THE INANGAHUA REEFS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 3521, 29 April 1872, Page 3

THE INANGAHUA REEFS.

The correspondent of the Nelson Colonist writes as follows on April 17 : The principal subject of interest aneut the reefs has been the crushing at the prospecting claim on Shiel’a line. After numerous stoppages, the machine is now in very fair working order, and putting through about ninety tons of stone per week. A great deal more could be crushed but for the faulty construction of the tables, which are too narrow. This defect will, however, be remedied after the completion of the present crushing. The machinery consists of a 16-horse engine, and 13 heads of scwt stampers, which have been very creditably erected under the supervision of the manager, Mr James. It is intended to put through 600 tons of stone, which will bo finished in about five weeks. Of course, great differences of opinion exist as to the probable yield, and numberless bets have been made. The general public seem to favour 3ozs, and this will, in all probability, be something like correct. Whatever the yield may be, there can bo no doubt that the testing of so large e quantity will, by comparison, prove a great portion of the field. The stone is being passed through the batteries very slowly, and with great care ; and, in order, that it may bo properly tested, about 6cwt of tailings are now en route for Greymouth, to be put through a berdan. From the appearance of the stone, it is very likely that these will bo found rich in gold-bearing sulphides. The Band of Hope Company, No. 1 and 2 South Shicl’s, are putting in a tunnel to strike the roof on their southern boundary, which will prove their claim in its entire length. A contract has been accepted for the erection of the machinery, which has been lately landed at Westport. Faddy Hunt and party, No. 1 North, are getting out stone which they intend to crush at the Prospectors’ battery, as soon as the present crushing is finished. On Anderson’s line, the Anderson’s Creek Company (prospecting claim) are still engaged driving the tunnel to reach their ground.

This - has now- - been• -taken ia about 630 feet, and there remain about 50 feat more to- reach the boundary. This is by far the most expensive work of the kind in the district,, in consequence of the rock to be driven through proving so hard. The present contract price is £1 per foot. Tho contractors are proceeding rapidly with the erection of the water wheel, -which is 30 feet in diameter, with, a breast of 8 feet. The race (two miles in. length, to carry 24 heads of water) will bo completed in about a fortnight. This company has now expended upwards of £6OOO, and it is expected that it will take £4OOO mere before any return is obtained. In Nos. 1 and 2 South Amalgamated very excellent stone has been struck in the upper level. A shaft was sunk in the tunnel to a depth of 11 feet,.when, in consequence of tho great influx of water, further work had to be suspended, and it is now intended to carry the lower tunnel in to strike the reef. On Adam Smith's lino the Wealth of Nations Company (prospectors’ claim) have completed then- machine site, and are now proceeding with their tramway cutting and water-race, which latter will be about a mile and a-half in length and will be brought on the ground at a height of 50 feet. Thus company intend to erect 10 heads of stampers, and a wheel 50 feet in diameter, which will give them power for 30 additional heads. Arrangements for erecting machinery in Nos 1 and 2 South have been made with Mr W. J. Coates, of Greymouth. The Energetic Company (1 and 2 North) are putting in a tunnel on a low level, and expect to strike the reef very shortly. Quarter shares in tills claim are now quoted at £260. On Kelly’s line the prospectors (United Baud of Hope Company) having amalgamated with Nos 1,2, and 3 South, put down a shaft and have struck excellent stone. In the next claim, the Dan O’Connell Company are preparing for work, and intend putting on men at once. Rhody Ryan and party (Westland Company) having put in a tunnel at a level 40 feet below their original tunnel, have got the reef, with splendid prospects, the stone being equal to anything yet obtained in the district. This party, after numberless delays, have now landed all their machinery on the ground, and arc proceeding with its erection. It consists of an engine of 16 horse-power, and 15 head of stampers; and, by the time crushing is commenced will have cost about £3OOO. Li the Victoria and All Nations and North Star very good stone is being obtained. In the latter a tunnel is being carried in to strike the reef, 190 feet below where it was found on the surface. Very few speculators have visited the district of late, and consequently very few shares of any note have exchanged hands. However, there can be no doubt that as the field is proved money will be liberally invested. Experienced quartz-miners give it as their opinion that the reefs in this district will, as a rule, pay handsomely, but that nothing extraordinarily rich will be obtained, the probability being that the maximum yield in any claim will be about sozs to the ton. The township of Reefton is looking very lively, and the sound of hammer, axe, and saw, may be heard from dawn till dark, clearing and building being the order of the day. Very little has, as yet, been done by the Government in the shape of street making, only about 40 chains by a width of 14 feet having been cleared, of which 20 chains are metalled. But the want of streets fades before the far more important one of road construction, and great fears are entertained as to the supply of provisions for the winter, as it is now almost certain that tho work cannot be done within the contract time, even should tho weather prove favourable, which is hardly to be expected here at this time of the year. Tenders are called for clearing a telegraph line from the Arnold Junction to the Ahaura (Grey Valley), which it is proposed to extend to Reefton. ‘ When this is completed, and the promised bi-weekly mall services established with Westport and Greymouth, the district will have something like regular communication with the outside world.