THE GOLDFIELDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10083, 19 March 1896, Page 6

THE GOLDFIELDS.

I (bt WtBGJUTH.— correspondents.] Thames, Wednesday, Sharemarket. — Cambria, sellers Is 7d; Kuranui, sellers 2a 6d; Moanabaiari, sales 10s 3d, sellers 1% 6d; New Whau, sellers lOd; Parirl, sellers 7d; Puru Consolidated, sellers Is 4d; Scandinavian, sales 9|d; Victoria, sellers 4s, buyers 3s 9d.

Victoria.— ten pounds of picked stone were obtained yesterday from various points, viz., a few poundo from the atopea above the adit surface level, a few pounds from the stope above No. 1 level, and a few pieces from the winze that is being sunk beneath the floor of No. 1 level. New Whau.— dabs and colours of gold were again seen to-day when breaking down a portion of the cross reef at bhe low level, and a few pieces of stone were selected that are much of the same quality as those exhibited in Auckland on Monday last. A change for the better also appears to be making in the crosscut towards the Star of the South reef at the Sons of Freedom low level. Two or three veins carrying an excellenb class of mineral were met with to-day, and it is hoped that those are the forerunners of something bettor. Moanataiabi.—The brat breaking down of quartz in the second stope upon the run of gold in the Reuben Parr reef at the 100feet level took place this morning with the result that eighty pounds of really good specimens were obtained, besides dabs and colours of gold being seen in the gonoral dirt, whilst a very good show of gold is still left visible in the back of the stope. The reef itself continues to look well, and to maintain its size, and (he fact of gold being still visible in the back of tho stope appears to be proof that the precious metal is likely to continue to make upwards, and that a valuable block of ground is now being developed ab the point in question. The extension of the drive itself, which is now between 40 and 50 feet ahead of where bho gold is being got in the stope, is still being continued, bub although the reef itself looks promising, no gold has been seen for some distance back. The prospects in the other productive workings remain much about the same as usual. A few colours of gold were seen in the quartz coming to hand from tho Golden Age reef, at the Point Russell level, but very little quartz has been broken from No. 4 leader, at the 150-feet level, this week, whilst the quartz coming to hand from No. 2 reef, at the latter level, maintains its average quality. Good progress is being made with each of the prospecting crosscuts, and a depth of 100 feet has been attained in the sinking of the No. 2 shaft. Paeroa, Wednesday. New Zealand Crown.—The exact return from the New Zealand Crown mine for the February-March period was 1288oz of bullion from 442 tons of ore, the value being £2126. In the mine everything is progressing satisfactorily, and the men have now settled down to the new system of working. At the No. 6 level the crosscut east is still in progress for the purpose of recovering the shoot of ore, and the manager hopes shortly to pick up the reef again. The drive is now in very settled country, and is such that it should produce a good effect on the lode when met with. Overhead in this level etoping operations are in full swing, and ore of very fair quality is being grassed. Below this level an underhand stope is also being oarried along, and here the reef is found to be very strong, and carries a good percentage of the preeious metal; in fact, tho ore is worth £7 10s per ton. This speaks well as regards the prospects for bho future, and with a view to conducting operations of a permauenb nature at No. 7 level, the small hauling engine has been fixed in position, also the new pump, bhe capabilities of which have been proved to such an extent that it can pump out all accumulated water in the winze and workings below No. 6 level in the space of twentyfour hours. It is now intended to commence driving south at the No. 7 tunnel, which has already been driven for a length of about 66 feet. At the No. 4 level crosscutting west is also in progress for the purpose of recovering the lode should it be be heaved in that direction. Eighteen men are also employed in breaking out ore in the stapes above, and a payable class of ore is being won; in fact, all tho quartz now being broken out is remunerative, and striking a general average of the value, the ore is worth £4 per ton. The erection of additions to the new battery is proceeding satisfactorily, and it is hoped bo have the full complement of stamps, otc., running at the latter end of May. Wabdbn's Court.—The usnal sitting of the Warden's Court, which was to have been held to-day, was adjourned till next Tuesday, owing to the Warden having to attend the Supreme Court.

