PROSPECTORS RETURN.

Western Star, 23 December 1927, Page 2

PROSPECTORS RETURN.

Messrs John Gray and Deane, who were on a prospecting tour in the vicinity, of Gates, near Preservation, have returned overland after a most trying experience, which nearly ended fatally. The difficulty in crossing the rivers, where the -cages were out of repair, compelled them to make long detours into th© bush, which greatly added to the distance, travelled. It was Gray’s knowledge of th© country and . Dean’s splendid endurance that saved them from death. They reached Port Craig and were kindly treated. When some distance on thq track, Gray found a box with a message .from Hefferman, the prospector who was missing from Preservation. The message stated that he was exhausted! and' unable to travel further apd that woul c [ be his last day. The message was dated July. ,

Hefferman was a prospector from. Glenorchy. . . Messrs John Gray and Deane, several weeks ago decided to go on a prospecting tour of the West Coast •Sounds, anj proceeded by boat to Gates. They had mad© arrangements for a supply of food, but unfortunately this was landed after they had commenced the return journey. It was their intention to make a base at Gates and prospect the. intervening country, between Preservation and tire Wairaurauhiri. Mr Cray had traversed the country before and th© prospects then obtained were very satisfactory, samples of tin, copper and mica being obtained. Notwithstanding the hardships endured, it is Mr Gray’s. intention l to further prospect the country lying to the west.