THE GOLDFIELDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10404, 31 March 1897, Page 6

THE GOLDFIELDS.

[from oob own cobrespo.xdekt.) Thames, Tuesday. Shabemarket.—Broken Hill, sellers 9dj Club, sellers 3d; Conserrative, sellers sd; Darwin (contributing), sellers 5d ; Grand Triple, sellers 3Jd; Kuranui-Caledonian, sales 4s 9d, sellers 5s 3d, buyers 4s 9d ; Karaka Queen, sellers 5d ; King Solomon, sellers 2d ; Kuranui, sellers Is 6d ; Mata Reef, sellers 4d; Melsaaes, sellers 4d ; Moanataiari, buyers 10s 6d ; New Whau, sellers Bd, buyers 6d; Nonpariel, sellers Is, buyers 10d; Tararu Creek, sales ss, 4s 6d, sellers 4s 6d; Victoria, buyers 2s 9d; Royal, sellers Iβ 6d, buyers Is 4d j Kaiser (contributing), sellers 5d ; lona, sales Is 6d; Tapu Fluke, sales Is Id ; Komata Reefs, sellers 13s; Koraata Queen, sellers 2s 6rl ; Komata Triumph, sellers Is; Ohinemuri, sellers 3d, Waitekauri United, sellers 6s; Welcome Find, ■ seller 2s 6d ; Tairua, sellers Bid ; Royal Shield, sellers Sd. Big Reef (Puru).—The crosscut has now penetrated the main reef for a distance of 30 feet, and there is yet no sign of the opposite wall. Very fair prospects are obtainable from the quartz at present being penetrated. Rovbra (Puru). — General exploring works are now proceeding on the surface of this company's property, which lies to the north of the Puru Consolidated mine. The object is to ascertain what reefs run through the property, together with their respective values, previous to commencing permanent development works. Victoria.— A good class of ore continues to come to hand from the intermediate block between Nos. 2 and 3 levels. The reef itself is looking very well, eipecially in the eastern drive and stopes overhead, and a little picked stone is occasionally obtained. Crashing will shortly be commeiiced, but the tonnage on this occasion will be somewhat limited, as not more than half the number of miners are now employed in the mine than was the case during last month,

Mahara-Royal (Tapu).—Good progress continues to be made with the advancement of the drives upon the north and south course of the Royal reef, and although the reef is hardly eolar?e at.preaent as was the case a few days ago, stijj the ore is of good quality, and the reef will probably expand out to its usual size again shortly. TV contractors for the water-race and battery respectively, are making good headway. Regarding the battery, the site was cleared last v/eek, and at present the excavation of the same is proceeding. Kuraxpi-Caledonun. — The cleaning out and repair of No. 4 level, prior to the commencement of new prospecting works, has been decided upon, and the manager is now preparing to clean out) the crosscut leading in from the Big Pump shaft in order to provide for the proper drainage of the level. Thia work will occupy some time to complete, as the crosscut is of considerable length, but when it is accomplished permanent prospecting works will be commenced. A good class of crushing dirt continues to come to hand from the stopes upon Darby's leader and the crojs reef, and crushing is proceeding at the battery upon the output, Forest Quy.es (Coromandel). — A trial parcel of !9001b3 of dry crushed ore, which was afterwards subjected to hot pan amalgamation, has just been completed at the Thames School of Mines on behalf o? this company for an actual return of 2oz 3dwt of melted bullion, valued at £2 163 8d per ounce. This represent! a saving per ton of £7 3s Bd, and is equivalent to a percentage of 88'5 per cent of the gold, 85-9 per cent, of the silver, and 88'2 per cent, of the assay valae. Mr. Allen, the director of the School of Mines, sayi the ore is of a class which yields readily to ordinary pan amalgamation, but that it is not adapted to cyanide treatment.

