The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 1933 DIVIDED OPINIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 1933 DIVIDED OPINIONS.

Fkom the discussions at the Mining Executive meeting on Saturday night it would appear there is some divided opinion as to the wisdom of going oil with the Humphreys Gully proposition to assist gold-mining. The Mining Executive for its part was convinced the scheme was worthy of investigation, and mm of experience in the district came forward 'and supported that view. An independent investigation was then made on behalf of the Government, and the report was con-

firmatory of the steps taken already. Then after a lapse, an irresponsible statement appears in, a neighbouring paper vaguely referring to the opinion of veteran-miners as being opposed to the proposition. As was emphasised by Mr Murdoch at last Saturday’s meeting, it was to-' be regretted these unknown persons did not come forward 1 2 air Her a,nd communicate with the Executive. Further opinion in favour of the scheme was forthcoming at the meeting referred to, and it is not unlikely that the Miners’ Association will take the matter up. Naturally it would be well were it so, for the matter might well have the fullest ventilation at this stage. However, referring to> Dr Bell’s early geological report ,there is much to confirm the proposal made by the Alining Executive. Dr Bell made a close investigation of the country, 'and his scientific deductions quite approve the locality. He discusses at length the physical and natural features of the country and the composition of the alluyial deposits. It is not necessary to reproduce that here, but his final summing up may he reprinted. He says:—

“There are great possibilities In the widely extended leads of Humphrey’s Gully, beneath the morainic material, and 'apparently, much tnoi’e of these could i>s worked to advtui* tnge with ft still greater supply of water than is at present available for sluicing.”

That appears to be the proposition so far as it has been put forward by the Mining Executive, and supported by the officials who mad© a detailed inspection of the district. The conclusion in their report was that, “if water could be made available throughout the area which would be served by the extension of the race, many men could be employed profitably in sluicing.” All this is confirmed by those familiar with the locality to-day. Mr R. J. Stewart who brought the matter under the notice of the Executive in th© first instance, concluded a statement by saying, “I feel confident these auriferous tracts of ground to which I have referred in detail, will adequately compensate the promoters and all interested in the extension of the aforementioned water race.” The Mining Executive was, therefore, well fortified by sound opinion for its action, and it is greatly to be 'regretted, as was emphasised at the meeting on Saturday evening, that those inclined to attack the proposal should not do so openly, so that their information might be tested. The veterans of th© Blue Sour area are fairly well known, and difficulty is being met in arriving at the identity of the present “veterans” who are credited with the adverse opinions. However, the invitation, to come out in the open and support their statements is open, and it is hoped they will come out without delay so that the matter can be fully investigated.