THE GOLDFIELDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10124, 6 May 1896, Page 6

THE GOLDFIELDS.

[bt TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Thames, Taosday. Sir ark market.— Broken Hill, sellers, Is; Cambria, sellers Is 7d; Cardigan, sellers Is 61; Golden Belt, sellers Is 9d; Hazelbank, buyers 3s 9d; Mew Whan, sellers 10J, buyers 9d; Royal, sales Is Id, buyers Is; Sheridan, sales Is, Is Id, Is 3d, buyers Is 3d; Talisman Extended, sellers, 7s 9J Welcome Find, sellers 2s 6d.

Goi/D Shipment.— local branch of the Bank of New Zealand forwarded to Auckland yesterday three boxes containing 52520z sdwt gold, valued at about £5900.

DISCOVERY OF GOLD NEAR WELLINGTON.

[BY IBUtOUAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.j Wellington, Tuesday. R. H. Elliot, who has been prospecting the Tararua Ranges for some months past, has procured gold-bearing stone 40 miles from Wellington. Many years ago he found a likely-looking reef, whW» he had no time to develop, and he has never been able to discover it since. In looking for it he has come across nine other reefs, all containing gold, and samples from these are now being tested.

A QUESTION OF JURISDICTION. [BY TELKQRAPU.—OWN* CORRESPONDENT.J Paeroa, Tuesday. An Interesting point of jurisdiction was raised at the Magistrate's Court today, in a claim by W. O'Keeffe against R. C. Greenwood, of Auckland, in respect of work alleged to be done upon the Jess special claim at Waihi. Mr. J. McVeagh, for the defendant, took as a preliminary objection that the Magistrate's Court had no jurisdiction, the Warden's Court having exclusive jurisdiction over the matter. Re contended that under section 261, subsection 8, of the Mioing Act, the Warden's Court had ample jurisdiction, and that under the combined effect of section 26 of the same Act and section 28 of the Magistrates' Court Act, 1873 (which did not appear in the Resident Magistrates Act, 1567), the Warden had exclusive jurisdiction. Mining matters were of a particular class, aud origiual jurisdiction was taken away from the highest Court in the land, namely, the Supreme Court, just for the same reason that the Native Land Court Act in certain instances had excluded the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. A special jurisdiction, Mr. McVeagh contended, was not abrogated by the subsequent conferring of a general jurisdiction by mere implication, and in support of his contention he quoted from "Maxwell on Statutes,"new edition, page 212, ex parte Payne 5 D rind L 679." Mr. O'Meagher. for the plaintiff, briefly replied, contending that the jurisdiction of the Warden's Court was not exclusive. In order, however, to give Mr. O'Meagher further time to look into the matter and combat the argument of Mr. McVeagh, the case was adjourned till 19th inst.

WAIHI MONUMENT G.M.CO. An extraordinary general meeting of shareholders in the Waihi Monument Gold Mining Company (no liability) was held at the office of the manager, Mr. D. G. MacDonnell, New Zealand Insurance Buildings, yesterday afternoon, Mr. Alfred Kidd, chairman of directors, presiding. The chairman, in submitting the resolutions »s set forth in the advertisement relative to the increase of the capital of the Company to £'25,000 by the issue of '20,000 new shares at as each, and the proposed purchase of the Sea View Holding, said the whole nutter had received the careful consideration of the directors, who had arrived at a conclusion that the purchase would prove to the mutual advantage of shareholders in the two companies. It would give an area of 200 acres, in which they might prosecute their search for gold at a cheaper rate than could be done individually, while it would also be advantageous to flotation. Both resolutions were passed.

