NEW ZEALAND MINING.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 207, 18 January 1872, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND MINING.

(To tiie Editor.)

Sir,— ln the " Otago Witness '' of the 6th inst. appears a leading article on the above subject, in which the writer states that " the miners of New Zealand do not follow the age or apply the newest inventions to their calling. This is attributable, iv our opinion, to the wanfe of information on subjects

affecting mining." Let me inform the writer that the miners of New Zealand are well posted up in the latest improvements and inventions. If the writer would travel through the Goldfields of New Zealand, he would find, as a general rule, that my statement is correct. The miner reads, travels, and corresponds, so as to gain full information connected with the various other goldfislds. So far as machinery and new inventions are concerned, what might be admirably adapted for one goldfield might be quite unsuited for another. Let us take, as one example, the Californian crinoline hose, which the writer alluded to. I maintain it would be of little use on New Zealand goldfields. A' miner from New Zealand who lately visited California thinks the Press has furnished full particulars of the hose and its workings. He tells us that ground poorer than any we have in New Zealand or Australia, worked on this extensive scale, pays well ; that the wash dirt is sent away in half-tons and tons. True ; but then, what is the nature of the ground ? Loose aud sandy, with plenty of fall to carry away the stuff, which we have not, on most of our New Zealand goldfields. The powerful Californian hose, if directed against our New Zealand cement, would have just as much effect as it would have on the rock of Gibraltar. The best hoses for the New Zealand goldfields are good water races, which are best adapted for developing the resources of our goldfields. I look forward to a rich harvest to those companies and private parties who have gone in heart and'hand for a good supply of water.

Settler.

— I am, &c, Evans Flat.