CHELMSFORD.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 22, 27 January 1902, Page 2

CHELMSFORD.

Messrs C. E. Button and William Bailey, directors of the Chelmsford G.M. Co., Tairua, have furnished the following report of a visit made by them to the mine:—

"We went along the line of race and found the water flowing in it from the fifth branch of the Tairua River. The total length of the race is now some 1\ miles long. The last part, viz., some 33 chains from the second creek to the fifth branch, bears marks of having been done expeditiously, as we know that it was, owing to the urgent need to obtain the water for the1 battery. We could not but feel extremely surprised and pleased with the way the manager and men must have worked to get the water to flow in the race In the short time they were working upon it. To have accomplished such a task in so short a time reflects great credit on all concerned, and proves that from the manager downward all engaged on the work must have worked with a zeal and heartiness that was most commendable. The race as at present constructed, owing principally" to certain low parts in the side, will only carry about a head of water, but as only half a head is necessary for present requirements the race is amply sufficient to drive all the present machinery. A good deal of leakage occurs in the last part of the race, but this is only to be expected in a, new race. This leakage will cease to a considerable extent as the sand and slimes fill in the porous ground. There had been, as you are aware, an unusual spell of dry weather, so that all water courses were very low. This accounts for the comparatively small quantity of water we found in the fifth branch at the time of our visit, there being only about a head and a half or two heads in the creek. The ra;e was taking a little over a head out of the creek, leaving half a head or a little over flowing down—that is as far as we could judge. We need only remark, with regard to the battery and plant, that we found everything In excellent condition. In regard to the mine, we have to report as follows:—PHrst, as to No. 1 reef: No. 1 level has been driven along this reef for a total distance of 224 feet. 'For the first half of the distance the ore was of rather poor grade, and no stoping has been done. At the end of thia half, viz., about 112 feet from the mouth of the drive, a break or vein of clay about half an inch in width cuts the reef in two. This break seems to have had an important effect on the quality of the stone, for immediately it was passed the stone improved in value. Passing this break the stone has been stoped out for some 70 feet, while all the rest of the stone for some 42 feet to the end of the shaft is undisturbed. Work is being done In stopins out this 42 feet. In No. 2 level the driving is penetrating the poor ore mentioned in the first 112 feet <of No. 1 level. The manager Is continuing to drive this level, and expects within a distance of 25 feet to meet the before-mentioned break, when he anticipates an improvement in the value of the ore as was met with in No. 1 level. AYe now come to deal with No. 2 reef. Here near the top of the hill the reef has been taken out from the surface for 2tJ feet down to a small drive for a distance of Kl\ feet. At No. 1 level, at a distance of ISS feet from mouth of drive, we enter a crosscut to No. 2 reel; —which crosscut is about 40 feet south of the break before referred to. Ail the stone for this distance (viz., ISS feet, where it is expected that the stone continues) is undisturbed. From this crosscut from No. 1 reef the No. 2 reef has been opened up for 53 feet, and stoping is being done. At a- distance of 10 feet from the crosscut a connection has been made with the little drive near the top of the hill. This connection is about 60 feet in length, and there is stone oa each side to be stoped. At No. 2 level No. 2 reel' cannot be seen until a crosscut is made from No. 1 reef. Tliis the manager purposes making when the before-mentioned break is reached, which break, as before mentioned, should be met with at about 25 feet from the present face. On reaching the said break the manager proposes to put in a crosscut to reach No. 2 reef and the reefs beyond, viz., Nos. 3 and 4, etc. JKe proposes to follow the break as being easier driving. In conclusion we may say that with all the gold-bearing stone now known to exist, we feel satisfied that the mine is a valuable property, and if only a slight improvement in the quality of the ore should take place—a thing whlcii is exceedingly probable at any time—or even with the present average of stone if a larger plant were erected, we have little doubt that the pay men t of dividends might soon be expected."