The party also included Messrs W. R. Smyth, J. B. McKinlay, and E. C. Browne, of the Tuapeka Miners' Association, and A. Whitley (Government Inspector of Mines for Otago).
An inspection was made of the work being carried on at the railway bridge by the Havelock Company, the object of which is to widen the river above and below the bridge to carry water in flood time and prevent it from flowing over the adjoining land.
It is an excellently-planned work, and is likely to result in permanent good to a large area of settled land.
Messrs Whelan and Ellis urged on the Minister the necessity for a geological survey of the district, pointing out that it possessed good reefs of gold, as well as cinnabar and other metals.
There was also an enormous deposit of cement, only a small portion of which had been worked.
The need of more water was also mentioned.
The cement deposit, when worked in a large way, paid better than when worked in a small way.
There was any amount of water running to waste which might be stored in the higher levels and used by companies.
Everywhere the cement had been tried it had proved payable, and the prospects of the district were such that if its resources were properly developed it would be one of the best mining centres in the dominion.
The Hon. Mr Fisher was favourable to a survey being made, and said the matter would certainly receive consideration when the members of his scientific staff were available.
The party proceeded to Waitahuna Gully to see the cement deposits in the Norwegian party's claim and the Sailor's Gully Sluicing Company's claim.
Mr Smyth took the opportunity of urging on the Minister the necessity for a geological survey of the whole district.
The cement deposit began at Bluespur and ran to the coast, and could be developed with immense advantage to the district and to the dominion.
It was a vast deposit, highly auriferous; but operations were restricted for want of water.
If a survey were made in the immediate future it would prevent the alienation of Crown lands along the borders of the deposit.
From Waitahuna Gully the party journeyed to Weatherstone to inspect the Crescent claim.
The magnitude of the cement deposit in the district is proved by its existence in this claim, where it is being worked to advantage by the company.
• Dissatisfaction continues to be felt at the slackness of the young men of Otago in offering themselves for the reinforcements.
Applications at the present time are not coming in freely, and the only unit that is near the full complement is the mounted rifles.
Less than half the number of infantry required in Trentham by the 15th has offered, and a good portion of the field artillery, field engineers and Army Service Corps is still wanted.
In the face of the number of young men who are to be seen about it is felt that the position of Otago is not a creditable one, more particularly as so much has been done to educate the public mind as to the urgency of the case.
The matter is to be considered by the Recruiting Committee this afternoon, when, among other matters considered, will be the holding of a big open-air demonstration during the week.
It is felt that there is no time to lose, and the moral force of every man and woman is required to urge those who are eligible to go. - ODT, 8.2.1915.
• COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR WWW.OTAGOIMAGES.CO.NZ