(Joromaxdel, Tuesday, Standard.-The reef 1 reported as having been met with in die Standard continues to improve. I may mention that the management! hare been under the impression for some time thab a valuable reef of this description was in the ground ; acrosscut was therefore put in from the main drive, the intersection of the reef being the result. Machinery for a modern crushing plant has been ordered from Home. A splendid site has been applied for on the Buffalo Creek, just below the mine. Kapasga.—Last week some very nice stuff was taken out of the 900-feet level. All the levels, in fact, now show better than they have done for years. Scotty's.—The battery at Scotty's is now in full swing, so that now no doubt a fair return may be looked for as the result of this month 3 cruching. Success-New Hauraki.— The new mine manager, Mr. H. McDonald, has a thorough knowledge of this ground, having worked here in former days. Already good results are apparent. Some excellont prospects have been met with. Captain Hodge intends to prospecb the New Hauraki mosl thoroughly. A drive it now being put- in at a very low level. Hackaki North.—The chief work in this mine has been temporarily suspended owing to repairs to the boilor being absolutely necessary. Crushing is still proceeding. Possibly another week will elapse ere the lot on hand is pub through. Welcojik Find.—Sinking in the shaft ie going on with all expedition. It is now down 195 feet. The crosscut on the 170feeb level is also being pushed ahead. It is now in about 77 feeo from the shaft. Stoping continues o'n the 100 feet level. Very fair crushing ore is coming to hand, but no specimens at present. Boxkbb's Hill.—lt having been decided to stop work on the crosscut for a time, the manager, with a view to economy, has determined to dam back the stream of water coming from the face. If this is successful a great saving of coal will result, as well as labour. Sloping is proceeding on the main reef in a fairly satisfactory manner. The drive from the bottom of the winze on the loweat level is being pushed on with. In due course the stoping of the block will be undertaken.

Wynyardton.—There was a rumour that something good had been found in this mine. On visiting the ground I learned chat there was no truth in the report, but that driving on the bottom of the shaft, as well as in the main tunnel, was progressing. Very favourable indications are daily encountered, such as numerous silica veins, and what is known as " kindly " country for gold. Mr. Senior anticipates cuttin" a reef at any time now. The Hauraki North continue to pump the water necessary for their crushing plant from the Wynyardton. WATER CONSERVATION. [by telegraph.—fkess association.] Wellington, Tuesday* It is stated that a Government official will bo selected to prepare an exhaustive report in connection with the scheme of the Minister of Mines for conserving water on the various j?oldfields.

OMEGA G.M. CO. The half-yearly meeting ot shareholders in the above company was held yesterday in Mr. H. Gilßllnu's office. The directors in their report furnished details ot the work which had been done on the property, and stated that with the authority of the shareholders it had been placed on the English market. As negotiations for its sale were well forward, it was anticipated that it would not be long before the necessary capital for working the ground on a large scale, would be at the disposal of the new company. The balaucp-sheec showed the receipts to have been £76519 a (including calls on syndicate £460, and calU on shereholdera £287 3s), and the expenditure £632 18i 3d, the principal items being wages, £457 3s 6d; rents and fees. £102 us; anrl direotprs , fees and salaries, £63 12a 7d. The cash in bank and on hand amounted to £83 fla 9d. ' STAR OF WAIHI. The half-yearly meeting of the shareholders of the above company, which was to have been held yesterday at Mr. J. H. Harrison's office, lapsed, there not being the necessary number of shareholders present. The balancesheet, which was read to those in attendance, showed the credit balance in bank to be £'253 Os ad. The principal items of expenditure for the half-year were wages £138 16s, and material £47 16s Bd. It was stated that it was intended to " wait for developments," and that one man was employed on the property for the purpose of protection.

