THAMES DEEP LEVELS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13844, 2 September 1908, Page 6

THAMES DEEP LEVELS.

The movement for the systematic exploration of the Thames Deep Levels has been advanced a further stage by the committee which is considering the problems to be solved. It lias been agreed to recommend co-operative action upon an equitable basis to the various companies interested, who are advised to set up a Deep Levels Committee to carry out, at joint expense, the scheme already outlined by the mine managers. It is further advised that when the resultant drainage makes development possible, the companies shall devote to a common fund, which all participants will subsequently'divide, 10 per cent, of the gold won for 10 years below the 600 ft level. This proposal will have to be discussed and considered by • the companies and shareholders interested, but it is so eminently practical- that we may anticipate for it general and harmonious acceptance. For the effect of it would be to enable development to be undertaken at :he minimum of individual cost to the adventuring companies, mid to charge the expense entailed upon a small proportion of the winnings of lucky participators. In all . gold mining exploration there iB an unavoidable element of risk, but the proposal now made greatly l'educes this, unless the general confidence in the existence of payable reefs on the lower levels of the. Thames is altogether misplaced. We have al- . ready pointed. out the very strong reasons for assuming that the geological conditions observed in similar fields throughout the world, exist at the Thames, and while there is never any, absolute certainty in the

results of mining exploration, it may fairly be held that the prospects of this systematic exploration are averagely greater than those which everywhere induce energetic development. We all know what the Thames has been, ' and it would not be strange if. its prosperity were revived by the output of the Deep Levels when they pan bo systematically worked. Considering all the circumstances and the great interest of the entire community in the successful completion of this practical movement, the Government ought to encourage the co-operating companies by equally practical assistance. ' .: .