KAWARAU GOLD

Evening Star, Issue 19779, 1 February 1928, Page 3

KAWARAU GOLD

REQUEST TO 1 CLOSE LAKE GATES [Special to the ' Stab.’] CROMWELL, February 1. Acting on ; the opinions of men closely associated with Kawarau, who consider that a very low level would result now from the closing of the gates, the local companies have put the suggestion to the Kawarau Company. The river is low, as also are the side streams, and it is considered that most of the water is coming from Lake Wakatipu. It is known that very many creeks which, even in the winter months, have always poured a fair amount into the Kawarau, are absolutely dry, and likely to remain so under present conditions. A miner on the Nevis River gives the assurance that the stream is very low, and a similar report is to hand regarding the Shotover. With the continued dry weather all the streams are being further reduced, and at present there is no apparent change in the weather conditions prevailing. There seems no reason now why the gates should not be closed, as it would be interesting to see the result, if only for a few days. If a lower level was reached, it would permit of much more work being done than is possible in the depth of a severe winter. The lower level, too, would enable .rich maiden ground to be worked in places, and would renew interest in the scheme.

THE CONSTITUTIONAL POSITION DECISION BESTS WITH MINISTER. A telegram suggesting the closing was received by the company last night, whereupon a meeting of directors was convened for noon to-day to consider the matter. The position stands thus; The consent of the Minister of Public Works will have to be obtained before the gates can be closed, and it is necessary, before such consent is given, that an insurance be effected to protect anyone against loss as a result of the closing. In addition to this the Minister will probably submit the question for the consideration of the Kawarau River Control Board, and bo guided by its finding. These matters will necessarily occupy a day or two, and claimholders will have to wait till the required steps are taken before they know whether there is any chance of getting into the river at the present time. DIRECTORS ACQUIESCE MINISTER’S CONSENT ASKED. At the meeting of directors, Mr A. C. Hanlon presiding, it was decided to close the dam if the permission of the Minister of Public Works can be obtained and if the Cromwell companies are willing to undertake to work their claims if permission is granted. It was arranged to send the following telegrams:— Minister of Public Works, Wellington.—Owing to extremely low . river several Cromwell mining companies are anxious to prospect river during continuance of such favorable conditions, Please grant permission for the closing of the gates to enable this to be done. General opinion here that owing to extremely dry summer no better opportunities will occur for proving the Kawarau scheme. Mr J. L. Stewart WTight, Cromwcll._At such short notice only Cromwell companies could avail themselves of the opportunity afforded by closing now. Will any of your companies undertake to work .immediately gates are closed if permission can be obtained? Please wire Minister of Public Works, supporting our request for permission.