OUR GOLDFIELDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10084, 20 March 1896, Page 2 (Supplement)

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

The mining industry •of the Hauraki district is still retaining the attention of both the local and foreign investing public, and consequently the demand for legitimate mining properties continues as great as over. During the past month voty encouraging news has been received by cable from London regarding the progress being made re the flotation of strong financial companies for taking over and developing several mining properties that have been under offer for some time past, and in some instances cash deposits have boon lodged on bohalf of same, whilst in compliance with requests made, several other properties have boon placed under odor, so that it would seem as if thero was still abundance of capital awaiting investment in our midst providing sufficient inducement is offered.

In this respect it may be mentioned that during tho month our various mining centres roceivod visits from Horr Schineisser, a noted German mining expert, and Heir Wichmanti, chairman of directors of thy Anglo-Continontal Investing Company, whose headquarters are in London. Tho object of their visit was, it is understood, to inspect anil roport upon several of the mining properties now under offer to English capitalists prior to the latter completing their negotiations. These gentlemen wore accompanied by Dr. Vogelsang and Mr. H. A. Gordon, inspecting engineer of the Now Zealand Minos Department, the latter acting as guide to tlio party during their tour through the goldfiolds. It is understood that the visitors were very much impressed with the mineral resources of the districts inspected by them, and that as a result their influence will prove an important factor in the securing of tho capital required for the vigorous development of the minos.

Tito operations carried on In our gold producing mines during the past four weoks linvo resulted in tlio majority of cases in highly profitable returns, whilst in sevoral of the mines, in which the works are chiefly of a prospecting character, important developments have ensued which will probably be the means of aiding them shortly to the list of regular gold producers. Ono rather serious impediment has boon experienced of late through the extremely dry weather which has prevailed for the past two or three months, and which has led to a considerable diminution in the water supply for motive purposos. This deficiency, although felt to a more or loss extent by several companies, has most strongly affected the Waihi Gold Mining Company, and in consoqueiice of this, and the fact that oxtensive repairs had to be effected to tlio steam boilers, tho tonnagn of oro troatod during the month scarcely reached two thirds of tlio usual quantity generally dealt with, so thai, the month's return of bullion was also proportionately reduced. Notwithstanding this drawback, however, the company has been onablod to declare its usual quarterly dividend of 'Js por share. It is anticipated that tho dry season will shortly be breaking up, and that there will soon be an abundance of water for every-

The splendid yield obtained from the liauraki Company's mine is conclusive proof that) thoro is no falling off, but rathor tho contrary, in the resources of this extraordinary initio. The yield of £7194 worth of gold, an average of 7oz 1 dwt grains por ton, h.i compared with £6177 for the previous month shows an increase of £1017, for which only 31 to'is of ore additional havo been treated. The yield is that much larger, and the average per ton is considerably higher. The encouraging prospects of tho deep lovcls in tho Ivapanga mino is also a very important factor affecting in the most convincing manner the wholo question of the possibilities of deep level mining on the Hauraki peninsula. The details furnished by our correspondents are appended OHINEMORI. Pakroa, Thursday. In the Ohlnemuri district there have beon no important developments to chronicle as the result of tho past month's operation', but the works carried on now are greater and of more importance than has hitherto been the ca<e, and throughout the field in general there is a very hopoful outlook. The weather during tho past month has kept tine, and though it has given the companies which are erecting now machinery an opportunity to have plants convoyed to their destined sites, tho drought has, on the other hand, interfered with tho bullion returns, as the low state of the river has not permitted the full complement of stamps to be used ; consequently the bullion return is considerably smaller than usual. But this shrinkage is only of a temporary nature, and when the woather breaks up again no doubt the yield for the district will assume its splendid average; in fact, with the Waihi - Silverton and Talisman returns, which will shortly be included in the list, the aggregate should bo materially increased.

KARANGAHAKE. In tho Karangahake district mining operations have boen kept steadily ahead during the past month, and most of the properties boing dovelopod are receiving encouragement to prosocute their operations to a much greater extent. In the Talisman mino stoping oporations are still in progress, and a good class of ore is being brokon out. The battorf is now about completed, and I understand that the kilns are to be filled with quartz at once, and roasting commencod immediately, so that in another fortnight crushing will probably be commenced

In the Woodstock Gold Mining Company's mine systematic operations are in iull swing, and tho new company ovidently intend to spare no expense in order to thoroughly dorelop their property. A commencement has now been made to clean up and re-titnber the No. 1 level, preparatory to sinking »he winze to connect with the No. 2 level. Tho backs available between tho two levels are something like 250 feet, while above the No, 1 levol there will be fully 200 foot, the block being intact to the surface, so that it will be seen if the ore proves of a payable nature the company will have an extensive and valuable block to develop. At No. 2 lovel the ore body is at present somewhat disturbed. The crosscut which is being driven west from this level to intercept the Woodstock lode is now in a distance of 90 feet beyond Shepherd's reef, and is penetrating a splendid class of country. This should have a good effect on tho lode, which it is expoctod will bo met with at a point about 150 foot ahead of the present face, though severul other lodes, which are known to traverse this portion of the property should also be met with daring the progress of the crosscut. Good progress is boing made with the extension of the No. 3 lovel, in the face of which the Maria lode iB being broken out to a width of five feet, without any sign of the footwall, Ihoquartzcarryinu'afairpereentago of bullion. All the outside works are progressing satisfactorily, and gaod headway is also being made by the contractors with the erection of the suspension bridge over the Ohinetnuri river connecting the County Road with the mill site. This bridge, when completed, will expedite tlio conveyance of machinery for the construction of the battery. It is intended to keep the mill running until about the end of this month, when the final clean up will take place under cover of the present battery. New Zealand Crown; The oxacb return from the New Zealand Crown mine for the February-March period was 1288oz of bullion from 442 tons of ore, the valuo being £2126. In tlio mine everything is progressing satisfactorily, and tho 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 tho reef again The drive is now in very settled country and is such that it should produce a good effect on the lode when web with, Over-

