The next noticeable item is strong evidence of the results of what Minis ters facetiously call “ encouraging mining.” In 1897 2706 leases were taken up; in 1898, 571. The survey fees paid by the lessees were respec tively £56,579 and £8429. The ad vantages of having a Premier with “ expert mining knowledge” is so ap parent that it requires no comments. But it ,will take a dozen letters to fully criticize this tremendous report.
"HE OPUNAEE TIMES, TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 1898.
