Unexplored Country.

Otago Witness, Volume 15, Issue 1562, 15 October 1881, Page 12

Unexplored Country.

A pnblio meeting was held on Monday after noon In the Chamber of Commerce for the purpose of oonsidering the advisability of organising a party to prospect that part of the Weßt Coast lying between Lake Manipori and the Sounds. About 25 gentlemen Attended, and Mr Robert Wilson, who occupied the chair, called upon Mr Smythies, the originator of the Boheme, for an explanation of faia viewa Upon the subject. Mr Smithies then stated that some years ego, while on the West Coast upon special business, he had an opportunity of travelling in that part of the country, where few people had then been. From what he then saw it appeared to him that there was an opening for prospecting. Although the country north and south had been explored, It did not seem that any European had hitherto been through this part —an area of some 30 miles in length by 20 miles broad. He would not uselessly take np the time of the meeting, but would read thorn certain extracts, which he hoped would have the effect of making those present anxious to take up shares in a limited liability company for the purpose of projecting there, if the meeting should be v>f opinion, that that would be an advisable course to pursue. There were, he hoped, some pre«t->it who mixbt be able to falsify his statement as to its b> iug wholly un explored, and give the meeiu g somo iuforouation wbout it. It might be rt-collected thc»t in some letters last mouth adaresced to the editor of the Otago Daily Times he had tried to ventilate the subject. The editor had kindly written to Dr Hector upon the matter, and he would read tho la tier 'a reply. After this had been done, The Chairman said that there was one point upon which he thought the meeting would like information: What was the object which Buch a party as Mr Smyth ieß was trying to promote wou'd have in view ? If they explored the country, who was to get the benefit of it, and in what way were they to be secured for the capital they found ?

Mr Smithies said that he had intended to ppeak more fully upon that point later on. Under the present law any prospectors who found traces of minerals, &c. could go to the Waste Land Board and ask for protection, which was invariably granted. They would then be allowed six months to perfect ttieiv discoveries, and at the end of that time could apply to the Board for a lease, which waß also granted in almost every case on reasonable terms j so that, if such a company were formed and sent parties to prospect, anyone finding traces of minerals, &c. could send someone down to obtain the necessary protection from the Board, and could then continue their investigations aud afterwards apply for a lease. Thus all benefit a3cruing from the project would flow into the band* of the company, and the scheme would in this way be infinitely better than the operations of loose parties of prospectors, as in the latter case there might not improbably be disputes in the event of any finds. This, he hoped, would satisfy the objections of the Chairman.

The Chairsian: Oh, yes I merely asked for information.

Mr Smythies said that he was intending to show— first, the reasons for prospecting; aud secondly, the reasons for forming a company. He read to the meeting a letter lately received from a Mr Samuel Young, speaking in eulogistic terms of the characteristics of the country, aud went on to say that several prospectors had recently come across open country there in various localities. Among other places it had been found south of Lako Manipori, and all this seemed to promise that more could be discovered, which in a few years might be covered with sheep and cattle. Minerals had also been discovered in various partH : a copper lode at the head of D usky Bay , and farther south largeimarble mountains. Asbestos had also been found. Professor Ulrich had been spoken to on the subject, but had been unable to Attend the meeting; he, however, called and stated that although he bad only been a short time in the country he had been round the West Coast, aad was of opinion that tho country showed good promise of mineral wealth. Precious stones would, he thought, bf> found there as well, from the nature of ilo formation, Mr Smytb.ua did not know if any present took much, mtoreat in birds, but they were aware that New Zealand is famous for some remarkable specimens. The moa, notornis, &c. were nuppoaed to be ex-

tinct, but some time ago two specimens of the latter were found at Dusky Bay and sent Homo to England. Since then one other specimen had beeu discovered to the eastward of the range, and it therefore seemed likely that theso were stragglers, and that others might be found in the tract of country that was yet unexplored. He might tell the meeting that when in the west he himself had seen traces on the borders of the lake of some enormous birds, which Professor Parker appeared to think might be of the aptornis. Everyone knew that, apart from the interest attaching to such discovery, they were of considerable value. He had now touched upon most of the points which he thought presented themselves, and the question was, Should they leave any advantages which might arise from this exploration open to strangers from Australia, f-*r instance, or try to raap them themselves? ' Instances of this they saw every day around them, so that the longer it was left the_ more i chance there was of someone else stepping in and taking it up. The Surveyorgeneral.in his last report, alluded to it as an extensive area, the exploration of which should not be much longer delayed. It might be years before the Government could do it, and there fore it seemed advisable that they should take the matter in hand, and send parties to see if there was anything worth having there. Of course it would be necessary for them to be secured, so that those who had risked their time and money should reap the benefits. For this purpose he proposed the formation, of a limited liability company, and moved the following resolution :— " That in the opinion of this meeting the Fiord country, between Dusky Bay and Lake Manipori, should be prospected for minerals, open country, precious stones, &c."

Mr W. S. Seavey seconded the resolution, which was carried.

The Chairman : I think this ia as far as you can go at present. You have expressed an opinion aa to the advisability of prospecting, and you might appoint a committee to make inquiries, and if you find y_ou are likely to be successful call another meeting. Mr BuBTON thought it would be better to appoint a committee as suggested, so that something more definite might be submitted to the next meeting.

The Chaibman: Yes; you must show people something definite to go upon before they will come forward. By just telling them they may catch a moa you cannot get them to join. Mr Burton then moved — " That a committee be formed for the purpose of deciding upon the best nuodo of carrying out the previous resolution."

Mr M'lnnes seconded the motion, which was carried, and the Committee was chosen as follows :— Messrs R. Wilson, A. Price, W. A. H. Burton, W. Seavey, A. C. M'lnnes, W. Prosser, J. H. Smith, G. Watson, Thos. Howorth, E K. Smythies, E. 8. Hay, and H. W. SmytbiesMr M'lnnes moved a vote of thanks to Mr Smythies for the energy he had displayed in bringing this matter forward. He thought that Ms Smythiea was entitled to the thanks of the community. Mr E. S. Hat, in seconding the motion, said that he admired the energy of Mr Smythies, who had sought information in every available channel.

The Chaibman remarked that the best way to appreciate Mr Smythiea' services was to assist him in every possible way. Mr Smithies, in acknowledging the vote, said that it would spur him on to fresh efforts in the matter.

The meeting then closed with a vote of thank* to the chairman, and to the Chamber of Commerce for the use of the room.