VERY SUSPICIOUS.
(By Telegraph.) AUCKLAND, Oct. 14. A meeting of the Waifcoa Prospecting As sociation was held yesterday afternoon, when Mr Pond, the analyst, gave a detailed report, the result of a test of stuff from Mr Smith’s and other properties at Waitoa. All showed traces of gold and silver, but only one had gold in any quantity. Specks from it were examined under- the microscope, and the experts declared that these were not wash gold, and all were convinced that they-looked decidedly suspicious. Mr Pond said that it was evident that it was not natural gold. Its character was in every particular similar to filings or borings, just as if a sovereign had been turned out on a lathe. There conld be no doubt about it. The absence of silver was a significant matter. He could not advise the association to prospect further. Mr Smith had given every facility for testing land. Mr R. B. B. Wills, of Waitoa, who owns 240 acres adjoining Mr Smith’s pro perty, and who was employed to dig the stuff tested for the Canterbury Company, has been interviewed and asserts positively that no salting took place to his knowledge.
THE THEATRE FIRE.
