A PROSPECTING EXPEDITION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13648, 16 January 1908, Page 6

A PROSPECTING EXPEDITION.

Owing to the rough nature of the country between the West Waiau and Preservation (says the Lyttelton Times) very little prospecting has been carried out there in the past. Last month, however, Mr. John Gray and a party of three prospected the country as far as the Big River, and found traces of gold and' and there is every indication of a good quartz reef being discovered. Mr. Gray informs-the Western Star that the Government track to Preservation Inlet is now almost impassable, the wire ropes over the river having been destroyed. The party traversed the shores of Lake Poteriteri, at the head of Waitutu River. This beautiful stretch of water, some 25 miles in length, is about seven miles from Lake Hauroto, and a track connecting these two lakes could be cut at a very small cost. From the Waitutu River the prospectors made then- way to the Big River, which takes its source from Lake Hakapoua. This is the home of the black swans, which are seen in thousands. Other game, large and small, also exist. Although no lied deer were met with, innumerable tracks were seen, so that in years to' come excellent sport may be obtained. Apart altogether from a- scenic point of view, there are great possibilities of a good goldfield being opened out in the west.