SEA VIEW G.M. GO. An extraordinary general meeting of shareholders in the Sea View Gold Mining Company (no liability), was held at the office of the legal manai'-r, Mr. 1). G. MacDuunell, New Zealand Insurance Buildings, yesterday, immediately after the conclusion of the Waibi Monument meeting, for the purpose ot considering, and, if approved, passim,' the resolutions of the Board of Directors. Mr. Alfred Kidd presided. The resolutions, as advertised, empowered the voluntary winding up of the company under the provisions of the Mining Companies Act, 1894, and the disposal of the property to the Waihi Monument Gold Mining Company, for shares in the said company, and on such other terms as the directors shall think fit. The resolutions were carried.

GREAT BRITAIN CLAIM. This claim, the property of Messrs. IV. J. Smith and A. A. Locxwood, situated on tile Welti Block, Mercury Bay, has been sold in London. The first payment was made yesterday by Messrs. Buddie, Button, and Co. on behalf of the purchasers. Provision has been made for a working capital of £25,000.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND SHARE-

BROKERS' ASSOCIATION.

Steady business was transacted at the Auckland Stock and Sharebrokers' Association, yesterday, there being buyers in about iW different stocks. There were sales in Northern Steamships at lis '2d, with buyers at 6s Id and no sellers. Thames stocks were iu demand. Victorias were exchanged at 3s 4d, and there was considerable call for •Sheridan* and Royals; New Alburnias brought 5s lOd, with further buyers at 5i yd. There were sales of [liters at 3s .Id; of Ivapai-Vermont* at Si, closing firm; iu Kuaotunus at Is 5-1 : anil in Maorilauds at Is. Try flukes were done at 7s6ti. There were transactions in Alphas ai4s ; and in Grace Darlings at Is !M, with a hardening tendency. There was brisk call for Karangahakes, aud there were sales from 2d to 6.1, with further buyers an 4J<l. Sovereigns again saw good business, as did Queen of Haihis, Waihi Consols, and others. For Waihi Silver tons 73s was given, with more buyers at 71s 6d. Young New Zealands were also called for, and business was done in them at Is 7d to Is Sd. H'aitekauri Kings were bought up to 7<l, remaining steady. There were buyers of Bunker's Hills at (ji Bd. with sales at that, and Pride of Tokateas and Kour-in-Hands were firm.

GENERAL MINING ITEMS. Sir Westhy Perceval has joiued the Board of the New Zealand Exploration Company, Limited, in London, of which Mr. R. R. Hunt is the general manager in New Zealand, During his recent visit to tho goldrields Mr, McDonald Scott was unable, much to his regret, to visit the Coinstock and Broken Hill properties. Mr. liter Farmer has been appointed mail '«' the Martha Extended, and a stall i' • ion appoiutcd to carry out the low level ti.imel.

The I'uiiri Gold Mining Company sent one ton of stone, taken from their paddock without picking, to be treated by Messrs. Geo. Fraser and Sou about a fortnight ago and the following is the result:— The actual outturn at the Bank was £4 4s Bd. Assay per ton (22101b), 2oz 7dwts Sirrs bullion; gold, '().'$ ov«r 4, loz 1 Idtt ts jfgrs, £0 4s 1 Jd ; silver, lOdwts 7jgr9, 2s 5d ; assay value per ton, £6Gs GU. Return by pan amalgamation of one ton (net) of quart/., viz., bullion, los Mdwts valued at £2 1 Is 3Jd per oz: £47s2|d. A report has been received from the Thames School of .Mines stating that two tons of tailings sent by the Waihi Dredging Company, treated by cyanide, yielded value '20s per tou. The remainder of the stuff will be treated as booh as possible. It is notified elsewhere, under the provisions of the Foreign Companies Act, 1884, that the offices or places of business iu the oolouy of trie Kathleen Crown (Limited) and the Southern Star Gold Mines (Limited) are at Halvday's Buildings, Sliortlaud-stieet, Auckland, A general meeting of the AjaxGold Mining Company will be held in the New Zealand Insurance Buildings, on the 28th iti.se. at noon, and in the Magazine Gold Mining Company at the same place on the 29th mat., at 2.30 p.m. The offices or places of business of the Blagrove's Freehold Gold Mining Company (Limited), the Kapaug* Gold Mining Company (Limited), and the Tararu Creek Gold Mining Company, Limited, have been changed from Ring's Road, Coromaudel, to Halyday's Buildings, Shortland-street, Auckland. The colonial registers of the said companies will be kept at the last-mentioned address by Mr. Godefroi Drew lngall, who has been appointed for that purpose. A call of Id per share lias been made in the Ivan hoc Gold Mining Company. An extraordinary meeting of the Waitckauri No. 2 Gold Mining Company will be held oil the 81.1 l instant. Shareholders unable to attend are requested to lodge their proxies on or before the 7th instant at 11.30 a.m.

