THAMES NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1676, 17 February 1906, Page 2

THAMES NEWS.

PIAKO SWAMP. t". (Per Press Association.) Thames, last night,

Steps are being taken by the Government for cutting a largo drain en the Piako Swamp, which should render available a large area of good land. Over a quarter of a million acres will be available when the scheme, of which tho present work is but part, is comp'eted.

IMPORTANT MINING DE VELOPMENTS.

Improved mining prospects at tbe Thames have attracted attention to a large quantity of auriferous areas, a goodly proportion of which has already been pegged out. British capitalists are also making inquiries regarding tbe field. Some propetriee wilt be put ou the London market for flotation. Cinnibar end what is termed Fuller’s earth deposits are also to be worked, while a proposal is on foot to erect smeltiDg works for the treatment of refractory ores of tho Peninsula, etc , especisl'y from tbe Great Barrier, Waiorno, and Maratoto, near Thames and Te Aroba.

FLAX GROWING. Important experiments in flax growing are being conducted on the Piako lands. It is aoticipa'ed that the area under cultivation will be grea'fy increased.

THE EXHIBITION,

In connection with the Now Zealand Exhibition at Christchurch, Mr Ogore Adams, director of the School of Mines, has Laen appointed representative at Thame’. It is proposed that ao experi mental battery and aseayiDg plant be erected, and crushing and assaying be carried on at the exhibition ; al°o a representative display of golden ores and minerals.