MT. HIGHLAY COY.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume XVIII, Issue 1039, 31 October 1889, Page 3

MT. HIGHLAY COY.

The following is the annual reportfurnished by the mine manager (Mr. G. P. Hilton) to the directors of the Mt. Highlay Consolidated Q. M. Company : In taking over the management, I inspected the company's property. 1 found the waterrace required repairs, and specifications were issued and a satisfactory tender accepted. The race has been greatly improved, dispensing with a quantity of fluming.wliich required constant repairs through falling dtlns. The race is now in good working order. The machine site is placed in an advantageous position, commanding the main operations of the present and future working of the reef system. Retaining walls were built surrounding the site as protection from storm waters, and concrete foundations prepared for the 10-headbattery. Arrangements were made to make and fit the framing and other timber work at the contractors' works, Dunedin, this being more economical and 'facilitating erection. The whole of the machinery, etc., for a 10headbattery has been erected, and at present is in first-rate working order. I might state that the company possess a good crushing plant, performing most effective duty and admirably adapted for this class of ore. Housing for the above was let by tender and is completed.

For the conveyance of quartz to thebattery incline and suspension wire tramways have been constructed, and are working well. In connection with the above are steerage hoppers. This systeir. was adopted in preference to timber shoots on account of the great expenseof construction of the latter,constant repairs, etc. Every facility has been taken for insuring rapid carriage, combining simplicity and economy, and for minimising the cost of reduction. The tramways are located so as to enable any portion of the company's lodes to be opened out at small expense, and the stone easily transported to the battery. On account of the mine being situated upon the opposite side of Mareburn Creek from the; main road, it was necessary to erect suspension wire to expedite carriage of material. This has answered well, and the cost'of same has been liquidated in a short period by saving of labor. Stripping and breaking out of exposed portions of the main reef at and near the surface were proceeded with,in the vicinity of No. 1 hopper. In the meantime driving has been commenced upon thereof andproveii to a thickness of from 6ft. to 7ft. 6in. and in cases 9ft., all of an auriferous character, and prospecting well. In fact, the quartz on the whole appears better than it has yet done,' and improves in quality every foot driven, ■ the country being solid and compact. The presentreef has commenced to dipmoreN.W. than hitherto, which is considered a good indication. I might mention that if the reef continues its present size and existing auriferous character, and crushing operations are carried on, I have not the slightest hesitation in stating it will be highly remunerative and come out profitably, as the whole is worked upon an economical basis, only amounting to a few pennyweights per ton. In fact, with the recent returns such has been exemplified, although crushing at a disadvantage owing to scarcity of water existing in the whole district—a circumstance unparalleled for the last 25 years. The reef is traceable for a distance of over 1000 feet upon the surface. Two other reefs in the company's property are intact, and have never been worked upon except for testing purposes. These have been proved auriferous. In future operations, these can be intersected by tunnels and large blocks rendered available for opening outand treated economically. The quartz is comparatively free from pyrites and other base minerals, and is good milling ore. The gold is of good quality. ' ;

Roads and approaches have been formed for conveying material and machinery to the battery site and other portions of the mine. A house for the mine manager and visiting directors has also been erected, with a stable and blacksmith's shop. There have been certain difficulties to contend with, which are usually expected in opening up new mining operations, but these have been overcome, and everything now has been placed in thorough working order. I might add that with the facilities the Company have at command, both in crushing power and other appliances, I am convinced that, with judicious care, all auriferous ore of minimum grade will be most advantageously and economically treated, and from all appearances in view the Company possess a valuable property.