THE GOLDFIELDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10346, 22 January 1897, Page 6

THE GOLDFIELDS.

[by TELEGRAPH.—OWN coebespokcejiis.] Thames, Thursday. Shareharket.—Adelaide, buyers la Id; Albarnia East, sellers Is 2d; Argosy, sellers Is; Broken Hill, sellers Is 4d; Caspian, sellers 8d; Conservative, sellers 6d; Darwin, contributing, sellers 6d; Golden Horn, sellers Is 2d Grand Triple' sellers 6d; Kuranni Caledonian,' sellers ; 7s; King Solomon, sellers 4d ; Kuranui,. sellers Is lOd; Magazine, buyers 2Jd ; Mata Reefs, sellers 3d; May Queen, buyers 10s 9d; Mclsaacs, sellers sd;' Moanataiari, i buyers las ; Moanataiari Extended, sellers 8d; New Wbau, sellers Bd, buyers 7d; Nonpareil, sales Bd,7£d,Bd, buyers 8d ; Rangatira, sellers 4d; Renown, buyers 3*d; "Royal Sovereign (paid up), sellers 6d; Waipuru, sellers Is; Germanic, sellers Is; *Komata, sellers 6d; Komata Triumph, sellers Is Id; Mariner, sellers 6d; Rising Sun, buyers lOd; Waihi Monument, sellers 4d; Waitekauri Reefs, sellers' 6d; Waitekauri Monarch, sellers 6d; Empress, sellers 8d; Moa, sellers 7d; Sybil, sellers 6d. Victoria.—The steady advancement of the drive upon the seaward course of the leader, recently intersected in the exploring crosscut at the No. 4 level is being energetically pushed ahead. Since opening out upon it the leader has increased its dimensions from seven inches to twelve inches in thickness, and what is still more encouraging shows gold freely. The country which the quartz body is traversing is of a very kindly description. A good class of ore continues to come to hand from the stopes over the Nos. 1 and 2 levels, and also from the winze in operation below the No. 2 level. Crushing operations in connection with this mine are now proceeding at the May Queen Extended Gold Mining Company's battery. Albdbxia East.—To-day, at a further breaking down of the reef in this mine, strong blotches of gold were seen distributed through the ore. The lode bears a very promising appearance, and continues to open up very satisfactorily. WHANGAMATA MINING. Thames, Thursday, Ptolemy.—The Ptolemy Company, over which an English syndicate hold an option, is situate in the above district, and consists of 219 acre 3 of highly auriferous land. They possess a splendid water right, and have a good staff of hands on opening up a large reef on the western portion of their property. A level is now in progress for intersecting this lode at a depth, and the country now being entered upon is of a mo3tiaTonrable description for gold. Whasgamata Proprietary.—This company is pushing on vigorously with the development of its reefs, and it may be said that the results are of a"very gratifying nature.

DP.. JIM G.M. CO. The half-yearly meeting of the Doctor Jim Gold and Silver Mining Company was held at the company's offices yesterday. The balance-sheet showed a balance in hand of £9514s 2d. The reports of Mr. French and of Mr. Holmau were considered highly satisfactory. It was resolved that the legal manager be empowered to proceed to the mine to obtain samples for treatment to see >whether they will compare with the high assays already obtained. The retiring directors, Messrs. Shera and Armstrong, were re-elected and Mr. Leers was reappointed auditor.

GREAT BARRIER GOLD AND SILVER COMPANY.

I OFFER OF FLOTATION. A very satisfactory offer has been made for the option of flosting the above company's property. This has been favourably considered by the Board, and, should the shareholders, at a meeting announced to be held, empower the directors to sell, a very substantial deposit will be paid.

CAMBRIA.

