SEARCH FOR GOLD.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 206, 31 March 1877, Page 2

SEARCH FOR GOLD.

We have been favored with a very interesting account of a trip in search of gold in the Taranaki province, written by one of the party —Mr Robert Hughes, a gentleman carrying on business in Now Plymouth, and who, for years, has had strong faith that gold will yet bo found in payable quantities in that province, which opinion has been greatly strengthened by what was seen of the nature of the ground traversed during the late trip. The party consisted of three white men and a native guide. The journey, which occupied ten days, was terribly rough, with plenty of climb-

ing up steep lulls and along high ranges* For miles the party had to loreo their way along old Maori tracks, partly overgrown with fern ; then with innumerable gullies to cross, and streams to wade through, it could not he doubted but that it was rough travelling. Occasional glimpses of line woodland scenery rewarded the travellers somewhat for the vouch task they bad set themselves* Horses were used as lar as Urenui, the remainder of the journey being on foot. The first ground tried was at Tnromaka, and though the colour was not fetched, still the ground was pronounced likely, and worth a thorough trial should gold ever be found in the province. All three of the party were experienced diggers. A large clearing was met at that place, on which was a cottage built alter the English style hv a man named JL honijv son. The house was occupied by an aged Maori, and his daughter a lass of about IG years. The party of goldscckers were made thoroughly welcome, and next morning set off towards Tubemahoe, to reach which they hud to puss through the country formerly occupied by the celebrated chief William King. In passing through creeks passable wasluhrt, mixed with pipeclay, was observed. The Waitara River being reached, a canoe was obtained, and at several places on the way up the party landed. One very likely spot wasjj touched where washdirt, in the shape of brown gravel, mixed with any amount of quartz of all colours, was found, with exceedingly fine ironsand between the pipeclay. The layer was dipping towards south-east, and each of the party felt sure it lead to gold. The gravelly stuff was similar to what has been found at Charlestown, on the West Coast, whore rich gold was got. The writer says : “ I have not the shadow of a doubt but it is not far from Tnkemahoe where gold will ultimately be found. The places tried were on Native land. You may be certain it was hard work for me in travelling and roughing it, but I am willing to he off again to-morrow, with two or three other experienced men, so confident am I that gold is to be found that way.”