THE GOLDFIELDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10418, 16 April 1897, Page 6

THE GOLDFIELDS.

AUCKLAND SHAREMARKET. Very little business was transacted on 'Change yesterday. Nonpareils were done at 9d, Waihi Extended* at the same figure, and Hauraki North (contributing) found purchasers at Is 9d, and Is lOd at last call. May Queens declined from 8s 9d to 8s 4d. with buyers at 7s 9d. Waitekauris and Wooditocks remained firm at late quotations. Hauraki Norths (paid up) opened at 4s, but dropped to 3s 7d at last call. In bank, insurance, and other stock there was no change. ASSOCIATED STOCK AND MINING BROKERS. The following business was yesterday transacted by the above:—Waihi Extended, 6Hd; Waihi Welcome, 2Jd; Waitekauri No. 2,2 d; Four-in-Hand, Is 4d ; Sceptre, paidup, 9d. MAY QUEEN. Information was received yesterday that 60 loads of stuff from the May Queen yielded 108oz bullion, valued at £292 15s. AOTEA (GREAT BARRIER) G.M. CO, Of late several inquiries have been made regarding the terms upon which the property could be taken up on option, andit is reported that the result of negotiations is that there is every probability of the claim being shortly taken up under a working option. THE INTERNATIONAL SYNDICATE. The International Syndicate have decided to abandon all the options held by them in this colony. No authoritative reason has been given for this step, but it is understood that the unfavourable state of the Home markets influenced the syndicate in coming to this decision. TAIRUA PROPRIETARY G. M. CO. A meeting of the Tairua Proprietary Gold Mining Company was held yesterday afternoon, Mr. E. W. Alison presiding. It was resolved that the directors be authorised to dispose of a portion of the shares, in order to acquire a water-right, as proposed.

