THE QUEST FOR GOLD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21498, 23 May 1933, Page 11

THE QUEST FOR GOLD

ACTIVITIES IN OTAGO WORK IN CROMWELL AREA RAPID RISE OF RIVER [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] DUNEDIN, Monday The Under-Secretary of Mines, Mr. A. H. Kimbcll, visited Cromwell on Saturday, and inspected areas at Bendigo and the scene of the activity at the gorge. During his stay he was met by the executive of the .Mining Association, and discussed several matters connected with the industry. It is stated that one of the chief factors that has delayed the granting of mining licences on Cromwell Flat is that objection lias been taken to the adoption of methods that may destroy the surface of the land to be worked. It is claimed that if the area is worked by ordinary methods some land which may yield only a small return will be permanently destroyed. It is suggested, therefore, that the Government should not grant licencos unless it. imposes a condition that the surface soil must be replaced. This aspect of the position is said to be engaging the attention of the Government. Owing to the thaw in the Cromwell district last week the river rose sharply, with the result that several of the tunnels along the Kawarau were flooded. At the Bell Hooper claim the flood temporarily caused a little inconvenience, but good progress has been made with the work in hand. The second tunnel on the eastern end is now in about 300 ft.

Messrs. Bell and Kilgour have been more or less idle, the flood having submerged their pumping plant. Good prospects are still being washed. A representative of Mr. Johnston and party, who have a claim on the high terrace, was in Cromwell last week with the periodical wash-up. The exact amount was not given, but handes over for inspection it was sufficient in bulk to indicate that payable returns are being won. It was a distinct sample, being rough and not water-worn, and abounded with fair-sized nuggets. The largest of these weighed loz. 12 grains, others ranging from fxhvt. to 6dwt.