MINE MANAGERS' REPORTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 14, 18 January 1898, Page 2

MINE MANAGERS' REPORTS.

Golden Lead (Cpromandel).—Since resuming operations after the holidays the main level for the intersection of Cussen's reef has been extended lift. The leader in the face of the level is still of a puggy nature, but carries two good defined walls and may make gold again at any time. In the cross leader cut in the mam level the manager has opened out 2ft. Good prospects of gold can be got by panning oft. Welcome.Find.—The crosscut at No. 3 level is still in very tight country. No. 2 level, N.E. drive : A lode formation about one foot thick has been passed. It was at this point the manager expected to strike the No. 3 lode, but he does- not think the one referred to above is it. Stopes between Nos. 2 and 1 levels north of winze : The leader has shown gold a little more freely the last two breakings down. No. 1 lode Nq. 1 level: No change has taken place. Alburnia East.—The hands have been engaged in sinking to complete the connection between the top of the rise and the surface.

Imperial.—The result of the operations conducted upon the course of the new reef in the United section is of a considerable improvement. The reef measures about 2ft in thickness and its general appearance and the class of country encasing it are all in favour of further improvement. Samples from No. 4 level are being tested at„each breaking down. A few colours of gold are seen in the dish. New Golden Point (Tapu),—The drive above the intermediate level has been advanced 8 feet since my last report. From measurement, this drive is nearly under the centre of the block worked in the upper levels; another 20 feet of driving will prove if the shoot of gold continues down. When breaking down the quartz colours of gold were visible in the stone, and the country rock incasing the reef has. become harder. This change I consider favourable for gold. At the 200 foot low level the crosscut going north from the main drive is in a distance of 26 feet. Here the leader h.as become small, so I decided to open out on the south side. The machinery is in good order and working satisfactorily. Bunker's Hill.—Upon resuming operations on the 6th inst. after the holidays, work upon Legge's reef, advancement of the crosscut, and sinking for ah underhand stope on the cross leader was undertaken. Legge's Reef: A distance of 19ft has been risen on this leader, the country has slightly improved for the better, but no noticeable alteration has taken place in the reef. Crosscut: This face has now attained a distance' of 100 feet from the shaft, but no fresh developments to record. Underhand stope cross leader : Bft has been sunk upon this leader and stoping operations commenced. Country is of a first-class description and although the leader is small, on treaking down to-day gold was freely seen in the ore, and some good strong dabs telested from the general dirt. Picked stone suould be forthcoming from this work. AYaihi Extended. — Resumed work on the 7th, and continued driving as heretofore. As the country rock still maintains its hardness, there is nothing of importance to mention.

Caspian (Thames).—Subsequent developments prove the reef in the low level to be four feet wide at the point of intersection, •vyith good defined walls. Hauraki Main Lodes, Limited.—During the month No. 1 crosscut has been advanced lift 3in, No. 2 20ft 7in, No. 4 drive 26ffc 7in, No. 5 drive 18ft. Very little water is making its way into the mine, and in Nos. 2, 4 and 5 workings the prospects are most favourable. The new machinery erected by Messrs Chambers and Son is now running smoothly and doing its work well. The old engine house is being converted into a change for the miners. The ground, around the shaft is now being rapidly reclaimed from the sea. Number ■ of men employed on the mine, 25.