THE GOLDFIELDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9257, 10 January 1889, Page 6

THE GOLDFIELDS.

MINE MANAGERS' REPORTS. Saxon. — At No. 5 level work was resumed cm tho 3rd January, since which date a distance of 12 feet has been driven along tho course of the main reef, making a total diutunco of 110 feet. East or hillward of the winze, a few feet back from the present face, the reef became split into two distinct loaders, -with a 2-feet bar of sandstone running between thorn. The left-hand or hangmgwall branch is fully 18 inches in thickness, and that on the right or footwall side 8 inches; and the bar of sandstone between contains numerous small veins, which are all carrying a little gold. The main branch on the hangingwall aide was broken down today, showing gold freely. From this drive for the past two or three days, fully 101b of fair picked stone have been saved. From a survey made to-day, calculating the underlay of the break, there is still a distance of 12 feet yot to be driven before the break is met with. No. 4 level: No. 1 winze inside No. 1 break has been sunk a further distance of 10 feet, making a total depth of 44 feet. The reef is from 3 to 4 feet in thickness, heavily charged with good minerals, and a little gold has been seen in breaking-down tho reef. No. 3 level: The stopes in progress on footwall reef above thir level are 6, /, S, 9, and 10, all of which are producing a large supply of payable quartz. Hangingwall reef: Two stopes are in progress, Nos. 9 and 10; the reet still maintains its thickness of from 18 inches to 2 feet; heavily mineralised, aud gold frequently seen. The drive in progress, going west from No. 10 stope, has now been extended a distance of 119 feet; this is still passing through tho bar of sandstone betweon Nos. 1 and 2 breaks; but I expect to meet with the reef over the late tributers' block in a few days, and then continue on the reef to meet the rise being put up from No. 3 level to meet this. The battery has been thoroughly overhauled during the holidays and is now again in full work, the general stuff being crushed is shaping for a yield equal to former returns. Ticked stone ou hand, 3olbs. New Albuknia.—Work was resumed on Wednesday last. Since then I havo obtained 101b picked stone from the fourth and fifth stopes, making the amount on hand 181b. Tributes : Irwin and party have crushed 17 loads for 30oz I3dwt. They are now preparing to extend the drive eastward ou the Success lode at the Whau level. Hennessey and party have crushed seven loads from the top of the company's old stopes battery level for a yield of 3oz 19dwt. As this is not good enough for three men for six weeks they have given it up. At present there are eight parties working in the mine, comprising 30 men.

Cambria.—The leading stope on the No. 1 leader over the intermediate level between Nos. 3 and 4 levels is along 27 feot. The leader in the face of this stope is six inches in thickness. Colours of gold were seen through the quartz when breaking down the leader. The quartz broken out from hero is now being crushed at the battery. A third stope has been started on No. 6 leader below iNo. 3 level. The leader is 3 inches in thickness. Gold was seen through the qnartz when breaking down the leader. Gold was also seen in the leader on the footwall of No. 6 leader. Six men are employed breaking out quartz on the hangingwall leader below No. 2 level. Colours of gold were seen when breaking down the leader. Thirty-three loads of quartz have been crushed for 83oz amalgam. I will retort this to-morrow (Wednesday). The battery and winding engine are in good working order. Four loads tailings have been put through the berdans for the return of 9oz lOdwt of amalgam. Tho mine manager wired yesterday :—" 33 loads quartz crushed for 3loz lOdwt retorted gold." Trenton.—The mine manager, in reporting that the contractor (Mr. D. Williams) had given up his contract, and that sinking the shaft has buen continued with wages men, thinks that the country is beginning to change for the better.