WAITEKAURI C.M. CO.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 180, 31 July 1900, Page 2

WAITEKAURI C.M. CO.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

PAEROA. this day.

The satisfactory developments which have occurred in connection with the new lode recently met with at the No. 4 level from tho No. 1 shaf.t at this company's Golden Cross property, have led to the adoption of a distinctive, name for this reef, and it will henceforth be known as the Southern Cross lode. This lode has now been driven on 172 ft, and though not quite so defined for the last few feet of driving, payable stone exists for a width of 3ft, and the manager considers it probable the lode will shortly widen out again. At the No. 3 level this lode has now been proved for a distance of 97ft, with most gratifying results, the ore body being sft wide, and of high grade quality. It is quite evident this reef will prove a valuable addition to the ore supply for the battery. The No. 5 level crosscut from No. 1 shaft is in 57ft, and about the same distance further ahead the lode should be met. The low level tunnel drive from this No. 1 shaft has been started and carried 29ft for the month, work being carried on by the aid of rock drills. At No. 2 shaft the N 0.4 level is in 235 ft from the shaft chamber, but so far there is no change to report. The low level tunnel is in 2373 feet. The ground in thig drive has become very heavy, necessitating close timbering, and progress is therefore slow. At Te Ao Marama section the shaft has been sunk 14ft for the month, and is now down 332 ft below the surface, and sinking will now be continued without stoppage until a. depth of 600 ft is reached, which is the depth at which the eastern crosscut will meet the reef. The No. 3 level drive has been opened out on a reef at the side of the chamber; the total distance driven is 22ft north, and the lode is about 2ft across and carries value for the full width. It will probably prove to be No. 1 reef. About 50ft of driving should bring the face under where the run of gold was met in No. 2 level above. The eastern crossout has been driven 102 ft for the month, and is in* 1533 ft from the mouth. Two rock drills are now being employed instead of one, so that more rapid progress should be made during next month. At the old Waitekauri section there is nothing fresh to report, but development work is proceeding with a view of proving Christie's and other lodes in the ground.