WATER POWER REGULATION

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2535, 23 June 1909, Page 6

WATER POWER REGULATION

MINISTER FOR MINES’ STATEMENT. [Pub Press Association.] WELLINGTON, June 22. Concerning the agitation in Westland in opposition to the water power regulations, the Minister for Mines, interviewed, said there was a syndicate which objected to making the deposit required. The survey provided for was to prevent any company going on to anv other person’s property without knowledge of the Department. That also the company objected to. The regulations also provide for a supply of water power at half the rent charged for anv other industry, and the applicants get the water rent free for the Trst year. The Minister added that he received a strongly worded protest from miners in the district against granting the syndicate any concessions. As for the deposit, for many years it had been the custom to insist on a deposit of £IOOO from any company applying for a coal lease, and the deposit was re- ' turned as soon as a. reasonable amount 1 of work had been done in developing 1 the ground. The Minister will give any reasonable facility to any bona fide investors prepared to put capital into a j concern with a view to developing the mineral resources of any part of New Zealand. In regard to the Westland agitation he believes it has been engineered for political purposes, and the Government is not taking it seriously.