Visit of Scientists to the Thames.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3119, 15 February 1879, Page 2

Visit of Scientists to the Thames.

The learned geutlemen—Professor UU rich and Dr Hector—to whom we referred in last night's issue as likely to pay an early visit to this district, arrived sooner than was expected, having come down by the Botomahana last night, accompanied by Processor Brown and Mr Justice Gillies. This morning His Worship the Mayor waited upon the visitors immediately after breakfast, and accompanied the party to the centre of the mining industry—Tookey's, the United Pumping Association works, &c. The Manukau, Golden Crown, Caledonian and other once famous mines were pointed out to the visityrs, as also the locality where gold was first found by Mr D. Tookey. All that could be seen of the Big Pump and works were examined ; and here* it may be remarked that it seems a pity these scientific gentlemen could not make their visit three weeks earlier, when they could have descended the shaft and examined the country in the several adits. From the Big Pump the party went to the Moanatain, and were shown through the battery and the tunnel by Mr E. Comer, giving their attention to all the machinery, air pump, &c, and inspecting the changes of country in the tunnel, the slide being particularly noticed. The rock drill at work was seen, and the winze from the Point Russell to the Moanstairi shaft. At this point in the tour of the party, Mr A. Brodie, County Chairman, joined them, and an adjournment was made to Mr Comer's office, where plans of the mine were inspected. Mr J. W. Walker, the obliging manager of the Kuranui Hill G.M.Co., was next introduced to the visitors, and took them to his office, where plans of his mine on the various levels o were shown, as also specimens , taken from the several changes of country at the 640 feet level, and peculiarities of the strata. Dr. Hector and Professor Ulrich listened to all that was told them in these matters, and elicited further information by means of interrogations; and the mine managers gladly gave all the information at their command. Professor Ulrich remarked that in this country gold was being discovered every day almost, in reefs, leaders, &c. The country was unlike Victoria, but more resembled the gold producing districts of Hungary and Transylvania, in Europe. The party made some further visits before returning to luncheon, and after the latter business had been discussed, Connell's big 'bus conveyed the whole party to Puriri Springs by way of the County Boad.