WHEAL BASSETT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 166, 16 July 1896, Page 5

WHEAL BASSETT.

(from our special correspondent.)

Kuaotunu. this day.

This claim adjoins the Midas on the southern eide. Tho principal work being carried on consists in opening up what is called the cross reef, a body of quartz averaging between three and four feeb in thickness, and outcropping on the top of the main spur in this Company's property. In contradistinction to tho general strike ot reefs in this district, which run nearly north and south, the above lode strikes nearly due east and west. The firab work done upon ib took the form of a surface drive at a distance of about 40fb below bhe crown of bhe apur. This was extended for aboub 30fb, and tho prospects appearing of a favourable naturo, an intermediate level B©fb below the former was commenced. Operations are now in progress in the intermediate, the face of which is in a distance of over 50ft. The reef at this poinb averages about 2fb 6in, composed of kindly-looking quartz, of an oxidised description, and encased in an.excellent class of bjQwa''BaridsJ,pne, through which good progress can be made. In conjunction with this latter level a low level has been sbarted 100 ft further down the apur'and the two faces w»U now bo driven concurrently. The objocb of the operations on the cross lead is by driving along its course to intersect bhe main north and Houth lodes of large size which have been opened up in the Carnage ground and . which must, if they continue their course, traverse the Wheal Basßett ground. This Bcheme is a very sound one and should meet with the success anticipated, as it is only a question of driving to pick up the desired lodes, which will undoubtedly have the effect of materially increasing the prospects of the property. In the meantime the cross reef is receiving a good testing, and it is encouraging to find thab prospects can be obtained in the dish, while tho low level now being driven will give evory facility for the expeditious development of tho property.