THE GOLDFIELDS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 166, 12 July 1912, Page 2

THE GOLDFIELDS.

OLD TTAT-RATCT.

Our CoTomandel correspondent writes, 'Work is at present being carried on in the 220, 300 and 400 ft. levels. 220 ft.: This is the level which in Captain Hodge's time produced so much gold from Legge's reef, known as the No. 2 bank. The reef was worked for a, distance of 150 ft. from the main Hauraki shaft. At this point a slide was met, cutting off the reef. After putting in several crosscuts, with the object ot picking up the lode, it was eventually struck. At present the work in this level is confined to opening up the new reef going seawards. Some 200 ft have been driven, giving a large block for stoping. This reef has been producing payable ore for a considerable distance. At the 300 ft. level the new reef has been driven on about 300 ft. from the 4in. leader, and stoping operations have been commenced, payable gold being obtained. A winze now down 60ft. is being sunk to connect with the 400 ft. : level, and is carrying gold to that I depth. The reef formation towards the bottom is about Ift. thick. At the 400 f- level about 20ft. has been driven on the new reef alluded to above, and a rise started to meet the winze. A drive will shortly be commenced seawards. The manager, Mr. F. Shepherd, has established an excellent system of ventilation. About 30 men are employed at the mine, and everything has been done to conduce to their comfort below, as well as on the surface.