MONUMENT EXTENDED G.M. CO. A special general . meeting of the shareholders of the above company was held yesterday at Mr. McDonald Scott's office; Mr. J. J. Dixon (chairman of directors) presiding, The meeting was called, to consider a proposal that tho company be wound up. The directors' report and balance-sheet were read and adopted,' It was stated that the

mil, i manager had been asked to report upon the property b'.'tf thss his opinion was that there was t-.-\r.\. -, t<) warrant any further prospectir: ' i•"*■■# "■' quartz and the property c> v '■■•*■ ■■>'- >.* acHnp of the chairman i' ■■• ■'■.!•■ ■-' j ' •.:(■ '-ompany should be a. :f:■ ■ ... !... e-sheet showed the to;.-'•....-;.■ -».-in £449 13s 9d, and the -xpei. ... • ii\. ' ■ leaving a balance in bank of £I'. ''-i \\, PRIDE OF WAIHI G.M. CO. A special general meeting of the shareholders of the above company was held at Mr. J. Harrison's office yesterday. Mr. E. Waymouth occupying the chair. The meeting was called to consider what steps should be taken with reference to the forfeited shares. On the motion of Mr. H. J. Dalton, the directors were authorised to purchase the forfeited shares at auction in the event of them failing to bring the amount of the call, viz., 2d per share. It was explained that the reason for making the cull was to purchase a pumping plant to free the shaft from the flow of water, and to sink lower iu search of the Waihi reef. lOLANTHE G.M. CO. At the special meeting of shareholders of the above company it was decided to purchase at auction the forfeited shares of the company, :tnd the action of the directors in purchasing shares at the last sale was confirmed. The credit balance of the company wss stated to be £26 ss.

GENERAL MINING ITEMS. At the meeting of the shareholders of the Star of Waihi Company yesterday it was informally mentioned that unless those interested in mines carefully guarded their interests, there was a dauger oi many waterrights being held by individuals in properties, and held by them for speculative purposes. "They intend blackmailing the companies, if they can," said one shareholder. The Nil Desperandnm Company has a credit balance at bank ot £952 2s 10d. The total receipt 3 for the half year just ended were £1121 lSs lid.

The following is taken from a private letter received from Johannesburg by an Auckland resident: —"I regret to see w many New Zealanders and Australians arriving here. There is absolutely nothing to warrant this great influx of population, and most of those who have arrived here already regret it. Experienced miners are walking about in a state of destitution, and there is no prospect of them obtaining employment. A batch ot meu, real good fellows everyone, have been here long enough to lose their little all, and are now at Durban where a few of them are mider engagement for 30s per week, an extremely low wage here all things considered. Sou would do well to let New Zealanders know what sort of a country they are coming to, and I strongly advise them to leave Johannesburg alone until things improve." Mr. J. H Harrison yesterday received the following telegram from the manager of the Martha Extended Company (Waihi). "Country looking splendid; face mass of quartz stringers." The manager of the Waitekauri Monarch wired yesterday :-Cut reef in the surface level: has every appearance of being a large body of stone. The half-yearly meeting of the Carnage Gold Mining Company is advertised for to-day. A saie of forfeited shares in the Progress Castle Rock Gold Mining Company takes place on April 14. An extraordinary general meeting of the Monument Extended Gold Mining Company is called for April 13. AUCKLAND SHAREMARKET. The market still remains quiet, and very little busiuess is being transacted. lonas were yesterday sold at -i Gd. Waihi-Con-sols opened at 3d, but subsequently dropped to 2iti, at which price business was done. Bunker's Hills were ilone at 3s Id. In Monowais and New Albnrnias there was no change. Great Burner Gold and Silver remained at 6s 2d. Waihi Extended hardened a little. Waihi-Silvertons were asked for at 20s. Woodstocks remaiued steady at last quotations. Four-iu- Hands firmed at last call. Hauraki Norths were inquired for at 3s and 3s 3s towards the close. Welcome Finds remained at 2s 6d. For Waitekauris there were buyers at 755, but no more business was done at this figure, sellers asking 82s. Kapai-Vermoiite were steady at 7s sd.

