COROMANDEL SCHOOL OF MINES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 195, 17 August 1900, Page 5

COROMANDEL SCHOOL OF MINES.

OFFICIAL OPENING OF BATTERY.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

COROMANDEL, this day.

The official opening of the' public battery and experimental crushing plant in connection with Coromandel School of Mines took place yesterday, In.the presence of a large number of residents and visitors. Amongst the latter were Mr Holgate, managing director of the New Four-in-Hand, and Mr Coates, Government Mining Inspector. Representatives of the County Council and other public bodies were present, as also were" several gentlemen connected with mining.

Mr A. T. Kenrick, Vice-President of the School of Mines, delivered a short address, detailing the purpose for which the plant had been erected, and complimented Mr J. C. Eraser, the contractor, on carrying the work out so well.

Mrs Captain Hodge" then performed .the opening.cererri-ny, setting the machinery in motion amidst cheers.

At the luncheon,Mr" Kenrick read apologies for the absence of the Hon. A. J. Cadman, Mr A.' Montgomery (Superintendent of the Kauri' Gold Estates), Mr T. M. Lawlor . (Mining Registrar), Mr Jas. Park (Thames), and Mr C. J.-E. Eraser.

The usual toasts were proposed and duly honoured. -The toast of "The Public Battery" was proposed by Capt. Swindley, and responded to by Captain Hodge.

' The .plant, which is thoroughly up-to-date in every respect, comprises five head of stamps for ordinary crushing, one extra stamp which can be worked-inde-pendently or in conjunction with other stamps for specimens, tables fitted with muntz metal. plates, and four berdans. Motive power is supplied ,by a nine horsepower.Union oilengine. A retort furnace and other accessories are provided.. The "battery building, is a commodious one, 50ft .by 30ft, being well lighted and ventilated. The plant is most conveniently situated, .being mid r way between the upper and lower township. There is abundance of water available for the use of the battery. The building and machinery was" erected by Mr J. C.'.Fraser, of Coromandel, Mr F. H. Shepherd being the supervisor. The " estimated cost of the plant is about £1080, provided for by a Government grant of, £700, a County Council grant of £200," and' the balance was subscribed by the public.