BUNKER'S HILL.

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

BUNKER'S HILL.

(TKOJI OUB OWN COBBESPONDENT.)

Gobomandel, this day,

Good progress is being made on the different sections of the mine, under the supervision of Mr George S toad man, manager of the Britannia and Buffalo. A start has been made at last to open out from the chamber ab No. 2 level, which is a splendid commodious compartment 10ft in height by about 12ft square, laid with permanent flab sheets. The crosecub is in, co far, Btv, and is running in very much the same direction as the No. 1 level, viz., about southwest. The country is of a most excellent solid description of blue sandstone, in which good progress can be made, and it contains every indication favourable for gold. The drive on tho intermediate level from the winze is still proceeding satisfactorily, and seme very kindly looking etone ia seen in the leader, which ,has widened out to about* 8 inches in thickneas. In the stopes above No. 1 level, the leader is somtwhat smaller, averaging about 4 inches. Colours of gold are occasionally eeen, however, in the etone when breaking it down. A few words re the freeing of the mine from water may prove of interest. The system adopted is that of bailing by means of a tank. This tank is made -to fit into the.cage, and is constructed with two valves, which open by pressure as the cage dips into the writer, thu* filling the-tank, the valves being kept closed by the weighb of water contained therein. On coming to the surface the tank comes in contact, with the self-tripping gear, which is erected at the brace, and this latter by an ingenious yet simple contrivance opens the side valve, thus automatically emptying the tank. The'system juat described gives every satisfaction and works admirably, half-an-hour per day of this bailing being sufficient to keep the mine dry. Thia ie an important consideration, as it dispenses with all the cxpeneo and trouble of a pumping planb.