DISCOVERY OF MANGANESE.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 283, 21 July 1888, Page 5

DISCOVERY OF MANGANESE.

Auckland, July 18. Fok some months past numbers of men have been out prospecting in tiie Waikomitj a nd Waitakerei Ranges. Two prospectors — Messrs Wright and Atkin — have made a discoveiy which should piove remunerative in the future. While travelling along the Waikomiti-Manukau Heads Road, the men came to a spot known as Red Taint Hill. The eolouroitheclay attracted Wrights attention, and he at once commenced piospecting. It is a singular fact that lor the last 25 yeans this place has been passed unnoticed, being on the public road. Wright obtained a litLle piece ot manganese, which he brought into town, and got it tested. It contained only 32 per cent. He then got permission irom the owner of the land to piospect, andalbO obtained some assistance. The result was the discovery of a reef of manganese 12ft wide. Some of the stuil: Some of the stuil from this reel has been assayed, and was found to contain 84*4 per cent. Wright has already been offered -C 2 pei ton for as much oio as he can send in, provided it carries 60 per cent., the price to increase in accordance with the percentage. There are now nine promoters in the affair, and a lease of the property for 10 yeais has been teen red. Right to prospect has also been seemed from the Government, as the land on the opposite side of the road is Government reserve. The main question to be considered is whether the ore can be got to market at a rcmuneiative late. The mine is situated near Keiikeri, about eight iriles from the Waikomiti Railway Station. Ab pre.senb it is impossible to get even a bullock dray to the spot, but it is estimated that an expenditure ot about £lf)0 might obviate this difliculty.