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Hokitika Guardian, 2 August 1932, Page 4

Private, enterprise is doing its part in ,thie matter, of extending the goldmining possibilities of the Coast. Dredging ventures are now in the ascendency, .'and these on proper lines are invariably full of promise. The areas before being decided on are usually subjected to a close system of. prospecting. This is very necessary for. two reasons—(l) to discover the approximate gold content, and (2) to ascertain the nature and depth of the wash on which to design a machine to deal adequately with the ground. If these precautions are taken to a satisfying extent a fair measure of success is assured. The method of working Rimu Flat is a case in point where values were ascertained in advance and a dredge designed to work the auriferous levels in such a way that volume would' assist in overcoming any /low-value dirt. It is a hopeful sign that most dredging prospects a.re attempted on the careful lines indicated, and the upshot can be regarded in advance with a good deal cf satisfaction. A very large area of alluvial, ground in the Okarito district has been pm.-pected over a considerable time, and lab si reports indicate that the flotation of a company to worl: the ground is now contemplated on the London market. An enterprise of this subsitenti’] character indicates that Westland is worth probing for other alluvial deposits-to expand the industry. Under the unemployment scheme a large sum is being wasted by hack doo- prospecting, nr rather fn,sicking, which is n°t likely to yield any tangible result. If the sum available were handed to the Mines Denar-: (Pent, parties could be equipped fo-r definite prospecting in new territory, and there would bo hope of some finds to attract much labour in the future. Tlio present system is a waste which should he checked and the money turned to batter purpose.

Unenuployineffit is too rife to'lie ended speedily and we can visualise a waste of thousands of pounds if the system of "relief” prospecting not placed on a better basis offering some hope of genuine success i.i the discovery of a new gold fie id which would be such an aid in itself to the solution of unemployment as it exists to-day.