GOLD AT TAUPO.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 11124, 17 January 1899, Page 3

GOLD AT TAUPO.

[by telegraph.] Auckland, Monday. It is reported that a prospector, who has been at work for some time past near Taupo, believes he has made a discovery of great importance, namely, that alluvial gold deposits exist in that locality. On Saturday the Maoris interested in a large block of land near Taupo held a meeting to discuss the matter. Mr M'Kay, the Government Geologist, wished to inspect the alleged find, but the matter was referred to Te Heuheu Tukino, the wellknown chief, and he vetoed any further exploration at present. This is to be regretted, as the prospector is an old West Coaster, and wished the Government expert to examine his find.

What a pity it seems that New Zealand has no direct steam communication with the Cape of Good Hope — of course, I mean by Homeward bound vessels — for now there seems every chance of building up a good trade in frozen meat with South Africa (remarks'* London correspondent). As one colonial writer puts it: — "The rinderpest in South Africa seems to have had the same effect on Mr Schreiner's party that the Irish potato famine had upon Sir Robert Peel's. Not only is meat from outside the colony to bu allowed to come into Cape Town, but the Premier talks of providing cold storage for it. This will be pleasant news for Australia and New Zealand, whose frozen meat has hitherto been shut out by heavy duties. It is not a little odd that the proposal should come from the Afrikander side. But it would be unjust not to point out the initiative in providing for the importation of Australasian meat into South Africa was taken many months ago by no less a person than President TCruger. That astute ruler having come to the conclusion that the rinderpest had made the position of the Protectionists in the Transvaal untenable did not do things by halves. He agreed to subsidise a company so as to enable them to erect cold stores both at Durban and Jahannesburg. More than that he went down to the Eaad during the debate on the question and delivered an impassioned speech, well garnished with Scriptural references in favor of the project. The bill embodying it passed by the narrowest possible majority — indeed, by the chairman's casting vote. But that was enough for Mr Kruger, and the company have had, or is in process of having, ,£BO,OOO granted tc them.