Fitzherbert Reefs.

Manawatu Times, Volume VIII, Issue 330, 17 August 1883, Page 2

Fitzherbert Reefs.

TO THE EDITOB. Sib, — I am undoubtedly o f opinion that the time nas arrived when united action should be taken m the work of prospecting the ranges beyond Fitzherbert. The undertaking hitherto has been a source of much comment adverse and otherwise ; — the usual fate of all preliminary undertakings of the kind ; the fate of Terawhiti for about twenty years;but patience, and perseverance have brought their reward. I admit that "a considerable sum of money has been expended m 90---called prospecting m this district, but I must likewise state experience m North Isiand reefing has been found wanting. I am', not a stranger to the reefs m question, which are similar m all respects to Terawhiti and the Thames, and most probably will pi'ove equally or more productive. No experienced miner visiting the locality could deny the fact that we have there the best formation and sure index of auriferous country, viz., reefs, sandstone, and slate. Ihe only effort yet made amounts simply to a little scratching, occupying a few weeks during the summer of 1881. For the benefit of those who may I not have access to Wellington papers, I Wwuld like to quote the following report of Williamson & Co., eharebrokers : — Welcome Company (Reefton), aveiage yield of gold loz 17dwts 23gra per ton quartz ; market price per share £1 58. Keep it Dark Company (Reefton) average, lldwts Bgrs per ton quartz, market price, £2 17s per share. Terawhiti Golden Crown, average 2oz gold per ton quartz, shares, market price, 17s 6d. Allowing for loss m the latter owing to new machinery and first crushing, you may safely add \oz per ton to the result. One more report and I am done which should . convert the mosfy, dubious, and I can vouch for the ; correctness of the same: — i " Fitzherbert District. Result of analysis, specimen No 2831.— "Mixed Stuff — Quart 'ore, slate, and sandstone. Yielded gold to assay at the rate of 9dwts 13grs per ton — ana* lised by W. Skey, Government Analyst." This stone was simply from the face of a reef, and looked very valueless, but nevertheless, it is not far behind the Keep it Dark, Reefton. I shall leave the report of analy» sis m your hands for 14 days for the perusal of the public, and I trust during the coming summer, vigorous efforts will be set on foot to thoroughly prospect the Fitzherbert reefs. — 1 am &c, for the present, Keep it Dark. Paltnerston, august 16, 1883.

TO THE EDITOR. Sin, — I see by »he Standard's report of the indignation meeting held iv tbe Town Hal on the 15th mst ,'that I am reported as having stated that "I also had to stand while Mr Johnston sat down," Yhis I deny having said. I did not accompany Mr Macarthur when he interviewed Mr Johnston, bui. I have invariably been shewn .the greatest courte3y by him, and more especially so upon my recent visit to Wellington, when i waite 1 upon him respecting Borough, matters- The discourtesy alluded to by Mr Macarthur m his speech, as reported m your paper, I understood to refer to my not having received a reply to a telegram which I, as Mayor, sent Mr Johnsfbn about the proposed alterations m the Square. It I had for a moment imagined that it was supposed that I had been treated discnurteously on any occasion when I have waitedjupon Mr Johnston I shoald have contradicted it at the time. I am, &c , Frits Jjsfssen.