WAIHI G.M. CO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10415, 13 April 1897, Page 6

WAIHI G.M. CO.

IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS. ERECTION OF LARGE REDUCTION WORKS. [FROM OCR OWN correspondent.] Paeroa, Monday, The Waihi Gold Mining Company's mine, at Waihi, which is unquestionably the great mine of Ohinemuri, and, without exception, the most consistent and largest bullionproducer the colony possesses, has by its splendid contributions of the precious metal assisted in a very large measure to attract the attention of the British capitalist to New Zealand mines, and led to numerous good properties being taken up in its vicinity. These are being systematically develeped, and there is no doubt our vast mineral region is being thoroughly explored with satisfactory results, large numbers of good goldbearing lodes having beeu exposed in various portions of the peninsula. In addition to drawing attention to New Zealand properties, the Waihi Company has also given an object lesson to colonials as to the excellent results that can be achieved by the treatment of low grado ore on an extensive scale, and I have not the slightest hesitation in asserting that this lesson will be more deeply impressed when the large works at Owharoa are completed, and the present output of bullion considerably increased. This must naturally be the sequel to the development works in hand. It may be asked, can the mine continue to supply such a vast quantity of ore as will be necessary to keep the large plant regularly employed In reply to such a question I may say that if a person has any doubts upon the matter he has only to take a trip to Waihi, and the quantity of stone exposed in so many places in tho company's mine, would, I am sure, convince even the greatest pessimist that there is, apparently, an unending supply of ore, and that even the present levels alo'ue would be sufficient to keep a very large mill constantly employed in tho reduction of ore for many, many years to come. Although the mine has now been in course of development for a number ot years, it may be said to be yet only in its infancy, for, correctly speaking, only three levels, namely, the adit and Nos. 1 and 2 levels, have been reached, aud from these workings something like 3000 tons of ore per month aro despatched to the mill for treatment. Some idea may, therefore, be gathered of the immense nossibilities of the Martha and Welcome lodes, whieh are being operated apou, and when the present exploratory works can yield.without any extra effort such a large tonnage regularly, it may be Hafely assumed that the reef system underfoot will be found equally productive, At all events, the Company is in a safe condition as regards gold-bearing ores, and one pleasing feature worth recording is the fact that a new and important development has occurred at No. 2 level, notice of which has already appeared in the columns of the Herald. The development is all the more important, inasmuch as it opens up to the company a new era of prosperity. I refer to the make of stone in tho drive going eastward at tho No. 2 level. To make the matter brief, and at the same time clear, I may state that in the two levels above the groat Martha lode petered " out, or at all events it appeared to do so, and it was generally conceded that in the direction named the reef dwindled away altoaether. Lately, however, the No. 2 level reached the point underneath the apparent tapering off of the Martha in the No. 1 level, and as (he ore body appeared to possess the same characteristics as in the upper workings, it was naturally thought that the terminus had again been reached. The manager, Mr. Gilmoiir, nevertheless kept the level going ahead with a view to determining the problem as to whether or not the Martha lived beyond a certain point, and after about 60ft of driving the level was slightly veered to the left, and passing through a horse of sandstone, the main body of stone came in very stroug again. It is needless to say that this happy state of affairs gave the greatest of satisfaction not only to the manager, but to the superintendant, Mr. Barry and all the lucky shareholders, proving as it did that going further east the company'smagnitiwncbullion producer still existed in a healthy state. Immediately the body of ore made strong again it was crosscutted south-cast and northwest, and in both directions a splendid lodo formation was laid bare. The south-easterly crosscut was the first one undertaken, and it was followed for about 28 feet, though it was only during the last 14 feet that the reef became solid, the first half being composed of sandstone couutry intermixed with numerous quartz seams, At the end of the 28 feet a soft kind of bluev country, heavily mineralised, came in with a dip slightly N to the north-west, and so far as it has been exposed it would seem as if it is underlying at a different angle to the haugingtvall of the Martha lode. The manager therefore came to the conclusion that this particular body of £tonc was associated with the Welcome lode, so leaving the wall he went back to the level again and crosscuttcd ,in a north westerly direction with most successful results, over 29 feet of solid quartz having been passed through before the other wall camo to hand. From all appearances it would seem as if this is the main body of ore, though it apparently lias been heaved slightly to the north-east by a hor6e of country, which previously had been taken for the wall, where a crosscut was put in a short distance back, to ascertain the size of the lode. At all events, there the Martha now stands exposed for 29} feet, and a valuable lode it is, as for the Hist 15 feet from the face it gave on an average loz of gold and IStlwt of silver to the ton, though the remaining portion was of less value. This clearly proves that the outlook for the company is brighter than ever, and it in my opinion that the lode will also be found just as strong in the levels above when the country is proved. Operadons upon the lode will not be commenced until better ventilation is secured, and wheu this has been accomplished no doubt the face on the reef will be advanced.

