The Daily Alaska empire., 1937-08-03
M'DAMES CREEK STRIKE BOOSTS
 B. 6. MINE PACE
Atlin Region Having Pros porous Summer, Despite
 Curtailment of Tourists

ATLIN, B. C., Aug. l-(Specia Correspondence)- = Mining activity in the Atlin section of Northern British Columbia is reported at full lpace this summer with all the older diggings in the Spruce Creek regior working steadily and showing gooo ireturns. So far there has been nc shortage of water, despite long spell of clear weather.
 Several new properties are being opened and there is considerable new activity on the scene of former Operations, but the center of min ing activity in Northern B. c is on McDames Creek, about 15O miles east of Atlin, where a quartz strike made last year is proving beyond all expectations.
 | The quartz discovery was made by Red Crawford, who had been placer mining in the McDames Creek re- zion for the past 30 years. After examining the ground last fall, Mo Leod White, Superintendent of the Boulder Creek working at the Consolidated Mining and Smelling Ltd, secured the properties on op- ton and drilling was commenced this summer.
 Sensational Declarations
 Conservative reports on the Me Danes Creek strike say the ground is proving at from about $500 to $1,200 per ton. More sensational declarations stated that at one spot lore has been uncovered so rich that the gold in it is visible at , distances up to 60 feet
 All ground in the region has been staked, following a stampede to the section, but, so far, the best show ings have been found on the dis covery claims. A development com pany has been incorporated with large capital stock and it is expect eed that considerable work will be done on the properties next season. ] It is likely that Juneau will be the principal depot of supplies going into the region, being the nearest coastal point by airplane.
 Sandy" Smith Locates
 Malcolm A. Sandy Smith, of Juneau. and William Peel, formerly of the Cutter Tallapoosa, who went into the Atlin section early this spring, are reported to have taken over a group of claims on Discov- cry Greek and are expected to com mence drilling operations in the near future. They contemplate a shovel operation. Among the prop critics they have under option are the Rasmussen claims
 Following the decision reached by the White Pass and Yukon Route not to operate their tourist hotel at Atlin, the Atlin Inn, this sum- lmer, and the cessation of operation Iof the lake steamer Taranhee, there was a considerable dearth of sup plies in Atlin this spring, airplanes being almost the sole means of transportation into the regions. For 1 a time the situation was acute, but was relieved by the White Pass put ting into operation smaller vessel for freight only to connect with the railroad at West Taku Arm.
 The vessel now operated is for freight only, however, and the Inn l, has remained closed all season, while the Taranhee is out of the water, on the ways here. Such tour ists as have made their way in to Atlin by air, however, have been more enthusiastic than ever, report ing fine catches of fish and enjoy l ing excellent weather. Light rain fell at Atlin over this past week end, the first in some weeks. Sawmill Operates
 i The Atlin sawmill is operating steadily, though two large rafts of timber were broken up by storm early this spring and lost, the shores of the lake being still thick fly strewn with timbers.
 The influx of men to the Atlin region is reported little heavier this spring than for some time but all are well occupied, and the Icommunity is prospering Though the White Pass hotel is closed the two other hotels at Atlin, the Kootenay, operated by MT. and Mrs Billy Peterborough, and the Royal Iare having fairly good season. The White Pass Route air division is op- erating a large seaplane to Atlin regularly from Carcross, as is the North Canada Air Transport George Simmons plane service while the Alaska Air Transport, ot Juneau, has made several flights to here this summer.