The Find at Waitoa.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 220, 17 September 1887, Page 4

The Find at Waitoa.

Apropos of this subject the " Press " callrf attention to the earlier find on the property of Mr J. B. Smith, Piako, as being- much more important, and as establishing a theory long recognised by the Geological Department, namely, that gold might be found in the bed of ancient hot springs, which in remote times brought up gold from some volcano from a crushed reef, beneath, and spread it through the crust which it formed, which hardened as the spring subsided, and held the gold within its own substance. The finding of the Waitoa clepo&it is regarded as one of the most important discoveries chronicled, and every working man will hail with satisfaction the probable opening of a field of labour unlimited in its extent. Even if the treatment of the stuff merely paid working expenses, it would prove a great boon to the community, but we have the assurance of a practical firm that there is a profitable margin, and the results of treatment by the latest known methods proves not only that the stuff will pay to reduce, but also that the latest scientific process has been brought to bear on its manipulation and a triumph has been achieved by local experts. It will be interesting to note the further tracing of this deposit through the country, as it is probable that large tracts of lands adjacent to the auriferous ranges will prove to be of a similar chax-acter. It has been remarked with surprisethat alluvial gold has not been discovered in proximity to our reefing districts, as is usually the case in other countries, and it is now apparent that the gold is there, but in a different form to what has been expected, Messrs Fraser and Son are busily engaged preparing a larger plant, which willtreatone ton per day. Mr Smith, the discoverer of the auiiferous | deposit, is being enthusiastically supported by his Southern friends. A telegram was received yesterday stating that the money was all subscribed, and work would be started without delay. It is generally contended that Auckland is not an agricultural, but a mining province. Mr Smith, however, has done Ihb part to prove Auckland to be both. Mining and agricultural operations will in future receive equal attention, and be canied on vigorously on his estate. Many persons who have seen the stuff which contains the gold are sure that pretty near the whole country can come under the category of " auriferous/