THE GOLDFIELDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10414, 12 April 1897, Page 6

THE GOLDFIELDS.

AUCKLAND SHAREMARKET. The week which closed on Saturday saw somewhat better business done on the sharemarket than has been the case for some weeks past, though the transactions actually on the closing day were but few. Northern Steamships were done at 6s, with further buyers at 5a 6d. Stanleys changed hands ut Is Id, and Four-in-Hands at Is sd. There were buyers of May Queens at 7s 9d, of Moanataiaris at 10s, and of Talismans at 15s. ASSOCIATED STOCK AND MINING BROKERS. The following sales were recorded by the above ou Saturday ;—Mclsaacs, sd, 4d ; Waihi Extended, 7d; Bunker's Hill, '.'s 9d ; Sceptre, sid; Coromandel Freehold Proprietary, 83. WAITEKAURI G.M. CO. 1916 TONS YIELD £3845. For the four weeks' endins March 37th the Waitekauri Gold Mining Company crushed and treated for bullion valued at £3845. The extraction by the cyanide department has continued low, the remedial steps mentioned last month not yet having been perfected. The last return was £4145 from 1712 tons. KAPAI-VERMONT G.M. CO. THE MONTH'S RETURN. The Kapai-Vermout Gold Mining Company during the lust crushing period treated 242 tons for JB4oz. Last month 260 tons yielded 15Soz. THE KAURI TIMBER COMPANY'S LEASEHOLDS. AN ENQUIRY TO BE HELD, liuins, Saturday. An enquiry is to be held by Mr. Warden Bush, at the Warden's Court, comineucinn at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, the iilst insiant, for the purpose of considering all pending applications for mining claims and rights on the Kauri Timber Company's leaseholds. THE KOMATA AMALGAMATED PROPERTIES. Thames, Saturday. I am given to understand from a most reliable srmrce that Messrs, Bewick, Moreing, and Co., who have for some time past held options over what ia termed the Komata amalgamated properties, viz., the Komatas Royal, Chief, King, ant] Proprietary, representing a total area of 344 acres, have suspended all the prospecting works they were carrying out upon the same, and also relinquished their options. The reason given for this action is because the anticipations regarding the value of the combined area have not been realised.

WAITAIA. It is reported that a parcel of OSlb picked stone, taken from the Waitaia mine before that was acquired by the English Company, lms been treated at Fraser and Sons, the result being bullion ot tho value of £40 10s. The chairman of the English company owning the Wnitaia is expected to arrive iu Auckland to-day. MINING AT THE BAY OF ISLANDS. Some weeks ago the seven or eijjhc men employed at the Ohaewai cinnubar works were discharged, and the works aro quiet now. The late lawsuit, Patterson v. Allan, had reference to the early prospecting mid disoovery of the lodes iu this place. The movements of tho company who havo been carrying on the operations have been kept as secret us possible. Works have been erected and quicksilver obtained, and there seems to be an unlimited supply of cinnabar available. This property, or rather properties, must not be confounded with the 400 acres of similar land lying immediately east, aold by the late Mr. W. Earl to a Sydney syndicate for a good price seven or eight years ago, and since that time sold by tho syndicate to a Sydney resident. It will be remembered that when Mr. Earl sold to the Sydney syndicate he also tried to transfer a right that he claimed over land then held by the late Heta Te Haara. In the lawsuit that followed Mr. Earl failed to establish his claim, and tho land then in question, together with some other pieces to the westward of it, now forms the site of the present workings. Mr, Bensusan, of Sydney, the present owner of tho property formerly owned by Mr. Earl, lias lately visited it, but did not go on to tho neighbouring workings. It is said that that gentleman is well pleased witli what he saw on his place, aud intends very ehortly to renew his visit. Several hundredweight of stone havo been sent to the Thames School of Mines from the Pokako gold mine—[Own Correspondent.] GENERAL MINING ITEMS. Two samples of ore for the Lioness Gold Mining Company's property, assayed by Mr. Geo. Burns, gave a return of £6 2s 6d and £3 8s 6d respectively. The mine manager of the Mclsaacs mine telegraphed ou Saturday :—Broke down reef in drive; dabs of gold showing through tho ore.