ASSOCIATED STOCK. AND MINING BROKERS.

Sales iu the following were, yesterday, reported by the above :—Argosy, 7^(1; Mata Reefs, 2Jd ; Mouowai, 3s (id ; Hit or Miss, Is 7d; Waihi Extended, sd, SW; Cuirassier, sd; Aotca, 9d; Zone, 6Jd.

NORTHERN STOCK EXCHANGEThe following business was yesterday recorded by the above :—Aotea, 9Jd, 9d; Bunker's Hill, 3s; New Alburuia, it fid; Royal, Is sd; Stanley, IO.Jd; Waihi Extended, od, 5Jd; Waihi-Silvertou, 19s 9d, 20s. SOUTHERN MINING. Donedin, Tuesday. _ The correct return from the Achilles mine is 5780zs of gold from 461 tons, making for the month of March 10i9oza, of the value of £4038, from 856 tons. PAEROA WARDEN'S COURT. [by telegraph.—own correspondent.) Paekoa, Tuesday. The ordinary sitting of theWardon's Court was held to-day, when the following applications were granted by Mr. R. t>. Bush, Warden :—

SPECIAL CLAIMS. Henry Culpan, Waitekauri Mint Extended, WaiteKami; Ueorge Elliott, (inldeii Rae special claim, Waitekiuri; S. Crawford, Jocolyn No. 2, Te I'nke ■ E. .McDonnell, Horatio, BotoMiu ; William Whitehead, Waiteinata, Karangahake (granted in the name of Henry Brett, of Auckland); A Bnnyard, Kaikoura special claim; A. W Servant, Bradford special claim ; J. 8. Wilson. Gem of Waihi special claim, Waihi; H. C. Wick, Wailii Excelsior, Waihi. MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATIONS. J. SI. Lennox, battery site, Wharakeraupunga; J. l. Andrew, machine site, Waitekauri; J. V. Andrew, water-race, 1} miles on the Waia'.arua Stream; J. F. Andrew, water-race, 1J miles on McWilliam's Stream, near Wailckaurl; M. H. Wynyard, water-rice, Oil chains on the Mangakmo Stream; 15, Noonan, residence site, Konw a; C. 11. Seymour, residence site, Koniala; D. E. Keoshan residence site, Komata; W.Thompson, resilience site, Whirekeraupunga; 0. A. Asbwin, residence site, Konvita; Simon Dalgleish, residence site, KoiiMta ; Henry Galvan, residence site. Komata; J. h. lopping, residence situ, Karaugahake; Woodstock Mam Keefs, Limited, special and tunnel sites at Karangahike; 11. T. Lever, permission to cut timber, tke acres at Waihi; W. Wilson, residence site, Komata; W. Wall, residence site, Karangahake; U. Manton, residence site, Karangahake; Woodstock Main Reefs, limited, special site Karanjtihake ; J. S. Hope, permisoion to cut one kauri tree at Waitekiuri; i)sep Lead Gold Mining Company, machine site, Karangalwke ; ii. Collins, residence site, Waitekauri; S. Cooper, residence site, Waihi; T. Carless, residence site, Waihi APPLICATIONS Foil PtIOTKCTIO i > iND PARTIAL I'IIOTKCTION. Nmv Zealand* Gold Mining Company, permission to work New Zeilander special claim at Waitekauri, with four men for four months; Golden Fleece 001.l Mining Company, permission to work (,-olden Fleece special claim. Karangahake, with four men for four months; J. Alenzies six months protection for Invincible special claim • Isaac Marchesseau, six months' protection for Champion special claim ; Southern Cio.« Gold Mining Company, permission to work the Southern Cross licensed holding with four men for four months; A. T. Cashel, permission to work the Boomerang licensed holding with one nun for four months; .Uolden Spur Gold Mining Company, six months protection for Golden Spur special claim at lUitekaun; J. Nutsey, permission to work Welcome special claim with two men for four months; B. A. Butler, six month. protection for residence site, Vi harekeraupunga; 7. Seaver, permission to work Bombardier special claim, at Wiipaheke with four men for four months ; Express Gold Mining Company, permission to work Express special claim with five men for four months; W. B. A. Morrison, six months protection for Esperanza special claim; Waitekauri Prince Gold Mining Company, six months protection for Waitekauri Prince and Waitekauri Piiuce Extended licensed holdings, Waitekauri; R. Montgomery, six months' protection for Seddon licensed holding • F. Stewart, permission to work Micawber licensed holding with two men for two months; Martha Extended Gold Mining Company, permission to work Martha Extended special claim with three men for four months; Martha Extended Gold Mining Company, permission to work Jlataura special claim with one nun for four months; T. M Humphreys, permission to work Day Dawn special claim with two men for four months; J. e, Banks six months' protection for Day Spring snoci il claim; Charles David Wright, six months' protection for Wakatere special claim; Alfre.l Shepherd six months protection forltiotanto No. 1 anil No 2 special claims; Robert Compton, six months' protection for .Emerald Isle special claim; J.,hn Schischka, six months' protection for Srd sn»cial Mr, Norman I. J. hazard, six months' praic ttZ M r n Qoll , e,l - Lim) BDM claim j WilHaitekaun Reefs Special clam; Maneakara k,°™ ii ? . m f Com P. an y..P«niission to work JIaS kara United special claim with tiro men for foui' months; Rainbow Gold Mining Company nennls Jion to wort Rainbow special claim with fm?r men for four months; H. M. Shepherd, permision to work Lord Salisbury special claim w P i 1, two men for four months; Omega Gold Mining Company permission to work Alfred and Christina "S c aims with two men for four months- G Crosby six months' protection for Albermarle soeciai claim; G. B. Osmond, six months' pro eclionoj Bemnore special claim; W. Thorpe, «ix month" protection McGregor special cS 'jl rototo; O. B. Osmond, six months' protection for Arcadia special claim; bert S. Sy lix I,S tecton for cbediit. special claim; Waitete Gold Mining Company, permission to wo k Wa ete Ex tended with men; J. , Philips, Marquis special claim, six months; W. E. Bruce '.Vaiumie srS claim, sixmonths; R. Kelly, Bur e "SedS ing. eixraonths; G. Crosby Problem special claim six months ;Jas. McCrea. Utunui specalclaim/fo" six months; New Zealand Jubilee Gold Mining Com. pany, permission to work Jubilee Extended special claim <*rith six men for four months; F. Paget Jones, New Era special claim, for six months • James LiddeU, six months' protection, for the Bay of Plenty special cUijn, . '