BULLION SHIPMENTS. By the Waihora for Sydney yesterday the National Bank of New Zealand shipped three boxes of bullion, containing 28S0oz of bullion, valued at £'1800. The shipment is to be sent to London by one of the P. and 0. Company's steamers. The Bank of New South Wales Bhipped to Sydney by the Waihora one box containing 6920z 16dwt of gold.

STERLING G.M. CO. An extraordinary general meeting of shareholders in the Sterling Gold Mining Company (No Liability) has been heid at the company's office, Queen-street, Mr. J. Preston Stevenson in the chair. There was a large attoudance of shareholders. The following resolution was carried unanimously That the capital of the company be iucreaaed to £10,000 by the creation of 40,000 new shares of '2a each. The directors were also authorised to acquire the Montrose and Sir Walter Scott licensed holdings, adjoining the property, and also :;o dispose of the property on such terms as they might think fit. The chairman mentioned for the information of shareholders, that the directors wero doing their utmost to couserve the funds of the company, and with that object, had effected considerable economies in the management, The mine manager's reports were of a highly encouraging nature, and the directors had recently tested some of the ore at Messrs. Geo. Feasor and Sons, with satisfactoiy results. He also stated that it was the intention of the directors to take advantage of the first favourable opportunity to place the amalgamated properties on the English market.

EMPIRE G.M. CO. An extraordinary general meeting of shareholders of the above company was hold at the office of Mr. Charles Grosvenor, Bank of New Zealand buildings, Mr. Malcolm Niccol in the chair. The directors were empowored to deal with and dispose of a number of shares which had been applied for and not paid up, aud it was decided to notify such shareholders that the shares would be forfeited if not paid up on or before Tuesday, 31st instant. With a view to possible amalgamation or disposal of the proporty, which contains 100 acres and adjoins tho Monarch of All (Kuaotunu), the directors wero further empowered to dispose of it should a favourable opportunity occur.

PRIDE OF TOKATEA. The manager of thia mine arrived in town yesterday morning, bringing with him specimens as a sample of thoae_ recently obtained from the lode which is now being developed. There were in all some 201b in the parcel placed on exhibition at Mr. Hampson's office, Shortland-street, and owing to the rich quality of the specimens it attracted a great deal of attention. There is a vein from an inch to 1J inchesin width running through a section of the lode. A considerable portion of the sample is worth at least a couple of ounces to tho pound. The lode it is stated is about 12 or 13 inches thick, and that it all carries gold. There are now 2391b of specimens and picked stuff on hand; it is probable that a crushing will take place shortly.

VICTORIA. Negotiations have been in progress for some time in reference to tho sale of the Victoria property. Several sets of terms have been received, the latest being that a company be formed in London with a capital of £'200,000 in £1 shares, present sharenolders to receive 95,000 shares, a working capital of £35,000 to be provided. A meeting of shareholders will be held to consider the offers. At that i\i»eting it is stated it is probable other proposals may be made, as there is a feeling in some quarters that none of the terms should be accepted.

WAITEKAURI KING G. M.CO. An extraordinary meeting of shareholders in the Waitekauri King Gold Mining Company was held yesterday at the office of Mr, A. Park Home. Queen-street. Mr. A. Wright presided. It was unanimously agreed that the capital of the company be increased by the issue of 75,000 new shares, with a view to acquiring the Ellen ana Surprise licensed holdings. The directors were also authorised to dispose of the property. The chairman stated that tne combined area of the ground would now bo 120 acres, and that

negotiations for floating the property on the London market were proceeding. Ib was agreed to take steps to have the shares of the company quoted by the Brokers' Association.

THE GERMAN EXPERTS.

Yesterday Mr. Schmeisser and Dr. Vogelsang (his coadjutor through Australasia), having completed their fortnight's tour of the Auckland Goldfields, left by the Waihora for Sydney. It will be remembered that Mr. Schmiesser is geologist uuder the German Government, and purposes writing a scientific work on the Australasian goldfields similar to that written by him in respect to the Rand. He is also, while on leave of absence, and during his present tour, inspecting, as expert, mining properties ior AngloContinental capitalists. Mr. Schmeisser, before his departure, said the tour had been highly satisfactory in regard to the work he had in view—that was to ascertain from a scientific standpoint, the leading features of tho several formations characterising the Hauraki Peninsula. He expressed himself extremely gratified with the attention he had received. As far as the commercial aspect and prospects of the field were concerned, Mr. Schmeisser preferred not to express an opinion ; he had to report his opinions elsewhere. In the true interests of the goldmining industry, however, lieu rued that none but reliable reports should be sent Home. Other representatives of the companies named above, remain for i. time to further inspect properties and organise permanent representation in the district. Mr. Provis, who has been their representative for five years in Tasmania, will visit Tairua, Komata. Whangamata, Karaugahake. Te Aroha, Waitekauri, and Waihi. Mr. Provis will be again escorted round the district by Mr. Whalley, surveyor, and Mr. E. C. Beale, solicitor.