head In this level atoplng operations are in ! full swing, and ore of very fair quality is being: grassed. Bolow this level an underhand slope is also being carried along, and hero the reef is found to bo very strong, and carries a good percentage of the preeious metal; in fact, the ore is worth £7 10s per ton. This speaks well as regards the prospects for the future, and with a view to conducting operations of a permanent nature at No. 7 level, the small hauling engine hag beon fixed in position, also the new pump, the capabilities of which hare been proved to such an extent that it can pump out all accumulated water in the winza 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 (SB feet. At tho 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 alto employed in breaking out ore in the topes 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 to have the full complement of stamps, etc., running at the latter end of May.

OWHAROA. A considerable amount of necessary work is boing undertaken, and as the Owharoa Company has decided to sink a big engine shaft in order to devolop the lodes traversing thoir property at a greater depth than has yet been achioved, the Owharoa district will before long become a centre of great mining activity. WAITEKAURI. About a fortnight ago Waitekauri was visited by two experts from Germany, and several properties were inspected, and aB I understand they were favourably impressed with that which came under their notice it is hoped that a still further influx of capital will be available for the development of the properties concerned. Waitekauri possesses an abundance of reefs, and capital only is needed to systematically develop these lodes.

The Waitokauri Gold Mining Company's works are at present in a forward condition, and the management lias initiated a wise policy in getting all the outside works well in hand and nouring completion, before the wet season commences. Another feature of the company's operations is, that proposing works are being vigorously carried on, and othor lodes which are known to traverse the property, are now being sought for, and consequently they will, when intersected, bo able to contribute their quota to iho supply of ore that the new 40 head stumper battery will domand. Liiibett's level has been extended about SSU feet, and the lode, about 60 feet back from the face, was penetrated for full width by means of a crosscut, and proved tj be fully 40 feet wide. The foundation is solid and compact, and is composed of kindly-looking ore, though it cannot be said that the quartz is of a payable nature. In fact, the' ore has been of very low grade for some time past. Some distance back from the face tlio roof changed its course slightly, but it is regaining its original path of running. In the face the country is very hard, and as a consequence progress is rather slow. A leading stope is still being carried along overhead, and it lias now boon beaten along for a distance of :i">G feet, though the full width of the reef has not boon broken out, as it was found that four feet from the haiigiiigwall side was sullieionfc to supply the demand at the Golden Cross battory, but when the new 40-head stamper mill is ready the lodo will be worked out in its entirety. The prospecting crosscut which was commenced about 150 feet back from the face of (Jorbott's lovol is now in a distance of about l ( feet, and it is anticipated that when the drive has been advance! several hundred feet more the Umpire lode will be met with. The crosscut jun referred to will also thoroughly prospect the country, and as it is traversing a westerly direction it should intersect any lodes that exist in that portion of tho property. At the battery level crosscucting towards the shaft is being vigorously prosecuted, and it i-i now in a distance of '257 feet, leaving 80 feet still to go to roach t.ho desired point. If the water at any time in the future becomes very troublesome kind pumps are required the water will be conducted through this crosscut. Operations liars now boon commenced in the Realm section of the mine, an 1 a crosscut is in hand with J a view to intersecting the Empire or any other lodes in that locality. A short distance back from tho face a leader about two feet wide was intersected, the formation being' composed of white rubbly quartz, but it was not, whore the crosscut passed through, of a payablo nature. Tho crosscut has, however, been kept steadily ahead, as the manager (Mr. H. W. Moore) is desirous of gottiug the Empire lode in hand as quickly as possible, though ho informed me he will probably come back later on, and tost the reef rocently met J with. Tho face of the crosscut will havo to be advanced another '200 feet to moet tho Empire lodo. Tho sinking of tho main shaft is being continued as expeditiously as possible, and it has now attained a depth of 167 feet. It is intended to carry the shaft down until tho low lovel is reached, which will give backs amounting to 430 feat from the collar of the shaft. A soft bluish country is boing sunk through, but as yet no water has to be contended against. The Kiln level is in 420 feet and leaves 470 feet- still to be driven to connect with tho shaft, while the low lovel has been drivon 548 foot. The country here is very tight, and so far no quartz has been inter sected. All the outside works, such as water races, tramways, etc., are, as already stated, well in hand, and .the Waitokauri Company is undoubtedly giving employment to a very large nurabor of men. Good progress in also boing mado with the erection of the new mill, and the sheds are in an advanced stage. At the New Zealand Jubilee mine a vigorous scheme of operations is being prosecutod, and the property is unquestionably receiving a thorough testing. Tho low levol is now in a distance of 677 feet and is passing through a good channel of sandstone. A lode has at last been intersected, the size of the formation being about seven feet through. This does not represent all solid quartz, as with the exception of about cightoon inchos oil the footwall side the ore body is considerably broken up. Ilowover, the reof has only been mot with, and the probability is the lodo will becomo more compact and organised as developments proceed, and there is every indication that tho roof will bo of large dimensions. The winze commenced on Christie's roof has now been sunk 56 feeb, but it was making so much water at this depth that work had to be suspended for the present, or at all events until tho water difficulty can be obviated. It is rather a pity that it was found compulsory to stop operations here, as the greater tho depth attained the richer the lode becamo, and somo assays taken from the bottom of the winze yielded as high as £31 por ton, while quartz taken from the level and rises overhead gave, at the highest value, only £14 por ton; so that it will be seen the value of the lode improved considerably at greater depth. The level on Christie's roof is now in 75 feet, while tho rises are up 23 feet. At tho battery operations are restricted to completing the cyanide plant and the construction of the dam for battery water supply; while tho kiln survey has boon made, and the requisite excavation will shortly be commenced. In the Jubilee Extended section work with five men is boing carried on, and consists of opening up developments on a large reef. Altogether a considerable amount of work has been and is being done, something like 36 men being employed in the various works in progress. The Waitokauri Extended Company's mine, which is also owned by English capitalists, is now being opened up for development, and in conjunction with all the other locally-owned mines, it will be seen that the works in Waitekauri are being carried over an extended area. In several of the smaller properties exceedingly encouraging prospects are being obtained. KOMATA. In tho Komata district the Komaba Reefs Gold Mining Company's works havo progressed favourably. The crosscut from the Komata reef drive eastward has been extended 32 feet, making a total distance in this place of 41 feet. This leaves somewhere about 20 feet mora to drive to out Argall's lode, which will be intersected at a point 260 feetnorth-of where it was met with | in the main 'crosscut. The country passed I through is kindly reofingground, with nuiner* 1