WHITE STAR CONSOLIDATED G.M. CO. Arrangements have just been completed for an extension of the option of the White Star Consolidated property, situated at Cabbage Bay, Coromaudel. The property consists of eight claims ac Cabbage BayBritannic, Norio, Celtic, lonic, Doric, Helvetic, Coptic, and Belgicj the total area beiug 750 acres. The property has been placed under the control of Messrs. Bewick, Moreing, and Co., for a further period of eighteen months. The nine months'option formerly taken is just about to expire. The company which it is proposed to form will possess a capital of £150,000, the vendors are to receive 50,000 fully paid-up shares and £2000 cash, and the working capital is to be not less than £30,000. Since the optiou was first taken up good work has been done, the sum of £3180 having been disbursed. This sum includes the £500 paid for the first option to date, and which forms part of the cash payment to be paid to the vendors, GENERAL MINING ITEMS. Mr. H. V. Lawes, of Liverpool, who recently left Auckland for Sydney, en route to England, took several specimens of the most refractory Auckland ore obtainable for examination by London experts. The ordinary genera! meeting of tho Golden Hill Gold Mining Company is called for April 30. THAMES SHAREMARKET. [FROM OCR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Thames, Thursday. Adelaide, buyers sd; Alburnia East, sellers 9d; Broken Hill, sellers 9d; Club, sellers, 3d Conservative, sellers sd; Kuranui-Ctledonian, sellers 5s 3d ; Karaka Queen, sellers 4Jd, buyers 3sd; King Solomon, sellers 2s; Kuranui, sellers, Is 3d; Mata Reefs, sellers 4d; Mclsaacs, sales 4d; New Whan, sellers 7id, buyers sd; Nonpareil, sales 9d; Occidental, sellers 4d; Tararu Creek, sellers 4s; Temple Bar, sellers 3d; Victoria, buyers 2s 6d; Royal, sellers Is 6d; Kaiser (contributing), sellers Sd; Zona, sales Is 2d; Lone Hand, sellers lid, buyers 9d. KURANUICALEDONIAN MINE. £1067 3s 9d FROM 200 TONS. Thames, Thursday. The first cleaning up and retorting for this company, at its own battery, has just been completed, after crushing 200 tons of general ore and a parcel of picked stone, with the result that the excelleut return of 401oz 9dwb of melted gold was obtained, which, on being sold to the Bank of New Zealand, realised £2 13s 2d per ounce, or a total sums of £1087 3s 9d. The return is one which far exceeds the manager's (Mr. M. Paul) expectations, and goes to show that the block of ground which is now opened up upon the junctiou of Darby's leader and the cross reef above No. 1 level, from which point the ore treated in the above crushing' was obtained, is a valuable one, and one from which similar yields of gold may be anticipated for some lime to come, inasmuch as the two bodies still continue to open well, and to show gold freely at each breaking down, Apart from this block, however, steps are being taken by Mr. Paul tostill further increase the company's resources by the commencement of operations at no less than four other points, viz., by opening up a new block for stoping purposes upon the Cross reef at No. 1 level some distance westward of where the above crushing was taken from, the resumption of operations upon Kelly's reef on its western course at the same level, the development of a quartz body known as Williams' leader below the 80 - feet level in the Kuranui section of the company's property, and the clcauing nut of No. 4 level, with the object of commencing prospecting operations upon the Caledonian Nos. 1 and 2 reefs. Each of these works are to be pushed forward with as much speed as possible, as the prospects in each instance are of a most promising character for the ultimate finding of payable gold. Williams' leader especially, at the 80ft level, has yielded highly-remune-rative returns of gold in the upper levels of both the old Kuranui and Moanataiari mines, it being really a branch of the celebrated No. 9 reel. The intention is to siuk a winze upon it with the double purpose of proving its value at depth and also of ultimately affecting a connection between it and what is known as Kelly's prospecting crosscut at No. 1 level for ventilation purposes, so as to permit of the latter work being continued as well. A fortnight, however, will probably elapse before sinking cau he commenced, as there is a good bit of cleaning up and repairing to do first in the SO feet level. Special interest is also attached to the operations in progress upon Kelly's leader at No. 1 level, for it is considered probable that it has some connection wilh the well-known No. 9 reef, coming in on its westerly course from the Moanataiari mine, and upon which considerable driving was accomplished a short time ago on both sides of Kelly's crosscut. Mr. Paul has an idea that Kelly's leader and the No. 9 reef come together going westward, and the work now being done upou the former will solve that question. In the present face Kelly's leader is about two feet in thickness, and shows a little gold on its haugingwall side, so that the prospects are of a promising nature. Crushing is still being carried on at the company's plant, one shift of eight hours per day. NEWS FROM THE MINES. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.] Thames, Thursday. KAISER. The retorted return of 19oz of gold obtained by this company yesterday from a crushing of 20 loads of ore, was to-day reduced on melting to 18oz 4dwt, and realised, on beiug sold, at the rate of 64s 2d per ounce, or a total sum of £58 7s lOd. MANCHESTER. The drive eastward on Musket's reef continues to result in most promising prospects, and as the country which is being entered upon is quite intact, there is every likelihood of something good being eventually met with. The reef at the present time averages about nine inches in thickness, and at the last breaking down showed colours of gold freely distributed through the ore. It is probable that operations at a deeper level will toon be commenced.

nonpareil. In the south drive, upon the Liverpool reef, a small leader carrying excellent mineral indications, and showing strong.colours of gold, has just come in from the footway country aud mnctioned with the first-mentioned body. The quartz was broken down to-day at the junction, when colours of gold were teen, nut no picked stone obtained at was hoped for and expected. The south crosscut is still beiug pushed on past' the Wade reef, and a really good class of country entered upon which is interlaced with highly mineralised teams. Mr. Cart-wright is hopeful that when driving is started upon' the Wade reef this class of country will eventually replace that which is now encasing it, and which is not so favourable for gold. The reef itself looks very promising and carries a favourable class of i mineral and a good deal of silica, but to geld was teen on cutting through it. ■ - ..< -

