MINING

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 19 April 1934, Page 11

MINING

BULOLO GOLD DREDGING RETURNS

Mr Fred. G. Dunn, attorney for Clutha Development, lias received the following Bulolo production report:— For month of March total gross production for dredges Nos. 1,2, and 3 amounted to 10,311 ounces of bullion, containing 7274 ounces of fine gold from 048,000 cubic yards. Estimated working profit 4915 ounces of fine gold. The above production is equivalent to £G1,829, and working profit to £41,777 10s on the basis of £8 10s (Australian) a fine ounce of gold. Dredges Nos. 1 and 2 were operating largely outside the originally contemplated area. SKIPPERS, LIMITED. Mr R. D. Climie, mine manager, in a report to the directors of Skippers, Ltd., states: — On 9th April, following on heavy rain, the Shotover river rose to within three feet of the highest flood level during the last 15 years. Fortunately the flood occurred during daylight, which facilitated the removal of all the construction plant and gear abovo flood level. When at its height the river overtopped the stopbank and rushed down th e fluming, which was severely tested. It is gratifying to record that no damage was done to either the fluming or the piling. As was expected, the uncontrolled influx of the liver deposited some shingle in the upper portion of the flume, but a waterway has already been sluiced through this accumulation. The shingle bed is now level with the top of the four-feet sides, and there is no danger of the foundations of the flume scouring out if it should overflow. The work of reassembling the construction plant lias been completed. No gear was lost or damaged. Pile driving has recommenced, and provided the piles come to hand, should be sufficiently completed in a fortnight to allow work on the first paddock to be pushed ahead with two shifts.

Mr Climie stated that only 500 feet of fluming now remained to be erected and much of the rock excavation for this section had been completed. One hundred steel piles had been driven in the diverting weir, but unfortunately the Public Works Department, through unforeseen circumstances, had been unable to deliver the remainder of the piles as promised. These were now coming to hand. Parts of the Diesel engine had been, delivered and were being erected in preparation for winter work.

Although the flood had disorganised the programme of work during last week, Mr Climie considered that in the

long run it would be of benefit as many thousands of yards of shingle had been scoured away which otherwise would have had to be shifted when the different paddocks were being cleaned up.

BELL HOOPER REPORT The report for the week ending 13th Aprjl, states: — No. 1 Tunnel Workings.—Work in this area was carried 0"t satisfactorily during the week, except that pressure overhead at the north end of the No. 1 main drive compelled tlie suspension of blocking out work for two days. Some crushing of the timber took place. All is quiet here now and lining sets have been put in where necessary. Blocking out has now been resumed. The drive east to split Block T has now holed to No. 3 North Drive. This gives better access to the blocking out now going on in Block T and gives added safety for the men.

Blocking Out Block T.—Good gold is now showing on the floor of this working. Drive off No. 1 Main Drive.—This drive will shortly hole into No. 1 N drive. It will then be turned on to the course of No. 3 North Drive to finally connect with the already completed portion. No. 2 Tunnel. —As advised by wire earlier in the week, river-boulders were struck in this place at 30ft in from No. 2' tunnel.

A survey made to-day proves that the level of the bottom of the stone is 40.5 ft from the datum of the mine ,—approximating the 40ft contour line. The stone projected from the roof for about one foot, proving that the level of the X cut is amply low enough to work not only the part of the mine to the westward, but also any extension of the channel to the north of No. 2 Tunnel. This is a most satisfactory point, as the expense of driving the tunnel can be charged against a larger area of ground in the near future. Driving of the crosscut has been continued, and the face is now 100 feet from the tunnel. No further boulders are showing in the back, and the drive is entirely in the floor, but it is safe to estimate that the lied of the channel is not far away. It is intended' to continue driving on the present course till definite information is obtained on the contour of the bottom of the channel. Then a drive will be started to connect as quickly as possible with the No. 1 Tunnel workings, taking into consideration the future working of this new era. The total gold won for the week was 41 oz 2dwt llgr. MATAKI The following is the official return of Mataki Gold Dredging Ltd. for the week ending 14th April, 1934: 34 ounces for 127 hours.