The Wrangell sentinel., 1928-09-13
Minister of Mines
 On the Warpath

VICTORIA. B. g.-War was de- clarea on the fraudulent mining pro- moter by Hon. ". A. Mckenzie. min ister of mines, as his first official act since entering the Tolmie ministry
 In a letter to every mining engi- neer of his department, MT Meken- gle issued the emphatic instruction that every possible step must be talk en to save British Columbia investors from fake mining schemes. His en- tire support and that of the govern ment will be thrown behind engi- neers of the department in curbing wildcat operations which fatten on the present wave of investment in British Columbia mines MT Mcken- zie declared.
 "The mining laws of this province, as designed to prevent fraudulent mining operations will be enforced to the limit, MT. Mckenzie declared, as he issued his instructions to de- partmental engineers. At no time have such measures been so necessary as they are now, on account of the present activity in the mining indus try.
 Interest in British Columbia mining is greater now than at any time in our history MT. Mckenzie said in his letter to his officials. "I am of the opinion that if this great activity is to continue, if the indus try is to be kept on a sound and healthy basis, if a free flow of capital from outside as well as from resident investors is to be maintained, it Is necessary that nothing be left un- done in the endeaYor to restrict the activities of all but those who are en- gagged in legitimate mining develop ment.
 After referring in detail to the provincial statutes covering these matters. MT Mckenzie adds:
 q will cooperate with you and accord you the fullest support in all efforts along these lines"
 These steps, Mir. Mckenzie said, must not be construed as an attempt to interfere in any way with legtti- mate mining development. The de- partment and the government is sol idly behind his operations and will do everything possible to facilitate them. But the dishonest operator is an enemy not only to the investing public but to the mining industry as
  and loses money in a dishonest pro motion he is inclined to become skep- tfcal about the whole industry and to withdraw his financial support. If they were to reach a large volume, fraudulent promotions thus would have a very serious effect on invest ment in legitimate enterprises.
 MT. Mckenzie announced that any mining investor who wants informa- tion about a mineral property or mining company may obtain it at the mines department.
 If any person is in doubt about mining property or about the claims of the company promoting it he can always write to this department the minister said.
 "The public will always enjoy the fullest access to the best information that our experts can secure. In this way an investor will be able to form judgment based on the facts as gath cred by men best able to assemble them and form a conclusion
 MT. Mckenzie had in mind when announcing the policy of his depart ment the bull market expected to de- velop in mining stocks in the autumn after the summer slump, particularly when money produced by the prairie harvest begins to pour westward.
 Meanwhile adYices received from London during the last week inti- mated that British capital will flow into B. c. mining during the next year in greater volume than ever be- fore. Large companies handling British capital abroad have advised the mines department of their plans for turning investments to this pro- vince.
 Election of a new government here with a strong majority sufficient to put its policies into effect without compromise has produced very fla vorable reaction in British financial circles, one large British financial firm advised officials at the parlia- ment buildings. This will stimulate the movement of capital for invest ment here in all lines of business and mining should receive a large share of it.