SALE COMPLETED. The sale of the Cambria Company's property to the Anglo-Continental Gold Syndicate, Limited, has been completed, the transfers having been duly signed. The legal manager has received instructions to get in the_remainder of the outstanding calls, with a view to an early winding up. LA MASCOTTE G.M.CO. A representative meeting of shareholders in the above was held yesterday at the office of Mr. Park Home. Mr. Graves Aickin presided. It was resolved to acquire the Coldstream, Silverstream, Dublin, and C'aversham special claims (which would give an area of 400 acres), and to increase the capital of the company by the issue of 65,000 new shares, 20,000 to go to the reserve. The resolutions passed on the 24th December were confirmed. At a meeting ot the Board held subsequently Mr. George Colebrook was appointed mine manager. MOUNT CATHERINE G.M.CO. The first general meeting of shareholders in the Mount Catherine Goldminine Company was heid yesterday afternoon at the company's office, Mercantile Chambers, Mr. J. M. Morran presided. The following directors were elected;— Messrs. C. J. Sanderson, J. Kneebone.'J. M, Morran, W. Edwards, and J. Court. This concluded the business. An extraordinary general meeting of shareholders in the same company was subsequently held, and the following resolutions were submitted and carried: 1. That the capital of the company be increased to £5000 by the creation of 20,000 new shares of oue shilling each, of which 10,000 shall he deemed paid up to la, and 10,000 nil paid up. 2. That the directors be authorised and empowered to acquire on such terms and conditions as they shall think fit, the mining property known as the Mount Magnet special claim adjoining the property of this company. 3. That the directors be authorised to dispose of the company's property on such terms as they may consider expedient. A statement of the company's accounts to date showed the total receipts to be £388 10s lOd, and the expenditure £350 12s 4d, leaving a balance in bank of £3718s 6d. MINE MANAGERS REPORTS. Cuirassier (Kennedy Bay, January 15).— Forwarded _ a small parcel of quartz for assay. This is taken from surface level of Four-in-Hand reef, and is three feet wide at that level. I have extended drive to intersect about six feet since holidays; this drive will cut it some 70 feet deeper. The country is carrying small quartz stringers, showing close proximity of reef. Ulysses (Thames, January 20).—The crosscut being driven through No. 2 reef has reached a distance of 16 feet. The face here shows signs of a change. The quartz is of a more kindly nature, aud carries a letter class of mineral. Driving north on the course of No. 7 (new reef) has been continued through a fine-looking body of quartz showing some very good mineral, and I can get a fair prospect in the dish where the reef makes loose or rubbly. It is 12 feet at its outcrop, and is composed ot fibs of quartz with alternate layers of brown sandstone. The latter appears to die out as the drive advances. I have started to open up No. 8 reef where it crops out near the creek level, and where we got some colours of gold on the surface. In cutting across the reef, which measures 16 teet in thickness, we obtained some very good prospects of loose gold. Conquering Hero (Coromandel). - The rise on the Alpha reef looks first class, and is showing coarse gold by washing. It should make a rich pocket of ore at any breaking down, as the rise is going up under where rich specimens were obtained. The rise on the Conquering Hero reef is up 25 feet. It looks well for making gold at any time; the average width is about six inches. Native Chief (Tiki, Coromandel, January 16).—The reef is looking well; I see colours of gold each breaking down. There is a nice class of country with mineral veins coming in in the face.

I ,Mangakara United (Waitekauri,January 17).—Crosscut (southern section): The country is still very tight. No. 5 reef: Where we opened out on the surface .the reef is a nice-looking body_ of stone, about four feet thick, and occasionally colours of gold are seen. It also gives fair dish prospects. The country is of the best possible description. Northern section: Been trenching to ascertain the course of No. 1 reef in the Nelson. Where we cut through this reef on the surface it is about eight feet thick, and encased in first-class sandstone country.

AUCKLAND SHAREMARKET. Though there was not so much recorded business, yesterday, holders were firm. Most of : the business was in thei lesser-priced stocks.'' Karaka Queens and Nonpareils closed firm after sales. • Junos saw considerable business up to 9d, with ' further buyers at \ 8d; Maorilands ■ and • Prospects were wanted, as were Rising Suns, Sterlings, and Young New Zealands..-' YVaihi-Silvertons changed hands at 255, ■ with - still' buyers. Bunker's Hills were a little easier. Hauraki No. 2"s were.done at 2s, and Hauraki Souths at, 7s, 1 with ' still enquiry. at ; steady rates. There were buyers of Kapaiigas at 10s 3d, and ofWaiotahis at 455, with no 'sellers in either case'.,' For Talismans, 6d*was i offered without acceptance.,' ' •■ ■ - ,-,v.~. »• i

