KAWARAU GOLD

Hokitika Guardian, 10 September 1926, Page 1

KAWARAU GOLD

NEXT SEASON’S PROSPECTS. The excitement which attended the closing of tlie gates at tlie Karwarau dam on Afonday last (says the “ Otago Daily Times ”) has gradually subsided, and again there is a return to norma; conditions. Summarising the week’s operation it must he admitted that the closing of the gates lias been successful so far as the lake waters are concerned, but it is admitted that the effect on Kawarau is not investigated. The fact must be admitted that the closing was too late in the season at a time when the spring freshes arc apparent, and even without the Shotover controlled the level reached was far from as low as would be the ease in ! the ordinary winter months. Early in the week the banks were lined with anxious elaimliolders whose dreams of an easily-won fortune were apparent, but, as with the pioneer miners, the obstacles and disappointments came early. 'The knowledge of many regarding milling was negligible, and in some cases their operations were humorous to a degree. After a couple of days they gave it up. and there was a general exodus from the scene of the operations. At the close of the week only a few concerns were operating, with satisfactory prospects, thus giving encourage* ment for next season. The Consolidated Company, Vogel’s Vision, the Cromwell, and the Natural Bridge report good prospects, tlie lastnamed securing some splendid samples of rough gold.

There was little movement in the river until Friday, when the mild weather caused a. rise of one foot in the gorge, and this put the river almost to the level it was at in 1925.

It is interesting to note that while in some places the closing of the gates caused a drop up to 10ft in the river, it was only one foot lower titan during part of last winter. Claimholders, who take a reasonable view of affairs, are content to look forward to next season, and they confidently anticipate that before next season more will be beard of the damming of the Shotover. Controlling the feeders is a matter which must be considered, and during the next few months this will be tlio principal question in connexion, with the great scheme. It is too gigantic to materialise in a day.

Claimholders definitely point to tlie parent company’s proposals as outlined in tho original booklet, and are anxious to know wliafc the next move will lie, especially in regard to the Shotover. The gold won from the limited area of virgin ground laid bare conveys an indication of tlie undoubted wealth of the river. As every additional foot lower will prove that the gold is there, the only question is that of controlling the big feeders. The frost last night will cause the river to fall again. Operations on the Nevis field are on the point of being resumed and the crews for several claims have gone out. For years the Nevis lias been the principal gold producer of this district, and will probably remain so for many years. Unfortunately the water sjupply is limited. otherwise many additional areas would be developed. Tt is authentically reported that a large electrically-driven dredge will be operating on the field before next season. and preliminaries to that end are in band. A large area of land has been secured, and the intention of those interested is to place on it one of the biggest dredges in Central Otago, with Vft buckets. Tlie locality is at tbo Upper Nevis, and local opinion is that once in oneration it will add very ap-nrec-inblv to the great gold output of tbo field. Tts success would undoubtedlv load to other dredges being installed.