WESTLAND’S SANDS OF GOLD

Hokitika Guardian, 23 August 1928, Page 4

WESTLAND’S SANDS OF GOLD

(Contributed). There have been many attempts made to recover the gold from black sand found on the beaches along the West Coast of this Island, but few have been able to save all of it. Mon have thought the problem over and over and for the man who at last solves the riddle will have an almost unlimited amount of material awaiting him. There have been all sorts of sluice boxes, rockers, long-toms, ripples and plates tried, but none have been successful enough to pay- more than ordinary wages when rich sand was worked, and mine have been able to handle tho sand on the large scale necessary to make “big" money out of it.

The great obstacle that presents itself, which cannot he overcome in, working the sand by sluicing, is that the gold is so thin and light that it is carried more easily by the water than are the grains of sand whicli have so much more body to them, and the sand, instead of the gold, settles down between the rioples and packs hard. Again should the load of water ho increased, or more fall given to the sluice box or tables to keep the sand from packing, the gold goes through all the more readily and is lost. 'There is also the fact that even if matting or plates are laid on the bottom of the box to catch the gold, the matting or plushes soon get a coating of sand so solid and smooth that the rest of t.lie sand runs along tho top without disturbing tlio sand beneath on tho material. Gold being so light, if it is not thoroughly wetted before it goes into the sluice box or over the tables, the chances are that it will have a small air bubble attached to its side and rise to the top of the water and float away without- sinking at all.

The history of the West Coast mining reveals tho fact that in the early days of the gold miners they had t r > icontend with many obstacles which to-day can he overcome. Ground that was too deep or wet to work, can now ho dealt with on a big scale, and with the improved appliances could he worked to a payable issue. It is however satisfactory to know that the present indications are very promising, and having the electric power available, the various industries .which can he carried out in this district will no doubt lend to a revival long looked for.