CORRESPONDENCE.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume II, Issue 78, 25 December 1862, Page 5 (Supplement)

CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the Hawke's Bay Times. Sie, —With a desire to further the future interests of this Province, and to develop the mineral resources of it, I avail myself of asking the co-operation of the squatters, settlers, and others located in the out-districts, to report privately or otherwise upon any hill, gully, or creek that shews any indication of quart formation, in the shape of cropping on the top of ridges, veins, or leaders branching into the side of creeks, —to collect and send any stone or specimens found of that nature to the care of the Bank of New Zealand, Napier, in order that I may inspect and form an opinion as to the gold bearing character of such. From my long experience in alluvial and quartz mining in the colonies of New South Wales and Victoria, and lately at Otago and Coromandel, I feel convinced from the general aspect of the country northwest of here that its quartz will be found to yield gold with any of the other provinces. In reference to alluvial sinking, the nature of the ground shows no sign beyond a probability that such may be found to exist in small patches. Some time ago I visited a portion of the district. My time then would not permit of doing anything beyond taking a cursory glance, but upon the strength of my observation of the interior I am induced to request particularly the favor of any gentleman who travels in that direction to look for the indication described. If the quartz of specimens brought or sent show the ■ trace of gold bearing, I will be happy to accompany the party or parties, as the case may be, and prospect the locality from which the same were obtained. At the same time I beg to mention that I have had an interview with the Government here, and that every encouragement will be afforded by them. One thousand pounds have been placed upon the Estimates as a bonus fur the discovery of a gold field, which sum ought to form some encouragement beyond the ulterior object in view. I regret to find that there is a certain feeling even now existing .amongst a few of the inland gentlemen, for fear the desired discovery should be made on their runs. I have only to refer those to the squatters of New South Wales and Victoria. The discovery of gold thei'e not only enhanced the value of rims and stock, but enabled the owners, in two or three years, to amass fortunes far beyond their most sanguine ai:ti> i ations. .he results of a similar discovery here would prove likewise. I am, &c., D. M’L. Napier. Dec. 22, 18G2.