THE MANGANESE INDUSTRY.

Northern Advocate, 26 November 1887, Page 2

THE MANGANESE INDUSTRY.

For. a long time it has been woli known that this most important mineral existed in large qimntitifis in this district, but the difficulties of transit, in many localities, was fin uusurmountable obstacle to profitable operations. A few months since, however, a rich deposit was discovered at Parua Bay, within easy distance of water carraige. This deposit was examined with, the most satisfactory results as to quantity, and samples sent to chemists for analysis, all of which average from 70 to 80 o/o. A few gentleman of the district — one of whom by his skill as a mining expert, although not always appreciated, has aided in developing other enterprises — has secured a lease of the ground and intend pushing this important investment most vigorously. So vast is the mineral deposit, that it has more the aspect of a quarry than a lode. The present workings are within three-quar-ters of a mile of high water. Application has been made to the Minister of Marine for permission to erect a wharf, which will be immediately proceded with, unless the usual departmentalred-tapeism intervenes. In about a month a trial shipment of 200 tons will be sent away. This valuable mineral enters into so many industral uses that its demand cannot be satisfied ; in fact it is yearly on the- increase. We congratulate the enterprising gentleman engaged in this valuable work on their great success, which must benefit the whole district, At present the commerce, of the district is so depressed, that it is to be likened to unagilated water — the repose of death, — and we hail with gladness the dropping of the slightest pebble into the pool sending its wave of prosperity to all around. Our hope is that this mayprove sucli a pebble.