GENERAL.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 248, 21 March 1888, Page 2

GENERAL.

Several gentlemen of large means and .influence interested in mining, have recently visited the Upper Thames goldfields. Amongst the number was Mr W. R. Wilson, who is one of the fortunate shaieholder", nnd also a director in the far famed Broken Hill mine. It is almost superfluous to say Mr Wilson is a gentleman of great and varied experience in connection with mining matters throughout both America and the Colonies, and is thoroughly conversant with tho most modern processes for the treatment of ore. During the past week Mr Wilson visited the mines bcth at Wniorongomai and Tui (including the New Find, Silver King, Champion Lodes, May Bell, etc., etc.) and personally selected and brought awny with him a number of samples for testing purposes, and made careful enquiries with respect to mining matters generally. Later on, when Mr Wilson has had his assays completed etc., we shall no doubt iiear again from him respecting the result of his visit, mean time we are pleased to be able to state he has formed a favourable impression of the district generally as a field for mining operations on an extensive scale. We had several conversation's with Mr Wilson during liis stay at Te Aroha, and gladly acknowledge the ready and courteous manner in which lie afforded us much valuable information on a variety of matters referred to. With regard to our enquiry as to what opinion he had formed of the mines in this district, Mr Wilson said :—": — " In replj to yonr question, as to what I think of the prospects of the silver and gold bearing lodes 1 have seen during the last tno days in this neighbourhood,' I may say shortly, that I am favourably impressed, and ihink better times may bo looked for in the near future. Much depends on the men who get the control of the various properties which I learn are under offer in England and elsewhere. Many a good mine has been muddled by mistakes in

the treatment of its produce, and I have seen much ore here that will require skilful and correct treatment ; otherwise its value, or a large portion of it will be lost. In the Broken Hill mine we have impbrted the best available talent in each department ; nnd much of the success of' that mine is due to this course having been taken at an early stage of its existence. To explain more fully what I mean by laying so much stress on this point, I may say, that the metallurgist in charge at the Hill now (Mr U. H. Schlapp) who, I am proud to say I selected for the position when visiting America recently, is saving his present salary, which is £2000 per annum, every fortnight That is, his slags show that much less value than those made by his predecessor. Experience has taught us that it matters little what salary is paid, if the right man is got for the position you wish to fill. In this district, more than any I have yet visited, the best skill is needed, as beyond question a very large prorortion of the ores are extremely base and refractory. Of course after a two days visit I cannot give a very decided opinion, but if the values stated are correct (and I have no reason to doubt them) there are many thousands of tons of ore in sight, in more claims than one, that should give fair profits, if properly treated." Mr Wilson had fully arranged to return to Auckland via Thames, leaving Te Aroha on Saturday morning for the latter place, purposing to visit Marototo on his way down. Owing to the very wet weather which set in Friday night and prevailed all Saturday morning, Mr Wilson, at the last moment decided to postpone his visit to Marototo till' some future date, and left by train for Auckland same day, en route for Sydney.