WELLINGTON QUARTZ REEFS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1799, 26 November 1879, Page 3

WELLINGTON QUARTZ REEFS.

Concerning the prospects of auriferous reefs in Wellington district, the “ New Zealand Times ” recently wrote: —“ About a month ago we mentioned the fact that certain samples of quartz which had been taken out of a reef near Featherston by the Government Geologist, and had been assayed at the Government Laboratory, were found to contain gold at the rate of 14 dwts. 1 grain, and 12 dwts. 1 grain to the ton respectively. They were taken at random from a reef at least six feet wide, and perhaps far wider, as the foot-wall had not been cut. So far as the work in that particular district is concerned, we have not had any further news of importance to record of late ; but we believe that several parties are still actively engaged in taking out stone with a view of having the quality of the reefs satisfactorily determined. We have since heard that a sample of stone has been lately received from another part of the Wairarapa. This stone has just been assayed, and has turned out no less than at the rate of 2 oz. 16 dwts. to the ton. The samples were only about 10 or 12 lbs. of quartz, and, like those previously found near Featherston, did not contain any gold visible to the naked eye. Of course, the Information which has reached us is far too meagre for it to be relied upon as conclusive evidence of a payable gold-field being discovered. Specimens are proverbially delusive ; but as quartz-reefing in the Tararua Ranges is not work which can bo entered upon without a considerable outlay of capital, there is no likelihood of a ll rush ”to the place. Nevertheless, the information is a piece of good news, which inspires a not unreasonable hope that a Wellington goldfield may soon be discovered.