Intense dissatisfaction was felt yester day by everyone connected with mining when it became known that the Collector of Customs in Auckland had received instructions to charge a duty of 20 per cent, on a!l machinery to be used for mining purposes, with the exception of pumps (hitherto free), on which a duty of 5 per cent; was to be collected, and machinery specifically mentioned. The effect of the instruction was that an im post reaching up to 22| per cent. wou:d be levied on all boilers, winding gear, pump connections, etc. A meeting of the Chamber of Mines was held to consider the matter. Mr Seymour George occupied the Chair. Many te'egrams were sent to Ministers. The Chairman said he fancied that confusion had arisen . over the thing, and he hoped the Legislative Council would throw the whole tariff out altogether, Mr Graves Aickin said he had tele graphed to the Hoi. Mr Cadman as fo'lows:-—" Captain Hodge, of the Hau raki Company, intended ordering mining machinery by the outgoing mail. The tariff duty positively obstructs mining by English companies.''

Eventually a resolution was unarimous'y carried: « That the proposed duty vi on mining machtneiy is inimical to the de velopment of the mining industry and the colony generally, and is calculated to re tard the progress and obstruct the intro duction of capi a), and it will certainly stop the arrangement* now nearly concluded for the flotation of companies in England. Cosily machinery, which cannot be manu factured in the colony, is essential for ope rations."

AUCKLAND NEWS.