ous small veins running through it, but Iheao are of no consequence. The main crosscut has been extended 36 feet for the month, uiakin" a total distance of 30? feet. Nothing particular has eventuated in this place for the month, tho ground still remaining hard, which makes progress rathor slow. There is still a good distance to bo driven in this working to strike Lavington's lode. According to a survey which ha.i lately been undo, and plans submitted, it is f»m;l that there is upwards of 100 feet* now to be driven to cut Lftvingtun'fl lodo. The drive on Argall's lode Ims been extended 13 feet, making 19 feet in all. The reef in this drive was somewhat broken a short time back, but it has now formed together again, there being only a .small horse of mullock between the hanging and footwall ribs of quartz. During the month tenders hare been called and icontract lot for the construction of the coin pauy'a water-race, Messrs. Hill and Sayers being the successful tenderers at £1077 for the wholo length, which is two miles. A survey is boing mado for the tramways for the transport of ore from the mine to the battery, and a? this work will be completed in a few days preparations will then be made for prosecuting these works as soon as possible. I may remark that the road up the Komata Creek from the Thames road for oho conveyance of machinery litis been commenced, and the Komata district will see before long mining operations carried on in a most extensive manner.

VVAIHI. At Waihi, there is nothing new to chronicle, with the exception of the fact that tho Favona Company, recently floated on tho Home imrket, have been signally fortunate in intersecting what is considered to be ft parallel lode to the Silver ton, after about six weeks' work. Although only a short period has elapsed since work was commenced the shaft has been sunk 75 feet, and a drive from the bottom carried in for a length of about 50 feet. This crosscut, however, had not been driven more than about fivo feet when the lode was intersected, and since then it has been passing through the reef the actual width of which is not yet known, but judging by the outcrop it is estimated that tho reef will bo of very largo dimensions. Four parcels of stone were broken out with a view to ascertaining the value of the ore, and when assayed it gave a general value of 18s per ton. Altogether the prospects of the Favona are encouraging. The Waihi Silverton Gold Mining Company's line property is still being actively opened, but since last month no new development. has taken place. The drive in the eastern end on the No. 3 reef has holed through to tho surface, and will bo used for ventilation purposes as well as for conveying mullock down to tho stupes for tilling in purposes. Good progress is also being made with the sinking of tho winze on the No. 3 reof. About four feat of the reef is being carried down, and the ore coming from hero is of a payable nature. The drive on the Siverton lode going west has been further extended adintance of about '25 feet. When last summary was published this reef had narrowed down to about two feet, but sinco then an improvement sot in, and at tho time of writing it has widened out again to about four feet of kindly looking stone. Driving east from the bottom of No. 2 shaft is being pushed ahead for the purpose of getting in hand as quickly as possible the No. 2 lodo. A distance of about 20 feet has been driven, and during the last throe or four feet a number of quartz stringers havo made their appearance, and these it is considered aro indication? that the main body of stone is not far distant. The works at the battory are proceeding as quickly as the arrival of machinery will psrrait; but anyhow even if the mill were completed now there would not be sufficient water power to drive it, the long drought experienced having dried up the river considerably. However, everything is being put in order, so that when the battory is completed and the necessary water power is available crushing will be commenced without delay, The kilns have been finished and now a commencement has been made to roast tho quarz, and as soon as the are is cooled sufficiently to allow it to bo convoyed to the mill, it is the intention of Mr, Adams to pass the quartz through the stonebreaker at tho mill and till up tho largo hopper with ore ready for the stamps.

