THE GOLDFIELDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7480, 9 November 1885, Page 3

THE GOLDFIELDS.

MONTHLY SUMMARY. [from our own correspondents.] Thames, Saturday. There is but little fresh to chronicle since last mail. Concerning the Thames proper, the Cambria still yields splendid returns, but it is to be regretted that other mines of which better things were hoped have not yet come to the front. However, some of the outlying districts are doing a little, and have given an earnest, it is to be hoped, of greater results. At Otunui, for instance, which is situated about four miles from Shortland, up the Kauwaeranga, the Eureka mine has brought in nearly 200ozs monthly for the last three or four months. 'Ihe returns are from large reefs, upon which little impression has yet been made. The average is three-quarters to an ounce to the ton, and the gold is generally distributed, speoimons being few. Again, Tapu, which is about twelve miles north of the Thames, and yielded considerable quantities gold in the early days of the field, i 3 likely to again come into notice. A claim, worked by a party of six, gave the handsome return of lOOozs gold, worth £3 per ounce, last week, and all previous crushings have returned a high per oentage to the ton. The mine has hitherto been worked spasmodically and without system but it has passed into j the hands of a local syndicate, who are likely to give it a fair trial in a workmanlike manner. It is said that fair results are being obtained in the old Bullion claim in that district. Waiomo, between Tapu and the Thames, is receiving some attention, and several claims have been pegged out, Mr. Robert Workman did a good deal of prospecting there two or three years ago. He obtained about 70ozs of gold, but the deposit was not rich enough to satisfy him that it would develop anything payable. Rich pockets of galena are also found here, and j assays have shown fair prospects for silver. Captain Clayton has now a parcel of ore from his claim awaiting treatment at the Thames furnace. There are large reef 3 in the district, and the prospecting done has been quite inadequate to test it thoroughly. That the most valuable metals do exist in considerable quantities does not admit of doubt, but whether they are sufficiently abundant to pay has yet to be proven. Quite a number of claims hare been taken up at Tararu, where it is thought sufficient silver and gold may be in the quartz to render it profitable. Various payable patches of gold have been obtained at Tararu from time to time, but nntil recently little or no mining had been doing in that locality for years. The fewnoss of the payable places, and their insignificance compared with the splendid prizes of the Moanataiari and Waiotahi districts have no doubt contributed to the almost total abandonment of mining there. I have just returned from a trip to Ohinemuri, and am well satisfied with the prospects of the district, especially Karangahake. All Karangahake is pegged out, well on to Owharoa, The assays tor silver ore hold out every inducement 10 hope that the district will be rich in that metal. But irrespective of silver, I am inclined to think that several of the mines should pay dividends from gold alone. Next to Karangahake, Waihi is the most favoured locality by silver hunters. The lodgment from the Martha (Waihi), was better than usual, being 2370za gold, which leaves a fair margin of profit. THAMES MINES. Cambria.—For the benefit of old Thamesites, who may not be posted to data, 1 shall try to describe the position of our chief gold producer. First on the left, or Moanataiari side of the Waiotahi Creek, is the Waiotahi mine. Beyond it, towards the Moanataiari, lie the Manukau and Golden Crown, including the old Cure and Mary Ann. Further along the creek is the Darwin, and further still the Cambria, which takes in portion of the old Waitemata and Nonpareil claims, famous in their day. About three years ago a shaft was sunk by the Darwin near the boundary of what is now the Cambria. After sinking 150 feet, a reef carrying gold was found. Upon prospecting a little at this level the shaft was sunk another lift, and after driving some distance on the lode in the Cambria, which was taken up upon the strength of the Darwin lode, strong gold was found. A winze was started at this point, and soon specimens were obtained, and they bocame