GOLD IN THE TAUPO DISTRICT.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 242, 1 February 1898, Page 2

GOLD IN THE TAUPO DISTRICT.

The following is the repirt furnished by Messrs G. Blake, W. A. Teague and W. Wilcox to the Premier :—" For the past six months we have been engaged prospecting a range of hills known as Hauhangaroa, about 20 miles from Tokaanu, aud after hard work and many difficulties (Native, etc.,) we can come to no other conclusion than that we have found a great alluvial goldfield. We have, of course, not been able to do more than examine the creeks with our dishes, aud take note of the foimatiou ; hut it seems sufficient, so far as we know (not having a great knowledge of alluvial work) that a big thing exists ; so we brg to inform you in as few words os possible what the result of our labour has been. We found splendid prospects in every creek, without exception, big and little, going from four or five up to as many as 20 and 30 colours to the dish We weie completely puzzled about the source of the gold, as not the sign of a bit of quartz could we f-ee anywhere. We at last determined to try everything that we came across, and at length discovered that the gold is contained in a kind of conglomerate lying on a coarse, soft sandstone bottom. The extent of this must be enormous, as the same formation, and about the same average of gold, is in all the creeks for at least 25 miles, and no doubt the same exists right round the range. On development—sinking, etc. —what the field will prove remains to be seen, but we believe hundreds of men could earn a living now sluicing the riverbeds." The prospectors concluded by recpiesting to have their names placed on record for the reward offered for the discovery of a payable goldfield."