KUAOTUNU.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8815, 2 March 1892, Page 6

KUAOTUNU.

Mr. .luiin* Fra/.kr is at present engaged in experimenting oil behalf of the Great Mercury Proprietary Company with ten tons of ore. Ho proposes to first roast the stone in a kiln, then live tons are to be put through the stampers dry, and then enough water added to enable the amalgam to act. I may here mention that the stampers in this battery are adapted for dry crushing. The re- ! maining five tons are to be put through the ordinary wet process; but, instead of the water being allowed to escape, it will be passed through a system of tanks and dams till it is perfectly clear. Mr. Fraser hopes thus to be able to save the " float gold." He informs me that all the gold that is being lost in the tailings has been proved to be worth about ISs per ounce more than what is being saved, so that if these experiments prove a success not only more gold will be saved, but gold of greater value. Mr. Frazer started his first kiln on Tuesday. Oil Tuesday, at three o'clock a.m., the inhabitants of Kuaotunu were startled by hearing a steamer whistling. As no advice had been sent by wire, everyone thought the lona had left Auckland earlier than usual. The boatmen and carters turned out only to find that it was the Chelmsford, from Wliakatane, with Mr. Lamont, the head-teacher, who has come to relieve Mr. Ramsay for a month.

The Rev. Mr. Laycock, Primitive Methodist, held divine service in Lorain's Hall on Sunday, the 21st, and took the opportunity of giving them a farewell sermon. On Monday evening, the 22nd instant, Mr. Laycock gave a lecture on Father Dainien, "The Leper Priest." The chairman, Mr. A. Richards, introduced the lecturer, and made a few remarks on the subject. Then the following programme was carried out Mr. Laycock, opening prayer; choir, hyinn 375; the first part of lecture: hymn 33 ; solo by Mr. C. Culpan (well rendered); second part of lecture; collection, and hymn 494; and concluded with a vote of thanks to Mr. Laycock. After the lecture the church committee met, and passed a resolution regretting that Mr. Laycock was leaving the district, having been called away to Denniston, West Coast, and according him a hearty vote of thanks for his wast labours for our spiritual welfare.—[Own Correspondent.]