An extraordinary meeting of the Golden Fleuee Gold Mining Company will lie held on the Bill instant, and shareholders who are unable to be present are requested to lodge their proxies on or before tho 7th instant, 3 p.m. It is notified elsewhere that it has been resolved to increase the capital of the Byron Bay Gold Mining Company. The mode adopted for tho inoreaso is by issuing .W,(X)J new shares of 5s each, in addition to the 70,000 shares uow existing in tho company.

PAEROA WARDEN'S COURT.

[it KUGSIPH.— OWN COnRESPOSDKW.) Pabboa, Tuesday. The usual fortnightly sitting of the Warden's Court was held to-day when a fair amount of business was transacted before Mr. H. Eyre-Kenny, Warden.

WAIHI TOWXSKDP. Before proceeding with the ordinary business His Worship referred to the Waihi township, and pointed out that the Chief Surveyor had instructed Mr. Haszard to complete the survey of the Waihi township. Before Mr. Haszard proceeded with the work, however, a conference had taken place between himself (the Warden), Mr. G Wilson (Mining Inspector), Mr. Jordan (clerk of the Thames Warden's office) and Mr. Hazard, with the result that the latter had been supplied with all information on the matter of his work; also, an old plan of granted sites as a guide! Mr. Hazard's intention now is to complete the vlana in sections, so that intending applicant* would not have to wait until the plan of the whole township was completed before lodging their applications. Then, as each section was finished, it would be placed in the Post Office at Waihi for inspection, while he (Mr. Kenny) had also placed Mr. Haszard in communication with Mr. Moss, solicitor, who was acting for a large number of applicants; and Mr. C. J. Saunders, raining advocate at Waihi, who was also acting for a number of those who intended taking up sites, so that Mr. Haszard, in compiling bis plan of the township, would consult the two gentlemen named, and in this way difficulties that might otherwise arias would be avoided.

SPECIAL CLAIMS.