A cotuidor.iblo amount of other prospecting work is being done in the district, and a large amount of work is in hand. The erection of tho new poppet heads for the (irand Junction Company is proceeding satisfactorily, and when completed sinking operations will bo resumed, tho water being kept down by means of a Davey pump which is capable of pumping out 12,000 gallon' p?r hour. In tho west section of the property the 160 feet level is now in 13S font, and it is expected that within tho next 30 feet tho Martha lode will be to hand. A strong flow of water is issuing from tho face, which is an indication generally looked upon that a lode is near at hand.

During the four weeks ending 7th March 1930 tons of oro were crushed and treated for the VV.iihi Gold Mining Company, yielding £6602 worth ol bullion, and from tailings treated £6'jt were extracted, making a total for tho four weeks of £7—G'3, an average of £3 /■' SJI per ton. Owing to this exceptionally dry season, the amount of water power available has been very email, and as necessary repairs to boilers had to be effected during the month, the steam power was also interrupted for some days, the rosult being that not quite twothirds of the usual quantity of ore went through the mill during the month. Last month's return-(for five week.*), which was alsoaffectod, though not to such an extent, by the dry weather, was £11,140 for 30(50 tons, with £2405 from tailings. The tailings are now finished with. The satisfactory intimation that a dividend of 2s per share was made payable to New Zealand shareholders on the 9th of March was very welcome intelligence. A similar dividend was paid on the 16th of December. Present operations in the mine are progressing satisfactorily, as will be seen from the following synopsis of operations for the past month In No. 2 level the drive on the Welcome lodo has been driven by tho contractors 65$ foot during the month, making a total of 21)7i feet from the crosscut. For the last '20 feot the lode ha* been trending southward, and is pinched to a small size, being consequently not of much value, but this was not unexpected as the same change had occurred in all the other levels, but the quarto has widened out again to a width of four feet, and will soon be equal in quality to the usual run of the lode. On the Martha lode at this level tho drive west has been extended 33 feet, making a total distance from the crosscut of 187 feet. The ore in the face is of fair quality, and the lodo is 36 foeb in width, although there still remains 51 feet to drive before the centre of tho Blow is reached. Tho eastern end had been extended to 82 feet from the crosscut, or within 12 feet vertical of tho Britannia winze. The lode is 21 feet in width from wall to wall, and fair class ore is obtained. On the No. 1 level the Martha lode is now opened 1245 feet, and stoping is still steadily progressing in live stopes, the reof varying from 14 foot to 28 feot in width. At the same level the drive on the Welcome reef has now reached a length of 210 feet west of the crosscut to No. 2 shaft, and it is 11 or 12 feet wide, composed of first-class ore. No. 1 winze was now down 36 feet, but for want of ventilation the work is suspended for the present. The topes which are maimed are producing ore of fair quality, the lodo being 12 feet to 14 feet in width. Operations from tho adit level are also in progress. No. 2 shaft has been sunk 7 J feet, which completed the contractors' section of 100 feet), and its total depth is 330 feot, or 123 feet under No, 1 level. No. 2 crosscub has been started from the side of the shaft, and is now in 10 feet. The rock-borer has been applied to push on the work, for the country it hard and suitable for the drill. Contractors are pushing on excavations for pumping-engine bed, and the extension of the firewood-tram has been completed. A small hydraulic ram has beon set in position under the water-race and the necessary piping connected with a 1200eallon tank on the ,hill above No. 2 shaft, which will be sufficient to supply water for the smithy as well as for mixing mortar, cement, etc. The tonnage forwarded to tho kilns is as follows Adit level, 220 tons; No, I level, 2092 tons, of which 3SIJ tons are from the Welcome lode, supplied by contractors at 5s 6d per ton; No. 2 level, 411 tons: total, 2723 tons.

TE AROHA AND WAIRONGOXIAY. Encouraging news still comes to hn.nd from Te Aroha and Wiuronpromai districts, and tho English company are sanguine that tho developments now in hand will turn out) remuneratively to all concerned,

THAMES. ~ " A very healthy feeling 7' regarding the mining inlus Lr ' v " >x '' t Thames district, which has be™ ' ie stimulated of late by the introduff' a considerable sum of Kni'li?!, „ a ' || n ,°' the purpose of developing with'",! f ° r vigour some of our most important The effect of this has beenTl™' local companies to become nmr, Cn „' u,e in their search for the precious ,„-" c instituting new prospecting works an l"'''" to inspire pro«pc.-t-irs and o ;,i ieri ' tij rr 4, *> their efforts to discover new '.ml,i be' 0 ' ; ' ,v lodes in tho outlying districts, s i th.-n"""*™ outlook for the future has been consi'l, r . 4 ?'.' r brightened. «•« «'ituoly The " finds"allu led torn last suinm.irv ■, having been ma le at Ririkiri and 'IV have commanded a considerable aim. m.' attention, as in both instances the pn, are of such an encouraging eh tract--' • lead to the belief tliar they will r . ° import-lilt developments later on. | :i . ,!!' instances small ntati'-of in-n ,ire now... . ,' r ,''! in opening up the reefs ii-c n-.-r--1 J,.? Kirikiri Borne very nice picked ' ll been secured from a leader varym • two to six inches in thickness V ' l strong dabs of gold have also been't..,, ,"| a larger body varying hum twe to f. 1'! feet in size. 1

