THE MAY QUEEN MINE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 246, 17 October 1893, Page 8

THE MAY QUEEN MINE.

(by telegraph.—owk correspondent.)

Thames, this day.

Considerable' surprise was exprossehere when it became known that all hands in tho May Queon Company's mine had been discharged with the exception of eight! or ten. It is probable, howover, that tho extension of the eastern and western drive will bo continued by contract let amongst the men now discharged from the mine, which will give employment to to another six. The step taken is _ only intended as temporary, tho reason assigned being that the greater portion of the dirt coming to hand is comparatively of low grade, and the cost of crushing is soinowhat expensive. Tho Alburnia Company have obtained an extended lease until tho end of November of tho Company's battery (late Saxon), and until the plant is available again for tho May Queen it is unlikely that the full stall will be again employed. The rise will still be continued, and also, a3 already stated, the oastorn and western drives. A good deal of adverse commont took placo amongst local shareholders at tho discharge of so many men, it boing considered inimical to the best interests of tho Company. It was further stated in some quarters that this step was taken as the result of tho action recently instituted by the Minors' Union, aganist the Company in connection with the alleged non-manning of the Trenton section of the mine, but I am assured there is not the slightest ground for the assertion.