RAIN-MAKER FAILS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10963, 4 May 1907, Page 1 (Supplement)

RAIN-MAKER FAILS.

Owing to the scarcity of water for hydraulic mining m the Klondyke district, the Goyemment of Yukon Te.rito.ry arid a number oi the largest mineowners and: operators! made a contract with Mr. C. M. Hatfield, of Los Angeles, who had made many "rain-making" experiments m the arid parts of California. If he produced "a sufficient rainfall to ensure, as far as an ample rainfall would, a successful arid prosperous summer m the placer mining industry," the fact to be determined by a board representing the various parties to the contract, he was to receive 5000 dollars from the Government -and 5000 dollars from the miners ; otherwise, he was to receive the travelling and living expenses of himself and lus assistant. The Commissioner administering the territory now! reports that Mr Hatfield- "commenc-. Ed his demonstrations! oil June ilth, on a Irish eminence! cal _d the?* Dome,' abbut thirty miles from Dawson. On Hunker, Sulpnur, Gold Run, and Dominion Creeks, the rainfall for June was. above the average ; but on Bonanza and Eldorado it was below, normal. During the early part of July tliere was no increase; over the average of former years. Accordingly,- at a meeting of the aforesaid Board, held at Dawson on July 23rd. it was decided that 'm the opinion of this Committee the contract entered into on July 10th, 1905, has not -been carried out, and that Mr Hatfield be notified that his contract is terminated.' A copy of his decision was immediately sent to Mr Hatfild, who thereupon desisted from further experiments." ""'*,.■■;