With regard to the Tairua fill, particulars of which will be found in ,i. column, it would seem as if a very v, „' discovery has been id-*, but fuiii„. r «■ „ . will have to be aceoiupd-lie i b.-: r» * definite opinion can be accur.itriv i ,r-, of its value. lt« prospects a. | r -J ht ' however, are of a most excellent c!nrn-:,. r as will be elicited from tie tact t:. t - ] parcel of about IScwt of the nr.- i»*erj at the Thames School of Mii,»>« j., ii,.... ir , part of the month yieldel nearly Oi « of bullion. The °ize or extent nf mo , )r ', body from which the ab ivc-:n»-ri'i >•„.,» parcel was taken has not ye' been pr a>,| but sulliciont work has been d ine to s ' the property is without doubt. „ vah,i e one, and shares representing one: air.,. v l part- of tho property are inaik-.tat.,. at about £700 each.

Good progress ii beiujf male with i ; .» stripping, enlargement, an 1 rotimb, i; .. ; the Queen of Beauty shaft, a depth „ 30 feet having already been ar.iined ,-t seven sets of timber are place 1 in po-;<i-, The commencement of thi* very imp ~,J work, which lias fir its object the of tho lower levels of the Thames gM f lias given great, satisfaction to th" j'. tants of this district, whose couri i.-- n. n the future welfare of the held ha< ... en largoly increase thereby. It i« -, a . IC| pitted that instructions will slnr'ly bo received from th; London liar] 0 Directors, to not only let, the con'm-.uti,,,, of the shaft wor* on contract, but a'- it) prepare the necessary site for the or- -;j, of the new win li»i» and pimi;iiiij chinery that is shortly to be «.-nt .j r from England. Mr. T. A. llunl.ip, of our most experienced mine matin,', r-, h superintending tue works at the mine, ml under his guidance everything is pri-vea ling most satisfactorily. The llotnion of the May Queen liolj Mining Company's property upon the Lou don market is proceeding yet, but . r ,i. ing to the latest information to Inn 1 i: jj anticipated that everything will be -rifactorily settled and the required capital forthcoming before the on 1 or the pre--:it month. In tho meantime the c>nipinvi« proceeding as usual with the stoping or the blocks already opened up on the No. -1 ml north-west lodes at No. 4 level, an 1 daring tho month ending with the 'JHtli in<t. .'o-i loads of quartz ware crushed for a yield ui 5410z 19 iwt of melted gold, the value of which was £15:11, This return is an advance ef about 60nzs of gold upon tha preceding month's yield, whilst the quantity of quartz treated was 112 loads less, -o that the average yield of gold per load of quins was much superior during February t:iau was the case in January. A greatly improved return of gold was also won from the Mnanalaiari mine (which is now being worked by an English c.>:npuny) during the month of February, .114 '/.< lOlwts of melted gold being obtained irmc 4SO tons of quartz. The increa.-o in tni; company's return was largely due to a most welcome improvement in the quality of lie quartz broiven from the Reuben Parr reef, in the eastern drive at the 100 fe-.-t level in the upp'-r section of the mine. From a parcel of li) tons of quartz treated from the reef mentioned, a return equal to about '2Jozs of gold per ton was obtained, and it is gratifying to announce that the prospects in this roef aro such as to warrant tho expectation of a continuation of similar results for some time to como. Payable quartz is also coming to hand from the Golden Age reef at the Point. Ru.nell lerel, and from the No. 2 roef and No. 4 leader at the 130-foot level in the Golden Calf section, whilst excellent progress is being made with the several prospecting worka that are in hand.

Operations in the Victoria (Sold Mining Company's mine upon the reef at No. 1 love], fmn which the good return of troll was obtained last month, luring been of a developing character, viz., driving upon the courso of the reel both eastward and westward, and in getting tiling in readiness for sloping, wnich latter work was commenced last week. S ) far as the drives arc concerno i nothing important has been discovered daring the month, but. a good class of quartz, intermingled wit.li small parcols of picked stone, is now coming to hand from the leading stops, and cru-hing operations were resumed on Monday la-it. A winze has i\lsj been commenced upon the reof below the floor of No. 1 level, preparatory to opening up a block at No. '2 level.

Work is again in full swing in the old Waiotahi mine, and as .i result of Fobruary month's operations 233>z 13lwts of gold were obtained from a crushing of 1110 tons of quart/.. In the 'Ibank mine a some what limited staff of miners is employed, and the works in hand are principally of a prospecting character. The same remarks will also apply to the Cambria, Orlando, Kuranui, Whau, Occidental, Clones, Conservative, lvaiser, Adelaide, Magazine, Freedom, Moanataiari Extended, Alburnia East, and Moanatairi North mines, but in most instances very fair prospects are obtainable, and tho outlook for regular monthly crushing* from some of them soon is of a bright character. In the Alburnia, the only work proceeding at the pre-ent juncture is the further sinking of the main shaft for a new level. Tho extension of the prospecting crosscut in the Cardigan mine from the May Queen No. 4 lovel has bean greatly retarded during the month through the want of water for driving the rock drill, but as soon as the rain season sets in this difficulty will be overcome. A trial crusting of ten loads of quartz brokon from tho reef intersected last month, yioldcd s>i lldwtof gold.

