THE WANGAPEKA QUARTZ REEF.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 577, 6 November 1869, Page 3

THE WANGAPEKA QUARTZ REEF.

We have a promise from Mr Biehird Nicholls, late of Westport, and who |? understood to have an interest in the prospector's claim at Wangapeka, that he will next week send us a report upon the reefs which have been discovered there. Meanwhile, the information to hand is from Mr James Burnett. In a long report of his published in the Provincial Gazette, he says: — " Two reefs crop out in a small gully on a very steep hill-side, forming a spur between Blue Creek and Nuggety Creek ; so far as I can judge, the direction is a few degrees to the west of true north, and, as it has been struck in two or three places, there will be no difficulty in ascertaining the general bearing when a proper survey is made of the district. "A short distance up Nuggety Creek, a large quartz reef crops out, very much resembling the one on the hill, and apparently running in the same directiou. But all that we at present know is that two reefs exist, one of which, I am certain, contains a considerable quantity of gold; and the other is said to be gold-bearing, and I do not doubt it, though I have not actually seen it in the solid reef. " From its position, as seen on the section, the reef can be easily worked by driving from the steep hillside; and till it gets down to the level of tbe creek (if it can be traced so far) no machinery will be required for pumping water, or raising material. "It is probable that more reefs will be found in this district, as quartz may be picked up in almost every stream ; and small strings and leaders are seen in every direction ; but owing to the very rough nature of the country, and the dense bush, it is exceedingly difficult to follow aDy indications which may be discovered. "I may mention that the whole country from the Wangapeka Plain to the reef (about thirteen miles), and to the snow-line on the mountains, is bush. There are several patches of fine land suitable for agricultural purposes ; and at the junction of the Boiling Eiver there is a good site for a township ; and at the junction of the Blue Creek and Nuggety Creek, quite sufficient flat land for quartz-crushing machines and workmen's houses. "Water-power to almost any extent may be obtained by going a short distance up either Blue Creek or Nuggety Creek, as the fall is very rapid and the volume of water considerable. Indeed, at present there is sufficient [ water brought down for digging purI poses to drive heavy machinery. I The whole distance from Nelson is labout sixty miles, namely: 22 miles I first-rate cart-road, 14 miles moderate ■ cart-road, 4 miles very moderate cart-i-Kfld, 3 miles bad cart-road, 10 miles j good bush horse-road, 3 miles moderate I horse-road, total 60 miles.