The business of the Court was then proceeded with, and special claims were dealt with as follows:-William Walker, Astor, at Karangahake, adjourned to 19th May; Robert Wynyard, Takapuua, at Waitekauri, adjourned to 19th May; Thomas Henderson, Waitekauri Consols, Waitekauri, objected to by Robert Wynyc-d, adjoui ned to I9tb ; John Beaton, Star of Waitekauri, at Waitekauri, objected to by Thomas Henderson and R. Wynyard, adjourned to 19th; Archibald McLog'ury, Crown • Woodstock Junction, at Karangahake, adjourned to 19th; Newel 1 Butler Lusk, Liverpool at Palakaiahi, adjourned to 19th: Walter J. Ralph, lota Extended, Waitekauri, recommended ; James W. Shaw, Great Southern, at Karaugahake.adjourned to 19th for amendment ; Arthur Roland Brett, Princess May, at Katangahake. recommended; Charles Spence Brown, Vandora, at Rotokohu,- adjourned to 18th May; Thomas McDonough, Washington, at Marototo, recommended to be granted in the name of John Chambers, of Auckland; Joseph O'Meagher, Hinemoa, at Waihi, adjourned to 19th May ; Alexander Haiilen, Musket, at Waitekauri, objected to by William Brierly and Charles B. Stone, adjourned to 2nd June; Gregory B. Osmond, Rosemond. at Waihi, objected to by John Murray, adjourned to 19th May; Herbert T. Sergeant, Queen Annie, of Waitekauri, at Waitekauri, recommended; Robert Walker, Komata West Extended special claim, at Komata, recommended; Patrick Keegau, Ouuku, at Waihi, adjourned to 2nd June; C. S. Farmer, Musketeer special claim, at North Waitekiuri, adjourned to 19lh May; Thomas Server, Bombardier special claim, at North Waitekauri, recommended ; Adam C. Home/ New ZeaUnder Extended, at Waitekauri, recommended in the name of the New Zealander Gold Mining Company (No Liability); Henry M. Shepherd, Lord Salisbury, at Marototo, adjourned to 19th May; John Bowler, Pandora, at Owba roa, recommended; Wealth of Nations Gold Mining Company, Wealth of Nations at Karangahake, amalgamation of titles recommended; Ward Proprietary Gold Mining Company, Ward Proprietary special claim, Owharoa, adjourned to 19th for amendment of plan ; J, M. Sharp, lugail, at Komata, recommended; William Whitehead, Golden' Reefs Extended, at haraugahakc, recommended : W. C. Hunter. Welcome, at Waihi, recommended ; James Foley, Waterloo, at Waitekauri, recommeuded ; Talisman Extended Gobi Mining Company, Talisman Extended special claim, Karangahake, amalgamation of special claims and licensed holding, recommended; W. J. Downie, Lone Star, at Waihi, adjourned to 19th May: Richard Gooch, New Caledonian, at Owharoa, adjourned to 19th May; John Falvey, Scandinavian, at Owharoa, adourned to 19th May ; George Burgess, Komata West, at Komata, recommended ; W. Binstead and J. E. Jones, the Jess special claim, at Waihi, recommended to be granted ; J. W. Thorpe, Trilby special claim, recommended.

LICENSED HOLDINGS. Elijah Brokenshire, Konilworth, at Owharoa. objected to by the Ohinemuri Syndicate (Limited), adjourned to May ; John G. R-tlph, Waitekauri Junction, licensed holding at Waitekauri, granted : John Blame, King Midas, at karangahako, granted; Charles S. Fanner, Bella, at Owharoa, adjourned to 19th ; John Kennedy, Crown Prince, at Karangahake, objected to by J. Phillips, junior, and T. Gordon, adjourned to 19th (or amendment of plan ; Farqualmr Stewart, Micawber, at Karangahake. adjourned to 19lh May : C.J. Sauwlerson, Jewel Extended, at Waitekauri, granted; Waitekauri King Gold Mining Company, King No. 2. at Waitekauri, adjourned to 19th May ; James H. Fleming, Fortunatus, at Waitekauri, adjourned to 19th May; Wm. G. Nicholls, California, at Waitekauri, granted.

WATER-RACKS AND MACHINE SITES. Lawrence M. Matnaru, machine site, three acri-e, at KariiHgahake, granted; Lawrence McNainara, water-raor, 2U chains on Dubbo Ocek, Karangahuke, granted; James McKay, water-race, 12U chains, on the Waipiliiahntm stream, adjourned to Will Way ; J. E. Banks, water-race, 40 chains of I'arak'iiuhi Creek, adjourned to 19th May ; Arohelaus Thomas, witter raw, one mile on Grace Darling Creek, granted; William Bricrly, water-race three-quarters of a mile on Waitekanri C'eek, northern branch, granted; Alfred E. Whittoine, water-race, IJ miles on the Maiigakiiio Creek, Kurangahake, adjourned to l'Jtli May; Arthur S. Uriel water-race, 60 chain*, branch creek, Waitekanri, granted; Newall B. Lusk, waterrace, li miles ou Marototo stream, adjourned to 19th May; Newall B. Lusk, machine site, 5 acres, at Marotolo, granted; Win. G. Nioholls, water-race, 80 chains, on WhaKaiucehau stream, granted; William 6. Nichulls, water-race on Horo stream, granted ; John. E. Banks, water-race, tliree miles, on Parakarahi Creek, adjourned to 19th May; Henry C. Savage, waterrace, 60 chains, on Waitawheta Creek, granted; Henry C. Savage, water-race, 60 chains, on Mangakiuo stream, granted; John E. Bauks, water-race, 2J miles, on Marototo stream, granted; ditto, water-race, 2.J miles, at Hikutaia, granted-; Henry C, Savage, water-race, half mile, on Mangokino creek, granted ; F. H. Worthington, water-race, 15 chains, ou Waipahaki stream, adjourned to l'Jtli May ; J. \V. Shaw, machine site, 5 acres, at Waitcwhets, adjourned to 19ih May.

