10 REPORT OF THE MINISTER OF MINES, 1929.

batholith occurring at some distance from the main granitic mass are the most favourable
localities of the eastern margin.

On the eastern contact margin the attention of prospectors is especially drawn to the trough
of the Whiting river, 35 miles southerly of the Taku river, and to that of the Unuk river, 55 miles
southerly of the Stikine river. The contact margin should cross the Unuk river about 23 miles
from its mouth and about 3 miles east of the International boundary. On the Whiting river the
contact should cross the valley about 27 miles from the river-mouth and about 5 miles east of
the International boundary. There is no reason why the margin area accessible from the Unuk
and Whiting rivers should not be equally as promising as that of the Taku, Stikine, Salmon,
Bear, and Kitsault sections. Some prospecting was done in the Unuk section in 1900, but both
rivers are as yet absolutely untouched by intensive prospecting. The Whiting and Unuk rivers
are, however, reported to be torrential streams. Prospectors venturing up them should be
thoroughly familiar with the handling of small river-boats in swift waters and are strongly
advised not to undertake the trip alone. Some notes pertaining to the Unuk river are submitted
in the section of this report devoted to the Portland Canal Mining Division.

TRANSPORTATION,

In a country possessing the rugged features of this district adequate transportation facilities
are vital to the successful progress of the mining industry. During 1929 transportation through-
out the district was considerably improved by valuable assistance in construction of roads and
trails given by the Department of Mines. ‘This has been an important influence in assisting
progress in the district during the year. New trails have been built, old trails have been recon-
ditioned, surveys have been made, and data gathered upon which will be based the location and
route of several projected trails and roads. The co-operation of the Public Works Department
in this respect has also been of great value.

Among the most important items receiving attention in this respect may be mentioned :—

Queen Charlotte Mining Division—Road to the black-sand deposits of Graham island,
surveyed and considered.

Skeena Mining Division —Porcher Island road to the Surf Point mine; Williams Creek trail,
Lakelse valley; Maroon Creek trail, Kitsumgallum valley.

Nass River Mining Division—Saddle Mountain trail, Hastings arm; McGrath Mountain
trail, Alice arm; Red Bluff trail, Alice arm; Upper Kitsault River road, Alice arm.

Portland Canal Mining Division—Bulldog Creek trail; Georgia River trail; Cascade Creek
road; Glacier Creek trail; Bitter Creek trail; Bear River trail; American Creek trail; trail
via Bowser and Meziadin lakes to 23-Mile on the Dominion Telegraph trail.

Stikine-Liard Mining Division—Devil’s Elbow Mountain trail; Gold Pan Creek trail; Dease
Creek road; Thibert Creek trail; Mosquito Creek trail.

Atlin Mining Division —Otter Creek trail; Ruby Creek trail; Taku River—Tulsequah River
road.

Of great importance to future transportation in the district, particularly in the Portland
Canal area, is the acquisition in June, 1929, of the Canadian North-eastern Railway charter by
the Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada. The prospect of the utilization of
this railway up the Bear River valley and its eventual extension to the Finlay river at Fort
Grahame helped to revive interest in the mineral potentialities of the hinterland. During the
summer a preliminary suryey was made through the upper Bear River valley and the Bear
River pass into the Nass valley. The Consolidated Company has made no definite announce-
ment regarding its future plans in connection with this railway system. The country this rail-
way would tap is rich in mineral and other natural resources, possesses great scenic attractions,

and is prolific in game. The completion of this railway would be a very progressive step in the
industrial advance of the north.

For the first time in the history of the district the aeroplane came into use for the tr
tation of men, supplies, and equipment into outlying areas.
aeroplane were also undertaken during the summer season.
season Western Canada Airways established a base at Stew
charter. The introduction of aeroplane transportation during 1929 was an important factor in
the development of remote areas. As a result of the work accomplished by the aero
1929, plans are being laid for organized and extended service during the 1930 season.

‘anspor-
Several exploration expeditions by

Towards the latter part of the
art and a plane was available for

plane in
Western