ADELAIDE. COPPER.

New Zealander, Volume 1, Issue 15, 13 September 1845, Page 4

ADELAIDE. COPPER.

*PECML SURVEY OF 20,000 ACRES OF MINERAL LAND. For some time past, "rumour with her hundred tongues," has assigned to one particular district northward fi oin Adelaide, about 80 miles, an amazing pre-eminence in mineral wealth, in the shape of a monster lode, or vast deposit of Copper ore, traceable to the extent of 15 miles in length, carrying with it a visible breadth of from fiteen to 20 feet, and yielding surface copper in sufficient abundance to load h undreds Of. drajs with the loose material. It appears that a shepherd from the district alluded to, (or o^ another district, fur others are confidently spoken of,) lately brought into Ade J aide some remarkably rich specimens, and information so explicit as to'have had the effect of rousing a number of colonists not easily influenced by anything speculative. These gentlemen at once commissioned Mr. Finke, to accompany the reputed discoverer, who not only found his report well grounded, but made some other brilliant discoveries himself. To make assurance doubly sure, however, the scene of this extraoidjnary mineral « ealth,has been visjted by .several gentlemen possessing nofonly a good-knowledge of minerals, but who having made themselve acquainted with the operations at the successful mines of Kapunda and Montacute, can draw a just comparison between those valuable properties and the newly examined champion lode, which Mr. Finke has examined to the extent of about a mile and a half, of its presumed great length, and found to carry a surface breadth of from six to twenty three feet. Among other visitors to the spot we may menlion Matthew Moorehouse, Esq , who not only confirms the fact of the discovery in all its important details, but sajs he saw a lump of rich copper ore, (measuring many cubic feet), ainoit^st the extraordinary quantity of scattered debris winch he pronounces ready and fit for immediate removal from the surface. Upon these facts, an application has been made to his Excellency the Governor on behalf of seveial associated gentlemen for a special survey of 20,000 acres in a block, at the upset price of £\. per ucie> »» conformity with the land sale regulations } and his Excellency so far from tht owing any difficulty i n their v\ay, has assured them ot hib des ire to facilitate their views. Indeed, so many ge at ' ei "en of experience, integrity, iid caution, are s° vv ell satisfied of the indub '

taWe secmit> of the proposed measure, that we, may say it is as g'^od as carried, only awaiting a definitive arrangement with the Banks. It is said that the Manager of the South Australian Company intends to take £5000 worth on behalf of that Company ; andCapt. Alien, Mr Stocks, Mr. Bruce, Mr. Matthew Smith, Mr. Hallett, Mr. Beck, Mr. Granger, and other gentlemen are prepared to make up the requited amount. In announcing this crowning discovery (aptly described by Osmond Gilles, Esq,, as thetiiumphal arch in tiie mineral kingdom of South Australia), we find it necessary to assure out readers here and elsewhete, that we never felt more forcibly the duties of moderation and circumspection ; and influenced byjthese views we forbear to give expression to' k what we might say very justly and truly. But those things which we baveseen, and others have identified, suffice to warrant our belief that copper abounds in jour mountain ranges and elsewhere »o an almost unlimited extent, and which would have been described by Dr Johnson, as «« rich beyond the dream of avarice." — Adelaide Observer.