GOLD, COAL, &c., ON THE EAST COAST.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 1299, 19 April 1881, Page 2

GOLD, COAL, &c., ON THE EAST COAST.

Mr. Thomas Keelan with commendable persistency desires to call attention to the statement he made in the Herald some three months since, respecting the discovery of gold, coal, and tin ore on | the East Coast. He mantains that if inducement were offered to prospect, that, in a short time he would discover the locality where in 18(57. he found specimens of these ores. It is reasonable to infer from tlie circumstantial nature of the statement that the discoveries were made, and that if tho district were again prospected the fact of the existence or otherwise of the precious minerals would be demonstrated. It. is with the view of urging upon all who have an interest in the development of the resources of this district that he desires to call a meeting for tho purpose of org--uiising n prospecting party. Mr. T. KVolan at the meeting will give a detailed account of his discoveries. The meeting is convened for Thursday the 21st instant at tho Argyll Hotel at 7 p.m. The following is Mr. T. Keelan's statement : — "In 18G7, I belonged to a detachment ot Military settlers, and when quartered at the Awanui, I had a Hau Hau prisoner under my charge. While acting as guard over him, I saw indications of what I thought was coal. After placing the prisoner in the hands of a senhy I went back, and on examination found, what was apparently a good seam of coal. I said nothing about it at the time, and soon afterwards we were removed to Gisborne. I left the company about a year after this, and then went on a survey party with Captain Winter up the East Coast. Within 30 miles of where I found the coal, in traversing a creek, I picked up some quart 7, bearing rich gold. James Waterhouse (since dead) who was chaining with me, saw it, as did also Captain Winter, who, I believe, will recollect, the circumstances. Soon after this, I went to the Thames, where I have always stated that if I went back to the East Coast, I could find gold, coal and other minerals, if I had sufficient means. Nearly two years ago I returned from the Thames, and called a meeting of all the Europeans at Mr. Walker's Hotel at the Awanui, but could get no one to assist me. I then gave to Capt. Gudgeon about 301bs. of coal and about the same weight of tin ore. I burned some of the coal before Capt. Gudgeon, at the same time telling him what sort of ashes would be left, which proved to be correct. Capt. Gudgeon forwarded some of the coal and tin ore to the Defence Mi.iister, together with a statement from me that I believed I could find a richer mineral if assisted by the Government. I received a reply through Captain Gudgeon declining to give me any assistance, and informing me that my specimens had been sent to Dr. Hector, and that I had better communicate with him. Feeling hurt in the matter, I neglected to do so, and have never received back the specimens. The coal and tin ore are on tho beach, on Government and European laud, and there is a natural breakwater where any vessel could He in all weathers, from which a tramway of 200 yards length would connect with both. Up to the present time I have been trying to raise the necessary funds to bring the matter before the public in a practical form, but have not been fortunate enough to succeed. Iv addition to the above I am aware of three distinct {places near Gisborne where quartz, apparently gold bearing, may be found, which I should very much like to thoroughly prospect before leaving the district, which I intend doing shortly, unless some person or persons will come forward and aid me in developing the above facts. " Thomas Keejuv."