MINE MANAGERS' REPORTS

Auckland Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 154, 2 July 1896, Page 5

MINE MANAGERS' REPORTS

Huanci. —The leader in the face is a compact body, about 12 inches in thickness-. It prospects a little gold. Jubilee.—Low level since lasfc report has been extended 53 feet 3 inches. A small leader was cub last week, but assay showed no value. There is a largo amount of water coming from the face and roof; the ground is hard ; total distance driven 867 feet G inches. This ia the only part of the mine that has been progressing steadily, free from interruption ;in all other parts the wretched state of-the road has greatly interfered with our progress, and if no improvement iB made will shortly result in total stoppage of the mines. Moonstone Drive is re-started with the two' men from the rise (stopped = for timber), and sines June 17th 11 % feet have been driven; ground still heavy and slidey; both sole plates and spreaders are now used iv sets for greater strength. Tramway connection from here to paddock pass finished, and rails in position to end of solid cutting. A few treaties will be required to connect with pass. Paddock pass, Bft x 4, is now up and timbered for 11 feet, now stopped. Kiln contract finished ; the side of one kiln having given way and exposed bad ground, it has been filled in, and a new one is being constructed on the opposite side, this being more economical than repairing the defective one. Cyanide plant: Sumps (2) are filled with water, their capacity 30 tons each. Two leeching vats 20 feet diameter and their falter bottoms finished. Reservoir finished. One zinc box nearly finished. The general progress is most satisfactory. Jubilee Extended: During the last three months there has been a total amount of 142 feet of driving done on this ground, all necessitating close timbering.' All the werk is on one large reef, which apparently traverses the entire property. No. 1 drive, near Alfred creek, is' in 48 feet, No. 2 drive (700 feet) distant) 72 feet, and No. 3, 22 feet |

(tibia la»b is 400 feeb ahead). The higheab value yeb found is. 12s per bon, in No. 2 drive. No. 1 drive ia in a splendid class of sandstone. As may be expeqied the reef varies much in appearance in these different places. A blacksmith's ehed has been constructed for nse of the mine. Although the work so far has disclosed nobhing payable, yeb there is ample room for. rich shoots of ore on present reef. Its eizo and extent make its examination a matter of time,' patience and money, given which, bherejis a reasonable hope fer success.

Eureka. — Since my lasb report bho ground iv the low level gos very hard, and the lead much pinched. It appears to be a bar of very hard sandstone, with quartz veins running through ib in all .directions, which make ib more difficult to work.

Central.—The No. 3 lode is, now in 100 ft. The giround is etill very' Hard and progress slow.

Progress-Castle Rock.—When breakirfff down khe reef. colours of gold were freely sees through the ore and 51b of fairly goad picked stone were obtained. '

Sheridan.—The low level crosscub is still penetrating a good class of couutry.

Kinsella's Freehold".—The tunnel is now in about 140ffi, and the contractors are considering the hard nature ot the conn try, making fair procreaß. There is a great quantity of water vow running from the tunnel, and seeing thab we are only getting under the rising ground, I bake this water as a splendid indication thab we are going toward a large ore body thab is lying in the hill inbo which our drive ia going.