PROSPECTING FOR GOLD

Taranaki Daily News, 30 January 1934, Page 8

PROSPECTING FOR GOLD

GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY. GOVERNMENT’S INTENTIONS. Invercargill, Jan. 25. Within the last few days an area' of about eight miles in length in Southland has been exempted from the provisions of the Mining Act, because it is believed a promising gold field may exist under the land exempted, and it is desired to prove this before making it available for mining. The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, and Dr. E. Marsden, Director of Scientific and Industrial Research, saw the latest development in Central Otago. It is understood that Mr. Forbes was told that a geophysical survey revealed two leads across Cromwell Flat which are likely to prove of value to those who have proved their claims. Mr. Forbes hinted at developments when speaking at the reception last evening, and in an interview, dealt more fully with the matter. Referring to the exemption of the land south-west of Waikaia, in Southland, Mr. Forbes said this action had been taken because the Geological Department had indicated the possibility of a gold field existing under this land, and it was desired to confirm this opinion by a geophysical survey. The exemption of the land from the Mining Act was intended to prevent a repetition of the conditions which arose at Cromwell last year when, in many cases, small areas which were difficult to work on account of the depth of the lead and the trouble involved in obtaining water, had been pegged out. If the Waikaia area was shown to be of genuine value, it could be subdivided into sections suitable for economic working, and could then be offered by tender. This matter rested with the Minister of Mines, although the results which had determined the Government’s attitude had arisen from the activities of the Scientific and Industrial Research Department, which was under the control of the Prime Minister. Speaking of the future development of geophysical survey, the Prime Minister said that the present intention was to use this as an adjunct to the geological survey branch of the Research Department for assisting in determining the geological structure of the country, including those parts likely to be goldbearing. The work would be undertaken for outside companies at cost, provided that, this work fitted in with the general geological programme, and would be carried on until the establishment of private, genuine and sufficiently-equipped geophysical survey companies.