OTAGO MINING CONFERENCE.
The following is a summary of the business lately transacted at the meeting of delegates from the various Mining; Associations in Otago, and is worthy the attention and emulation of miners on all other goldfields of New Zealand :
Miners' Rights.—lt was resolved that tho Conference recommend miners' rights to be 10s.
Endorsement of Privileges, etc.—That; all certificates for any privileges, not including water races, be presented for endorsement by the Warden some time within every twelve months, or sixty days therefrom, as a guarantee of noil, abandonment, and all certificates not so endorsed to be held as cancelled.
Leases, &c.—That the maximum areas to be held under mining leases be considerably enlarged, especially in quartz reel's areas. The motion was carried, after some discussion. It was agreed to recommend that survey fees be borne by the Government or considerably reduced, especially in the matter of travelling expenses ; in regard to which it was recommended that if more than one survey be made on the same journey, only the sum which would be charged for travelling expenses for one survey be allowed.—That objections should be allowed to the issue of mining leases without the necessity of depositing money therewith. A motion WTts also carried to the effect that special claims should be cancelled on application. That all agricultural lease applications be settled by a board of inquiry, sitting as near the land applied for as possible ; that no hearing take place till after survey and that where the land is likely to be payably auriferous, the light which now exists to purchase at the end of three years be changed to a simple right of renewal. —That residence areas be increased from one to two acres.—That lights to water should be granted for the purposes of irrigation, and for driving all kinds of machinery.—That certificate of licenses given for authority to construct and use water-races be conclusive evidence of the title thereto, unless obtained by fraud.—That a roll of as-cs • sors, from wt'.ch only assessors be chosen, be kept at the Con „s, to be composed of practical miners only ; and that each assessor should bo allowed reasonable expenses.
Minister of Mines. —A motion to the effect that the appointment of a Minister of Mines is desirable was carried. Government Water-races. —That a legal manager should be appointed for Government Water-races and sludge channels, who could sue and be sued. School of Minos.—That a School of Mines is a nccess'tj in this Province, to bo instituted and supposed by the Government.
Miners' Rights, occ—That the necessity for holding a miner's right for each claim be abolished, and that it be sufficient for a claim to be represented by holders of a miners right.—Thai business licenses be reduced to £1 per annum.—That the light to occupy land by virtue of a business license shall have no effect as against an owner of buildings thereon, and shall not prevent a landlord from taking possession of premises and held under a tenant's business license. And that all strictly handicraft business should be exempt from the necessity of holding business licenses. That fireproof safes should bo provided in all Court Houses for the custody of mining transfers and documents.
Inspecting Mines.—That upon the request of any four persons in writing the Warden shall have authority to order a survey or inspection of any mine for the purpose of insuihig the safety of the workmen ; the expenses to be borne by the holders of the mine or the applicant, as the Warden may see fit; and further, that the Warden shall have power to enforce under penalty the recommendations of said sin reyor or inspector.
Purchase of Gold.—That (he purchase of gold on the Otago Gold-fields can be conducted in a much less expensive way than at present, and that a very profitable Held of operations is open for the establishment of a bank to jjuy gold and lend money to a certain extent on security of mining- properly.—That the Conference invites the attention of capitalists to the establishment of such a bank, and pledges itself to use its influence to induco every miner \vho can afford it to take sharos in and soil h's gold to it alone—Carried.
Assay Office.—That this Conference recommends to the attention of its Central Executive the establishment of a Miners' Joint Stock Assay ami Gold Buying Office, having central and branch offices, to be instituted by mssociatcd capital, raised, if possible, from those- whose interests are identical with the prosperity of the gold-fields.
Co.operation.—lt was resolved to request the co-operation of gold-fields members in endeavouring to have the recommendation of the Conference attended to.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WEST18740407.2.14
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Westport Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1165, 7 April 1874, Page 2
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777OTAGO MINING CONFERENCE. Westport Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1165, 7 April 1874, Page 2
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