RESIDENCE SITES. Isaac Wilson, one acre at Karangahakc, granted ; John Hink?, one acre at Karangaliuke, granted; James Henry Dabb. one aero at Jiaraugahake, granted; Edward Shaw, three-quarters of an acre at Karangahake, granted ; Phoebe Yearbuiy, one acre at Waitekauri, adjourned to 19th May; E. F. Tuke, quarter of an acre at Waitekauri for a public hall, granted to E. P. Tuke and D. E. Donaldson; Harold H. Hill, one acre at Waitekauri, adjourned to l'Jth May; Henry Collins, one acre at Waitekauri, granted ; Samuel Shaw, one acre at Waitekauri, adjourned to 19th May.

APPLICATIONS FOR PROTECTION. Rising 61111 Gold Mining Company, four months' protection fur the Rifling Sun licensed holding at Owhuroa. M)'. Edwards gave evidence to the effect that between £500 and 1600 had been expended in developing the mint, and so far no previous protection hud been obtained. The property was now being taken home by Mr. Allan Smith for flotation. Granted. Alexander Guillen, six months' protection for the Melbourne Cup licensed holding at Maiototo, adjourned to 19th May; Waitekauri King Gold Mining Company, four months' protection for llie Waitokaui King special claim at Waitekauri, granted; Mangakara United Gold Mining Company, protection for waterrace, No. 8201 at Waitekauri for six months, adjourned to 19th May; Robert Staokpole, jiinr, six months' protection for the Golden Reefs special claim ut Kurangahakc, granted; Samuel liethoringion, six months protection lor water-race, No. 8214, at Waitekauri, granted; Samuel Hethoriugtou, sir months protection for water-race No. 82$), at Wastekauri, granted ; Edward Quimi, six months' protection for National licensed holding at Komata, adjourned to 19th May E. M. <Jorbctt. three months' protection for tho Churchill licensed holding at Waihi, granted; D. Allen, six months' protection for Key of Komata special claim at Komata, granted; William D. McLean, blx months' protection ior Waitote special claim, at Waihi, granted Golden fleece Gold Mining Company, six months' protection for the Golden Mecca licoufad holding, at Karangahakc. A good deal of discission ensued with regard to the above application, the Warden pointing out that ho was adverse to tiic granting of the application on the grounds that the mine had boon previously protected. Mr. Kenrick who appeared for the applicant, stated that protection had certainly buon obtained for the mine, hut this was prior to the acquirement of the property by the present company. He wag prepared to show that a considerable amount of work had been done in opening up the mine, and in order to prove this he called Mr. Adamß, manager of tho mine, to give evidence. When Mr, Adams got in the bos, however, ho

was asked by the Warden if the fall complement of men as required by the Mining Act, had been continuously employed in the mine. Mr. Adams replied in the negative, but said that as many men as could be profitably employed had been continuously working. The Warden consequently said that the Act distinctly said, " Regularly and continuously employed,* and he maintained that regularly" meant the full complement of men should be constantly kept employed unless an order of the Court determined otherwise; therefore, in the case of the Golden Fleece, there had been a, breach of the regulations. Mr. Kenrick ably defended the cause of the applicants, and showed that the present company were doing all in its power to profitably develop the mine, and it should not be held responsible for the acts of the previous shareholders. He asked that he be allowed to show the exact amount of work done by the company since taking over the property, and also the amount of money expended in developing the same, in order to do which an adjournment would be necessary ; he consequently requested that the application be adjourned for a fortnight. To this the Warden assented, and granted the request accordingly.

