HELPING THE MINER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 283, 29 November 1937, Page 6

HELPING THE MINER.

The establishment of a small battery tor the use of miners on the Tairua field is an I experiment which will be followed with interest | in the auriferous areas throughout New Zealand. At one time Tairua was a profitable , field for mining companies, but the bigger reefs were worked out, and the mines gradually reverted to tributers and small claim holders, while the batteries were dispersed. For some years the ores won have been transported over 40 miles for treatment, and the costs have very seriously affected the earning capacities of the miners. This new battery, close at hand, in addition to treating ores of known vii!lies will give practical tests to gold-bearing stone ut a minimum cost to the miner, and Limn it is possible that areas which have not been properly investigated will prove workable. New finds already njade in ibe district have proved encouraging, and the presence of nn economical treating plant will give the opportunity for further .iiws.i un oi the lief systems which thread the hills. A I reasonable test of the area will thus be available, and with gold at its present price it may be found possible to open up reefs wh ; ch ce.u'.d not formerly be worked at a profit. The battery will pay for itself on the charges madetor treatment, and the Department will have the support of the public if it further extends the sy.itcui by the erection of bnttsrtn at suitable poin.s and moving them about when I tests have been completed. J