PLAINTS FOR FORFEITURE. C. Ashwin t. K. Walker, for.forfeiture of Komata west Extended licensed holding. As another defendant should have been joined in the suit the warden dismissed the plaint. Receiver of Gold Revenue v. Grand Jnnction Gold jilining Company, for forfeiture of the Waka xpecial claim for non-payment of rent. Mr. Clendon appeared for the defendant company and stated that the rent hid not been paid owing' to an oversight on the part of Mr. Chambers, of Auckland. Two days after the plaint had been lodged, howerer, a cheque for the rent had been forwarded. He pointed out that the Grand Junction Company's property consisted of the Grand Junction Waihi West, and Waka special claims, and on these sreas the corap iny had expended within the last eighteen months the sum of £14,000 in development work. Mr. Clendon, therefore, asked that in consideration of this a fine be imposed in lieu of forfeiture. His Worship fined the company £2 and costs.

Receiver of Revenue v. H. C. Savage for forfeiture of Lily of Waihi claim for non-payment of rent. A decree was made for forfeiture, with costs Ss Receiver of Gold Revenue i. M. Munro for forfeiture of the First Mate special craim for non-pay-men, of rent. Forfeited, with costs 3s

Receiver of Gold Revenue v. J. W. Thorp, for forfeiture of the Trilby special claim for non-pay-ment of rent. Forfeited, with costs Ss.