richer downward. In the meantime an intermediate level was started from the winze on the run of gold, which was then stoped to No. 2 level. While this was proceeding the shaft was sunk a third lift, and in due course the reef was found. In driving upon it matters were not at first satisfactory, no hauls of specimens coming to hand. But when a great mass of quartz in the hangingwall came to be developed hundredweights of rich specimens were found. In the long run it was discovered that another reef functioned with the other at this point, and three or four stopes on this lode each averaged possibly half a ton of specimens. The gold in the cross lode is tending towards No. 1 reef, aud no doubt the gold in each is practically the same run. In carrying up the stopes on to main reef the run of gold was met this week, and IScwt of oxcellent specimens obtained from one stope. The shaft is being sunk a fourth lift, and a winze in which specimens are found is being curried down in the reef below No. 3 level, Last month 800 loads quartz and 33501bs specimens yielded 59110z5. gold, whereby the directors were enabled to declare a dividend of 98 per share on 31,500 shares. A fortnight's cleaning up on the current month gave 21S8ozs gold from 551 loads quartz and 10701bs specimens. The general dirt was worth 1204oz«, and the speoiiuenß realised 102Uozs retorted gold. Darwin.—This mine is worked from the same shaft as the Cambria, and as No. 3 level the lode has been driven to the Moanataiari boundary, over 200 feet. The country was excellent, the quartz well mineralised, and colours of gold were seen, but few specimens came to hand. Stuping is proceeding and the crushings vary from over £oz to loz to the load. Moanataiari Extended.— mine lies further up the crcek than the Cambria, but extends across to the south side. The shaft is down 300 feet, but, unfortunately, much of the oountry has been dark mottled sliding stuff, evidently a deposit. Some months ago the water was allowed to rise, but the director* having wisely resolved to sink further clearing the shaft began. But this was no easy matter, as it was found that muob of the country had rnn, thus weakening the shsft, and leaving a heavy deposit at the bottom. However, that difficulty has to be overcome, and sinking may be resumed. An excellent class of sandstone appears to be coming in at the bottom ; and the Cambria reef, the main course of whioh, as far as traoed, seems to be nearly east and west, should be found in sinking. New Prince Imperial.—Operations now are principally on the Mariners' reef, and the last crushing was worth an ounce to the load. A freßh block is being opened up. Caledonian, —The Red Queen leader is being driven on and stoped. It varies from six inches to a foot, and is worth about l£oz to the load. No. 1 reef is being risen upon at No. 3 level. The janotion of Nog. 1 and 2 reefs is being driven upon. The mineral is excellent, but no gold has yet been seen. Saxon (Old Crown Prince).—Stoping is proceeding on Nos. 1 and 3 lodes, and the last crushing of 44 loads was worth almost an ounce to the load. Manukas. —A payable leader is being worked from the Waiotahi shaft. The last crushing of 22 tons waa worth an ounce to the ton. Albornia.—Winzes are being sunk on the Success and Star of the South lodes from the Whau level. They average about a foot in width. Colours of gold are seen freely, and a few specimens are obtained occasionally. A crosscut has been driven on the SO feet level to intersect the lode whioh should be to hand in less than 100. Devon.—Stoping is proceeding on the Sons of Freedom lode, which variM-from a foot to two feet. Colours of gold ar&seen in breaking, and about 501bs of specimens were obtained three cr four weeks ago. Deep Level Cross. —Stoping is proceeding on a cross reef about two feet wide; also on the Imperial specimen leader, which sheds a few pounds of specimens occasionally. The crushings average about an ounce to the load. The Moanataiari mine is chiefly worked by tributers, but six miners are employed in prospecting very likely leaders. The Kuranui Hill is entirely in the hands of tributers. The Golden Crown has been disappointing so far, but the manager is about to try fresh places. A new company, named the Trenton, whose ground lies at the back of the Prince Imperial and Saxon, has been formed. The present intention is to sink » shaft

