PROSPECTING THE KING COUNTRY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7436, 15 December 1885, Page 2

PROSPECTING THE KING COUNTRY.

(Per Ukited Pkess Association.) Wellington, December 14. The Government have received the following telegram from Mr G. T. Wilkinson, Government agent at Alexandra:—" Had a meeting with Mr John Ormsby yesterday. The following are the . arrangements that we propose to carry out.'aml , ho started this morning to lay them before.. Tainui and others at Otorohauga and Tekuiti, and get the names of Natives and halfcastsu who will accompany Europeau prospectors. We ■ proposed to send out, if possible, five parties, each to consist of not more than two Europeans, and when practicable only one. Ono party will , take Waipa Valley and the eastern side, 1 and work in towards Kangitoto. ' Another will start from Taumaureuui (Ngaita's placo), '■ Upper Whanganui, and work into Tuhua. A - third party will work on the other side of the Puearuhe range, and prospect the Upper , ' Mokau country. A fourth party wiU take the . Hautura range and district on the west side of ' the Waipa River, and the fifth party (if decided ! upon) will take Wharepapa and in towards ' Taupo.. By this action I think tho whole country will be fairly tested.. Instead of nominating men myself from- the Thames, I have asked tho warden there to do so in order to get tho best available men at tho present time for _ tho work." Mr Wilkinson adds that he will sub-"'• rait the names of the selected prospectors to the Government almost immediately, so that the necessary Ministerial permit may be granted. ■