R. A. F. Murray

“ Foster’s expressed desire that the extent and character of the mining resources of Victoria be brought more prominently under notice, I beg to submit the following notes with respect to the great aggregate length of deep alluvial leads as yet unworked, and requiring largo capital for their development, but from all attendant conditions holding out rich promise of success to those who undertake their exploration. ”

“ There is thus in the various lead systems brought under notice an aggregate length of no less than 120 miles of deep lead all traversing auriferous rocks and likely to prove, in a large proportion at least, if not throughput, payably auriferous. The development, of this great property will certainly require large capital, as the difficulties to he contended with in the way of water are undoubtedly heavy, but that they can be overcome is shown by the successful pioneer mines now at work. ”

“ Next to the eastward lies the most important deep lead system in Victoria—that of the Deep Creek and Loddon Valley, trending along, or close to, the northern prolongation of the Ballarat and Creswick auriferous belt. This may be divided into sections, at intervals on which the position of deep ground and the existence of heavy wash therein have been proved by means of the departmental borings. ”