Notes from Wakatipu. (From Our Own Correspondent )

Otago Witness, Issue 2104, 21 June 1894, Page 17

Notes from Wakatipu. (From Our Own Correspondent )

Arrow, June 16. — Some little excitement has been caused by a party, consisting of Mr J. O'Leary and Messrs J. and W. Chalmers, discovering a lode of asbestos at Gentle Annie creek, Kawarau river. The party applied for, and were granted, at the last sitting of the Warden's Court at Arrowtown a mineral lease of 20 acres, another area being also marked off. The discovery no doubt owes much of the interest it has excited to the unique nature of the mineral asbestos, which has the peculiar properties of offering every facility for being spun and woven into fabrics, and of being unaffected by the fiercest flames. Indeed, the only effect great heat has upon it is that of cleansing it, and it is said that many of the American hotels use table "linen" made of asbestos, and instead of having it washed it is simply passed through a furnaca, is shaken out, and there you are. The mineral is now used for many purposes, and is in good demand. Large mines of the mineral exist, in North America principally and in other parts of the world— New South Wales and Queensland having some magnificent deposits. The mineral also occurs at the head of the Dart river, Head of Lake Wakatipu. A sample of the mineral and prepared fibre is, or used to be, in the Arrow Museum. The Achilles Goldfields Company, atßullendale, continue to keep on an average 20 stampers going, operating on stone taken from No. 3 level, which fully keeps up its reputation for richness. Pending the extension of the pumping gear an additional lower level will be opened, which, will have the effect of keeping the whole 30 stampers constantly going. The Sew Hoy Big Beach Company's dredges are keeping up their returns Very well, the company having just declared their eighteenth dividend of 3d. The hydraulic elevator is now down 45ft, and though the face of the paddock shows old ground, it is well known that some very rich and unworked portions exist further ahead.