PERMISSION TO WORK WITH LESS MES.

A. B. Millar, permission to work the Edwin Norman licensed holding .with one man instead of 10 for four months at Waitekauri, adjourned to 19th May:' R. C Greenwood, permission to work Golconda special claim it Waitekauri with four men instead of 30 for four months, adjourned to 19th May; J. W. Walker, permission to work Triumph special claim at Komata with tour men instead of 33, for four months. The applicant stated that a local syndicate had been formed, and £1503 had been subscribed to develop the mine, while a survey plan and description had been sent home in connection with the flotation of the property. In the meantime, the £1500 would be spent in locating the reefs running through the ground, and carrying on initial operations. Granted for three months. Waitekauri Monarch Gold Mining Company, permission to work the Monarch special claim at Waitekauri with two men, instead of 33, for four months, adjourned to 19th May; Star of Waitekauri Gold Mining Company, permission to work New Waitekauri licensed holding at Waitekauri with four men instead of ten for four months, adjourned to 19th May ; E. M. Corbett, permission to work Salisbury licensed holding at Waihi with two men instead of ten for three months, granted; Alfred Rhodes and P. Skelley, permission to work Talisman South licensed holding at Karangahake with two men instead of nine for four months, withdrawn; Jewel Gold Mining Company, permission to work Jewel Licensed holding at Waitekauri with two men instead of ten for four months, granted.

SORPLCB ground. Thefotlowing application tor surplus ground were granted:—R. Walker v, G. Burgess, surplus ground of the Komata West special claim ; Sargeant v. Sargeant, surplus ground of the Queen Annie of Waitekauri special claim ; Abbott v. Seaver, surplus ground of the Bombardier special claim; Thomas v. Sharp, surplus ground of the logall special claim; Whitehead v. A. R. Brett, surplus ground of the Princess May special claim ; Greenwood v. Benstead and Jones, surplus ground of the Jess special claim.

MINE MANAGERS' REPORTS. Yooso New Zealand (Waitekauri, May I).— Prospecting drive : The reef has been cut through, and shows a width of 30 feel from wall to wall.

HaZelbank (Thames, May 2). — Kelly's lead: The quartz stilt contains a good class of mineral, and a little gold is frequently seen in breaking it out. In the stope being carried along on the Young American at this level there are about two feet of quartz, but only the footwall portion, which is four inches thick, and in which colours of gold are seen, is being saved. Darby's: There is a good class of country on both waits, and colours of gold are still Been.

Conservative (Thames, May 2).— present face of the drive is in much better ground, and showing more mineral veins. Freedom (Thames, May i).— The cross leader at the intermediate level looks very kindly for gold, and the country encasing the leader is excellent.

Poetsea (Waitekauri, May 3).—The reef in the low level, though not so large at present, is still a splendid body of stone, about nine feet in thickness. The hangingwall, which for some time has been very broken, is now much better defined, and an improvement has taken place in the appearance ot the stone.

Golden Tokatea (Coromandel).—All work at the mine is being pushed ahead vigorously. The country penetrated maintains a good appearance for gold. Zkalandia (Coromandel, _ May 4).—The bottom of the shaft is now in a tight sandstone country, highly mineralised, and traversed with mineral veins. Two small leaders were cut on Friday, showing nice patches of mineral. Grace Darling (Waitekauri, May 3).— No. 2 level south : Some very fair stuff has lately been broken out. New Golconda (Coromandel, May 4).Tho country is still tight, but a splendid description for gold; it is interlaced with numerous mineral veins and ilintys, the latter being at times fully a half inch wide, with bands of excellent mineral.

