The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1931. SOUTH AFRICAN GOLD PRODUCTION.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 April 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1931. SOUTH AFRICAN GOLD PRODUCTION.

South Africa, the land of gold, has uover held relatively a more enviable economic position, says an exchange, that it does to-day. The world-wide depression, which has caused the nations of the earth generally many aches and pains, has passed the Union by with only slight discomfort. Such are the advantages of being the possessors of the great deposits of the only metal which has appreciated in value during the past few years and for which all the world is searching. Had it not been for this rich treasure, South Africa would have been in the slough with the rest of us; now she will he able to extend a helping hand to her less lor'-unnte neighbors in the years iiniil di a telly to dome. While there are estimates, indicating the pack of gold production coining as early as 1932, these estimates are far from Conclusive, 'lncrease in efficiency which would lower the average cost of production throughout this great area, would in all probability defer that peak for another ten years or more, much to tlu* advantage of the Union and of the world. A satisfactory supply of native labor in a sine qua non of low cost production. During the past year the slackening of general trade throughout Idle country lias resulted in the native workers flocking of the gold milling districts eager lor work, and the mines have had almost an embarrassment of riche.s in labor. This has enabled record production to he brought to the surface thus permitting an actual increase in contributions to the state and to its people as individuals. A happy record compared with other industries and other lands. AVith a view to keeping costs low there has been set up by the Government the Low Grade Ore Commission, whese purpose is to search for means wherein- to secure maximum tonnage from mines whether containing ores rich or poor. The continuance of the labor supply is basic in its importance and with a return of normal employment in other industries the condition of the past year cannot be expected to continue. The Government therefore is being urged to extend the recruiting field for native labor. As a result of the recent convention with the Portuguese Government there lias been a substantial falling off in the number of natives from Portuguese East Africa. It is understood that the decrease is in the neighbourhood of 15,000 laborers. This shortage has been made good hv natives from British South African territories but in spite of increased efforts and propaganda throughout native lands, cirouraged by the excellent treatment maintained hv the mining companies, it is believed difficulty will he found unless the Government, takes some action, to case conditions. As to new production, wo quo f e from a recent art Mo in the South African Mining and Fmrinecrng Journal : Two now gold producers are now assured to the AVitwatersrand industry. Excellent results have been secured in development at both East Gudulil pud Daggafonteiu, by heeding from the neighbouring properties, and every effort is being made at both these pronerties to speed tip sinking and secure direct access to the ore devcloned. The reduction plant of East Gudeld is already in an advanced stage of construction, and enquiries for the Daggafontoin plant have been issued. An output should he secured from the former plant during 1931, and Daggnfontein should be milling early in 1932. While- an attempt to estimate the future of Witpoort Gold Areas is as yet premature, development results, to date have been quite encouraging and give good reason for hope that yet another producer may vet emerge here. Another pleasing development is the much-improved position of the four producing minffl»*iof the West 1 Band. EJmclfontein Estates, with its: huge holdings, has led the way. and has been returning stead, j 1 v increasing profits month by month. The reefs worked, which are steeply proved to flatten out a depth. This is a change of great importance as a much greater area will evidently he workable before the limiting depth is reached. West Band Consolidated, Lni nn nrds Vlei Estate and Durban Roodcpoort Deep have all won then wav to a sou”der position, and their improved performances should pave the way to a resumption of activity m the ' onsiderablc dormant areas ol that section of the Rand. Throughout South Africa, as in Canada and other gold producing lands, prospectors induced by its increased buying power are searching with skill and energy for row sources of t-ho vellow metab The chemists also are doing their paid in trying for more efficient means ol gold cxtaetioii. With these forces at work a serines short-ng o may well he a matter of the distant future only.