NORTHERN STOCK EXCHANGE. I The following business was done yesfirday by the above:—Albert, 2s Id; Bunker's Hill, 5s Bd, 5s 9d; Golden King, 2d, 3d; Hauraki Associated Reefs, Is; Komata, 4M; Morning Star. 4£d; Phoenix, 2id; Prince" of Waihi, 3d; Waihi-Silverton, 255. THAMES WARDEN'S COURT. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] • ' Thames, Thursday. The following applications were heard today before Mr. H. Eyre Kenny, Warden. In opening the Court, the Warden stated that as the business would probably last two days, he would take the defended cases first, so as not to detain visiting counsel unnecessarily, CLAIM FOR WAGES. J. P. Leah v. the Ake Ak-k G.M. Co.— Claim for wages. Mr. Miller appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Colbeck for ' the defendant company. Mr. Miller stated that on October 15 the plaintiff was engaged by the directors of the Ake Ake Gold Mining ComDany to manage their claim at a salary of £3 10s a week. He worked for seven weeks until December 6, when he received a notice to leave. He had been paid two weeks wages, and consequently he claimed five weeks wages, and one week in lieu of notice. The defence was that the appointment had been made, but that no work had been done on the property. From the evidence it seems that Leah was given a tracing of the property, and was told to ask Buckley, who pegged the claim, to show him the pegs. Buckley was unable to go at the time, so the plaintiff obtained a description of the pegs from the Warden's Office and went to tne property himself and put in a drive 48 feet. He also erected a smithy and did some prospecting. The evidence, however of Mr. Buckley, who pegged out the Ake Ake, Eclipse, and other licensed holdings showed that the level had been put in on the Eclipse ground, although he could not swear to the smithy- Judgment was given for the defendants, with costs, £4 2s 6d. DIXON LICEKSED HOLDING. John Gallagher v. G. H. White: elaim for forfeiture of the Dixon licensed holding for failing to employ two men from October 3, 1896. Mr. Baume appeared tor the plaintiff, and Mr. Miller tor the defendant. Mr. Miller admitted that no men were employed, and the Warden referred strongly- to the fact that defendant had got permission to work with two men, and then had ignored the order. G. H. White deposed that in October he got permission to work with two men, and intended to do so, but a3 it was inconvenient to work the Dixon's by itself, an application was put in for a new amalgamated special claim, which witness thought carried protection with it. The claims were already under option, and he asked that a fine might be imposed instead of forfeiture. A lengthy argument then ensued between Mr. Miller and Mr. Baume as to whether the application for a special claim carried protection to that claim, Mr. Miller quoting rule 3 9 aud 211, and Mr. Baume rule 217. The Warden decided to reserve judgment.

G. S. Budge, Gem of Tairua special claim, objected to by the Kauri Timber Company, on the ground of encroachment on their freehold block, Paiakarahi No. 1. Messrs. Jackson Palmer anil Cleudon appeared for the applicant aud Mr. McCormick for the Kauri Timber Company. Mr. McCormick stated that the case was purely one of title. He submitted that the ground applied for encroached on Paiakarahi No. 1, which was the company's freehold by transfer title, dated September 9,1875, with a reversionary clause dated September 14, 1875. This certificate was put in evidence. Mr. Palmer admitted that the ground applied for was in Paiakarahi No. 1, and the agreement of 1867, by which the natives ceded Paiakarahi for mining purposes (though not validated) was put in as evidence, as wa3 the agreement of 1868, and the proclamation of Mr. James Mackay, of April 8, 1875, including Paiakarahi within the goldfields ; and he also stated that the Government had held mining rights in the district, and that Government tenants had continuously been mining there. The Warden stated that included in the goldfield meant nothing, as there might be land which was not Crown land. Mr. Palmer, continuing, stated that the Timber Company had been I asked to put in the title held of the Union Sash and Door Company, but they had failed to do so. The Warden said that that portion of the title could not be produced, as its surrender to the registrar wis compulsory. After further argument the Warden stated that he would reserve his judgment till the Supreme Cour had given judgment in the appeal in the Mount Morgan case. G. S. Budge deposed that he was the applicant tor the Gem of Tairua special claim, which was Crown land andopen for mining. The evidence of Ngakapa Hori, Whanaunga, Hoterenc, Taipari, and James Maekay was then taken, and all referred to the agreements made with the natives re the purchase of land for mining, I and went to show that Paiakarahi had been ceded to the Crown for mining. The two native witnesses also certified to having signed the agreement. James Jordan, clerk to the Warden's Court, produced a plan of the Paiakarahi district, giving about 40 claims, one of which was granted as the Ajax in 1575, and after several surrenders of title was now known as the Golden Belt, and had been held by the same men, the McLivers, all through. These surrenders were more than changes of title. They aiso included new areas. Frederick H. Whalley also submitted a plan of Paiakarahi prepared by himself. After a lengthy argument by Mr. Palmer, the Warden decided to reserve judgment till after the Supreme Court gives judgment in the appeal re the Mount Morgan case.

