COROMANDEL GOLD MINING

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 1 February 1933, Page 4

COROMANDEL GOLD MINING

TTNT'EMP LOYMENT BOARD ’S .SUBSIDY. IT AW ERA VISITOR’S IMPRESSIONS. The opinion that tho Unemployment Board’s scheme of subsidised gold prospecting on the Coromandel Peninsula was a worth-while venture was expressed yesterday by Mr O. G. Harris, of Hawera, who returned, a few days ago from a motor tour which included visits to Coromandel, the Thames and Waihi districts. Mr Harris bases his opinion on personal observation of prospecting, parties and the types of claims being worked, fie -was shown some particularly good samples of stone and •witnessed the panning of excellent tails of ‘‘colour” Avhich were calculated to give good returns. Mr Harris stated that the individual earnings were certainly not high, but the men appeared to be keen and fully confident of success. Usually the men worked in pairs, one being, as a rule, me possessor of some mining experience. The overseer was a miner of considerable experience and he also carried out the necessary assay work. In some instances old claims w r ere being re-worked, but there were numerous fresh areas pegged out, especially in the Tokotea Ranges, and miles of country had been combed over. It w T as hoped to have a small battery erected at an early date for the crushing and treatment of quartz, and there was every likelihood that the scheme would be extended beyond its present scope if the success met with to date was maintained. To reach one claim Mr Harris visited it was necessary to climb to a height of 1600 feet in the Tokotea Ranges, where a shaft had been driven into a steep face.’ A good class of stone was being worked and the returns were considered to be extremely satisfactory. Similar claims were dotted over a considerable length of the ranges, while in the Amlleys parties Avere also trying out likely spots. Gold dredging Avas also being carried out, in the Coromandel Harbour and it was understood that payable returns were being secured.

Considerable mining activity AA r as also noted in the Thames ana Waihi districts, especially at Waikino, where at one mine 80 men Averc engaged in shifts., Numerous old claims were being investigated, Avhile a number of promising nmv leads had also been opened up.