OKURU NOTES.

Grey River Argus, 11 July 1927, Page 2

OKURU NOTES.

(Our Own V/orrspondent). OKURU, July. The ketch Elsie recently made another call with passengers and general cargo, returning with live stock, Pt' 1 . Mrs Duggan, Mr Ritchie senr., and Mr H. Cuttance were passengers. Mr Alex Gunn (Matanui) and Mr Hewer junr. (Harihari) were recent visitors by the overland coastal route. Mr M. McKenzie has arrived to take over the duties of ferryman at the Waitoto and Arawata Rivers, after a strenuous overland journey from Glenorehy, Otago, via Hollyford Valley and the sea coast. He had one companion, a prospector. These two mon undertook a long journey through little known territory; in fact, they can claim to be the first travelling up the Coast from Big Bay for over four years. The journey took about nine weeks, but this was chiefly due to bad weather and a prolonged spell at Martins Bay. The horses had to be abandoned at Steep Head, a day ’s ride south of the Cascade River, and the journey completed on foot. The track was badly overgrown, and for many miles quite impassable. Both men were out of tobacco for many days, probably because of leaving their steeds behind, it being found much quicker on foot, on account of the dense undergrowth, etc. Mr J. Reid, well known in mining circles, and promoter of the Glenorchy mines, is arranging a tour of exploration in the Red Hill Ranges in South Westland. Mr Eric James has just returned from a short prospecting visit to the southernmost regions of the province. He failed to secure the specimens required, but reports having panned some very good prospects —of course, alluvial gold. He returns later with companions to further investigate these extensive mineral bearing regions. Mr S. Turner, the well-known alpine climber and writer, is arranging a lengthy tour into the little known Red Hill ranges. Other inquiries indicate a reborn interest in this mineral belt, probably on account of fair specimens of tin having been found, which on the present day market, is as high as £3OO per ton. Cromite, nickel ore and asbestos are reported to be found here in quantity. Mr Turner has explored and named many peaks in New Zealand, and has written some interesting articles and books on his explorations. Two prospectors recently entered the Landsborough River, but had to abandon operations on account of snow. They propose to return again in the spring. The weather has been very severe throughout June, undoubtedly the most severe for several years. Snow has lain for many weeks in the upper val- i leys, and snow varying in depth from one to two feet has lain for weeks on the Haast Pass, but traffic has not been hindered. Recent visitors to the unpopulated regions south of Okum (South West land) were much impressed with the presence of large numbers of native birds, including many rare species which include the kaka, weka, kakapo, kiwi, am! several varieties of penguins. Mr Donald McPherson is proceeding to Otago, via Haast Pass, on business.