GOLD-BEARING STONE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 21 February 1931, Page 11

GOLD-BEARING STONE

DISCOVERIES BY GEOLOGISTS EXPEDITION TO WEST COAST SOUNDS That untold gold awaits exploitation in the West Const Sounds is the conclusion arrived at by a geological expedition which has just retureiid to Blulf from a six weeks’ sojourn in Preservation and Chalky Inlets of I lie Fiordland, reports the ‘‘Press" correspondent. Early in January the party ol eminent geologists, comprising Prolessor Benson, of Dunedin, Professor Bartrand, of Auckland, Professor King, of Wellington, and Professor 11. A. Noble, of the .Melbourne University, set out from Bluff in the auxiliary ketch, Scout, for the purpose of embarking upon research work in the Sounds. When they arrived id the scene of operations several weeks were devoted to arduous but congenial work, in which (lie geologists were ably assisted by the crew of the Scout, and, as a result,, a dozen benzine boxes full of carefully wrapped and tabulated “pieces of rock” have been, brought back to civilisation. To (lie scientific mind' each parcel, of which (hero arc hundreds, is of great value.

Wlkui interviewed. Professor Benson said the only drawback to the trip was the sandflies at Cape Providence, where four days were spent. The gcologisls were almost eaten alive, by the voracious insects. Nevertheless, despite the daily scourge, the Professor declared flint (lie party had achieved all it set out to do.

“UNTOLD WEALTH” Naturally the scientists are keeping the results of their researches for the consideration of I heir respective insti - tutions, but enough was gleaned in conversation to show that the visit will at some period in the near future direct more than cursory attention'to the mineral resources of tho West Coast Bounds. Apart from that aspect, Mr Young, llie master of the Scout, had gathered a groat collection of slate fossils in which, even with the naked eye, pictures of insect of other life imprinted in the deposits countless ages ago can bo scon impressed. It, is Mr Young’s intention to present tho most interesting specimens to museums in New Zealand. He has also some rich specimens of quartz, which arc to be submitted for assaying. * Professor Kohle’s remarks upon Urn success of the expedition, were of great interest. He said : “Front my researches 1 have come to the conclusion that there is untold wealth in auriferous metals in the Sounds, but to wrest the treasure from Nature tho work would have to be carried out under scientific methods. Indications and the reefs met with were exactly similar to those of the goldbearing area of Australia. In no part of Now Zealand is there such promise of rich results being obtained as in the neighbourhood of Preservation Inlet.” Continuing, tho .Professor said that what was wanted in this time of depression was tho employment of a largo number of men, making tracks and opening up in. many cases almost inaccessible regions on the coast. “Scientists,” lie continued, “could then move about with greater freedom and comfort, and would point the load to ultimate success.”

Asked as to the amount of bird lire, the reply was given that no lcakapos or kiwis were seen, but tho wcka ami knka were met with in fairly largo mini hers. Few pigeons were seen., but quite a number of ducks were in ovidcnco at the bead of Preservation Inlet. Of animal life a few deer were seen in the vicinity of Puvsegur Point lighthouse, and their tracks wero met with on a number of beaches.