THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR RESOURCES,

West Coast Times, Issue 618, 17 September 1867, Page 3

THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR RESOURCES,

TO THE EDITOB OP THE WE3T COAST TIMES.

Sih — At a time when the drain on our mining population to the north and neighboring province is being severely felt by most business men in Hokitika, would it not be well to make an effort to arrest the emigration of our mining community by establishing some well organised system to prospect and develop the resources that lie at our very doors.

Between Woodstock and Ross lies a tract of country favorably spoken of by practical miners ; and as likely to contain leads somewhat similar to those in the Waimea district. Attempts have, from time to time, been made to prospect this district, but from an insufficiency of means they (the prospectors) have been compelled to give it up, as the sinking is deep. At present a party of three are at work, and have reached a depth of some eighty or ninety feet ; but who, like many '• others before them, are unable to proceed without help of both men and means. Now what I would suggest would be this — that a series of shafts be sunk, at convenient distances, across this strip of country, so that the existence or nonexistence of such leads may be proved The method of paying for such prospecting I would leave open, but I think there are few business men in the town who would not find it to their interest to assist in such a work ; and I do not think the Government need be reminded that the wise expenditure of a small amount in this way would be a good investment to them, if population is an increase of revenue. I merely offer this as a suggestiop, so that the matter may be taken up and and discussed, so [as to produce practical results, as I am well aware of the difficulties of carrying out a scheme of assisted prospecting. Yours, &c, D. Macfablane.