MINING MATTERS.

Thames Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 1896, 17 November 1874, Page 3

MINING MATTERS.

Pumping Association.—An accident occurred yesterday morning at 5 o'clock at the Pumping Association's works, which will cause a temporary stoppage of the sinking of the main shaft and of all operations at the 400-feet level for about a fortnight until repairs are effected. In the most unaccountable manner in the world the pumping rods parted above the 100-feet level. These rods, as our readers are aware, are massive wooden beams, and the lengths aro fastened together by long ind strong iron plates which are bolted through the wood by means of iron holts li inches square. These bolts all broke when the pump was in stroke. The consequenco was that the engine being relieved suddenly of the weight of water, the piston flew up with a tremendous force, and had it not been for the braces which regulate the height to which the rods can rise the consequence would have been disastrous. As it was, they were bad enough. The end of the beam of the balance-bob which was connected with the piston was shattered, and the pin which connected them, an iron bolt i\ inches in diameter, was snapped short off, and a piece taken out of the middle as if it had been a rotten carrot. There was no person in the shaft at the time, nor indeed would there havo been any if work had been going on as usual, for the same precautionary measures which prevented the rod from flying up above the proper height in ease of any accident, such as that which occurred yesterday, prevent these rods from falling below the 200-feet level. The only danger therefore would have been from anything being disturbed by the concussion. It will not bo necessary to substitute a new beam for that which has been broken, as the manager will be able to have it strapped up and made as good as new, and the broken pin can soon be replaced by a new one; but as the stoppage has taken place advantage will be taken of the opportunity to fix the new piston and piston-rod in the cylinder. This has been ready for some time, and it would have been necessary at all events to stop soon to have it attached. The whole repairs will, it is expected, be completed in the course of 10 days or a fortnight. In the meantime the water has risen into the 400-feet level, and has, of course, stopped all the driving which was in progress there. It is thought that before the pumps are started again it will rise to the Tookey 300-feet level, and stop the works there, and at all events, it will slop sinking in the Caledonian shaft.'

Bbight Smile.—The gold resulting from the fortnight's crushing for the Blight Smile Company which was banked on Saturday was augmented yesterday morniug by a few ounces more, and the whole was then melted into a bar weighing 2270zs 5 hvts. The question of further crushiug for the company at the Imperial Crown battery was yesterday under the consideration of the directors, and it was decided only to crush in future at the 1 company's own battery on the Xaraka Creek until puch time as the new battery is erected. It was the opinion that the yields from their own mill would char all expenses of the mine. One of the principal reasons for the adoption of this course, we are informed, is that at the company'B own battery they can save the minerals, which could not be done at any other, and large expectations are entertained regarding the worth of these. In fact it was the chief consideration which induced the directors to come to this resolution. But there was another which was at least of equal importance. It is well Inown that in this mine there are largo quantities of stuff, particularly in the Wo. 2 reef, where the quartz is of a low grade, which cannot be treated with a profit, after the heavy expenses of cartage, &c, arc deducted. 'I his is all being reserved until the company's own mill is in working order, for to this it can be run direct from the mine without any additional expense at all; and from a trial of this stuff last week at the Imperial Crown battery, it is found that, if the carting expenses were deducted, the stuff would not only pay, but would leave a fair margin of profit. In regard to the new battery which has been commenced, we may state that the foundations are finished. The engine, which is to arrive from Melbourne by the next trip of the ' Hero,' is expected in the course of a week. The boilers are being built, and the battery is also progressing, and with the fine weather which has now set in in their favour, it should not be long before the new plant is in lull working order, complete in every detail.

Vulcan.—A retorting for the tributers of the Vulcan look place yesterday morning and the result, 2ozs 7u\vts gold, was lodged in the Bank of .New Zealand. It is the final cleaning up of the tribute, for tho result has not been payable, nor can the men see any prospects ahead of them to induce thein to continue operations further.

Ooliban.—Tie \unz2 on the lode is now down about 26 feet, and shows through tho quartz every time it is broken down. In fact, it has carried gold down with remarkable regularity, and without a break. But there is no increase in the size of the lode. It is still small, but it is apparently of richer quality than the quartz which, composed the last crushing. Tho only work progressing at present is the sinkiug of the winze, but when it reacheß a sufficient depth the manager will open out on the lode and stope quartz for crushing.

Nonpakkii,.—Tho accident to the pumps will not cause any stoppage of the Prince Alfred battery, and crushing will be commenced there to-day for the Nonpareil Company. The stuff was forwarded to the mill yesterday, and it is estimated to be of good rich quality. Besides the general stuff there is upwards of a cwt. of picked stuff and specimens on hand.

MoAyATAiAiu.—At present there are only 30 head of stampers crushing for the Moanataiari Company, the remaining 10 being idle, but the mill will from to-day be employed to its full capacity for the rest of the week. There has been no in-, crease in tho mine force for the purpose of gotling out quartz for the mill, but sometimes there is a larger output from tho lodes thau on ordinary occasions, and when, {his, qqcucs the, extra, forge iq

started to reduce it. The stuff is show, ing up for the customary average.

Cuke.—'l here was gold Bhowing pretfy freely in heavy blotches in the hangingwall portion of the Cure lode at the bottom of the winze last evening. This is the first time on which trold has been visible in the hanging-wall side of the reef. Hitherto it has been confined to the black vein on the foot-wall side, so that the change may bo one of great importance. 'I lie black vein still continues along the foot-wall side of the lode, and continues to show gold.