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Hokitika Guardian, 27 March 1928, Page 2

I uKitK are pleasing possibilities of a mining revival in Westland. In different directions pros|>ecting is going on. and according to the reports, definite developments will take place in the near future. At Red Jacks, near Gohlshorough. attractive prospecting results have led to the flotation of a mining company, and with the aid of electric power for pumping, sluicing op rations are being prepared for. Already men are employed at the prolininary work and this industrial’activity is the best guarantee of the promising nature of the venture. The lu-aeli prospecting south of Okarito has als i culminated in results which it is considered certain will result in definite mining operations as soon as: plant can lie placed on the ground. Mere again very attractive prospects were obtained. The Five Mile and other beaches were proved to la- highly auriferous in the early mining days, when the alluvial deposits were worked by hand in quite a primitive way. in the iceent prospecting the tes|s were able to he taken into lower and still richer ground, the presence of water being overcome by petrol drive n pumps. Some of the ground tested out at very high values, and tho result will he a dredge to operate the proved field at no distant date. It- is pleading to have these two concrete eases of a revival in gold mining. Westland, has proved to he so highly auriferous, that it is unreasonable to believe all the gold-bear-ing country has been worked out. The war period and the dearness of plant, and the high cost, of operations cheeked gold-mining very seriously, for the product remained at fts original value. If there could he a decline in the cusl, of production, and witli the improved methods of working, the possibility of a more extensive revival in gold milling is most likely. A little paternal consideration on the part of the Government would be encouraging also. Very little has been clone of late in regard to roads on goldfields, and help in that direction would he of value. The int rod net ion of hydro-elect rio power is going to he very helpful on some of the former fields which will be tapped. flic instance at Red .Tacks above referred to is a ease in point. There are other auiiferas localities nearby where electric power will serve, and it '•.ill not he - surprising with cheap methods for pumping, deep ground hitherto nnworked will be brought ini<» the scone of the minor. The same will apply to high ground where in ordinary gravitation the supply of water will not reach The electric pump should again be useful in reaching the auriferous drifts on the hill sides, and much wealth should be recovered. A healthy revival in gold mining, would be a very acceptable result at ibis stage, and those familiar with the auriferous character of Westland will not he surprised if it comes to pass. An industrial development along those lines is one of ihe immediate possibilities and must give the district n useful fillip.