PROSPECTING WORK IN VICINITY OF WAIAU AND MARAROA RIVERS (REPORT ON, BY R.CROSBIE).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1886 Session I, C-10a

C—loa

1886. NEW ZEALAND.

PROSPECTING WORK IN VICINITY OF WAIAU AND MARAROA RIVERS (REPORT ON, BY R.CROSBIE).

Laid on the Table by the Hon. W. J. M. Larnach, with the Leave of the House.

Mr. E. Cbosisie to the Hon. the Ministek of Mines. Sic,— Waiau, 30th June, 188 G. I beg most respectfully to submit to you the following report of our prospecting work on the Waiau and Mararoa Bivers- since June, 1885, till date. Finding a prospect of light drift-gold on the beach at the south-western extremity of Bun 427, we built a double-walled wing-dam, cutting off a side channel of the Waiau; and, owing to there being no fall for tailings, we erected a waterwheel and Californian pump, and sunk to a depth of 15ft. in order to give the ground a thorough trial. In consequence of the difficulties in getting stores, tools, &c, transported to us, and having to pit-saw and carry the timber required a considerable distance, we lost the opportunity of the river being at summer level, and we had to abandon the attempt for the season. We then directed our attention to prospecting the Mararoa Eiver, from its junction with the Waiau upwards for a distance of from two to three miles, finding drift-gold, with an occasional heavy speck in places ; but we decided it would require more capital than we could command to try it. Our next effort was a small river-terrace on the Waiau, which we could not prospect owing to the absence of available water until the recent floods; and we found in it a slightly heavier class of gold, which induced us to give it a thorough trial, as the ground shows a gradual improvement towards a hill distant from two to six hundred feet from the river. We are taking advantage of the surface-water at present to sluice out two paddocks in different directions towards the hill, and have brought in a water-race from a lagoon distant about a mile, but which will not bo available in summer. Should we meet with sufficient encouragement, water will have to be brought in from a large swamp at the foot of Paddock Hill, about three miles from the claim. We have as yet received no return for our labour, and, as our expenses have been considerable, we would have been unable to continue had it not been for the kindly assistance that we understand the Government is willing to give us in the shape of stores during the winter, which will enable us to prove the field; and we will have much pleasure in supplying you with a report of our progresa from time to time ; and thanking you for your kindly interest in our welfare, I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Mines. Eobebt Ckosbie, pro McDonald and Pabty. [Approximate Cost of Paj;er.—Preparation, nil; printing (1,250 copies), 18s. o<sL]

Authority: G_obg_ Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB6.