FREE EXCHANGE. There were sales in the Free Exchange yesterday a 9 follows:—May Queen Extended, 4Jd; Cardigan, Is lid and Is 61; Puru Consolidated, Is 2d: Huauui, Is 4d; Queen of Waihi, 2s 8d ; Midas, Is 8d ; Golden Lead, 9d. There were buyers as followAlburnia East, 4d ; Broken Hill, 6d ; Cambria, Is 2d; City of Dunediu, Is 6ii; Hazellmtik, 3a; Moanatairi North, 3d; New Whau, 8d; New Moauataiari, 9s 6d: Norfolk, ,1s lid; Orlando, 6d; Puriri, 5d ; Roval, lOd ; Sheridan, 6J<l; Victoria, 3s 10d ; Comstock, 5d ; May Queen Extended 4&d : Freedom, 2d; Cardigan, Is 4d; Golden' Point, Is Id; Excelsior, 3d; Scandinavian, 9Jd; Puru Consolidated, Is; Cliolt, 3Jd; St. Patrick, 5Jd; Day Dawn, 5d ; Huanui, Is 3d; Imperial, Is 5d ; Ivanlioe, 8M ; New Zealander, 4Jd: Portsea, 6d : Sovereign, lid ; Central, is 3d; Waihi Consols, Is 4d; Marit&ua, 7Jd; Jewel, 2Jd; Talisman Extended, Is 2d; Waihi Extended, 6d; Woodstock North, -'id; Waverley, 10d: Young Now Zealand, Is; Byron B;iv, IO.Jd; Golden Spur, sd; Queen of Waihi, 2s fid; Aorere, Is 4d ; Invicta, 3d; Ivapai-Vermont, Gs lOd'; Maoriland, 8d; Midas, Is 7d; Aurora, 2.Jd; Norina, 4/|d; Balfour, 6d; Kuaotunu, Is; Golden Link, 101; Carnage, 3d; Ajax, sd; Mount An ruin, sd; Bunker's Hill, 7s; Golden Lead, Kd ; Harbour View, 4il; New Golcoada, Is 2d ; Pride of Tokatea, Is OAd: Coroinaudel Freehold Proprietary, Is 6d ; Britannia, 7d; Four-in-hand, Is 3d; Projjress-Castlo Reek, sd.

AUCKLAND SHAREMARKET. After tho holiday the Auckland sharemarket opened a little easier than has been characteristic of it recently. In local investment stocks, Thames Gas were done at 335, closing firm at that, with no sellers. Thames mining stocks were in fairly considerable demand. There wasacall for Hazelhanks.and business was transacted at 3s 3d aud 3s fid, with further buyers at the former, and no sellers at tho latter. Cardigans were freely dealt in. Moanataiaris sprang from sales atlos4d to lis 3d, with declired buyers at the finish at 10s 9d. There were exchanges in New Albuniias at 4s 9J, and Victorias at 3s lid. In the Kuaotunu list the only business done was in the Kapai-Vermont and Midas shares. Several parcels changed hands in Talismans at from 10s to 9* 6d, with steady tendency. Queen of Wailtis were in request, and, after sales at 2* 8(1 and 2s 9d, there were buyeis at 2s Bd. Waihi-Silvertons hardened to transfers at 70s with further buyers at tlut. Other lesser priced stocks were in demand. Bunker's Hills advanced to sales at 7s 3d and 7s; there were at the close sellers at the higher figure, but no buyers. Other Coromandel stocks, on the whole, were more in evidence, and business was done in Four-in_-Hands, Hauraki No. 2's, Hauraki Souths, Welcome Finds, NewTokateas, etc.