MINE MANAGERS' REPORTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 299, 24 December 1897, Page 2

MINE MANAGERS' REPORTS.

Great Barrier Gold and Silver Mining Company.—Top level has been driven 2 feet 6 inches. Fitzroy drive has been extended 9 feet, making'a total of S4- feet. lona Gold and Silver Mining Company (Great Barrier).— Drive has been extended 20 feet, making total distance driven 405 feet.

Hauraki South.—During the past month progress in connection with the sinking of the main shaft lias been considerably retarded owing to difficulties arising from an accident to the pump, which necessitated sending several of the parts to the Thames for repairs, during which time the slow process of keeping down the water had to be carried on by bailing. The pump is now working satisfactorily, and J hope to chronicle much better headway next mon th. The shaft is now down 135 ft and for the past 40ft we have been penetrating a very hard bar which tho manager expects to continue another In to 20 feet before reaching easy ground again. The shalt is securely timbered to the bottom, and the sub-inspector of mines, Mr T. Ryan, who recently examined the works, expressed himself as thoroughly satisfied that everything was being carried out in a systematic manner. On the southwest face of the hill, a large amount of the surface is being removed for the purpose of forming a mote- alongside the present wharf. This work will be advantageous to the Company, for if any at present unknown reefs be exposed here they can be located for further operation. All the machinery is now working well, including the boiler, which was blown down for one shift for cleaning, etc. Operations in the mine will be suspended fnn midnight, 24th, to midnight, 27th, on account of Christmas holidays. The pump will be kept going during this time.