MINING ENTERPRISE AT CARDRONA.

Cromwell Argus, Volume IV, Issue 158, 19 November 1872, Page 3

MINING ENTERPRISE AT CARDRONA.

To tlie Editor of the Cromwell Argus. Sir,—l am glad to see the mining population on the Otago gold-fields so actively engaged in following with keen avidity their honest, and laborious pursuit. I have now completed the tour of the gold-fields, and on no other field do I see more activity or enterprising spirit than on the Cardrona. From my past experience in California, the Australian Colonies, and the greater part of New Zealand, I am able to say a few words on the asf-ff * f "•- A - gold-field ; and what 1 predicted some nine or ten years ago about the ground on both sides of the Creek is fully borne out by the rich deposits of gold discovered therein. When tbe Otago gold fever raged, I passed up the long and tortuous windings of the Cardrona Creek, footsore and weary ; but the hope of accumulating wealth buoyed me up. But, alas ! I was doomed todisappointment in this branch of industry, and was compelled to adopt another calling in life. The Cardrona ilat trends both north and south from the township, and as near as I can judge, from the head of this small but auriferous creek to Albertown, may be set down at 30 miles, of which some 20 miles still remains to be tested as to its yield of golden wealth. While driving my two-in-hand en route for Cardrona the other day, my attention was directed to a placard or notice announcing that Messrs Bond, Mackin, and Co. Lad applied to his Honor the Superintendent for a special grant of ground for mining purposes. When I reached the Cardrona, I ma le it a special point to call upon Messrs Bond & .M ackin, to gain some information relative to their ideas on such a heavy undertaking. lam now so well satisfied with their explanation that 1 wish them success, and hope they may meet with a reward commensurate with the magnitude of their project 1 am informed on reliable authority that payable gold was discovered, and several portions of ground worked to advantage, in some of the gullies falling into the flat in the vicinity of the ground for which a special grant is applied for, and 1 know for a positive fact that gold does exist in more or less quantities on both sides of the ranges from Cardrona to Albertown, and as a natural consequence, gold will invariably find its way to the lowcs! ground.

It appears to me the Government should give a helping hand, by encouraging such heavy undertakings and co-operating in developing the hidden wealth of the Province. I'.y such cooperation we might expect our diminished revenue to increase, which would naturally furnish an impetus to cause new industries to spring up, and give a revival to trade and rescue it from the stagnant state in which it languishes at present. But until we all put our " shoulder to the wheel" and act in unison, we may have the mortification to see other Colonies take the lead of us, although they may not possess such mineral wealth as we do. I will now say a few words about the claims on Butcher's Flat, Cardrona. Mr W. Bowes' claim is worthy of special notice, as the yield of gold for a considerable time past is far beyond the average of what miners call wages. Stofcys, Austin, and Co. have got a payable property, but owing to the quantity of water they have to contend with they are making slow,- although sure progress in draining their ground. The Empire claim, under the management of Mr Ycldham, has ha.l great difficulties to contend against ; but Mr Ycldham possesses an energetic will which will enable the company to surmount all the obstacles in their way. The Banner of War, 1!. Hodgson, manager, deserves notice for opening up the ground the company now holds, and which promises to reward the prospectors handsomely. The Hand of Hope,—special grant of ten acres, —Mr T. Bussed, manager, expects to strike the matrix soon. The Enterprise Co. have got their new pumps at work, and arc on payable gold. An 1, in conclusion, 1 may olner. c that the Celestial element musters strong lure, and 1 hear the greater portion of them are doing remarkably well. With a hope that you will insert this, as I think the capabilities of the Cardrona held are to a great extent unknown to the outside public, I remain, yours, &c., Commercial Tuavkller.