BENDIGONIANA.

Cromwell Argus, Volume IV, Issue 170, 11 February 1873, Page 6

BENDIGONIANA.

The editorial remarks in your issue of the 24th nit., as to the advisability of branch Mining Associations being formed in the various sub-divisions of the Cromwell district, are well worth a little attention from the several'mining communities; but so far, in this place at least, I cannot see any indications on the part of my neighbours that in their opinion the matter is of any importance. How long will miners continue blind and supine when their best interests are at stake? I am beginning to believe it is sheer folly to speculate on the possibility, on their part, of a united and continuous action, having in view the reformation of the many abuses under which the mining interest is languishing. Miners certainly require an awful apiount of “stirring up” to produce the slightest demonstration; when this is effected, probably a slight effervescence of growls and unmeaning threats as to what they would or could do only results, and a general subsidence into the normal apathetic state follows. So long as this state of things obtains, it will be “ as you were” until the end of the chapter. 1 firmly believe the Government of the day are willing and able to entertain propositions having for their object the furtherance of the mining industry, and the improvement of the status of the digger ; but unless it is clearly shown what is wanted of them, it is 'out of the question to expect any beneficial reform. Government, like a higher power, ‘ ‘ helps those who help themselves. ” Bearing this fact in mind, I hope to see the miners rouse themselves into action, and by the establishment of the aforesaid Mining Associations, seek to convince the Government that they are in earnest in their endeavour to improve and consolidate their position. I have occasionally attended miners’ meetings, called ostensibly for the redress of some real or fancied grievance, and have invariably found that the class most interested had fieast to say on the subject. This probably arose from natural modesty or diffidence on their part, as diggers as a rule are decidedly bashful, and as public orators “ nowhar.” But I also noticed, if anyone having “the gift of the gab” ventured to address them, he was generally looked upon with suspicion, as having some end in view outside the question under consideration, and was uniformly rewarded by the species of thanks usually accorded to the canine species, viz., “more kicks than halfpence.” However, Ido not wish to tread too heavily on the toes of my confreres, and will content myself with reiterating the hope that all the mining communities called upon will be up and doing. Whether they have any special grievances to redress or not, they can of course judge best themselves ; but, generally speaking, there are many reforms needed to place- the mining industry upon an equal footing with others in‘ the Colony, and these will only be accomplished by united action and a determined combination of the entire body of miners. Another industry, and one of immense importance in the future, is slowly forging ahead ; I allude to the manufacture of iron and steel from thetitaniferous sand, of which such extensive deposits exist on most of our gold-fields. I wish to call attention to the fact that the Clutha and Liudis valleys probably contain sufficient of the ore to supply all demands for the next fifty years. But how is it to be utilised ? may be asked. An answer to this question is not easily found, owing to the scarcity of fuel throughout the district; but some one better acquainted with the subject than the writer may happily find a solution of the difficulty, and draw the attention of speculators to this at present dormant source of boundless wealth. In some places, I have seen beds of black sand from six inches to three feet in depth, and in other places, where tire grains were coarser, it is often found in boulders of one cwt. and upwards. Gold is invariably found in the same alluvium, and in an ordinary sluicing claim several tons of iron ore are daily washed away. If any value were placed upon it, it might induce the miners to save it: this could be easily effected by gravitation, and the ore could be stacked for future operations. If the industry, as it probably will, reach very large dimensions, the supply at present drawn from the beaches on the coast must soon fail, and then, I hope, the information conveyed above may prove of some practical use. Speaking of the above reminds me of my favourite “hobby,” water supply. If the illimitable area of gold and iron producing country is ever to be worked, the services of this agent are indispensable. If the Government are prudent landlords, and wish to make the public estate reproductive, they will do well to give some consideration to the enormous wealth-producing power now flowing idly down the channels of the Clutha and Lind is rivers. 1 think a commission to enquire into this matter might bo fitly instituted, and would probably result in the initiation of a scheme which would very materially add to the attractions of Otago as a place for permanent settlement, and increase its prosperity in an eminent degree. If we had an canjest and capable representative, such ideas as the foregoing might get occasional ventilation at his hands ; but so long as we have to put up with the immortal Hickey, such luck may not be ours. Does anyone know where he “ lives, and moves, and has his being” at the present time ? and arc we, like Sinbad, to be always afflicted with this “Old Man of the Sea”? Naturalists have hitherto placed the Rhinoceros at the head of the thickskinned species, paehjdernwta, but they will in my humble opinion do “the correct thing” by heading the list in future with a Hickey, M.P.C. Bendigo, Feb. 4, 1873. VIATOB.