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Hokitika Guardian, 24 December 1931, Page 4

It is satisfactory to learn that more and more is being done to encourage a. return to gold-mining, and many men are now showing a eagerness to do so. Locally, there are now several parties working under the Unemployment Board’s scheme of assistance, namely 15s per week for single men, and 30s per week for married men. Tn Otago and Auckland, there is also a definite return to goldmining, «o that the New Yeasr might afford a healthy mining revival. Title returns from dredging near Okarito will also give a fillip to the dredging proposition uncier way at Gillespies Beach, while other dredging ventures north of Gillespies Beach, are spoken of and arrangements are in hand to -start prospecting. Meantime it is pleasing to learn .unofficially that the Rimu dredge is giving returns justifying the late large expenditure on the. renewal of the plant. The -effect of the happy result on mining generally in the district rs considerable, and has been helpful in turning greater attention to the industry. Rimu Flat wa- a area not highly thought of at the outset of tne dredging boom of some years ago. The two attempts to work the Flat showed the plants were unequal to the task, I and that experience should weigh with | promoters a id other mining speculations. Sound pn-ospecting and a liber- j al estimate of the power required to operate, are two- essentials of any dredging enterprise in -particluar. for it will be recalled several dredging ventures failed for the lack of power,

the ability of the machinery to cope with the ground, an economic turnover in a given period. No doubt the lesson,s of the past will he borne in mind as other similar ventures are brought forward. The movement iu favour of goldminiiig is a very satisfactory aspect of the unemployed scheme, and when the mein hens of the Board visit the district in the New Year, it is hoped they will be advised to do more if they can, in assisting workers to go- out into the back country aited seek for the treasure which should be found by systematic perseverance.