Golden Spur (Waitekauri, May 2). — There is still a strong body of stouo about two feet in width showing in the face. Fock in-Hand (Waikoromiko, May I).— In breaking down the hangingw&ll portion of the big resf good dish prospects were got from the borings, and dabs of gold seen through the stone. This portion of the reef is about two feet thick, of a compact and wcll-dclined body. A couple of pounds stone was got from the S.W. face in the leader, which mil maintaius its size.

Haukaki No. 2 (Coromandel, May I].— Small bunches of mineralised quartz are occasionally met with. The country looks wefl for gold. New Whad (Thames, May 2).-The low level drive : The reef here at present is very large, it being now seven feot of quartz, and the most heavily charged with minerals that 1 have seen for several years. We have a big strong reef in the Middle Star drive. Welcome Find (Coromandel, May 1.)Bottom level: Through most congenial country for gold during the week. Have commenced to drive on a fine-looking leader from three to six inches wide.

Auburnia East (Thames. May 3).-The large reef in the level has been broken down. The quartz is heavily mineralised, bat no gold was seen in it. Names (Coromandel, May 2).-Tbe reef and country continues to look well. Driving on the footwall portion of reef, which is about one foot, and a nice compact little reef. We got a little gold by pounding. Have also got gold by pounding on the southwest portion of the reef. Intermediate level: Got a little picked stone. On the City of Auckland leader got a little gold last breaking down. Mountain Flower (Kuaotunu). - No. 1 crosscut: An inflow of water has been met with in this face. Work has been continued here in order to ascertain the course of same. Tandem (Coromandel, April 30).—N0. 1 reef has bceu followed a distance of 26 feet. The country is most promising. Zion (Waitekauri), — The crosscut: The country is of same description. MoNoWAt (Waiomo, May Have taken down the rest of the fair ore that was standing and sent it to the battery. Bernewitz level: In my previous report I mentioned we had the footwall in the bottom of the drive, but this proves to be wrong, as it is only a horse of mullock. Have bard quartz the other side of it now.

Kukanoi (Thames, May $. — Connected with the bottom level to-day, and have now good ventilation. The country in the face is all that could be desired.

Baron von Mueller recommends the planting of what may be called fire-proof plants, which could be profitably turned to account. He suggests that fibre-producing plants, such as agaves, yuccas, and the Now Zealand flax, might be planted in belts in certain places where soil and climate- would be favourable for their srrowth. Thoy would need bub little attention, and would check an ordinary bush fire. Tho cost of first planting would not be great, and in a fow years the valuable fibres produced by them would be something considerable

Basket willow will stand more flooding and covering with silt than almost any other plant, and is preferablo to tho African boxthorn (Lyciura horridum) for this purpose. The willow is in sorao demand for baskotraaking, and in time may become n source of profit l , besides holding tho sand and soil against washouts. In many instances a fow willows or a bodge of them -v ill protect a largo area of valuable land.

The boeb sugar factory at WatsonYille, California, owned by Mr. Onus Spreckele, began to slice boots 3rd September and finished 14th December, after working 77,145 tons of roots into 10,945 tons of relined granulated sugar. Tho yield per aero averaged about 11 tons beets or 1J too sugar. Tho prlco paid for beetfl delivered at the factory was 4dolb. per ton. The Queensland Department of Agriculture has received a consignment of Brazil nuts from Trinidad, which are to be distributed between tho State nurseries at Cairns and Mnckay with a viow to cultivation. " To gild refined gold, to paint tin Illy To throw a perfume on the violet To smooth the ice, or add another lino Unto the rainbow, or with feeble words To try and tell tha splendour of tits W&terbury Watch la wasteful «od rlUcalow excoM.''