Receiver of Gold Revenue v. F. Smith, for forfeiture of Fifty-foot Reefs special claim for non-pay-ment of rent. Forfeited with costs Bs.

Receiver of Gold Revenue v. Geor-.e Nutsey (or forfeiture of the Waihi South Extended special clahi, ftr non-payment of rent. Forfeited, with costs Ss.

Mining Registrar v. George Crosby, for forfeiture of the Coldstream Extended -pecial claim, for nonpayment of rent, forfeited, with costs Ss, Minims Registrar v. T. Corhett, for forfeiture of the Taniwhi special claim, for non-payment of rent. Forfeited, with costs Ss.

Mining Registrar v. H. C. Savage, for forfeiture of the Star .special claim, for non-payment of rent, forfeited, with costs Ss.

Mining Registrar v. I,a Mascotte Gold Mining Company, fur forfeiture of I,a Mascotte special claim, for non-payment of rent, forfeited, with costs s<.

Mining cistinr v. H. C. Savage, for forfeiture of the Golden Planet special claim, for non-payment of rent. Forfeited, with costs Ss. T. Hanley v. Bridget Burke, for forfeiture of residence site at Karangahake. Forfeited, and complainant declared first applicant. Murine Registrar v. W. Burton, for forfeiture of the Great Caj-ar special claim, for non-payment of rent. Forfeited, with costs Bs. CLAIM FOR WAGES. T. Murphy v. George Hiynes : Claim £3 for six days' work, Sir. Clendon appeared for the defendant and consented to judgment for the amount chimed, which was accordingly entered up with costs. SINGLETON V. THORPE. In this case the Warden upheld the contentions of Mr. Clendon, counsel for defendant, and said he consideie.l all the defendants hud not been joined in the suit. The further consideration of the c ise was, however, on the application of Mr. Moss, counsel for the complainant, adjourned till next morning. WOODSTOCK COMPANY V NEW ZEALAND CROWN MINES COMPASS. These two companies are now contesting the case mentioned in Monday's Herald re the priority of water-races at Karangahake The case was commenced this evening. Mr. Cotter, instructed by Messrs. Jackson and Russell, is appearing for the Woodstock Company, and Mr. Theo. Cooper, instructed by Messrs. Millar and Porrilt, appears for the Crown Company. The Woodstock Company applied for a new license under section 101 of the Mining Act, 1891, for a water-race and water-rights at Karangahake, and the New Zealand Crown Mines Company objected to the granting of the same After the arguments of counsel the Warden upheld Mr. Cotter's contention, namely, that the present Woodstock Company having had the water rights since September, 1895, and had continuously and regularly paid runts for the same, those rights should not be attacked after six month* of subsistence, and the Crown Company should have taken a differentmethod of procedure to that adopted. The applications were granted with costi £2 it. It is likely that other proceedings will be taken.