Mr. H. Gilfillan.jun., on Saturday received the following wire re British Empire :— Cut Prudence's No. 2 reef in No. 1 tunnel; good-looking quartz, THAMES SHARKMARKET. [FROM OUK OWN CORRESPONDENT.! Thames, Saturday. Mclsancs, sales Id. 4h<{, sd, sellers (id, buyers 4Jd; Nonpareil, sellers lid, buyers 9il; Victoi-iu, buyers 2s 6d; Royal, sellers Is 6il, buyers Is 3d; Lone Hand buyers 9d. NEWS FROM THIS MINES. [FROM OtTR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Thames, Saturday. SILAS. The crosscut to intersect the No. 1 reef hits been advanced a distance of 40 feet, and a similar length of driving should seo the reef to hand. MANCHESTER, What is known as Musket's reef continues to open up most encouragingly in the eastern drive, and nice strong colours of gold are seen in the quartz when breaking down. ARGOSY. Driving upon the eastern course of the reef is being steadily nroceeded with, but the country is rather firm ou both walls, and in consequence the reef at the present time is only 3 to 4 inches in thickueaa. There are however, indications of a change coming in, so that the reef will probably soon increase in size, warden's office. The total sum paid into the Warden's office during the past week as deposit monev on behalf of mining applications was £276 Os 10d. The applications comprised seven special claims, two licensed holdings, three water rights, and two machine eitea, whilst there were also eight additional deposits on behalf of previous applications. HCISAAOS. Dabs of gold were seen to-day when breaking down a portion of the reef in the eastern drive in the Australian section. The reef itself is about nine inches in thickness, and the point where the gold was obtained to-day is considerably in advance of the slopes from where the manager reported seeing gold during the week, So far, as is known the section of country which is being penetrated is intact, so that it is possible a good run of payable ore will be discovered.

ADELAIDE. During the past week a large flinty bar crossed the main reef in the northern drireat the low level, and somewhat retarded progress, but this has now been passed through, and better country met with, Tlie reef itself has maintained its size of 18 inches, and continues to carry an excellent class of mineral, but uo gold has been seen during the latter fart of the week. The stopes overhead continue to yield quartz of a payable grade, and colours of the precious metul are seen at each breaking dow,n. Operations upon the cross reef eastward'of the crosscut, have not yet resulted in any gold being seeu, but the reef, which is about 15 inches in thickness, bean a most promising appearance, and it is possible payable ore may be met in it at almost any moment.

NONPAREIL. The body of quartz intersected in the crosscut at the low level yesterday, and which is believed to be the Wade reef, was to-day broken into and found to be about a foot in thickness, whilst there are also some small quartz veins on its tootwall side. It is » nice dcfiued body of quartz of a brown rubbly character, currying very fair mineral indications &ud a little silica, but no gold was seen in tho quartz broken. to-day. A most congenial class of sandstone prevails on both aides of the reet, the hard diorite rock having disappeared a day or two previous to the reef being met with. Before opening up on the reef the manager purposes extending the crosscut a few feet further ahead so as to eniure getting hold of all the quartz that may belong to it. _ Good prospects still continue to be met with in the western drive upon the Liverpool reef at the same level, a breaking-down to-day revealing colours of gold in the quart*. ' HAT QUEEN EXTENDED. The works in progress in this company's mine sre beiou vigorously proceeded with. The contractor! for the extension of the eastern drive open the reef in toe Onehuoga

