[From Odr Special Correspondent,] London, October 9. Westralian and Now Zealand mining speculators are just now looking exceedingly blue. The oft-predicted autumn “boom” shows not the smallest signs of coming to hand —in fact, a decided “slump” has cropped up instead, and the market is, according to experts, “ the sport of every £2O seller.” Mr Mennell becomes quite tearful over the situation. “It was said,” he sighs, “ that the public were waiting for crushings, but now that they are getting them galore it only seems to send prices lower down into the mire; If any parti cular mine distinguishes itself it, is simply a signal for making it the object of a bear raid, as in the case of Mainland Consols this week. The fact is that the Maori and Westralian market is just now the victim of conditions which have nothing to do with the intrinsic merits of the enterprises in which it transacts its business.” Mr Mennell goes on to attribute the rotten condition of affairs to the un speakable Turk. But there I cannot agree with him. It is due simply and solely to the apathy of the general public here and abroad. Practically, indeed, there is no market. The hundreds of speculators loaded up to the neck are for ever trying to create one, but as that necessary factor “ the genuine buyer” doesn’t exist, it is rather difficult. Nobody yet buys Maoris for “ keeps.” Try and sell 200 shares of any except the dividend-paying mines at the current quotation. You’ll find it is impos sible except at a heavy reduction. The New Zealand wobblings since the San Francisco mail left are hardly wortli chronicling. The Hauraki Prospecting Syndicate has been registered with a capital of £3,000 in £ I shares. Object; To acquire any mines, mining, or other rights, etc., in New Zea land or elsewhere, and to deal in and turn to account the same in such manner as the company shall see fit. The directors are to be elected by the signatories. Qualification, £IOO. Remuneration, £SOO per annum, divisible. Thu Royal Standard Company has been registered with a capital of £200,000, in £1 shares. 