GOLDMINING IN FIJI

Hokitika Guardian, 24 December 1932, Page 6

GOLDMINING IN FIJI

NEW DISCOVERY MADE

CAUTION AS TO -RESULTS

SUVA Decembe,- 9

■ The discovery of a new gofdmilling field near Tavua, on the northern side of the island of Viti Leva, is causing; interest throughout Fiji. The discovery was made by a prospector named Boi’thwuik, who has been prospecting on behalf of’ My P. Costello,” of Suva, It i, s . stated: 'that very good 1 cO'lW" Ms’ been washed from the sWWte^nH'W 'satisfactoryQuartz ' ‘looted, Mr Borthwick has ' already pegged out an area, and some of the surrounding country lias been taken up by eight or nine holders of prospecting licenses. Although the reports from the beta are very .optimistic, considerable investigation will yet have to be made be foie confirmation can be obtained. Local residents who- have returned from the now field state that although prospects appear very encouraging the extent of the gold has yet to be ascertained. In the .past considerable sums have been lost in mining ventures in Fiji, and the-more experienced-of the mining men are inclined to be cautious ,’aiid b'await further results. ' A . .favourable feature of the new field partii-ulai'ly'if gold is discovered .ill payable quantities, i.s the tact that 'it is. situated only seven or eight miles from Tavua arid is easy of access- r J he ground is fairly flat and covered in small shrubs, but commences to rise when the field is reached. The discoverer of the field has for some t.me b«|3ii. investigating Reports, concerning the discovery of gold in some of the creeks, in this country, aiul had worked up several of them for some distance when he decided to strike inland, 'eventually securing encouraging results on the field where the claim* have now been .pegged. . Within the past two'years • mining operations have also been commenced at Mount. Ka-si,. on Vanualevu. This is in more difficult country and considerable work has been Involved. Results, which are considered fairly satisfactory, aie now being obtained and two or three shipments of' gold to Australia -have been made.

The opinion that gold exists in Fiji has long, been held, and in past yeais some prospecting has been done. llm general opinion has b-en that in most localities mining operations would prove too costly. If results were satisfactory this would not apply to the new field to the same extent, as it is quite accessible. However, -it .should be clearly understood that the field is st'll in the prospecting . .stages ami there aj-e yet 110 discoveries ,of note to warrant a .rush -<)f. prospectqp?, to„ the. colony., where,, incidentally, .immigration restrictions are fairly severe.