section have latterly been passing through somewhat broken country, which has had the effect of disturbing the reef somewhat, but notwithstanding this fact a colour or two of gold have been seen in the quartz. It is anticipated that a more settled class of country will shortly be entered upon, when an improvement may be looked for. The same reef in the western drive is a compact body about a foot thick and carrying good mineral indications, whilst the country is ot a very favourable class for gold. In the Hokianga section the reef being operated upon in a westerly direction is fully four feet thick, and carries an abundance of bright looking mineral, but as yet no gold has been seen. An improvement in this respect is anticipated to occur soon, THAMES UAORAKI. Excellent progress has been made during the past week with all the works that are in hand in connection with the machine site at the Queen of Beauty shaft, tho only drawback experienced having been an insufficient supply of timber to enable the winding and capstan engines' building being proceeded with as rapidly as would otherwise have been the case. All the rest of the works, however, especially those in connection with the concrete foundations for the boilers, the concrete foundation around the collar of the shaft, and the erection of tho large chimney stack and flues, have been very considerably advanced, the weather having been most favourable for their progress. The concreto foundation for the boilers, which is 100 feet in length by 46 reet in width, is now completed and ready for the bricklayers, who will commence next week with the building of the brickwork preparatory to placing the boilers in position. At the Deep Sinker shaft the new pump is working very smoothly, and no difficulty is now experienced in keeping the water down. Sinking operations have been in progress all the week, and very fair headway made through a firm class of country. No new development has yet occurred in the prospecting crosscut in the Deep Levels Consolidated section, the country being still of a broken character. ANCHOR SI'ECIAL CLAIMS, This mining property, which is situated on the left-hand spur of the Hupe Creek, just above the Old Consols mine, and comprises an area of 96 acres, is being developed most vigorously by an English syndicate known as the Hauraki (Auckland) Goldfields Syndicate (Limited). The general superintendent of tho operations is Mr. H. C. Woolmcr, A.M.1.C.E., who has had considerable experience in gold mining in both America and Australia. Mr. W. H. Keiineiley, an experienced Thames miner, 1 supervises the underground works, Operai tions were commenced at the latter end of October, since which date the syndicate have not only reopened and repaired no less than five different levels lor a total length of several thousands of feet, unit commenced operations in each of them, but also erected a four-stamp battery, with three berdans, for tho purpose of practically testing the various lodes that exist in the property. At present a staff of 30 miners is employed. So far the prospects met with have been of a very encouraging character, quite good enough to warrant the expenditure being incurred. Several reefs, that havo in past years and at higher levels yielded excellent returns of gold, trend through the whole length of the property. The works now in progress will eventually teat these same bodies at a greater depth below the surface. One of these reefs, known as tho Jupiter, is a large hotly quite 40 feet iu thickness, where cut through in tho Golden Cable low level, the lowest level now in progress, A contract for driving 100 feet on tho hangiugwall side of this large body is uow proceeding at the level mentioned, and a contract is also in course of fulfilment for its intersection at another level about 100 feet higher— the Golden Anchor level. At each of these points a most favourable class of sandstone country is being entered upon. At the Stephenaon level two reefs ure being operated upon, from one of which, averaging about 15 inches in thickness, a trial crushing is now being made at the syndicate's battery with every prospect of its proving payable. In fact, both driving anil stoning is being carried on upon thin reef, and colours of gold arc Sficn pretty freely in tho quartz coming to hand. A junction of this reel and what is known as Prescott's leader is expected shortly to be met with, and as both bodies are gold-bearing, it is anticipated good results will follow. The other reef being oporated upon at Stcphenson's level averages about two feet in thickness, in which colours of gold have also been seen. But the ore is scarcely payable as yet. Further development of tins body, however, is expected to result remuneratively. At Pros* cott's level a leader bearing the same name, which averages about four inches in thickilea*, is being opened up, This leader has proved to be a good' one iu tho past, and is now yielding a class of ore worth about two ounces per ton. Besides tho works already mentioned, two'or three other pro'apecting works are also in progress, in one Sf which (at the Weymouth level) a nice-looking four-inch leader has recently been intersected, and strong colours of gold seen in it. The present scheme of development will suffice for amply teatiug the property.