In the Fame and Fortune mine, operations have been continued as usual in the extension of the Australasian level, which is now in a distance of 475 feet, anil leaves some thirty feet further to drive to connect with the shaft. The reef which is being followed was lately thrown out of its course by a clay slide coming in from the hangm,'wall side, but it is now to hand again, although encased by rather tight country. A little gold is being seen in the leader that is being followed in the eastern drive, but the other works in progress in different sections of oho mine show very little change.

TARARU. Operations in the Tararu Creek Gold Mining Company's mine are resulting in » good class of quartz being won in both tlm Norfolk and City of Dunedin sections, but owing to the great scarcity of water, cause I through the extremely dry weather experienced during the last three months, very little crushing has been accomplice I at the company's battery, and consequently there has been no cleaning up for the past month. The experiments which have lately been in progress for treating the company's output of quartz by the cyanide process, instead of the ordinary battery treatment, have proved so successful that it is probable early steps will be taken for erecting a suitable cyanide plant.

Tho Scandinavian G.M. Co., whose property is situated in the Upper Tarani district, have recently increased tho number of stampers in their battery, but are at present unable to use them through the scarcity of water for motiv power. Work in the mine, however, is proceeding as usual, and the Nfl, 2 reef is now ho extensively developed that no difficulty i* expected to be experienced in breaking out a sufficient supply of quartz for the battery, as soon as crushing can be resumed.

Very fair prospects are also being ianf with in tho Puru Consolidated mine, where the Rimu reef has been opened up for a length of about) 130 feet, and a new low level is ijdw being driven for intersecting

, iama body aba greater depth. In the 1, " ~v mine a leader varying from bto 15 ' iVin thickness has been driven upon in distance of about 120 feet, in which a ,or n rr.ilil ha? been seen at ovcry breaking '' ), P By keeping on the course of this 2; r n larger body of quartz will shortly i', WAIOMOi

Th , re is nothine of very much importtn chronicle from this district at the ""lut juncture. Tho Monowni Gold f I omwny are still proceeding with .kveloutneni of their property, but as " , . 1,,-re 'has been no cleaning-up Jit the )l \ although it is now understood v 'will he 0110 about the end of this 1 |, In both tho Broken Hill and Coml!' mines ore of a vory promising charac- ' .I ii >«• beinj; broken, and there is somo '• \ l .th properties being shortly placed IT,, ti.'e English market. TAI'U.

•j'jjj i.rl.ien l'oint Hold Mining Company ■ ,;-!i;ii,' ahead with tho sinking of tho !\'v '•!; lit anil ft depth of about; 190 feet j,\ •• « been reached, which leaves about !'! • iurtiicrto sink before opening out ; tiru level. Tho country lately | i;fl | has been a good class of sandI; ■(, and lull of quartz stringers anil .vein-, SO that it is anticipated that ( , , iftino.l body of quartz is intersected \ ,1,.e ;,>l i •will bo found. Operations in j ~»'irrid.in liold Mining Company's mino jj',,. i -i-ri retime! by the commencement . ■ ,• :-,ir: her extension of what is known as 1.'.. i, vi-rnnient low lorol tunnel, for which

" .">i iv i- being obtained from the Govern- *, • t • ;,i- tunnel will open up a block '.'OO ...ii from the previous workings • , i,.f (hiding of payable gold at that • » .i! 1 prove of great importance to ' ... Ti|iii di-U'iet. \\ H.ANGAMATA AND TAIRUA. . ; i ;!i of tho#o districts a large amount 0 .. < ■( .lent prospecting work is in progress, • ,i ;r.ng the past few months several , v v i. i ihle lodes of large dimensions havo v.,, i.-.'.nere.l. but as yet no systematic ' . ; jK-r.it ions has been adopted towards . ; . g them. It i* probable, however, . . ;i- will ,-hortly bo taken to raiso the .. ,;■■•! r.ipitai either locally or on the • Minuet for carrying out the re- ; t.l \wrKS. COKOMANDEL. Thursday. n;.;.,' matters are still brisk in this

At ihe la.-' sitting of the Warden's i ,1 r. ihun 110 cases were adjudicated ~ .- me very vexed titles in dispute v •, ■. . i..y •settled, but at) least two cases : .r • uiiu a; pealed on to the Supreme ( M->«t of the mines are in full swing

.. :. g good work, in a short time wo i;. ; I legin to hear of results. Our leadi. _■ i. V ' i--till to the fore, the last month'*

•,: ;■ the Hauraki ititr nearly 240002 , about £"7000, and the best of it is t:i,'it the bulk of Uii< gold comes

: :.,• iowest part of the mine, from the ..jv and winze below tho 100 feet level. • : u| to the present time they are still ■ ,".it good stone. Tiio manager is - ■. •, v opening up the mine. : " »cr s Hill: Not much is known about • •,. :ie lately, but 1 hear everything is _• . i try satisfactorily: The shaft is being • :-d with tair!y good speed and tho > i." ing down on a good reef and I ! • ■ liuiii't they will liavo rich gold \t. *i.r> :he next -"in leec '•inking.

ll.iiir.tki No. 'J: liood headway is being ii. Ie in this mine. The shaft is already «.1 about 'Jit feet througn very good c ■ ;ntry, and the winding machinery is eiKCteil to be in working order by the c lof the month. I understand they iv: ect to sink about lot) feet before openi:„' init and they should make fairly good headway a- they will have little wator to Contend with.

