KUAOTUNU.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 284, 1 December 1898, Page 5

KUAOTUNU.

; This district .bids fair to be benefited in.the not distant future by the progress made in the affairs of • a claim which, after much patience and perseverance on the part of Messrs Noble and Brown, the promoters and pioneers thereof, is rapidly claiming attention. I allude to the claim known as the Lucky Maori, situate between here and Mercury Bay, at what is called the Whan Whan (pronounced fow-fow). For some little time past constant streams of visitors have inspected the claim, Sunday after Sunday, apd all have returned fully satisfied that the efforts of the promoters have been expended upon a worthy object. The Lucky Maori reef is of good dimensions, and good quality. At No. 1 level, where it was first- tested, fifty two feet were driven •along the course of the reef. Good prospects were met with all the way, the reef being of an average width of sft. An intermediate level proved reef to be of an average width of 4ft. Here sinking was resorted to, but after attaining a depth of 16ft work had to be discontinued on account of water. To this depth the stone showed gold at every breaking down. Both here and at No. 1 level the dish prospects were good. The intermediate level having been discontinued as stated, it ; was decided to put in a low or No. 2 level. This is now being done, and the crosscut is making- good progress, | through promising country rock of ya blue sandstone formation;, heavily mineralised. The reef is expected to be cut shortly. In addition to this branch of operations, work lis also her ing- carried on in the creek on a poc-. ket leader, where loose gold has been obtained in the dish, and good prospects procured from pounding. It is thought thatr specimens will be met with here. The claim is taken up bill strong local syndicate, consisting of prominent citizens and mine tnana< gers, and operations are being conducted under able supervision. In this connection T may state that Mr Brown, one of the promoters, has formed ' a prospecting- association, which ha.s four prospectors at work on the adjoining ground at the present time. It is reasonably hoped that in the development of the Lucky Maori the district has another chance of arising from the dull state of | lethargy induced by the recent slaek- | ness in its affairs.