MINE MANAGERS' REPORTS. VVaITEKaURI No. 2 (Waitekauti, March 27).— Drive is now in 18 feet on the No. 2 reef. The country is all that could be desired for cold. The reef in the face at present is a hit broken up, but I expect it will come together again as we advance. KVRANM (Thames, March 271— Driving on the Oddfellows' r«ef both ways from tho crosscut; there is nothing of importance to report. The reef has been taken down in both faces, and will average six inches ill through. The quartz is of a (lark bluish nature, and highly m neralisoil, and we are sarins it for itnient. There is no change in the country, it still being thickly interlaced with mineral seams. ICSPEIUNZA (Waihi. March 27).-No. 3 level has been extended a total of S3 feet. There is no change in til? class of country in course of penetration. I started another level on the waitern section of the Hiine, und had only driven 15 leet when some quartz was met with which gives real good prospects by pounding. Proprietary (Tairua, March, 27).-Main level has been extended total 263 feet; the clay band is gradually (lipping bark to the f1..0r of the drive, so far without bringing in any change. Good ICNOUGII (Coromandel, Match 27).—Hate driven Hi feet; cut a fine looking reef about two feet wide, running at right angles to the drive. The quartz looks splendid for Bold. Golden Fleece (Karangahake, March 27).Main level has been extended through a Rood class of sandstone country, but so far we havo not met with any reefs. The prospecting drive has now been driven a distance of IDS feet through a splendid class of sindstone country, but without meeting with an* thing of importance. Native Chief(Coromandel, March 27).-Pa<sing through very hard bar of country. Reef has decreased in size, (lot colours of gold in last breaking down. Mariner (Karangahake. March 27).- Leader has been shipped 12 feet and am now sinking down on it to river level. By pounding obtained tow colours of gold in the dish. The other shift of men hive been employed in continuing stripping, making a total of l.i feet.

Renown (Thames, March 'Sl).— Have driven 25 feet for week. The country still remains of favourable class ; it is very tight, in places ami contractors will not make wages unless they get easier ground. Tamaiiaxa (The Wires, March 27).-Have examined ground and find a considerable amount of trenching done on the western side of the claim and three reefs met with. A strong body of quartz has been met with in each.

Crescent (Karaugilnke, March 23).-Thecross-cut has advanced ,'>ft further, wiih a slight chance in country. Reef in Orient section his improved; distance driven 207 ft.

Kaiser (Thames, March 27).—Reef has improved in size and i« a splendid mineralised ore body. See a little sold by pounding. Where branch went all on the junction I got a fair prospect by pulverising. Wynvaruton (Coroin March 29).— drive lias been extenileij 221 ft. With the exception of ,i few silica veins being mot with there is no change to acquaint you with. Drive from Prospect shaft has been extended 34ft. Country penetrated is of good description for told. Prince Regent (Kamigahake, March 27).Contractors have driven 58 feet ; the country has changed to a blue sandstone ; there are dabs of quartz and stringers in the face accompanied with water.

(iOLDF.N Link (Kuaotunu, March 27).-Reef is beini; worked on same level as specimen leader. The reef is composed of nice class of quartz and carrying a little gold. St, Patrick i Karangaliake, March 23).—Main cro.acut has been extended 10: i feet. A lot of quartz of promising looking quality is coming to hand ami will test this week.

Occidental (Than.es, March 29).-Crosscut at Nor h Star low level has been advanced 76 feet from North Star leader, Country penetrated is still of a firm description. A constant flow of water comes from face of drive. No. 1 leader: Stoping operations both east and west of winze have been continued.

Crown Imperial (Karanaaliake, March 29). — No-1 level has been advanced 02 feet; ground set in very hard, We may get through strata this week,

MoasataiaM EXTENDED (Thames, March 29).The distance driven on the lode is 220 feet. Quartz coming to bin looks well. Will shortly crush a parcel of quartz from the reef. May Queen , Extended (Thames, Ihrcli29),-Con-tractors have made a start to drive east on the reef in the Onehunga section. In stripping the reef colours of gold were seen in snnll stringers coming towards the reef. Ground continues favourable. In the west drive quartz looks favourable, with bright mineral through it. Holcianga section: The men have been stripping thu reef. Evening Star (Kennedy's Bay. March 27).-N.> 3 drive : Reef on this drive is now about onu foot in width, carrying streaks of mineral, and is greatly improved in appearance. Distance driven, 133 feet. No 4 drive has been diiven IS3 feet. Moa (Whangamata, .March 26).—N0. 1 level has been driven f>l feet from month of level. Country in of same description. Prospectingdrive h now in 16 feet from surface. Country is a splendid class of sandstone.

