Westland Prospecting Scheme.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 January 1923, Page 2

Westland Prospecting Scheme.

A meeting was held at the County Chambers last evening regarding the proposed Government prospecting schemes for which a subsidy of C2 for tJ has been offered. There were present : Mr T. W. Duff (voted to the chair). Jlon H. 1.. Michel, M.L.C., Mr •I. Downey (Inspector of Mines), Messrs A. Aitken, E. A. Wells, H. • lones, J. McQuilkin. H. A. Hawke and D. .7. Evans. A general discussion ensued as to locality for operations. Mr Downey favored new country altogether, and suggested (1) the Paringa district. (2) the I'pper Arahura region. Hon ■Michel suggested the Blue SpurIfumphreys area. Mr Jones referred to the Humph.reys-Kawhaka area. Messrs Wells and I’aueke strongly favored the .Mananui Flat, south of Ilium Flat. \i the latter the drede was receiving about 40ft ozs of gold weekly; and as there was a blank b<luceu Himti and Totara, the southern region should he tested. Alter considering the various localities, Mr Aitken moved and lion Michel seconded that a start he made on the Mananui area, and one or two shafts he put down. Messrs Wells. .McQuilkin ami Ifaucke to he a sub-committee with Mr Downey to select: the site for! the shafts. The motion was carried j unanimously.

In regard to details. Mr Downey said a Government officer from the Geological Department would he sent down and he in charge of the operations.

It was considered that four men should he employed for the work, and that the district rat" ol wages lie paid : also that the workmen have the first preference in regard to any finds made. Mr Downey agreed to report the result of the meeting to the Mines Department forthwith, and the meeting adjourned to await the departmental reply.