it would only be temporary. Mr. Sims believed it would have the effect of^oreaking down the monopoly quicker than ft. j other scheme within their reach.

Mr: Buchan moved as an amendment, "That the steps already taken with the addition of an assay office be sufficient to permanently raise the price of gold, and that the miners be not requested to support any one Bank." He stated his association that strongly objected to the views of Mr. Colelough.

Mr. Wragge seconded the amendment. Mr.^ Robeits pointed oat that Mr. Coldough's motion was only as a temporary measure. Mr. Edgar suggested a compromise. Mr. Ewing moved a farther amendment, "That after the word 'themselves' the words, 'in all cases when they cannot ayail themselves of the arrangement made by the Government for transmitting gold to the Melbourne Mint,' " be added.

Mr. Colelough and Mr. Roberts agreed to accept the amendment.

The Chairman ruled that as the amendment had been accepted by the proposer and seconder that the motion be read as altered.

Mr. Colelough replied to motion as altered. Mi f . Buchan complained about his being unable to -get enough to say on the matter without going into Committee.

The amendment was negatived, only the proposer and seconder being in its far or. The motion was carried, all the others being in favor of it.

Mr. Ewing moved' the motion standing in bis name, viz., " That the Conference resolve itself into Committee to consider whether it be possible to institute a co-operative company through which the miners of Otago could buy their own gold ; and, while obtaining the highest price, derive the advantages not conferred by the banks." Mr. Colelough seconded. Mr. Buchan was voted Chairman of Committee.

Mr. Colelough did not see his way to carry out any banking iustitution ou the system .known as co-operation.

Mr. Edgar did not consider the matter within the province of the meeting. Jlr. Sims thought the suggestion was excellent, though impracticable.

Mr. Forster acknowledged it would be a very good institution, but the difficulties of management and directorship would be too great.

Mr. Healey said that to carry out the object of the motion all miners must combine, and foreign capital would be introduced, which would make it simply a commercial speculation. He produced vouchers for the reliability of his statement that the banks divide their profits on gold. Mr. Ewing believed that capital far in excess of the requirements would be* obtained for such an establishment. Mr. Colelough moved, "That this Committee, acknowledging that great benefits would accrue to the miners by the establishment of a co-operative miners bank, feel that the difficulties are so great that it would be impracticable." Seconded by Mr. Sims, and negatived on the vote. Mr. Healy moved, " That this Conference consider the question practicable,* and strongly recommend the institution of joint-stock miners' banks in each of the centres of the mining districts ; and recommend that the capital raised for this object be, if possible, from those whose interests are identical with the miners'." . - Seconded by Mr. Forsler, and negatived. A motion by Mr. Roberts, seconded by Mr.Ewing, " That a sub-committee, consisting of Messrs, Healy, Ewing, and the', mover, be appointed to deal with the matter, and reporton the same," was also negatived. - ' Mr. Edgar moved, " That the Committee proceed to a decision on the matter at- once." * The' motion, which was seconded by Mr. Sims, was withdrawn, She Committee adjourned, and on resuming a long discussion ensued and several motionß were made, all of which' were lost, and the original motion shared the same fate. The Committee reported progress, and proceeded again to business. The Chairman read a telegraph reply from Government, stating that the Government declined to interfere on either side, and that the matter would likely come before the Provincial Council.

Mr. Forster's motion, "That a central assay office be established," wot carried. The question of the abolition of the gold duty'Tfras-then considered. A draft memorial from the Central Executive was read.

Mr. Edgar, Mr. Egberts, and Mr. nealy would be inclined to ask for a gradual reduction, as there would be more hope of its being carried. " Mr. Colelough proposed, " That the memorial of the Central Committee on the abolition of the gold duty be adopted as now printed, and be forwarded after signature to its destination."

Mr. Ewing seconded the motion, and urged that the abolition of the whole tax was imperative. | (One member asked if, in dealing with the •matter of a Gold Mining Bill, it would be desirable to adopt the suggestions of the last Conference, and make such revisions and additions as this Conference desired. The Chairman ruled that they would adopt the plan that would be most expedient. Too Conference then adjourned. -\,