CIRCOXAR RE APPLICATION FOB PROTECTION. During the proceedings of the Court to-day the Warden read the following circular from the Mines Department, which he considered most, important for solicitors and legal managers to know:— Circular to wardens, Applications for further protection under section 79 of the Mining Act, 1891. In view of the probability of numerous applications for long periods of protection on the plea that financial arrangements are about to be entered into to enable the claim for which protection is required to be worked, wardens are requested to satisfy themselves of the bona fides of each application submitted for their recommendation by perusing the original correspondence between the applicant for protection or the owner of the claim and the person or persons who are to find the necessary capital. Certified copies of all such correspondence, which must be supplied by the applicant, must be forwarded to this office with each application to the Minister for protection, otherwise the application will will not be entertained.— J, H. Eliott, Under-Secretary." ADJOURNED CASKS. The following cases were adjourned to February 4th :—C. J. Sanderson, six months' protection for Queenie special claim; E. C. Martin, six mouths' protection for Queen Eva special claim; Reubens Kerry, permission to work with two men instead of 12 men for four months; Charles Kingswell, permission to work Sybil Extended special claim with two men instead of 25 men for four months Charles Kingswell, permission to work Ruapehu special claim with two men for four mouths; Joliu P. Wards and Annie Wards, application for permission to work each of the following licensed holdings with two men for four months:—Egmont, Manaia, Mount D'Or, Nil Desperandum, Eaglehawk, Esmeralda, Maoriland, Clintarf, My Daisy, Ngatipa, Nil Desperandum No. 2, Golden Hill Extended, and Golden Hill No. 2; Harp of Tara Gold Mining Company, permission to work Harp of Tara and Sybilline special claims with two men for four months; James Whiting, permission to work Wakamarino special claim with two men instead of 31 men for four months; J. Murdock, permission to work Digger's Dream special claim with two men for four months; T. S. Morpeth, permission to work the Pakelm special claim with two men instead of 14 men for four months; European Gold Mining Company, permision to work European special claim with three men for four months; Moa Gold Mining Comany, permission to work Moa special claim with four men instead of 25 men for four months; Mclsaacs Gold Mining Company, six months' protection for waterrace and machine site, Karaka; Robert Stevenson, three months' protection for Crib licensed holding; My Sweetheart Gold Mining Company, permission to work Telegraph and My Sweetheart special claims each with three men for four 'months; E. C. Beale, permission to work Windsor Castle No. 3 licensed holding with one man instead of 33 men for four months; Caspian Gold Mining Company, permission to work Caspian licensed holding with two men instead of six men for four months; David Sampson, permission to work Good Hope special claim : with two men for four months; Robert Counell, permission to work Hkau special claim with two men for four months; Chas. Mansell,,permission to work Star of England Extended licensed holding with two men instead of five men for four months (adjourned sine die).

