MINING

Evening Star, Issue 16990, 12 March 1919, Page 3

MINING

The Rise and Shine No. 2 dredge is gradually working off the coal bottom which came in a fortnight ago, and indications are satisfactory. The Rise and Shine No. 1 dredge resumed work on Wednesday hist, and if the machine is given an opportunity to properly open out a cut, some very payable returns are almost certain to result. Those who know the ground in the adjoining cut are firmly of this opinion. The Rising Sun dredge has been engaged during the last two weeks opening out a cut a short distance ahead of where operations ceased at the time of the flood. Payable ground has been struck, last week's return being 81oz for two weeks' work. The ground is up to 47ft deep, with the overburden carrying fine gold.

DREDGING AT UPPER NEVIS. The famous claim of Graham and party at Upper Nevis is still producing exceptional returns. The third wash-up for the season was brought to Cromwell last week end, and although it was only a somewhat casual wash-up, no bottom being cleaned, the yield was just in the vicinity of 40oz per "week for a four weeks' run. This is quite up to the largo figures produced earlier this season, «ind an increased yield is certain to be won in the final wash-up for the vear. Although one nugget was over 2oz" the gold was of a very even sample, one which indicates permanency. The above figures bear out the contention that the Nevis field, and incidentally Graham and party's, will be amongst the greatest gold producers for many years.

TALISMAN CONSOLIDATED

THE PAST YEAR'S OPERATIONS.

The annual meeting of the Talismnn Consolidated, Ltd., was held at Auckland on Fridav last, the chairman of directors (Mr A. W. Blanchard) presiding. Tn moving the adoption of the annual report, the ""Chairman said that the ore crushed durir.fr the past year had averaged £9 a ton in value. Costa had been greater awine to increased rates of pay to minors and higher price of *\atenals. Furthermore, the company had paW in taxation, including gold dutv and Income Tax, over £13.700. or equal to 9d a share. The sum of £6.315 5s was received for interest. Referring to operations in the mine, the chairman said that varying conditions prevailed right down to No. 15 level, and when the driving had reached the limit going both north and south on this level the ore appeared as if tho whole of the length driven upon was of little value. The tact, however, had been proved that if No 15 had been driven, say, 25ffc higher than it actually was driven, the slopes between it and No. 14 level would have shown it to be the most valuable block ever opened nj> by the company. The sinking of the winzes to the random of No. 16 level, and the driving at this and No 15 level, which had continued for nenrlv 1.500 ft. had not disclosed any blocks of pavable stone, and the barren /one has persisted to a greater extent than at anv period previously experienced, ine company had, however, on Nck 13 level, a block of ore a trifle over 50ft in length that had been risen on towards the Mo. 14 level for a distance of 82ft, that was of a pavable nature, and the directors had great hopes of its continuance in depth. Should the winze which the superintendent. Mr Stanstield. proposed to sink immediately below No. 16 rise at No. lb level disclose a pavable, body of stone ot sufficient volume, no doubt the company would be able to work it from this winze or the level below could be un watered ami the drivo south continued if such were considered advisable. Meanwhile a hore in the Woodstock section had reached a depth of about 550 ft. The country rock was stated to be good and to carry favorable indications. Should tho boring operations show that the company had good values in the unexplored depths ot the mine, it would be necessary for the economical development and working, that one or other of the shafts should be carried down for at least another 400U or 500 ft. In view of this, £50,000 was being held available. . Tho chairman and Mr R. B. Jackson were re-elected to the directorate, and Messrs Holmes and Morris were reappointed auditors.