Mahinapua Hotel (James Henderson, proprietor), Lake Mahinapua. This hotel was erected in the year 1905, and is within a quarter of a mile of Lake Mahinapua, and near the railway station on the Hokitika-Ross railway, seven miles from Hokitika. It is a solidly built house, and contains twelve rooms. The tariff is moderate, there is good accommodation, and the best liquors are kept.

Mr. James Henderson , Proprietor of the Mahinapua Hotel, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in the year 1856. He afterwards came to New Zealand, and landed in Otago. After a short residence there, Mr. Henderson removed to the West Coast, where he engaged in mining and dredge work. In 1877 he married a daughter of Mr. G. I. McIntosh, an old settler of South Spit, and has seven children.

Lake Mahinapua Gold Mining Company (Proprietor: Mr. Ewen McGregor, Mangaonoho, Wellington). The mining claim owned by Mr Mc-Gregor is situated close to Lake Mahinapua. The lead is about thirty-five feet in width, and two and a half miles in length. A unique method is used in working the claim. The material is scooped by means of Mr. McGregor's own patent scoop dredge, and hauled by wire ropes to the tables. The scoop works as though it were excavating a canal, the bottom of which is kept clear of water by a strong pump, driven by water power. The dredge is driven by an engine of fifteen horsepower, holds one cubic yard, and handles forty yards per hour. Two large dams, and about seven miles of water race, are connected with the claim. Six men are employed.

Mr. Thomas Reese Sneddon , Manager of the Claim, was born in the year 1877 in Christchurch, where he was educated, and brought up as a wheelwright in the service of Messrs P. and D. Duncan. He served for six years as a wheelwright, and afterwards learned joinery for two years. Mr. Sneddon then entered the service of Mr. McGregor in the North Island, as clerk and manager of a timber yard, etc. He subsequently removed to the West Coast, and for some time managed a dredge at Birchfield. Mr. Sneddon holds a first class competency certificate for stationary engines.