GOLD IN LABRADOR

Otago Witness, Issue 3590, 2 January 1923, Page 50

GOLD IN LABRADOR

HOPES OF AN ELDORADO. AEROPLANES TO HELP. Has a great new goldfield been discovered in Labrador? According to Mr Henry C. Bellew, a mining engineer of Quebec, there is not a doubt of it, says a London pai>er. He is now busily engaged in forming a two-million-dollars company to exploit an area v.'hich, he says, in gold results will “out-Yukon the Yukon.” Mr Bellew •inquired timber concessions at Stag Bay. Labrador, but was suffering disappointment over his purchase when, to his astonishment, he discovered that the soil contained a rich deposit of alluvial gold. The samples he produced were stated to assay at five ounces to every 251 b. The announcement of Mr Bellew’s discovery caused a sensation, a rush for claims set in, and during the wait for the beginning of operations next spring, the promoter lias prepared plans for a new town. Having had experience of the. Y ukon rush. Mr Bellew is anxious to avert trouble and delay. In addition, therefore, to arranging for adequate machinery, folding hutments, and so forth, he will take out with nun magistrates, police, doctors, clergy, and others likely to be of use in safeguarding the new community. According to a shrewd English observer, who has become interested in the project, and has forwarded information to London, there is no doubt that gold has been discovered. Mr Bellew is confident there is plenty of it. One of the most interesting features ot what has happened is the decision to have an aerial survey of the whole area. It may not be generally realised that operating in Newfoundland is a very enterprising British concern —The Aerial Survey Company—which since the war has been of the greatest help in spotting seals for workers in the seal-hunting industry, and in carrying out reconnaissance that is particularly valuable in a country where communications are necessarily difficult. The company now has half a dozen machines, and a converted seaplane chaser, which is used as a tender. By using the aerial method —for the first time in any gold rush—it will be possible to fly up to the location and start on the work of prospecting before navigation for shipping opens, thus giving a start of from six weeks to two months. The members of this company have acquired several claims in the new gold area, and are enthusiastic over the possibilities. Major Hemming, one of the leading spirits, was in the Royal Air Force during the war. and recently was connected with the Bermuda and West Tndies Aviation Company. His colleague. Major Sidney Cotton, is an Australian who has acquired considerable fame in Newfoundland by his skill.