APPLICATIONS GRANTED. ' • ' The following were granted : — Kinky McLiver, Golden Belt licensed holding, Tairua, the applicant having surrendered his existing titles; Crown Royal Gold Mining Company',"-: permission, 'to work Square and Compass ■•; licensed -holding with two men instead : of » four v men for four months ;s Comet, Gold Mining Company, -permission'•to'Vwork.'Comet; special claim with four instead of . 15 men for four. months; Orion Gold Mining' Company, permission to work Orion f and' Orion - Ex-, '■'•' '■/■■■'X' ■'■':■:'.''■ '■'/■ " ; -' '?-:'■■■ ' ; : ; '..-' '-v.: ''''■■ ''■'A-A^-Z"'l\

tended special claims with two men instead of 31, men, for four months; C. A. Harris, permission to work Karaka Mines special claim with four men. instead, of - 28-men - for four ' months; ' Robert Worth,' six months protection _ for Why Not! licensed''holding, Puriri;-, C. .A. Harris, permission to work Mahara' special- clam with two men instead of 33 men for four -months; B. H. Bishop, permission to work Mikado special claim with two men instead of 28 men for four months; Wairoa Gold Mining Company, permission to work Union special claim with two men instead of 18 men for four months; Donald McLeod, permission to work Malua special claim with — men instead of 33 men for four months; Jas. Baggotfc and S. Montgomery, months' protection for Virgin and Kelvin special claims; Robert Inglis, permission to work Harbour Light special claim with two men instead of 33 men for four months; J. Barber and T. Millett, permission to work Daphne special claim with two men instead of 33 men for fonr months; Day Dawn licensed holding with two men instead of six men for four months; Jame3 H. Pleminz, six months' protection for Omaha special'claim; Wairoa Gold Mining Company, six months' protection for water-race No. 9242; Bell Rook Gold Mining Company, two months''protection for Bell Rock special claim; Jame3 Mays, permission to work Trojan special claim with two men instead of 31 men for four months; Kaiser Gold Mining Company, permission to work Kaiser special claim with two instead of 16 men for four months; Proprietary Gold Mining Company, permission to work Mataura Extended licenser] holding with two men instead of five men for four months; S. C. Macky, permission to work Thames special claim with two men instead of seventeen men for four months; Tairua Proprietary Gold Mining Company, permission to work Aratura special claim with four men instead of 23 men for four months; Olunes Gold Mining Company, six months' protection for Clunes licensed holding, Moanataiari; C. B. Thorne, six months' protection for water-race, Tairua; J. H. Bond, six months' protection for Queen of Omahu special claim; Kuranui Gold Mining Company, permission to work Kuranui No. 3 licensed holdiug with three men instead of five men for four months; John Childerhouse, permission to work Mascotte and Limerick special claims with two men for four months. SPECIAL CLAIMS ADJOURXED. The following special claims were adjourned to February 4:-R. D. Sweetcliffe, Ringdove : J. Mcllorran. Royal Standard, Tairua; W. R. Bloomfield, Waiomo, Waiomo, objected to by P. E. Ryan; George Loram, Rotomahana United No. 2, Tairua: R. Kerry. Wey's Freehold, Tararu, objected to by A. W. Taylor; U. Hudson, Mistletoe ; J. Brady, Sheet Anchor; A. Wright and J. Blaikie, Puru Success, Puru; J. Johnson, Black Douglas; C. Manuel, Alameda; R. S. Aitken, Wenona Extended; H. Gentles, English Consols, Tairua, objected to by the Kauri Timber Company; J. M. Morau, American Consols, Tairua, objected to by the Kauri Timber Company; A. S. Thorburn, Streak of Luck holding, objected to A. M. Loughlin; J. G. Webster, Carnival, Puriri, objected to by G. Bedford; H. Culpan, United Gold Reefs, Tairna; J.Murdoch. Khalifa, Tairua, objected to by the Kauri Timber Company; J. A, Young, Lionel, Omaha; R. J. Dunn, Collegian, Omahu ;E. Marsfield, Julius Caesar, Omahu; G. B. Whither, Mount Nessing, Tairua; G. B. Wither, B<-lla Vista, Tairua; .1. J. Odium, Marshall Ney, Tairua; J. J. Odium, Akarana, Tairua; J. J. Odium, Moana, Tairua; J. C. McKiuney, Matangi, Tairua; R. J. Mcßae, Eureka, Tairua; R. (J. Long, New Olive.

