PROSPECTING THE RANGES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 481, 16 September 1909, Page 3

PROSPECTING THE RANGES.

WILE SHANNON LEAD,

Mr W. C. Nation writes as follows to the Horowhemia Chronicle under date September 13th. From time to time the question of prospecting along this Coast crops up, but as yet there has been no determined and persistent effort, backed up by tradesmen and others, to see what we have got at our doors. I have been on this Coast many years, and am pretty well acquainted with the spasmodic efforts of several enthusiasts —men who had the will to prospect, but for want of money and assistance from others, could not hold out. It may be said that no organised effort has yet been made. It was difficult in days gone lay to get a sufficient number to join a prospecting association, for most of the tradespeople were struggling to get a sound business footing, and had no time to devote to the ranges, which were then considered impenetrable, and even dangerous to risk one’s life in. But we have emerged slowly from the pioneer stage, business men, I think, are more likely to listen to any prospecting project, population has increased, the country at the back has been broken into, and there ought to be a response to any that will help to bring to light hidden treasures. I see that the Shannon correspondent has spoken of coal having been found up that way. Well, I have seen splendid specimens, and it was Mr Knowles who possessed them. 1 had a piece here in Levin, and experts said the sample was undoubtedly an excellent one. If I remember rightly, Mr Knowles said he did not care to say where he got the coal, because it was on private land, and he thought he would get no benefit as the discoverer. At any rate, nothing was done, and the find is almost forgotten. Then, as to gold. A young fellow named Brodersen brought me a piece of white quartz covered with “newchum gold” ormundic, and he thought he had a big thing on. He would hardly believe me when I spoke lightly of

the find, and said what he thought was the precious metal would when tested. HowI promised to get it tested for him, and when I asked him where he got it he said away up . the Otaura stream. I took the ■ stone to Mr Gordon, chemist, and asked him to supply some aquafortis. He did so, and the mundic disappeared, but a little particle of gold was there. We could not credit it, and he left the stone all* in soak; but the yellow had not disappeared next morning, and if the stone was picked up in the stream- mentioned, it would be wise to thoroughly prospect all the way up. ' The whole country at the back of Shannon is of quartz formation, and Mr McKay, late Government Geologist, told me that it, would be worth while searching for minerals there. Here, then, is a lead for the Shannon people. Will they wake up, and try their fortune ? Many years ago several of us had a meeting there to try and form an association, but the support was “ limited," and nothing was attempted. Surely it ought to be easier now to raise the necessary funds- I hope one or two enthusiasts will be found to .lead the way.