MINING EXECUTIVE

Hokitika Guardian, 9 July 1935, Page 4

MINING EXECUTIVE

WESTLAND ACTIVITIES REPORT FOR THE HALF YEAR The following report on operations carried on under the Westland Mining Subsidy Scheme for the six months ended June 30, has beeix supplied the Unemploynmt Board: The number of men working on the scheme at Juno 30 was—oß married men, 73 single, 11 youths, a total oi 152. These men are drawing the ordinary gold-mining subsidy. Three men were also employed on special prospecting at Donegal Creek, drawing the increased subside.

The average number of men employed on the scheme for the past six months was as follows: —January— Married 63, single 46, youths I,.total 110; February—6l. 44, 3, 103; March — 44', 48, 5, 97; (Flood damage)—24, 1,1,» 26? April -45, 49, 9. 103; (Flood damage)—l6,' 1, 0, 17 ; May—63, 55, 10, 128; (Flood damage)- 2, 0. 0,2 ; June —71, 67, 11, 149.

The number of areas and men working therein ai - e as follow:^ Paringa River 1: Waiiio 3,-Okarito 1, Okarito Forks 2, Wntaroa 9, Haribari 2, Waitaha 1, Pukekura 4, Fergusons 3, Rimu Flat, Pine and Fisherman’s Creeks 22, Brighton and Seddon Terraces (Woodstock) 25, Stribling’s Creek and Tucker Flat 4, Kanieri Forks 7, River 9, Blue Spur-Humph-reys 16, Fox’s and Red Jacks 4, Arahura River 2, Stafford and Awatuna Goldsborough 13, Kurnara Junction 4, Larrikins and Kumara 8, Callaghans 3, Taipo 4. The total expenditure by way of subsidy for the six months was £3,324 15s lOd, including £6 13s 9d for Donegal Creek prospecting. The gold won by subsidised miners for the term covered was 303 ounces lOdwts. At £7 per ounce the value is £2,124 10s During the period there were no special parties employed cutting tracks but many of the men drawing subsidy found it necessary to cut tracks up the various rivers to prospect at the head of the rivers. At a rough estimate, five miles of races have been cut by subsidised miners during the period. Ten parties have been driving prospecting tunnels during the period without any gold returns. Another eight parties who have already driven prospecting tunnels are now blocking out and obtaining fair returns of gold. There are eight parties a.t present employed in opening up sluicing claims. So far no results have been obtained from these. The claims which have been opened up by prospectors are showing fair returns, and it is anticipated that, with the parties at present doing development work commencing to win gold in' the near future, the gold returns will be increased considerably. The value of gold won is approximately two-thirds of the total amount paid in subsidy, and taking into consideration the fact that so many men have not won any gold so far the return is considered highly satisfactorv.

During the six months men iliave been arriving in this County from other parts of New Zealand, and have been placed on subside. Quite a few of these men, who Have not bad sufficient experience, immediately endeavour to obtain other employment, and a number go. off the scheme to temporary employment in the county., - So far the committee has not considered it advisable to place parties of inexperienced men with supervisors. AH the men working under the scheme are prospecting on their own behalf and are under the control of Supervisor Moore who pays periodical visits to inspect the work being dene. The men working on the scheme are quite contented, and in practically every case good work is being done in an endeavour to win gold.

It is hoped to increase the special party now prospecting at Donegal Creek so that shaft sinking ma.v be commenced in the near future. With ■a large area available it is desired to test the ground as early as possible. This area has been set aside as a reserve bv the committee.

The number of men on subsidy at present is the highest since the committee took control of the mining scheme. This is not attributable to extra unemployment in this district, but is owing to the number of men from outside districts arriving in the county to try their luck. On the whole, the scheme so far has worked in quite a satisfactory manner, and in the near future it is anticipated quite a number of parties will be in a position to carry on their gold-mining operations without further assistance.