The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 1933. THE NEW FIELD.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 June 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 1933. THE NEW FIELD.

I'Hb suggestion put forward by the Mining .executive to open a new goidriekl in the Humphreys-Blue Spur area has much to commend it. Tiiere is no douot about the area being anmercus, and if treated by sluicing, tne returns should be very Satisfactory, it is well-known that the streams and creeks flowing from the arae, into noth the Eanieri and Arahura watersheds, are all gold bearing, and overmany years gold has been won from these tributaries. The higher and centre country, however, has been neglected, for the want of water to work the ground, Gold has been won 'about Blue Spur since the early days. Much of the ground now being worked js on the higher levels, but the water supply is quite inadequate. The neglect of the field has been. due entirely to the want of water. Now that a definite proposal has been made to supply the one thing needful, we can expect if the proposals arc brought to fruition, that a new field will be opened, and it will have a life of considerable duration. At the County Council deputation fast evening, the Minister of Public Works was supplied with a great deal of useful information. Mr Murdoch presented the facts of the case in a complete and convincing manner, and he was well supported by the County Chairman and his colleagues- The, presence of the public showed the local interest in the project, and if the negotiations can be brought to a successful issue the outcome will be most gratifying. At the same time it might be mentioned, the proposal is not' a new one. The original Humphreys Gully Company was advised to extend the race, and actually made a commencement to that end, out funds gave out,' and the company was wound up before the work was carried very far. Since then the work has been son ken of from time to time. But the decline in mining interests flago-ed for a long time. Now that there is a reviving interest and with gold at a premium and likely to remain, the outlook and interest in-min-ing b.as brightened. The facilities offered . for development through the Unemployed Board likewise assist the position, as the field would he availably principally for the individual miner, who could try his fortune in preference to the company system. This a pect is important an-] should oroduc© the effect of a new geld field ■monied by a number c? industrious miners. Their would require be supplied and there would be ar. extension of business in the direction of establishing -a new township. 'Such a development would mean that the held would support more than the miners, for it would he a typical inhistrial development, carrying advantages to -U strict. This possibility of the position would reflect itself on the prosperity of the district generally, and would mean useful development. We are encouraged conjure up such a pic-

ture of the possibilities because of the qualities of the good reports by all who know the locality. There is a concensus of opinion that tne gold bearing qualities of the ground justify the and that with water available, a mild rush will set in for th© ground. Tne wiio.e area is being protected meantime under the 'legislation prosed last year till the Unemployed Board decides as to its policy, it is not unlikely in view of the great importance of the scheme that some representative o. the Board will visit the locality to finally decide as to the scope of the action to bo taken in the matter.