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Hokitika Guardian, 2 June 1930, Page 4

The initial returns from the Okarito Five Mile mining proposition reported recently not only confirms the prospectng results in the early stages oi the enterprise, hut gives a very promising complexion to the outlook for the future of the operations. In the early days, the Five Mile beach workings gave very handsome returns. Min'ing in those days was on very primitive lines, and in shallow ground subject to flooding, such as beach leads tapped below the ocean bed, only hand pumps were available to penetrate as deeply as possible. This method necessarily restricted the depth worked, so that rich as was the Five Mile, it was not mined to a great depth nor to the true bottom. However, there were many miners on the field, and the township carried a considerable population. All available ground therefore was turned up. Dredging was attempted later, but not with success either for lack of power or for want of proper gold-saving methods, or ior both reasons. The present company, however, is being well equipped, and has a fine supply of water at command. The tapping of Lake Alpine was in itself a considerable enterprise, but evidently the' results will justify the expense. The preliminary yield of gold gives a most en ouraging feeling as to the future. It was won in the main front a lead of auriferous ground below a peat bottom which was penetrated by blow-up methods. As the area is opened out, and the work can advance more rapidly, the larger treatment of the gold-bearing lead will mean a more substantial return in less time. The enterprise in itself promises to give a new impetus to beach workings. Once it is possible to tap the lower leads a new field practically opens up, and it is generally found that the lower strata are the richer. Ino present operations constitute a work of considerable magnitude because of the difficulties in getting the plant on the ground. Ac ess was difficult in every way, and much handling of heavy material was involved. The scheme, however, was well thought out, and provision made to meet the emergencies which presented themselves. Now that the plant is on the ground, and the scheme is being put into operation, it is very pleasing to find that the prospecting results on which the enterprise was founded, are being confirmed by the gold-working returns. The locality has been renowned for its auriferous wealth, and various schemes have been promoted in the past to tap it. Here is one which is proving successful, and it is good to learn of the promse. The promoters are to be congratulated on the confirmation of their statements regarding the goldbearing nature of the country, and it is to be hoped their enterprise will be rewarded by the realisation of their most sanguine expectations.