The Hokitika Guardian FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29th, 1922. PROSPECTING POSSIBILITIES

Hokitika Guardian, 29 September 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29th, 1922. PROSPECTING POSSIBILITIES

Whii.f. the discussion in regard to prospecting matters at the Local Bodies’ Conference on Wednesday night was somewhat limited, sufficient was said tod indicate tht interest was aroused in tlie question, and there is a realisation that the people owe it to themselves to endeavour to eo-operate in the Government, proposal to equip a party of men for active operations in the field, It is inippssible to heliovo that thf> goldfields hay? been exhausted

in this district. Many of the goldfields have declined through locations being worked ont, but there are many additional regions known to be auriferous which have never had a proper trial, while there are, no doubt, others awaiting discovery. As a case in point, it can be mentioned that Himn Flat was long known to be gold-bearing, and it was worked in patches, while various schemes were afoot to operate the ground on a large scale. It remained for outside enterprise to step in and work the areas on a scale which had not before been contemplated. The results fully justify the enterprise. Gold mining has played so useful a part in the building up of New Zealand that it justifies the Government assisting liberally. At the present moment when there is an unfortunate degree of industrial stagnation abroad, it would be particularly opportune to learn cf a fresh gold discovery. Action in the direction of seeking new finds is worthy general support for the possibilities to result will benefit all sections of the community. It has been agreed to find £ISOO locally towards a subsidised scheme which is to be directed by the Mines Department. The location for operations is to be approved by the Minister of Minos. If the adjustment of the subsidy as desired by the Local Bodies’ Conference is avproved. it should be possible to make full use if this season for prospecting. As the district is now approaching the year to mark the sixtieth anniversary of the first gold ‘•rush" to Westland, the present would he a very fitting time for a mining revival. "Rush” times are buoyant times, and a healthy mining revival at tin's period would fit in very well with the time when the doings of the old pioneers are being held hi grateful memory. The old days were made possible by tile pluck and enterprise of the then pioneers, who braved all sorts of difficulties and dangers to seek out the secrets of nature. The same arduous task does not present it- j self nowadays, but the enterprise is called for. and well organised would, | we feel sure, justify itself in the renew,ed fillip which would be given to gold j mining to which this district owes so much of its stability and settlement to-dav.