Welcome Find : The manager is steadily opening up this mine. Unfortunately he ha- net been successful so far but. he is in splendid country and may get on gold at) any minute. I think i: is only a question of time and he can hardly fail ultimately.

New Golconda: The new machinery works well, and now they will havo no :ltKculty with the water. They have a • : lend id reef in hand, well mineralised, and :hr country is tirst class. Hrmraki North : This company has had a •r-;e crushing since last report, and . '.iiough it was noc quite up to expecta- :: •-, it must be considered splendid when ■•f.cts are understood that the whole of : .. -tuff was put through just as it camo • 'ii ;i,e mine. There is no doubt the reef .' a «plendid one. It is a good size, easily « :n- i, and the gold has been got for a , : distance along the lode. Wynyardton : 'the manager has just got a very handy winding engine erected, and tow will be able to make better headway. He tia» some water, but nothing sericu*, and therefore he will be able to make good hea I May. Ka;wnga: Work here is being pushed on itii vigour; the shaft is being sunk •tlirougti splendid country, altogether (liferent from what they encountered in ieu.e of the levels above. Within a com-par&'ivr-.y short time now they should have tr.a reef in hand. They are also making e .id iie.idway with the work." in the Corby

ami from the prospects ibis likely to :MW up well. .H'lrty'- Hauraki; The shaft is now down i v..-rv ; mi; way, and they are driving in :w 'i xiei? to cat the reef. Tin ground in ■u:i.( p'jce? 1* very hard, which makes pro-ivc-fs>lmv. but mere is a good channel of .ounirv under the hard rock.

>. < r: 11 Kapanga : They are still driving -I!r\ihr. ahead through the hill, but at present hare cut nothing of importance, T.a> c-jun'.ry is rather hard, bu: it changes o

K yul Oak: Some extensile work is c:. il: on ht-rf. The manager i* now openin? up the No. 7 level, and is in hopes of ■trii-intj the rich shot of gold got in the upper levels.

Tckitea of liauraki: In cutting out the chamber to sink on the main reef the mauler caice on a new reef about a foot

."K, running nearly parallel with the ' >::.ri, and he has taken out a pretty fair ■jj yof specimens. This i» an entirely

t'.-t:. and never seems to have been v* rkei t'.fore, therefore there i a no telling -M..,t (aiu.j it may be. The find is most ii.|/'it.uit i:, another way, for it goes to jlioiv tiiat our mines are not half prospected, that we may have rich reefs at our >'ery eibow- and know nothing about them, m J it ought to be some encouragement to .liose ho are not so fortunate.

Triumph: The manager is very busy opening up this mine. I understand he has eceived a lot of machinery, which he ntends to erect for a battery. The site .nd water-race is already secured, and by :!io time it is erected it is to be hoped he will have plenty of payable ore to keep it ."jin?.

Pride of Tokatea: This mine is turning out splendidly. The manager has got a " L'i; quantity of specimens in hand, tome ! it exceedingly rich, and lie still has gold !'/li under foot and overhead. The leader ■ ■ 0:11 which these specimens are taken is v : very large, but it is exceedingly rich, «v! it was a characteristic of this mine :i. my years ago that nearly all the gold was L't m small leaders. In the present case, ' "ever, the manager seems to have got 011 '■-> -'Jir.elhing more permanent,, and he may 'i ice this leader into a big reef yet.

New Tokatea : This mine is steadily "<iiiiiig to tho front. Tho more itis opened '•p ii » better it gets. The manager is now pt-ning a good block from tho rise, while hi the lace it is looking firstrato. I under-•'jn-1 he intends to crush shortly, and I 'i.nik there is no doubt it will be payable. 1 • reef is large, and they have good backs up'a if.

y .'ir in-Hand : This also is a company c r, tr.i irr well to the front. It has only been ''''' 'ipied a few months, and already they Lav.; -f-veral hundred pounds of very rich 'I'' 1 !-' in hand, and the mine is improving. Il " manager intends to get out a crushing v "y "hoitly, and has already made arr"'v, 'ruieiits to pack out a few tons uf good s ''""r. I think the adjoining mines here ''tight to face tho necessity of getting a ' "ry on the ground, as only the very ri"li'.-«! stuff can possibly pay for packing Oil!.