MY Sweetheart (Hikutaia, March 27).-Have opened put on north side of aiiit on one of the small veins of quartz. Ground is a very hard, solid andesite, with number of small quartz veins throufih it. Have started small prospecting drive about 20 f*et from north-east boundary line. Hope to cut lode by next Saturday. Sybil (Hikutaia, March 27).—Main adit is now In IC2 feet, and croumt becoming much harder. We are meeting with more quartz, and quantity of mineral.

PuKEWHAir (Coromandel, March 27) -Have extended No. 3 drive another nine feet. Have got colours of fold at each breaking down, anil the face is at present full of small quartz strinitera Vt'AITEKAUXi Prisce (Waitekauri, March 29)Have driven 40 feet on No. 2, south side of Peel's Creek. Reel looks butter than anything I have seen in the eround yet. Strong colours mid small dabs of fine gold to be plainly seen with the naked eye. Darwin (Thames).- Drive has been continued Country still improves. Leader is of solid nature and contains some very nice minerals. ' ORION (Pnm).-Driving has been continued Hanginjjwall leader mentioned has opened out to a Biw learter 12 inches thick.

Criterion- (Coronwndel').-During the weekldiscovered'another reef near the western boundarywhere cut, loose prospects can be got by washin?. Shaft on No. 2 reef is now down -2iiJ fe-t. No 2 level on No. •» reef is now in 19 feet. Roihschim) (Karangahake). — Another leader about four inches thick has been passed through Dawn op Hope (Owharoa).—The drive is now in a distance of -203 feet. Country same as last reported. Moriox-Puru (Thames, March 27).-Contimied driving along No. 2 reef. The country has become harder and reef smaller. Crosscut to interact Rirau reef is now in 5S feet. Country still continues very hard. . Bendigo (Pum).—Low level has been extended 244 feet, and country continues eoocl. Pride op Hauraki (Coromandel).—Low level to intersect new leader has been extended 133 feet Country .•-till continues tight, but favourable for gold, numerous quartz veins and stringers carryin" uooil miner*] crossing the face. Electric (Wtungatnatn) -Have unearthed reef in two places. It is about Bto 12 inches and of very good class of ore. INCA OVhanf!»mata).-Drive on main reef In 60 feet. Beef split into two, bat making together again. Quartz still rnbbly, mixed with silica. Am ntvf driving on Luck at Last reef, and am sending stone for iissay. • Wokosa (Thames)-Continued driving crosscut to intersect No. 1 reef through favourable country. Am now in 02ft.

Kojiata Citovfii (Komata).-Have been eettine timber to commence driving on No. 3 reef ' Golden Opportunity (Thanie3).-We have omen in section No. 1, pasid through a

splendid class of white sandstone country. Have driven 20ft upon section 2. The new reef is making its appearance in the north corner of the drive and fs passing through a splendid class of sandstone country. Have found five reefs traver-inp same class of country. It is my opinion that opening up the ground at a low level upon the junctions will make this mine bne of the gold producers. King .Solomon (Thames).-Kstended drive on large reef 12 feet for week. We arc breaking out about four feet of the hanging wall portion which looks very well an;i arries a little gold. Deep (Karangahake, March 27).-Tunnel has been driven 82 feet from main tunnel. No change of country. HERCULES (Karangahake, March 27).—Work to date: Tunnel on eastsic';e Colletfs creek extended 53 feet. No. 3 tunsel extended 65} feet. Maritana (Owharoa, March 27).-No. 3 level has been extended 373 feet. Another rubbly brown quartz leader has been met with which assays £2 4s Id per ton, an improvement on previous assays, the country is all that could he desired FOUR-ix-Hasd (Waikoromiko, March 27).-Slow process has been made with low level crosscut, as the country and reef were rery tight. Few colours of >rold seen in stone. Fabulous (Waikoromiko, March 27).—Everything is going on satisfactorily with prospecting. On intersecting a 2-foot lode in crosscut very fair prospects of loose gold were obtained.