WETHERSTONES DEEP SHAFT.

Tuapeka Times, Volume I, Issue 32, 19 September 1868, Page 3

WETHERSTONES DEEP SHAFT.

(To the Editor of the Tiiapeka Times.) Sik, I should like to call your attention to a case where a jiarge amount of public money threatens to be wasted. Most of your readers are familiar with the history of the prospecting shaft near Wetherstones ; they also are probably aware that about, two months ago an additional grant was obtained from Government. This has been expended in draining, puddling, and centreing the shaft, and also in the erection of a horse- whim. The works are again stopped for want of funds, and the water is making in the ■haft abqut two feet in the twenty-four-hours. When Mr. Hughes was here he recommended the committee to hand over the works to the Government, who would work it out for their own advantage. The Committee expressed their willingness to act in this way, and there the matter seems to have, dropped. If the Government really means to do anything, it should do it quickly, a3 otherwise the shaft will again be flooded oufc. About £900 have been expended on the work, and it seems a pity that it should, when apparently so near a successful issue, be allowed to cease. Gold has been found in several of the strata passed through, and also at the bottom, where the shaft strikes the rock, a depth of 428 feet. All practical men augur favorably of the results, and I trust the Government will not delay or permit red-tapisui to cause this waste of time and money. I am, &c, A Minsk. Wetherstones, 16th September, 1868.