✨ Geological Survey Report
through and bottom the drift in more
open localities than the Waireka gulley,
Is a question which I should like to hear
answered by a practical miner.
I have lately expressed a doubt as to
gold being found in any quantity in the
considerable depths of the Canterbury Province,
which are identical with those of
this range. An inspection of the Tera-
witi valleys leads me to suspend my judg-
ment on this point.
In conclusion I arrive at the following
results—
1st. That gold in this Province is to be
sought for at the bottom of the drift,
where it rests on the older rocks.
2nd. That a search in the direction in-
dicated, offers a fair and reasonable
prospect of success.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
James C. Crawford.
P.S.—It is to be supposed that this
drift extends Northward into the Province
of Hawke.
tain whether gold does, or does
not exist there—this may be a serious
undertaking and one requiring both capi-
tal and skill, for the chances are that the
miner would have to contend with much
water; but on the other hand, should the
search prove successful, the results would
probably be enormous and lasting, from
the great extent of ground covered.
What the depth of the drift may be, can
be best proved by sinking a shaft. In
some places, as at Rangitikei, it is evi-
dently of great thickness; in others it may
not exceed many feet.
Although I have been unable to get
any details as to the quantity of gold
found at Terawiti, I have yet seen enough
of the metal to show that it certainly
exists in some quantity, and moreover,
the specimens I have seen are of a
heavier and more nuggety description
than is usual in New Zealand diggings.
The holes have been sunk in the drift
and I am given to understand that in con-
sequence of the quantity of water the
miners have never as yet been able to
bottom these holes and that consequently
the ground has not had a fair trial.
Whether it would not be easier to sink
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Wellington Provincial Gazette 1861, No 40
✨ LLM interpretation of page content
🌾
Geological Survey of Tararua Ranges
(continued from previous page)
🌾 Primary Industries & ResourcesGeology, Gold, Tararua Ranges, Drift, Mining
- James C. Crawford, Author of geological report