SPECIAL CLAIMS GRANTED. The following special claims were granted: Jas. Corbetl, Endeavor, Whangamata; R. D. Sweetapple, Hero, Whangamata; R. Q. Sweetapple, Northcote, Whangamata: R. D. Sweetapple, 1.0. U., Whangamata: L. Cooke, Albert, Whangamata: N. daffy, Torrid Frigid and Temperate, Whangamata; Geo. Crossby, Coolreagh (granted subject to Kauri Timber Company's floating rights); J.J. Cahill, Lavinia, Puru; S. M. McMahon, Golden Reefs, T»du ; R. P. Gibbons, Clements, Matata; W. Shaw, Kent, Thames; J. J. Macky. Murray, Tapu; Renata Ngata, and W. Clark. Emerald Mountain, Tairua ; A. Wright, Davie, Puru; J. J. McKay, Taihoa. Tapu; E. J. Smith, King of Tairua, Ohui; T. D. O'Toole, Tairua Big Reef; J. J. McKay Waharoa, Tapu; R. P. Gibbons, Mata Orien; J. B. Blaikie, Mayflower, Puru; J. Ward, Band; P. Quiulau, Waikawau King, Waikawau. C. Grosvenor, Morion Extended licensed holding, Tararu, granted; G. C. Hutton, Orizaba Extended license holding, Tararu, granted; Darwin Gold Minim; Company, Darwin licensed holding, Punga Flat, granted; H. Moore, Tairua Pyramids special claim, Tairua, withdrawn; J. Ansenuo, Arrow licensed holding, Whangamata',' withdrawn; J. Varney, Huia special claim, Whangamata, objected to by V. E. Ryan, withdrawn. A large number of applications were also adjourned to February 4. At ten p.m. the Court adjourned till halfpast ten to-morrow. GENERAL MINING ITEMS. Some very rich specimens taken from the two foot reef in the 940-feet level of the Kapanga, were on view yesterday at Messrs. Fraters. These specimens were taken out by Mr. Cecil Hartridge, and will be sent to London. The manager of the Bunker's Hill wired yesterday: Broke down in winze, gold showing in stone ; am breaking down again to-morrow. Yesterday the following was posted:— Argosy acquired 21b. colours and dabs. The Eitglehawk Gold Mining Company's ground at Tararu is being actively prospected, and with very encouraging results. Two directors visited the mine last week and brought away with them samples of stone from the old Sylvia and an adjacent reef; these, as assayed by Mr. J. K. Wilson, give a value of £6 3s 5d and £1 15s 3d per ton, respectively. The stone in each case was taken from the cap of the reef, > Ye.iterday Mr. H Gilfillan, jun., received the following :—Alburnia East breaking down this morning, reef looking well, strong blotches of gold showing throughout. Mr. D. G. MacDounell received the following yesterday :-Juno_: Obtained 101b of rich specimens from junction stope. Gold showing in face. At the Waihi-Silverton the work of driving No. 2 crosscut is being vigorously pushed forward. The distance from the shaft is now 115 feet, and it is expected that the reef will be intersected in the course of four or five weeks. Work is proceeding satisfactorily in all departments. Messrs. Edward Riley and Co., of London, whose representatives in New Zealand are Messrs. Griffiths audMerricks, are at present prospecting on a large scale several properties iu the North and South Islauds. They have at present iu hand the Ptolemy claims at Whangamata, the Komata View, and Komata View South, at Marototo, and the Ingall at Komata. The results obtained so far are very encouraging. Mr. A. P. Griffiths leaves next week for the Otago district, where he is going to takeover several properties on behalf of English companies.

The manager of the Peveril Gold Mines Limited reports:— we have crossed over to the foohvall sido of the reef better progress has been made in iho development of this (Colonial) reef at No.'l level, and during the past week a further stretch of 15 feet of the lode has been stripped' and broken down. In the present face it is over 2 feet wide, divided into two portions ;by a horse of mullock about 9 inches in thickness, and the country on both walls is 6i an excellent character for gold. J " The half-yearly general meeting of the Tapu Fluke Gold Mining Company takes place on January 28. An extraordinary general meeting of the Prince Regent Gold Mining Company is to be held on February 12. A special general meeting of shareholders in the Jubilee Gold Mining Company is called for this afternoon.