WATCH ON THE KAWARAU

Grey River Argus, 21 June 1927, Page 5

WATCH ON THE KAWARAU

[ SOME GOLD SECURED. Fall of the Level. (Per Press Assn.) DUNEDIN, June 20. Under the influence of very hard fiost, the Kawarau River contiues to fall steadily. There was a very hard frost on Saturday night, and the most severe frost of the season occurred iast night. Where reliable levels have been tak -on, the drop in the river is pronounced. In a wide stretch of the river, at the town, the water is seven inches •lower than on Friday. At the Natural Bridge Claim yesterday the river had fallen 15 inches in a narrow gorge since Friday. ,The frosts show distinct signs of continuing, and they will tighten many mountain streams, while both the Nevis and the Shotover Rivers will show the effects also.

Though no great work is being undertaken yet, the majority awaiting a further drop, several Companies have won a few pennyweights, mostly of heavy gold. The Natural Bridge Claim is still the centre of interest. On Friday the Manager secured an additional seven dwts of gold, and yesterday several of the Directors secured just on two ounces, making approximately six ounces to date since Thursday.

The natural obstructions in the Kawarau River are now receiving con- ' sideration, and the blasting of these would cause a substantial drop in many places. Particularly is this pronounced at the point where the Natural Bridge is winning its gold. More work is likely on the river falls. Visitors to the dam report there is a fair leakage at the gates, but this could be easily sealed. There should be developments this week. A Clyde correspondent reports that there is much disappointment locally at the result of closing the Kawarau Dam. The river is certainly lower, but it has been considerably lower before the advent of the gates. In the Clyde Gorge there are several feet more water than in July, 1925.