The Wrangell sentinel., 1929-02-21
IS THIS A RAP {?
(western Canada Mining News)


 It is difficult to approximate the attitude or people at any distance from British Columbia toward the mines of this province as result of many so-called warning advertise ments which are appearing. In the Mining Journal, of London, on December Sth, appeared an adver- tisement signed by the Agent-Gen- eral of British Columbia, and which is headed Warning to Investors" After cautioning them to be sure of this and be sure of that he ad- vlses consulting him for information, out it is doubtful if he will get many inquiries for when one reads between the lines one will get the impression that there is dirty work afoot.
 In fairness to Hon. w. A. Mckenzie 1t is stated that he is not responsible for this advertisement. Nevertheless, the action he has taken since he took over his present official office might easily be interpreted by the Agent General as a suggestion to issue warning to the people.
 The same note appears in the an nual reports of the department, in which the resident engineers damn by faint praise, rather than extend helping hand.
 The fact seems to be overlooked that British Columbia is their own province, and that those who are con cerned in its development are sincere in their motives. Fortunately the industry has attained such an impe- tus that it will continue to progress despite such handicaps.
 T C ks,,.-- ss, ffTTe " why should the minister and his as- sistants not adopt positive attitude? Tell the world about what we have. The investor in England, Canada or elsewhere does not require, patron izing. He is quite able to look out for himself.
 If occasion should arise where the minister should take action in respect to congregations or wrong statements that is different That refers to indi- viduals. Because in the past it has been necessary for the minister to take action under the provisions of the Mineral Survey and Development Act, that is no reason why general warnings should be broadcast, which might have the effect of creating the impression that the majority of min ing enterprises in this province have to be avoided.
 There is a great call just now by the big companies for mining prop critics, but original prospects do not appeal to them. A small group must do work to show that the property contains ore. How can this money be obtained in the face of various oftl- cial "warnings?" Companies must be formed and money must be raised for development if the mineral resources of this province are to be developed The first work must be done by the small investor It is quite right that he should be given every facility for investigation. The more he is satis- fled the better it will be for every company. Although the action Of the minister of mines in recent months may have had effect other than was intended, much of this may be coun- teracted if an optimistic view or the situation is adopted.
 British Columbia has wonderful re- sources in its minerals, and informa- lion concerning it should be broad casted continuously. Tho outstanding accomplishments receive only mod crate publicity, compared to what their worth calls for. The great prog ress being made is not fully appre- ciated, not only on the outside put within the province itself. The ln- yestor should be told of the many op- portunities and warded off. Re strain the interruptions indlvldual, but do not decry the worthy efforts or the great majority.