MINE MANAGER'S REPORTS. Pdriri (Thames). — Crosscut has been advanced 33 feet. At a point '29 feet from mouth ot the drive we intersected new reef, three feet. Quartz is of splendid description, and country is all that could be desired. KoMATA (Komata).-There is now 100 feet of reef opened up on the north side of crosscut and reef looks very well. Samples forwarded. The drive on the south side of crosscut has been extended 10 feet this week. Beef is opened up on south side 76 feet. The reef on extended portion is now opened up 88 feet. Am sending sample. Pobiei.—Extended crosscut total distance 30 feet, at which point we met with the new reef, and have driven into it about two feet. There is still quartz in the face of the drive, Deep Lead (Karangahake, April 10).— Class of country same. Distance driven from main tunnel 90 feet. Focß-iN-HAND(Waikoromiko, April 10).— Crosscut has been extended 223 feet. The country rock is full of small quartz Unities, which makes progress difficult, but is good indication for gold. Would strongly recommend increasing the complement of hands, so as to push on work. Grace Darling (Waitekauri, April 10).— Portsea low level has been timbered up to face, and start made to connect No. 2 winze with the low level. New Mooter (Te Aroha, April 10),Drive: Ground has got harder, which has caused the leader to get a little smaller. There are also two other drives. I discovered another reef six feet wide, which is running north and south, and which looks very promising. Wheal-Bassett (Kuaotunu. April 9).— Have extended No. 3 crosscut 171 feet. Have uncovered promising looking leader southeast of No. 1 reef. It is heavily charged with mineral, but so far have not got fold by pounding. Have also uncovered leader northwest of the No. 1 reef giving a very fair prospect of gold. Kenned?.— men have been placed to follow up the stringers showing near the dam where the Bay View reef is supposed to cross the creek, The locating of West Darby reef will be made at next inspection. Makqois of Salisbury (April 12).-Some very large reefs have been discovered running through property. No. 1 is a large body of ore fully 10 teet iu width, and is well worth thoroughly prospecting._ Several other reefs and leaders have been discovered, of which I shall say more later on. Rialto (Waikoromiko, April 9).—Yesterday came across nice-looking reef on western spur, It is the best looking stono I have yet cot on the claim. Gem (Waitekauri, April 12). — Going through a softer class of country, with water coming very freely from face.

Mata Reefs (April 12).—Lode has been cut through, bat does not quite come up to expectations. The lode juuotions with another, and a drive will be put in to test this junction. Argosy (Thames).—Country continues to improve. Although the reef has not regained its proper thickness colours of gold are more often met with. Have commenced a surface drive hillwards to intersect the cap of the reef to enable me to rise on the runs of gold, With permission I will commence to scope and give evidence of the value of the property and the necessity to provide mine with battery and tramway. The miue is without doubt a rich one.

Conquering Hero—Have driven 25 feet north, and are now rising on the footwall portion, where I obtained a few specimens, Am convinced it is'the Alpha reef which we have in our crosscut.

Darwin (Thames).—Drive on the new reef is in 44 feet. Leader is making again in the face. Quartz looks promising. A start has been made to sink winze on No. 1 reef.

City op Aookland (Thames, April 10).— Low level tunnel has been extended 56 feet. Shaft sunk 10 feet for week and timbered up. We still have a few chains of water-race to finish,

Victoria (Thames, April Good class of ore is still coining to hand from stopes and east drive. In the latter drive the hangingwall portion of the reef has opened out to one foot, and quartz shows gold occasionally. Occidental (Thames, April 12).—Splendid Progress is being made with extension of [orth Star low level crosscut, wnich is now in 111 feet from North Star leader. Tho country now being penetrated is a good class of sandstone. During the week we intersected small stringer, in which first-class minerals are seen.

Golden Link (Kuaotunu, April 10).— Drive on reef at specimen level is in 30 feet. Reef looks much tho same, hut is somewhat smaller.

May Qdekn Extended (Thames, April 12). —Contractors are making good progress in extending drive east of the Onehunga crosscut. Ground at present is not of good description. Drivo west of tho crosscut is in good country, and reef looks promising. Have broken down a part of reef in Hokianga section, which is heavily charged with minerals.

