THE SEARCH FOR GOLD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21671, 15 June 1932, Page 9

THE SEARCH FOR GOLD

TO THE EDITOB. Sib, —In these days of dark depression and pessimism, caused by the universal landslide in prices, it_ behoves every citizen to pass on any ideas_ which, to his mind, may appear helpful in the bringing of some measure_ of alleviation of the distressing conditions which afflict us; hence I beg to bring before your readers a matter, which, if taken up by the proper authorities, would undoubtedly bring relief to at least 100 of the able-bodied unemployed in our midst. To-day the money markets of the world are closed, 1 to us; It would appear that investors have lost confidence in us, and _ in the ability of our country to continue to prove the source of profitable investment that it has proved in the past. This, then, is the problem which faCea this young country, as yet, comparatively speaking, under-populated ’ and underdeveloped—How are we to regain that lost confidence. Our politicians and economists are baffled. Some say this: some say fhat; but all are agreed that if thig country could again become a goldproducing country, for a time at least, the problem is solved. Hence it is that to-day throughout the length and breadth of the land thousands of prospectors are searching for the precious metal, and our Government, by means of various schemes controlled by the Unemployment Board, is subsidising their efforts. ' Where are we most likely to find gold? Along the banks of gold-bearing rivers and on or near the old goldfields erroneously believed to be worked out long years since. Here in Otago we have one of the richest gold-bearing rivers in the world. Millions have been won from its bed and banks in the past, and millions are yet to be won from the same sources. Surely if there is one place in the country where there is gold to be found it is here along - the rich beaches of the Molyneux River. What are we doing about it? Between Alexandra bridge and Coal Creek, a distance of some 2.0 miles, there are dozens of places where gold can be found. Parts of this stretch have been dredged in former years, and the returns have reached up to as high as 4500 z per week. It is of interest to note at this stage that most- of this gold was found on the sides of the reef. Then there were Chinamen cradlipg all along the numerous beaches—cradling in a primitive way too—with pick and shovel, tin dish and cradle, and they won thousands of pounds worth of gold. If they came to a large rock they had no means of shifting it, and so they scraped around it as well ns they could. But the Chinamen have by no means exhausted the possibilities of these rich beaches. Most of their workings are found on the highe r levels. The Molyneux River is snow-fed, and runs fairly high for nine months of the year; consequently it is only for some three months in mid-winter, when the river runs at its lowest .level, that it is possible for the richest areas (usually under water) down by the edge of the reef to be worked. Here is a field for activity for some of our unemployed, and now is the time to act; for the river is low to-day, and likely to drop yet; and if it keeps down this stretch of river beach should give profitable employment to at least 100 men of the right type. The writer has been over this ground, and even on the higher levels, reputedly wellcleaned up over 30 years ago by the Chinese prospectors, he has found much "drift” gold, and with the rivenat its present low level a very payable prospect can be found almost anywhere along its beaches. It is quite safe to say that two men could obtain from Idwt ’to sdwt per day. Down in these gorges all along the river are the remains or the old Chinamen "huts” cut out of the rock, and still in a good state of preservation, and numerous caves which, with a little preparation, •could be turned into natural . “ whares ” of the “ dug-out ” type. The slopes of the gorge are covered with scrub and manuka for firewood, whilst goats and countless rabbits are there, so none need go meatless. Now is the time! The river is low, and there is every possibility of its falling to a lower level than it baa for several years; all the conditions essential for success are there; but there is one thing which will make success doubly sure, and that is the closing of the gates of tht Kawarau dam. Now is the time for this to be done. What stands in the way? The writer has been told that the question of who shall pay the premium on the short-term policy to cover the risk against damage likely tp be caused were the lake to rise quickly and break away, must first be decided. Who should pay this? In fairness we cannot expect the Kawarau Company to pay the whole of it. It 39 a national matter, and one to be seriously considered by the Government. I trust that some abler pen than mine will take this matter up. There must be no delay. Only two months are left before the river is due to rise again, and the truly golden opportunity which lies at our door will have gone for at least another year. Let the Unemployment Board send a man up the river to examine the position as regards shelter, etc., and he will find the position is as I have set_ down. _ As a. practical miner long acquainted with the district I have no doubts whatsoever that, were the gates to be closed this winter, there will be some very rich finds made, and not only would a boon be conferred upon many of our unemployed, but our country would be materially benefited. —T am, etc., MINER. Ettrick. June 12.