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Hokitika Guardian, 14 August 1929, Page 4

The reviving interest in gold-mining in different part sof Westland is an indication that' the possibilities in respect .to the mineral 1 wealth of the province are by no means being overlooked. The undoubted success of gold mining on Itimu Flat is the principal factor in deciding on the creation of additional hydro-electric power to operate the large area of auriferous ground still remaining to be worked; The expenditure of several thousands of pounds is an expression of tangible faith'- in the future of the field which means that mining in the vicinity of Hokitika is going to be carried on successfully for many years, and this hopefulness • will carry with it the best wishes of the community for a happy realisation of the prospects. The mining enterprises being carried on in the northern district as a result of the introduction of electric power, are being developed satisfactorily, and further ventures are being entered upon, for which purpose additional capital!is forthcoming from Canterbury for a promising venture at Callaghans. These works will also ensure mining being carried on for a considerable time to come. In the south there is the large venture at the Three Mile near Okarito, where Dunedin capital is financing an undertaking of great importance to the district. Large initial expendture is involved in this particular enterprise, the outcome of which is likely to have some effect on beachmining generally along the Coast. The workings will be on some magnitude, and the; initial prospecting suggests that there is a rich reward awaiting the effective handling of known rich beach leads in the south. Beyond Okarito, along the Gillespie’s Beach, prospecting by outsiders is now in hand, testing results found earlier by local people who have great faith in the future gold returns from that locality once it is equipped with good goldsaving appliances. The beach lead played an important part in the early days in attracting miners along the Coast, and with primitive methods a very rich harvest was reaped. But in those days the machinery or power were not available to tap below the water levels, and with the newer methods of to-day that achievement will be fully possible. It would appear therefore, that gold-mining in the district will again rear, its head as something material in the general welfare of the district ,and on that account the interest in the new venures is to be commended. Success in one direction will induce wider interest in the mineral possibilities of the district, so that in the eni* we may expect mining to again come into its own up and down Westland County