GRANITES GOLDFIELD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21772, 11 October 1932, Page 9

GRANITES GOLDFIELD

A BIG RUSH INDICATED NOT WITHOUT ITS PERES (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) SYDNEY, October 10. (Received October 10, at 10 p.m.) Reports indicate a big rush to the Granites goldfield before the wet season closes the tracks. Men reach Alice Springs by various means, including aero planes, but these cannot land at Granites; so gold seekers have to use trucks or camels, or walk to the field, where there is only one small store and one well, which produces a scanty supply of water Heat, flies and dust render stringent health conditions necessary. Aboriginals in the neighbourhood are said to bo acting in a menacing manner. Steps to encourage the exploitation of the Granites goldfield in Central Australia have been taken by the Federal Government. The Minister for the Interior (Mr Parkhill) said recently that he bad authorised the Government engineer at Alice Springs to take immediate steps to provide a water supply by the construction of a new well at the site of the leases. The only water available at present is in a small well, which is reported to be poisoned. The engineer and a doctor have gone to the Granites, and tests will be made to ascertain whether the existing well can be purified. This course will bo taken if possible, but Mr Parkhill has given instructions that no time is to be lost, and has authorised the engineer immediately to spend up to £SOO on the construction of a new well if it is considered necessary. « The Government cannot undertake to provide wells for every gold rush,” said Mr Parkhill, “but in this case it is prepared to assist on, the understanding that the companies are also making a contribution.” ,