TE AROHA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2391, 5 November 1887, Page 2

TE AROHA.

The Waito a Shait.s. —On Uie invitation of Mr J. B. Smith a large party of well-known To Aroha residents, including several who have had long experience in mining, proceeded last Monday to the Christchurch Company’s property at Waitoa for the purpose of thoroughly examining, and testing with the ordinary appliances, the stulf from which the samples said to contain the now notorious (ilings were taken by members of the Auckland Prospecting Association. Operations were commenced at the shaft referred to by Mr Pond as No -1. The sand lying on the surface round the hole exhibited not the slightest sign of having berm disturbed and it had evidently remained there all along just as it was deposited after being dug out of the shaft. Two or three small hollows were noticeable in the heap but these were the places from which the Auckland party referred to, had taken their samples. The Te Aroha visitors selected from their number two experienced persons to conduct the . trials which were made thus. A small shovelful of sand was taken from different parts of the heap and all were thoroughly' mixed together. Prom the pile so mixed a small portion—as much as could be conveniently washed in an ordinary prospecting dish—was taken and carefully panned off, in the presence of everyone by the two persona chosen for the purpose. The residue of black sand in the bottom of the dishes was closely inspected by several old miners, and magnifying glasses of ordinary power were brought to bear upon it, but nothing m the form of gold m- any other metal of similar appearance could be detected. The party then proceeded to the other three shafts, testing the stuff at each in a similar manner, and with the same result as at the first one. Mr Smith’s object in inviting the party to examine the several places was to prove to them that there had been no tampering with the stuff on the ground, and that in whatever way the filings” got into the samples tested by Mr Pond, they could not possibly have been in the sand when taken from the heaps by the members of the Association, unless the person who did the salting knew by some prophetic instinct the precise spots in the various heaps where these samples were to be taken from. The party returned to Ta Aroha satisfied with the straightforward manner in which Mr .Smith had dealt witli them, and convinced that the sand lying about at the various workings remains there now, neither richer nor poorer than when it was taken from the bowels of the earth.

School Committee.— The monthly meeting of tiie school committee was held in the school-house on Tuesday evening, most of the members being present. The head teacher’s report was read, and was regarded as satisfactory. During the month the number of pupils on the roll was Uo and the average attendance 113. On one of the days as many as 130 children put in an appearance, this being the largest attendance recorded since the opening of the school. A communication was received from the Board of Education, with reference to new books for school use, hut as no recommendation had been made by the teacher, the committee took no action in the matter. The attention of the members was directed to the want of geological and other specimens for the science classes, and it was decided to ask for contributions of such from persons interested in the progress of the school. The secretary was also instructed to write to Mr Montgomery of the Thames School of Mines asking him to kindly supply a set of specimens suitable for the class in rudimentary geology. Mesrs Farrell and La very were appointed members of the visiting committee for the ensuing month. The passing of one or two small accounts concluded the meeting.

Pip.Nci-: of Wales’ Birthday.— No propovations have been made, or are talked about, for the celebration of the Prince of Wales' birthday. On funner occasions there has usually- been some display of loyalty, but this year the event is likely to puss over without any stir. Tenliie of Town Lands.— The com. mittoe appointed at the public meeting recently held regarding the tenure of lauds in this township are quietly but steadily proceeding with the work entrusted to them. A communication has been sent to Wellington, asking fur information in certain matters, and as soon as a reply is received the committee will resolve upon what coupe of action to adop|.