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West Coast Times, Issue 263, 27 July 1866, Page 2

Amongst the matters submitted to his Honor the Superintendent, ou the occasion of his late visit to Hokitika, was the expediency of encouraging the exploration of the district, with a view to the development of its yet unworked auriferous resources. Mr M'Rea was introduced to him, and the result of his interview with Mr Moorkouse was the promise of some government help for tho prosecution of the work. The prom; 5e has been fulfilled — although not in any very liberal spirit — and Mr M'fiei has already despatched a party of explorers up the Hokitika River, who are to be supplied with tents, rations, and tools, depending upon the fruits of t'aeir, discoveries for any remuneration for their labors. Certainly a cheaper system of prospecting could not have been deyisied, q,r\<\ fcho pubjip SPi^se flf tfto

inadequacy of the assistance, rendered to Mr M'Kva by the Government, ha 8 been evinced by the formation of a committee to collect subscriptions to augment the meagre subsidy afforded. The list of subscriptions already paid into the fund will be found advertised in another column. We trust it will be largely supplemented Mr M'Rea was a most successful prospector in Victoria, having been mainly instrumental in opening up the Gippsland Goldfields, and the highest confidence is expressed in him by those who best know him. Mr M'Rea himself is full of faith in the country he and his party are about to prospect, and his practical experience ought to h..ve great weight. If the enterprise prove ucccssful, the results will be of great importance to the merchants and tradesmen here, and the subscription list that has been opened should be liberally filled up. What the Government has done can be regarded only as a contribution. It is for those who may be expected to derive material advantage from Mr M'Rea's success to supplement the small sum grant e&