MINE MANAGERS' REPORTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 283, 26 November 1908, Page 6

MINE MANAGERS' REPORTS.

Kiri Kiri.—The drive on the reef has been continued. The country is of a good firm class, with, a hard hangingwall continuing in the reef. The reel is about the usual size, and has been bearing more towards the footwaJl during the week. The ore looks well. The main crosscut is being extended towards the big reef, and the conntry is very favourable for good progress. A small leader has just been cut crossing the face, and the quartz is of a very kindly appearance.

Brilliant Block.—As already wired, what the manager thinks to be the Champion reef has been discovered. Eight feet have been driven through a quartz formation, but 801 l there is no sign of the wail.

Missouri.—Since last report the level has been cleaned out, and the rcrad laid to where the reef is intersected, with the exception of six sets of timbers which have to be placed in position at the month of the level. This work wiLl be completed as soon as the timber arrives on the ground. Two men are engaged repairing the level eonth on the western branch. When this wort is completed, about 40ft of driving on the western branch should meet the Junction of the Mercury reef, which carried payable gold from the surface to the lowest workings. The remaining hands are starting to drive north on the Mercury reef on Monday. The reef is a fine compact body of ore, aboet 4ft wide, and shows a fair prospect of gold in the dish. At the level above payable gold _was obtained for a distance -of 400 ft from our present face. From this date the levels shall be called No. 1 and No. 2.

Tairua Dreadnought.—Work was commenced during the latter part of last week and was continued without interruption up to date. The work in hand is the putting in a dr-ve to intersect what is known locaily as Clarkson's reef. The drive has been commenced in a most suitable spot, to enable the reef to be intersected at about 220 ft of driving. This will give about 120 ft of backs. The country so far is most favourable, both for progress and for the presence of gold in quartz. Should this class of country continue until the reef is out, good results may be looked for. Distance driven for eight days, besides cutting foot track and entrance to drive, 36ft.

Phoenix.—With the exception of passing through a break about 6 inches wide containing a large percentage of oxide of manganese, no change worthy of speriai note has occurred during the week. The country through the break at present is comparatively dry, whereas, previous to meeting with it, it was extremely wet overhead. The two leads, that is the centre and rijrht ones, were slightly disturbed at this point, but they have all the appearance of being more compact as the drive advances. Although not so much sulphide and free gold has been seen as formerly, I am hopeful of meeting with improved results as the drive advances into the drier country.

Xeavesville.—The hands ha-ve been engaged cutting the entrance of the tunnel to be driven on No. 1 reef. This work is now completed, and the first set of timber placed in position.

Hauraki Freehold. —The tributers report that ore of good grade continues to be won from the works in progress. Gold is freely seen distributed through the lead in the stope at each breaking-down, and although do picked or specimen stone has been secured, nearly all the ore is highly payable.