about 400 feet a little distance up the Creek. The surface is deep, and the lodes do not crop up, but they should be strong at the level contemplated. This mine should have the continuation of the Imperial and Saxon leaders, and there can be little doubt that if the intention is vigorously carried into execution success will crown the under* taking. The water jacket furnace at the Thames is ready, and Mr. LaMonte's manager and engineer are now here. A start will be made in a few days. The Woodstock furnace at Karangahake will probably be in blast before next mail. GOLD RETURNS FOR THE MONTH. THAMES PROPER.

Coromandel, Saturday. There is a decidedly better tone in mining matters in this district at the present time than there has been for some months past. This is owing to the very important find of rich gold in the Mariebel (Blackmore's), and one or two others of IeBS note, although they may be of equal importance in the near future, but at the present time all attention is centred on the Mariebel. This mine for a very long time has been under a cloud, but one of the shareholders, more energetic than the rest, stuck to it, and is now in a fairway of reaping the reward of his perseverance. It is a pity we have not a few more men like Mr. Greenwood in our midst; we should then have no cause to complain of bad times. But returning to the mine in question : The manager has been for some months engaged prospecting iu various parts of the mine with varying success, but about a month ago he put in a drive where the Old Home Rule reef had apparently broken off, and at the distance of 35 feet picked u» a reef, which he thinks is the 0 I reef hove that distance; about 30 feet has been driven upon it and some remarkably rich stone obtained, equal to anything ever got in the Tiki. The reef is some three feet thick, and where cut is some 200 feet from the surface, and, judging from past experience, whatever may be below that level, it is pretty safe to predict that the reef will be good to the surface, while there is very little doubt that this find will lead to further explorations, and perhaps to other rich finds. 1 hear already that two claims in the immediate neighbourhood are likely to be re-named.—Matawai : The manager has been pushing in the low level for the past month, and has a splendid reef in hand, full of minerals. As soon as possible a parcel will be sent to the Thames for treatment at the LaMonte furnace. The agent for the above company is now in Coromandel endeavouring so make arrangements with the mine owuers for sending quartz to the Thames, and if a trial in this way is successful, it will not be difficult to arrange for erecting a furnace in Coromandel.— Ecolestone's : At the last meeting of the County Council they agreed to make a road (with the assistance of the shareholders of the three mines concerned) to take out their quartz right from the mines into drays, so that in a few weeks, if the Matawai battery is in good order there will be no lack of material to operate upon. There is now 25 tons quartz ready for a start, and this can be increased to an unlimited extent if it turns out all right, but the gold is very fine, and will require very careful treatment.Adjoining this claim, and on the same line of reef, are two others ; they also have a capital reef in hand. The Invicta has already several tons of stuff ready for crushing, taken from a surface cutting. Gold can be seen pretty freely in it, and excellent prospects obtained by crushing. The reef is about three feet thick, of fine solid stone, and is quite as likely to be rich as Eccelstone's. A long drive has also been put in to cut Excelstone's reef, but it is not yet in hand.—Wellington : This claim adjoins the last, and the manager is now putting in a drive to intersect the reef on the boundary, about 50 feet from the surface, and if it turns out at all as appearances warrants, it will yield a large quantity of crushing material. Several other claims in this neighbourhood are also looking well, but they have no regular work in hand.— Success: The manager has not yet met with anything of value in the winze, nor lately in any of the other workings, but the gold has always run in patches in this mine, and a lode might be come upon at any time.— Queen : The tributers have got out a few tons of stuff, whioh is expected- to be payable.—Harbour View : The tribute parties are doing fairly well in this mine.—Tokatea : The manager is prospecting in the upper level, but has not yet succeeded in picking up anything of value. The tributers in the low level had a fairly good crushing, but the ground does not appear to be so good as it was. Several parties are working sections on the surface with rather poor results.— New Bismatk : This mine has changed hands, being bought by the tributers, Blair and Dunn. They have since had a small crushing, which, however, barely paid expenses ; but they are in good hopes of being able to obtain more payable stuff yet.—Triumph : Active operations are again the order of the day in this mine. The company are laying down a tramway to connect the mine and battery, which will enable them to send down stuff at a nominal cost. Several other preliminary operations are going on, so that it is expected to be in full operation again in a few weeks.—Telephone : The surfaoe portions of this mine are let on tribute, some of whom at least are satisfied with their prospects, while all of them are hopeful, bat it is nearly time the company did something on their own account, aud endeavoured to open up the deeper ground, so as to test its value below the 180-leet level.

ondwtgri Alburnla tribute™, 52 tons .. ,, 97 1 0 Adelaide, 90 tons .. .. _ 67 10 0 Adelaide, Liushlin's tribute, 40 tons — 26 0 0 Oambri«, 1547 tons 17cwt .. _ 6740 16 0 Caledonian, Corbett's tribute, 6 tons .. 5 0 0 City of Manchester, 15 tons ... _ 28 10 0 Ditto, tributers, 18 tons .. _ 18 8 0 Darwin. 78 tons .. .. „ 38 8 0 Deep Level Cross, 75 tons _ 57 14 0 Ditto, Howe's tribute, 12 tons _ 11 19 0 Dixon's claim Waltekaurl, 15 tons .. 49 2 O Don Pedro, Jenkins, 6 tons .. .. 12 15 O (Joiden Crown, 20) tons .. (i 90 0 0 Kurunui Hill tributes, 81 tons .. .. 280 16 O Little K.iith, Tapu, 18 tons .. .. 100 0 0 Moanataiarl tributes, 111 tons lOcwt «. 211 8 0 Moanatalari Extended, 10 tons lOcwt .. 6 10 0 M-gnolia, Smith, 9 ton« .. _ 0 0 0 New Prince Imperial, 264 tons .. .. 171 6 0 New Manuktu, 22 tons .. 47 6 0 New Eureka (Otunui), 168 tons.. - .. 166 10 0 Pinafore. 1 ton .. _ .. 4 0 0 Keuben Parr. 13 tons 10 cwt .. .. 76 10 0 Ditto, tribute*, 5 tons _ „ 7 17 0 Eocky Point. 40 tons 10 cwt .. .. 46 14 0 Saxon, 66 tons .. .. .. 41 18 0 Sundries .. _ .. BOO 0 0 Walotahi, 185 tons .. .. .. 210 0 0 Total 8068 4 0 oniNEMUEI KETDRK8. oz.dwt.gr. Martha (Walhi), 800 tons .. 237 6 0 Ivanhoe (KaraDgahake), 60 tons 86 0 0 273 12 0 Total _ 83*1 16 "0 TE A HO HA GOl DJTIKLDS. New Find, 351 trucks .. .. .. 323 16 0 Colonist, 310 trucks .. .. _ 19116 0 1 Total 12 0