Cohomandel, Saturday. CUIRASSIBR. This licensed holding is situated on the Waikoromiko side of Kenuedy's Bay, and comprises 44J uorea in extent. A great deal of prospecting lias already been done under the direction of the energetic manager, Mr. Waldrou. Several drives of considerable extent have been put in, and in each case reefs have been intersected carrying more or less gold. One fine body of solid quartz has been exposed on the north side of the property. No gold was visible in tho stone, but the grit from a hole drilled through the reef showed u very good prospect. Owing to the rliliioulty at present in getting stuff to a battery, tho chief search has been for specimen leaders, the main reef of low grade ore being left for future operations, when it is to be hoped a battery will be on the adjacent creek. It is a mistake to presume that only small gold-bearing leaders lire to bo found in this, and in the Four-in-Hand and other surrounding claims. The fact is that only oro that can bo calculated as going so many ounces to the cwt. would bear the cost of men carriers through tho bush and then on pack-saddles along the track and thence to the seaside and on to the Thames. The fact remits, however, that large gold-bearing reefs are in the district ready for exploitation by the batteries which wo hope to see in the vicinity in the future. In the Cuirassier, therefore, operations are at present confined to the richest known gold-bearing reef in the mine. This is about 18 inches wide. It has been intersected and driven on each way with most encouraging results; also a rise is being put up on the northern side of the drive, and so far gold has been seen all the way. About six tons of really eood ore have been paddocked from this Mo. 2 lode already, and from this about IOOIbs of picked stone have been taken tor special treatment in Auckland. It seems a pity that the lot could not have been sent, but with present means o) transit, and absence of batteries, that is impossible. A drive has been put in on No. 1 lode, and some gold was showing up to about tho last six feet. There is a nice paddock of twenty tons of good crushing ore from this reef on hand. When the Hauraki Associated Reefs battery is completed possibly terms may be come to with the proprietors for a good trial crushing. The mode of transit would have to be an aerial tram to the present Kennedy Bay ground tram, and thence conveyed iu trucks with the aid of the locomotive to near the battery, The cwt of ore sent to Auckland must not be classed as specimens but merely as good picked stone. A welcome addition to the working capital will no doubt be the result. FOUR-IN-HAND. The most prominent mine amongst this group is possibly the Fourin-Hand. This because valuable crushinga have already been effected '■y the present proprietors of tho mine, and because valuable gold-bearing ore is to be had for the breaking down in the face of No. 1 drive at any time. In fact, some specimen stone was broken down in my presence to-day. A considerable amount of work has been done on this drive; about 60 to 70 tons of valuable crushing ore is at paddock, from which some time back about £1000 worth ol picked stone was taken, but the main body of stone awaits the erection of a battery. A splendid site for a battery, with water power, has been secured under the direction of Mr. Metcalfc, C.E. A leading stope was taken along with the drive on the reef for the purpose of ventilation, Pending the erection of machinery a lower level drive is being put in for the purpose of testing and opening up the mine ready for stoping out without delay when necessary. The footwall reef has been intersected and the hangingwall leader, or richest section, is expected daily on this lowest level. The main reef is fully 3ft wide in places and is easily worked out and could keep a battery going without any trouble. Besides, & battery in this locality would prove central for many other mines. The Four-in-Hand comprises 30 acres and is managed by Mr. Morgan, a fully-certificated Thames School of Mines manager. : -,

FABULOtTS. joiut the Four-in-Hand. Work may be described as in the prospecting stage, but already several promising lodes have been unearthed. One, something over a foot, wai met with near the surface, a distance of about 30ft in, aud on washing a dish therefrom I found a small prospect of gold. In auother prospecting drive a reef of fully 3ft thick wu iutenwted, also containing

