OREPUKI.

Western Star, Issue 1291, 24 February 1897, Page 2

OREPUKI.

(from our own correspondent.)

A. mining boom has set in in a small way since the lal® finds west of the Wa'an. The dry weather in Orepnki has left plenty of spare time on the hands of miners, so a great number have taken the chance to visit the new rash. A great deal of pegging out has been done, and judging from the areas applied for, one would think it was farming areas they were applying for instead of claims. There is no doubt but that some of the ground will prove rich, but the want of water will be a great drawback for some time. However, no doubt capital will not be wanting if sufficient inducement offers. There has been a discovery of a quartz reef up Merrivale way, but nothing definite is known about it as yet. A quantity of stone has been sent for assay and the returns will be anxiously looked for. The Hon Mr Carroll has been telling the natives that he will see that the block of land laid out for them some years ago, but which the natives refused to accept, will be secured for them. The natives are now anxious to get the land, seeing that settlement is tending that way, and gold likely to be found in the block. How will the Government reconcile their policy of resuming land for mining with the allocating of this land that is almost sure to prove highly auriferous ? Gold has been found all along the coast in small quantities, but now - it is proved that good fields for min ing enterprise are waiting for the prospector if only a decent track were made from Orepuki to Preservation.