I'ntESlX (Kuaotunu, April 9). —Driving still continues on course of Invicta lode (low level), but leader has been thrown out of its course by a break crossing tho face; distance opened up is 90 feet, Drive on No. 2 reef, which in the face is a compact ore body, hilly nine inches in width. Hauraki No. 2 (Coromandel, April 13).— As far as can be seen at present, the leader just cut is crossing drive at a long angle, aud dipping slightly to the S.E. Country is much improved, but hardly firm enough on the leader.

Balfour (April 10).—Still driving in both tunnels with the same class of country as last reported, British Empire (Waitekauri, April 12).— No. 1 tunnel : Driven 12 feet through firstclass country. Cut Prudences No. 2 reef, which carries good-looking stone. Driven five feet on linn of reef in prospecting tunnel ; quartz improving and reef more compact. Ulysses (April 13).—The reef lately discovered near the eastern boundary maintains size, and shows favourable indications for gold. Another small reef, nine inches, lying between this and Salisbury boundary is being opened up. No. 8 reef shows a thickness of seven feet, but is split up. Germanic (Karangahake, April 12).— Main crosscut has been extended 34$ feet. A welldefined leader six inches in width has been cut through. | Sheridan (Tapu, April Country continues much the same, 12 feet driven for week. We are now 171 feet inside our boundary. Manoakaka United (Waitekauri, April 10).— a reef : Has opened out to two feet, and some nice colours of gold have been seen, No. 6 reef: Reef is more compact, and still carries favourable minerals for gold. Ppiio Junction (Puru, April 10).—No. 1 reef : Have driven 13 feet in, very little change in country. No, 2 reef, Pakeha: Have met with another leader about one and a-half inches in thickness, it is encased in blue sandstone, and is highly mineralised. Talisman Extended (Ktrangahape, April 12).—A start has been made to drive south on the reef at 230 feet level. The reef is widening out in the back of the drive, and is one foot thick. Rothschild (Karangahake),— level is in 207 feet. Country is of nice blocky nature, intermixed with good quartz stringers, which is a good indication of reef being close at hand. Omega (Waitekauri. April 13).-Low level is now in 93 feet. The level crossed the boundary. Face is 33 feet into our ground. Level going into Afred section is now in 76 feet. Princess (Karangahake, April 13).—The low level is now in 100 feet. Country is soft sandstone and has to be close timbered.

King Solomon.— drive on the reef is in 36 feet. Country still continues favourable, and prospect can be obtained in dish. Reef is about 4 feet wide, and has become firmer. Dover Castle (Piiriri, April 13).-Pros-pects very encouraging ; a splendid show of gold is seen in dish when ore from No. 1 reef is pounded and washed off, while gold is distributed through the general ore. It has been opened up 25 feet, and continues to look well. Progress - Castle Rook (Coromandel, April 14).—Have mudo a start with a leading stope, immediately over the No. 3 level. The County Council has granted the making of road to battery site. Empress (Coromandel, April 12).—Have, driven on Power's reef in No. 2 level, six feet for the week. Reef is three feet wide, and very hard. Coirassier (Coromandel, April 11).— extended traverse on No. 1 lode to 50 feet. This lode is coming into the Guest channel of country for gold I have seen in this district. Have started rise on this lode. On breakiug down reef on No. '2 obtained some rich specimens. Will ship stone next week. Jocelyx (Waikoromiko, April 14).-Have driven another 10 feet on No. 4 reef. It is carrying excellent minerals. The reef at present has widened out to nearly four feet. Nice dish prospects can be obtained. Maioro (Coromandel).— in drive is looking much better, and I expect to see gold before long. The drive has been extended 48 feet. Komata Crown (Komata).-Have reached footwall of reef, it is about eight feet in width, and has two defined walls. Wonona (Thames).-The country is of a good class, and full of small quartz stringers. The drive has advanced 104 feet, Mabtha Extended (Wailii, April 10).Country very solid, highly mineralized, showing quartz in the face. We have driven 111 feet. "..;.',-' " "■■',•:..• :•"" . Rachel (Kennedy's Bay, 'April 12).-No. 3 drive is now. in 53 feet. We are driving through a nice blocky formation, and are expecting to wt.aiiHti at any time. ■ ■ " _~