shows of gold. This will be followed up until it junctions .with another smaller leader. On soother portion of the ground a sft reef was found, but where worked no gold was showing, TANDEM. This is a special claim peg and peg with the four-in-Hand. Not much work has yet been done in the ground, but so far very encouraging proipecta are in view. It may be mentioned that the most valuable of the Fourin-Hand lodes are known to run right through the property. WAIKOBOMIKO. This is a special claim now being worked by a syndicate. Some very promising reefs have been traced, but the work is in the prospecting stage. Its vicinity to Lilian and Ryan's well-known claim, and the fact of the gold-bearing leader being worked upon close to the Waikoromiko boundary is sufficient to account for the high hopes of the shareholders in this property. FOREST QUEEN. This area comprises 60 acres, and adjoins the Waikoromiko claim. Mr. Fred. Home is the manager. A considerable amount of work has been done in the mine, and some very large reefs have been discovered, but' owing to the absence of a battery in the locality, operations are at present confined to a small gold-bearing leader of a few inches in thickness. A small crashing was sent to the Thames from this leader last month, and gave the handsome return of 9oz co the ton. The parcel then sent consisted of about 19cwt. Just at present the ore being got out is of a better class than the last crushing. Of course only the pick of the leader is sent for treatment. A nice lot of ore is on hand ready for any battery that may be put up in the locality. Tho ground is at present nnder offer in England, and is likely to be taken up. RACHEL SPECIAL CLAIM. The property comprises about 80 acres, and is bounded by the Arawatta, A.J.C., and Vunderbilt. A main tunnel is now being put in so as to cut the Arawata reef, which is known to be running through this claim. A further 40 feet of driving is estimated as the probable distance. There is a nice little reef on the Arawatta side which has been exposed on the surface. No work has been done on it. The mine manager is Mr. A. T. W. Allan. WYNYARDTON. Last breaking down in the Wynyardton shows that the reef continues about one foot thick. A few men could soon get a crushing out, and the Hauraki North battery being within a few feet of the shaft, possibly a trial crushing could be made a there. The reef is more vertical, which is a distinct advantage. Men are now engaged in timbering the ground. MINE MANAGERS' REPORTS. Nellie (Wmingamata, April 9).—Crosscut No. 2 driven eight feet for week. Quantity of quartz running through face, with strong mineralised veins. Expect to cut reef at any time.

Sceptre (Wharikirauponga, April 5).— Crosscut is now in 21$ feet, and prospects of claim are good. About 200 feet from the mouth of the drive, body of quartz about a foot wide was met with; gives splendid prospects of gold by washing. Quartz has been met with for about ten feet after passing through the firbt reef, and good prospects of gold can be obtained. Matarangi (Matarangi, April 9),— South drive has been drivcu a further distance of 69 feet. Beef maintains its average size, and continues to give prospects of fine gold. North drive has been driven 20 feet, and reef opened out to four feet. Drove 10 feet on tributer's leader; tributers' drive would require driving 40 feet further before ground could be worked to advantage. Stanley (Karangahake, April 8). —Inorqsscut have met several small leaders carrying splendid prospects of gold, and expect to cut tho main lode every shift. Low level: Main adit level is now in 578 feet from starting point. Lode has opened out to over two feet six inches wide, which upon being tested cive fair results. Crosscut to cut Mammoth lode is uow in 146 feet from main adit level. Gem (Waitekauri, April s).—Have driven through hard class of country, composed principally of quartz, and showing mineral very freely. King of Wiianoamata (Whangamata).— Crosscut has now boon extended 207 feet; water oozing from face indicates that reef is close at hand.

York (Whangamata),—Havo discovered two more reefs running through property. Albio ■ (Whangamata).—Two reefs (one 2 feet 6 inches and the other 20 feet wide) have now been opened out. Zone (Whaugamata).-Np. 5 drive is now 21_ feet. Country very cizht, intermixed with small quartz veins. Have discovered another reef outcropping. Temple Bar (Thames, April 7).—While breaking down No. 9 reef some very nice dabs of coarse gold wore showing in ore. Country of first-class description for gold, and I believe good deposits of gold will be found in reef.

British Empire (Waitekauri, April sth). — Contractors in No, 1 tunnel have driven another 10 feet, and have cut through small leaders, from which mortar prospect was obtained. Prospecting tunnel driven 8 feet on reet. Very good quartz through it, but rather broken at present. Germanic (Karanghake, April 6),-Eastern crosscut has now been driven 337 feet. No change in character of country. Native Chief (Coromandel, March 27).— Passing through very hard bar of country. Keef has decreased in size, Got colours of gold in last breaking down. lona (Great Barrier, April 10).-Have extended drive 6 feet further. Reef still looking well and silver ore showing.