THE GOLDFIELDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9099, 6 July 1888, Page 6

THE GOLDFIELDS.

[from OUR OWN correspondents.]

Thames, Thursda Moanataiari.—During the montjj 0 f j un e 327 tons of quartz were treated at this battery for the return of 5790z 19dwt gold. Of this amount 150£ tons were treated for the Moanataiari Company's tributers for a yield of 2020z 17dwt gold, and the public crushing produced 3770z 2dwt from 176* tons. . 3 _ —Encouraging reports are coming to hand from Boat Harbour, the scene of the late find by Messrs. Saunders and Howard. The reef this party have in hand is supposed to be identical with the one from which the loose gold obtained in the Brothers Creek of late years was shed. It is fully eight feet thick, composed of friable quartz, and gold is frequently seen when breaking the quartz out. I understand that Mr. Montgomery, of the Thames School of Mines, tested a small piece of quartz from the reef a few days ago on behalf of the Warden, and obtained a very satisfactory return, although not a rich one. The prospectors have applied for a lease of 30 acres, and are now engaged in breaking out a parcel of two tons for a trial crushing. Several other leases on the line of reef have also been applied for by different parties. . Caledonian.Another new prospecting work is about to be initiated in this mine, namely: the opening up of a block above No. 2 level, on the same leader that the tributers Hodge and party are operating upon between Nos. 2 and 3 levels. About a fortnight ago this party crushed five loads for a return of 31oz 16dwt melted gold, since which time numerous applications have been received for the ground overhead by different parties anxious to work it on tribute, but the manager has deemed it advisable to reserve the same on behalf of the company, and will commence operations at this point on Monday next. As far as is known, this leader is intact above No. 2 level, and there is every probability of a payable block being opened up. The winze on Rowe's leader below No. 2 level is down a depth of 30 feet. A portion of the leader was broken \ down to-day, when gold was found freely distributed throughout the quartz, and the leader still maintained its size of six inches. Driving on the junction of Nos. 1 and 2 reefs is still being continued at No. 1 level. But very slow progress has been made of late at this point owing to the hardness and i width of the quartz; r»ut a change for the ' better now appears to be setting in, the sandstone being of a better description, and the reef appearing to make smaller. The late crushing of 30 loads of quartz from this point averaged between 6 and 7dwts per load, which is almost payable, for it must be remembered the reef is fully 10 feet thick. At any rate, the return is one which warrants further prospecting on the reef, for the company is possessed of a good battery, where the quartz can be treated at a minimum cost, and a slight increase on the above return would leave a small margin of profit. ■