The Hokitika Guardian MONDAY, JANUARY 23rd, 1922. AT LAST!

Hokitika Guardian, 23 January 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian MONDAY, JANUARY 23rd, 1922. AT LAST!

At last there is some evidence of interest in mining matters displayed in other parts of the Dominion calculated to galvanise some action into the Mines Department in shaping a live , mining policy for the country. Speaking the other day to a Christchurch , reporter, Professor R. Speight of Canterbury College said: “It is important that prospecting should be restricted to certain areas that are like--1 ly to prove productive, and that it should be, if possible, under the scientific discretion of the Geological Survey, which is of course a body most competent to direct.” It is very pleasing to have the views just recorded, for they coincide with the policy advocated by this paper in relation to ' mining over a number of years. Well * led prospecting is capable of revealing untold wealth, and the prospects are so alluring that if we had a Minister in office with any imagination he would “carry on” on lines such as Professor

Speight has outlined. In explaining hie , idea of possibilities, Professor Speight ;! went on to .speak in a very definite >j vein. He said: “Unless those who un„ j dertake prospecting are experienced men, it is quite possible for much money to be wasted. Not only is experience necessary, but it is no good sending men to- a particular locality and spending money to send them there, if they only look for gold, and won’t look for other metals. Consequently,, prospectors should have not only a wide experience but should possess the knowledge which will enable them to recognise the presence or the likely presence of other metals than gold.” This is exactly the position this paper has taken up always in regard to prospecting operations, and if the scheme were given a trial it would quickly justify itself. The Geological Department is the right quarter whence to direct prospecting. From that Department officers familiar with the back country have roamed the mineral belts and they are in a position to make the wisest selection regarding the scene of operations The possibilities are reemphasised, also, by Mr John Matthews of the Anglo-Scottish Finance Corporation Ltd., who is visiting New Zealand for the purpose of advising his principals on the prospects of profitable employment of capital in the development of gold and other minerals in New Zealand He lias outlined in the press in glowing terms his impressions of the potentialities of the mining industry. Speaking of thi s district, he gives a very accurate outline of the position. He said: “Rich and extensive gold-bearing fields are likely to develop in the Westland province if scientifically exploited. The inland country in the far south is very little known to the prospector, the hulk of the diggers having worked the beach sands. From Cape Farewell to Big Bay, there is a stretch of mineral country, hundreds of miles in extent, with indications of immense wealth, extending from the 9ea coast to the dividing range. The West Coast mineral fields are unexplored, but are capable of absorbing an enormous population. So here again we have very pleasing confirmation of local views of mining possibilities within the little known mineral area of Westland. The mining interests of this country are essential for its fuller development. They richly endow this wonderful country and that these natural gifts are not being worked to advantage, is a reflection on to enterprise of those responsible for the right lead. A good gold discovery at this juncture would retrieve the financial fortunes of the Dominion, but Ministers are not bold enough in their policy measures to attempt anything so mildly heroic as the equipment of a scientific prospecting party.