THE GOLDFIELDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume II, Issue 4230, 4 June 1875, Page 3

THE GOLDFIELDS.

coruesjposdest.] Thames, Thursday. Aluuknia.—Tho crushing at the Moiuatairi battery for this company has swelled the aggregate return by GO ounces, making the total yield from both mills 358 ozs. 8 dwts. melted gold. The quantity of stone reduced was 700 tons. The portion treated at the Moanatairi mill is from a lower level than the company's own battery on the creek, and brought to the surface by the Whau adit, aud thence trucked to tho old winding shaft of the Moanatairi, from whence it is conveyed direct to tho mill on the beach. The stone is obtained chiefly from tho old specimen leader. Crown Pkixce.— The finish up at the battery has returned a nice addition to the 2311 ozs. from the general crushing. The remainder of the blanketings and headings yielding 20 ozs., making a total of 259 ozs. The mine is in capital working trim ; the connection with the winze on the No. 1 reef is .expected to be made every Bhift. Moasataiui.—The chief feature iu this mine, and one of considerable interest to shareholders, is the fact that yesterday connection was made with the shaft sunk by the Eureka Company and the crosscut from the Kuranui tunnel. The mine formerly known as the Eureka is now part of the Moauatairi Company's ground, and, from the communication now effected, will enable the manager to open out, and bring direct to profit, the whole of the levels heretofore worked, as well as tho large amouut of grouud not wrought by former holders, independent of the underlie of the several gold-bearing leaders intact. A considerable time, however, must elapse before this is achieved, as the bottom of the shaft hits to be permanently secured, hopper fixed, aud the necessary appliances brought into play, rendering the shaft available as a pass for quartz aud ladder-way. The importance of this work will bo manifest presently, and its completion not only shews that tho natural obstacles have been Successfully overcome in driving through a difficult, hard country 900 feut, but reflects the highest credit on the company's engineers, Messrs. Wright aud Jlayldon, who gavo the course for driving, and ultimately struck the shaft fair, the traversing necessary to accomplish this being one mile, on surface aud underground. The length of the Kuranui tunnel to the cross-cut is 1400 feet, and the crosscut carrying various drives on reefs, at different auglcs, is 900 feet. To this may be added -the measurements on top essential to a correct estimate of the position and distance of the line of intersection under ground, which have proved their accuracy in striking the ! desired spot. Red Quk.es. —Crushiug for this cempany at the Waiotahi battery, aud the reduction of a parcel of specimens at Spencer and Hall's, have yielded 55 ozs. 5 dwts. retorted gold, which on melting gave 51 ozs. The number of tons treated was 41. Pr.MPiNi: Association. —Tenders are advertised for sinking the main-shaft, receivable till 7th iust. The manager, Mr. Black, in the meantime, is forwarding below the several rods, castings, and lifts, necessary for prosecuting the sinking. This day, the heavy castings, comprising the wind-box, length of pipiug, and clack-piece will be sent down to their place at the 500-fect mark. Au'.iox. —Driving on the Young American and Kelly's leader i 3 vigorously pushed on, aud in both cases have not only maintained a good show of quartz, but a fair quantity of specimens are secured every day. Ivohd Ashley (Hape Cheek). —A small crushing of 14 tons just completed at the Bedford battery, has returned 8 ozs. ISgrs. melted gold. This return is not considered payable, but the tributers are intent upon following up the work, and getting out a large quantity, which even at the same ratio will pay. The present small lot h:is been owing to the fact that the new-made ground at tiie mouth of tho adit (put iu from the creek level 40 feet, and connected with upper workings by a rise) had burst up in consequence of the great prcs.mru caused by the late heavy rains, compelling immediate repairs, which have been effected, and breaking out of quartz is again resumed.

«)nly Chance (Te Papa Gully).—This claim is being pushed ahead and worked vigorously. The shareholders are now busy opening out on the No. 2 reef, aud yesterday secured some handsome specimens—about 10 lbs They, however, have let on tribute a large portion of their mine, comprising that portion of No. 1 reef parallel to No. 2, some 40 feet between, hitherto worked on their own account. Large blocks of crushing stuff arc available in the old workings, aud should the return warrant the outlay the tributers will no doubt put in a low "level, to enable them to take out the whole of the underlie on No. 1 reef.