•Hauraki South: The low level is in a further distance of 50 feet. The Neptune Crnst reef should be intersected crossing tho tunnel at nearly right angles. From thence by driving both north and south along the course of the cross reef the Neptune reef and a branch reef on the footwall side of the Neptune will be cut. Both reefs have ie same direction of underlie, and the distance separating them at the point where the cross reef intersects is less than 100 feet. ) further extending the southern drive pou this point the Magazine reef, Flat

reef, and others will also be met). Winze : The winze has beon sunk 38 feet, and a flat leader containing gold cut through. WAIKANAE. Fortuna: This mine is situated at Waikanao, and is looked upon as one of the initios of the future. A short time ago the manager was ordered to get out thrao tons, and take it to the Thames as a test. This lias been done, and a splendid return of 30 ounces molted gold was the result. This was much better than oxpected. The shareholders are .jubilant, and another crushing is to be taken out immediately. It appears they have a large and small reof, from both of which the late crushing was taken. No doubt tho lesser one was the richest, but they are both good. Waikanae Special: This claim adjoins the Fortuna, and I understand they also out a valuable leader last) week, but up to flio present very little work has been done on it liUAOTUNU. This district is again coming to life. Several claims, which at one time were thought to be of little valuo, are now coming into favour, and appear likely to turn out well. Perhaps one of the best of these is the Victoria. The prospects are really very good. A machine site has boon secured, and the oroction of the plant will follow as soon as tho mine is a little more developed. The Maori Dream: Management are making arrangements to erect a battery in a little bay under their own ground. It will be in a splendid position, and easily get-at-able from tho mine. This latter is also getting well opened up, and is also m proving. Waitaia: This mino has just been taken over by an English company, and to my it is ono of the best and most permanent minos in the district. They havo secured a splendid machine site on their own ground; therefore thoy will have no carting to pay for, and thoy havo a grand reef which has been driven upon for several hundred feet. They still havo gold at) each end, and the reef on the eurfaco is gold-bearing for a long way ahead of the present drive ; which, when it aches that particular spot, will give them enormous backs to work upon. Some of tho richest stone over got in Ruaotunu came out of tho floor of the drive on this reof; so that the new company hare a grand future before them.

Try Fluke : This mine still keeps up the even tonor of its way. Tho new low level is rapidly neurit) £ tho roef. Kiipai-Vermont: The manager is petting out the usual class of ore, perhaps not quite so rich as formerly. The drive south is still continued without any great change. In a vory short time now the new tow level will strike the reef, and judging from the quality of stuff got in the winze, it pliouhl bo very good indeed. Jupiter: There are HOTerid men prospecting this ground and getting fairly good prospects, but, they have not yet cut the Kapai reef. Golden Anchor : Good work is being done in this mine, opening up the leaders, but I think tho level is too shallow.

THE MONTH'S GOLD RETURNS. The following are tho results of tho gold returns obtained during the past four weeks. It must bo ob.-erved that there appears to be a very material decrease of over £6240 as compared with last month, bul> the prevalent drought is to a large extent responsible for this, for it has diminished tho crushing power of that great gold producer the Waihi, by at least one-third, as well us of the Tararu and other companies, and has prevented the Silvertou and other plants from Stirling. Another reason for the apparent decrease ia that no returns have come to hind from the Woodstock, the Kapanga, and the Tararu Companies. In the case of the Woodstock operations are being carried on to the end of the month in order to have a final cleaning up prior to converting the 10 head battery into a 40head plant. UPPER THAMES. Bullion. Value. oz. dwfc. £ s. d' Waihi G.M. Co, 1930 tons 5,660 0 „ 8,002 0 0 Ditto, tailings .. — CC4 0 0 Waitekauri Q.M. Co., 13 tons 1,101 0 „ 890 7 4 New Zealand Crown Mines, 442 tons ~ 1,288 0 . 2,126 0 0 Totals 7,909 0 .. 10,283 7 4 LOWER THAMES. Bullion. Value. 01. .lift. £ 6. (I. Adelaide tribute, 7 loads 12 10 .. 35 (1 I) Broken Hills claim IScvfl 60 0 .. 69 3 4 Cambria li.M. Co., IS loads 9 18 - 26 12 0 Car-l'paii G.M. Co., 10 loads oil*. 15 23 Frerrtnin G.M. Co., 10 loads 8 15 .. 20 0 0 llaz Hank Q.M. Co., 32 load* 6 0 „ 10 10 0 I.itt.e Willie claim, 2811 m 1" 0 .. 51 0 0 May Que*n U.M. Co., 588 lia.N 541 19 .. 1,531 0 0 Mnaiiataiari G.M. Co., 4SO tons 314 10 ~ 833 8 6 Hitio, tribs., 40 tons 2d 5 .. 67 4 9 Orlando G.M. Co., 15 load-, 8 10 „ 23 7 6 Waiotahi O.M. Co., 130 tons '233 13 .. 638 13 2 Totals 1,240 11 £3,327 1 6 COROMANDKI.. Bullion. Value. •ozs. dwts. £ s, d. llauraki G.M. Co., 340 ton- 2,398 0 .. 7,194 0 0 llauraki North G.M. Co., 70 tons 9S 8 .. '296 0 0 Total 2,498 8 7.19; 0 0 KUAOTI'NU. Bullion. Value, ozs. dirts. £ s, d. Kapai - Vermont G.M. Co., 309 tons .. .. 400 0 .. 1,020 0 0 Great Mercury G.M. Co., tons 292 0 .. 730 0 0 Try Fluke U M. Co., 4' tons 235 n .. 653 0 ft Kortuna G.M. Co., 3 tons 30 II .. DO U 0 Total 95/ 0 2,303 I) o Grand total _ 12,662 8 23,198 810 Last month .. lfc,l'-0 2 2,1,740 11 2 Decrease .. _ 5,197 14 6,242 2 4