UNSUCCESSFUL GOLD SEEKERS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1397, 26 September 1885, Page 3

UNSUCCESSFUL GOLD SEEKERS.

A gold prospecting association was recently formed at Alexandra, and Thomas Dunn and Charles Barker, experienced Thames miners, employed to go into the King Country in search of the precious metal. They left three weeks ago, and returned to Alexandra unsuccesful, the natives have turned them back, saying a written permission granted by Government was of no use. A Wanganui party, which consists of four persons, was similarly treated and is now at Kihikihi. The natives have not absolutely refused permission to prospect, but have stopped the progress of the prospectors until they have had a meeting among themselves. One of the Thames party (Dunn) who arrived in town states they proceeded nearly as far as Tekuti from Alexandra, a distance of 20 miles, which occupied about a day and a half. After camping, the party were interviewed by some natives, who insisted upon their returning to the pakehas until a meeting was held. A return to Whatiwhatihoe was agreed upon and carried into effect. No force was used, and Dunn says they were kindly treated by the natives. Dunn, who has had 14 years experience on the Thames, and has been brought up on a goldfield, says he is satisfied the country through which they travelled is both an alluvial field and a good reefing country. He believes there is alluvial gold in the bed of the Waipa 5 although he did not see any sandj all other appearances favored this

saw quartz, but did not observe gold 1U any of the sioue. He is, however, convinced gold will be got in that district. The party were making towards Rangitoto when they were stopped. The natives told Dunn they had got alluvial gold at the mountain in quantities which they said gave a nice show in a dish. Half-castes, they said, had gone there, but no Europeans were allowed there yet. The mountain, which was twenty miles distant, was quite visible where they were stopped. Dunn hopes to obtain permission from the natives to continue prospectiog. Very little was done in the recent f ip, for the reason that they had not reached the country whither they weie bound when they were stopped.