As already stated the development is of great importance to the Waihi Company, whilst at tho same time the new discovery is one that should possess a considerable amount of interest for other companies operating to the north-east of the Waihi, as the tracing of the lode so far through the Waihi Company's ground gives encouragement that its strength will not diminish as driving on its t'end progresses. At the same time it affords more hope that tho reef is not going to confine itself to the area within the pegs of the company in question. I may say the company have now a large and valuable block to open up in the north-eastern portion of their mine, as there will be from eight to nine hundred feet of driving to be accomplished before their eastern boundary, or the i north-western boundary of the Grand Junction is reached. No doubt the future operations of the company will be watched with more iuterest than ever, especially as more extensive works are being undertaken The development of both the Martha and Welcome lodes is proceeding assiduously at the several levels, the latter body looking especially well at No. 2 level. Here over ICOO feet have been proved, the ore being on the average worth close upon auoz of gold to the ton, while as regards width it maintains a good working size, being in some places beyond the No. 2 shaft fully 30 feet wide. The interesting part of this development is that the reef is getting stronger and better as depth upon it is attained, as in the levels above the ore body does not show anything like to such advantage as at this No. 2 level. Looking at the mine all round, it is unquestionably opening up better than ever, and its value has certainly been considerably enhanced by the recent rich discovery. The lucky shareholders cau therefore regard the future with the greatest of hope, and anticipate remunerative returns for years. The brilliant results achieved by the Waihi Company should also be an incentive to other companies to diligently prosecute their works of development, for they, too, have their chance of reaping the same reward for diligent and systematic labour. The compauy are not only conducting a vast amount of work in the mine, but at the surface great preparations are being made for the carrying on of underground explorations on a more extensive scale than ever. | Powerful pumping and winding machinery is being erected over the No. '2 shaft, four large inultitublar boilers having been already landed on the engine site and are now being bricked in. The pumping plant is certainly to" be of a model pattern, and when completed will be one of the fimest and most efficient plants of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. The engine is to be oue of Haytnorne, Davoy and Co.'s differential coinpounds, and when I state that it will be capable of lifting 1000 gallons per minute to a height of 1000 feet, some idea may be gathered of its immense pumping capacity. The expenditure at present being incurred by the company iu order to systematically and profitably develop their large property is certainly enormous, but the revenue from the mine is so large and steady, that it is amply justified. Tho company are not only conducting operations at Waihi, bat, as already, known, they are erecting a very large reduction plant at Owharoa, or Waikino, as it is now. called. These works, which, I may state,'' are on the northern bank of the Ohinemuri River,,are situated about five miles below Waihi, and 'are being rapidly pushed, ahead under.the able superintendence ot Mr. H. P. Barry. The battery site is;easy of access, aud is situated in the heart of the goldfields, and affords a nice easy tramway grade coin themjnV . ..-,«;,,•

The tank-shed is a very large building, being 270 feet ia the clear by 114 feet in width. This shed will contain 20 percolating vats, each capable of holding 150 tons of ore. The battery itself is situated to the west of the tank-shed, being already partly excavated, and is situated with due regard to the economic treatment of the ore. The foundation, uprights, and framing for 50 heads are now in place, while the other portion is being vigourously operated upon. One hundred head of stampers will be erected at once, whilst provision is to be made for the erection later on, if it is thought desirable, of an additional 100 head in the direction of the tunk-ahed. The mortars are of the double discharge pattern, and are the product ot that well-known foundry firm, Messrs. Price Brothers, of Thames. The stamps are 9Golbs weight each ; in fact, the latest and best mill practice has been embodied in the design throughout, and bears ample evidence of Mr. Barry's mechanical skill. One important feature in connection with the new works is the large space provided for the ore bins, and as these will be always kept filled there will never be any danger of a stoppage of the plant from want of ore. Altogether, the new battery will be fitted up with all necessary appurtenance sfor the efficient and at the same time economical treatment of ore, and when finished it will be second to none in the colonies.