A MINING VENTURE.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 July 1926, Page 2

A MINING VENTURE.

THAMES, July 9. Mudi curiosity lias been aroused locally during the week by the reported presence at Tapu, on the coast near Thames, of seven New Plymouth business men. The news that they made the Mata Creek their daily shrine gav? substance to a rumour that a new mining venture was contemplated. This was verified this afternoon, when the party, which consisted of Messrs E. Hughes, E. Price, I?. .Scott, P. Opensliaw, M. Mills, F. Baker, ,J. Campbell, E. Gilmour and A. M 1 Donald, stated they were the members of a company about to be formed to develop certain mineral areas in the Tapu district over an area of over 400 acres. This includes a sluicing claim on the Mata Creek, which is said to be the only alluvial gold deposit in the Thames field. Some years ago fair size nuggets were, picked up in this locality, which is well known to many old Thames miners.

It was hinted that gold was not the only metal the company was after, and furthermore, that a totally different and a more improved type of machinery would be used to that previously employed on the goldfields. The company is well supported financially. and says that the sluicing claim will be its first activity.

Mr M’Donald is the geological expert of the party. He lias spent much of his life prospecting on the hills of New Zealand. He visited and prospected the Coromandel Ranges some twenty years ago. and has paid frequent visits to Thames since then. Samples of ore taken at random from the newlv pegged claims are valued by the Thames School of Mines at £ls per ton. The necessary formalities have been duly complied with at the '"’■mien’s Court, • and inquiries made this afternoon reveal that applications alive been lodged for licenses to work an area of 450 acres in the Tapu district. Further information is promised when negotiations are completed.