AT WAITAHUNA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2762, 20 February 1907, Page 13

AT WAITAHUNA.

The Minister and party then drove to Waitahuna, where another deputation was in waiting. Mr M'Ara, on behalf of the numerous deputationists gathered around him, asked for Government assistance lo prospect the main bottom of the flat. He pointed out that the false bottom was pretty nearly worked out, and to try the main Bottom involved considerable expense. At the present time there were two dredges working on the flat, and there were five hydraulic claims. In a year or two the dredges would ba finished, and tho flat would be turned up. including the Havelock mining reserve and the Waitahuna Gully. 'ihey had tried twice to bottom the flat. A shaft had been sunk to a distance of 50ft, but the force of water was so great that they had to abandon it. Four of the dredging companies combined to test the bottom with boring rods. A contract wa3 let, and a man got down to a depth of 80ft. They found gold at that depth. In reply to Mr M'Gowan, Mr M'Ara admitted that there would be a difficulty in obtainng enough water. The Minister said he recognised the importance of Waitahuna. and every other mining district, but at the same time there was nothing unusual in the amount that had been spent or the energy expended in following the deep lead. He suggested that a report should be drawn up, showing the scheme. When he knew just what they were prepared to do themselves he would be in a position to deal better with the, matter. If the report he received were satisfactory he should be pleased to recommend what help he could.