VISIT OF MR H. A. GORDON.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume I, Issue 25, 4 June 1892, Page 8

VISIT OF MR H. A. GORDON.

Mr H. A. Gordon, Government Mining Engineer, paid a visit to this district on Tuesday last, arriving at Paeroa early in the morning. He then proceeded, accompanied by the County Chairman, Crs Phillips and Nash, and Mr W. Litfclejohn, County Engineer, to Karangahake. A halt was made at the proposed bridge site which is opposite Mr J. McConnelPs villa, the Paeroa side of the bluff. Mr Gordon at once said it was an excellent and economical site for the bridge and proceeded to take measurements with a view to ascertaining the cost of such a bridge as would be a permanent structure. After figuring the matter up, Mr Gordon said that the bridge would cost some £1100, of which it was possible the Government would find one half.

The Chairman said he thought that the Government should mate a grant of £500 and on top of that a subsidy of £1 for £1. £350 had been given as a grant, and the present suggestion would only mean a subsidy of £1 for £1 all through; The County was unable; in the present state of its finances, to find' £550 for this work, though £250 was contributed by the Crown Company: ! Cr Nash said that the work was a most urgently required one and without Government assistance it could not be done. Employment would be givenjto a large number of men when the Crown works started and this bridge was indispensable. He hoped that Mr Gordon would assist them in this most necessary work.

Mr Gordon replied that he saw the great urgency of the ■ work, but the Government was as hard up as theCounty. Hi 3 desire was, however, to assist, and although he could not usurp Ministerial functions he would put the matter in its best light before Mr Seddoc, and eadeavour to meet the. County fairly. The party then proceeded to the Crown mine when Mr G. N. McGruer conducted Mr Gordon through the workings. The latter was agreeably surprised at the advance made and took copious note of work done. Mr McGruer was congratulated on his management and the condition of the minei Mr McCohhell, the general manager, informed Mr Gordon that since commencing in the middle of February with the Lamberton mill, which only treated about 5 ton per - diem, bullion to the value'of £4,300 had been lodged in the bank. The t average value of the ore was £15 per ton, and nothing put through had 11 turned out less than £8 lOs'perton. When the new plant was in goingl order 20 tons per day would be treated and it was possible that £4000 pcr 1 month would be the returns—there or thereabouts. He pointed out that this. would return about £75. per month ■ in gold duty. Mr McCombie, manager o£.<-the: Woodstock and. Ivanhoe, also interviewed Mr Gordon, and other gentlemen had sundry talk concerning >

mining matters. ■ .' > Mr Gordon then made for Waihi, > when he had a lengthy interview with: Mr J. H. Russell and the manager of the Waihi G-.M. Co. The New Find and Waitekauri were not visited, and Mr Gordon proceeded to the Thames early on Thursday morningr