MINING NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6310, 7 August 1888, Page 3

MINING NEWS.

o THE MAHAIUPAWA GOLDFIELD. MR GORDON'S REPORT. [Peb Pkess Association.] WELLINGTON, August 6. Mr Gordon, Inspecting Engineer of the Mining*, Department, has forwarded his report to the Minister, of Mines on Mahakipawa goldfield. After describing its discovery, he goes on to say : — I think it probable that a rich quartz reef will be found at or near the head of the South-western branch as tbe creek gets worked up. The whole of the bed rock in this district resembles the Otago schists in the vicinity of tho Skippers and Shotover mine. The total number of men on the field at the time of my visit was about two hundred, of whom ninety havo payable claims. The present extent of known auriferous country will not admitof a large population, as the ground that is considered likely to be payable is about wholly taken up already, so that any new comers must be prepared to go prospecting. The sideling of the range is very steep, and ia many places nothing but bare reck shows on the surface, bo that there is not much dependence to be placed in finding a large amount of alluvial gold on the side 3of the range. Those who have claims on the creek bed will probably not be able to get much gold for tho next two months, as floods will always destroy their workings, the creek bed being too narrow to admit of the water being kopt to one side. There is, however, a likelihood oE a good deal of gold boing obtained when good weather sets in, and the field so far as we can judgo from present prospects, is likely to last for about two years. There are good indications that auriferous quartz lodes will yet bo found in this neighbourhood, but ifc is extremely rough country to prospect. There is also a probability of gold beiug found on Mr Cullen's land, on the fiat through which the creek passes ; but it' so it will be expensive country to work, on account of the large quantity of water there will be to contend with; so thafc the ground wiil have to be rich before it can be profitably worked. ("FROM OUB OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Mr Gordon states that the area in which a payable prospect cf gold has been obtained extends from a little up the mouth of tbe gorge in the main creek to near tho head of the right hand of the South-western branch. There are twentytwo claims from which payable prospects have been obtained. Very little gold has yet been obtained from the field. All the gold is very coarse, the smaller pieces being about idwt, and some loz nuggets have been obtained. The gold is all mixed with quartz, and, judging from its appearance, it has travelled some distance. AUCKLAND, August 6. The shareholders in the Bay of Islands Coal Company held their half-yearly meeting to-day. The profit and loss account showed a credit balance of <-8219(i Gs b*d. A dividend of 6 per cent was declared.