THE GOLDFIELDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10516, 9 August 1897, Page 6

THE GOLDFIELDS.

: AUCKLAND SHAREMARKET. Considering the day, the market aa Saturday was fairly brisk, and then were buyers for a large number af lines. In investment stock Auckland Gas (new) were purchased at £10 with further buyers at £1016s. New Zealand Insurance had inquiries at £3 lOlfid, New Plymouth Gas £7 53, National Insurance 17s 10d, New Zealand Accident 18s 3d, Thames Gas 355, while Northern Boots, Union Oils, and Sharlands were also in demand. In mining, Kuranui-Cale-donians had buyers at 4s fid. May Queens at 7s 6d, Puru Consolidated! at 2s 6J, Victorias at Is lOd, and Royals at Is 3d. New Alburnias were in good demand at 5s 8d and 5s 9d, sellers declining to go lower than 5s lid. Moanataiaris were purchased at 12s, with > farther buyers at that figure, sellers holding for 12s fid. In Kuaotuau scrip KapaiVermont* had buyers at4s 6J, with nohnsiness resulting. Upper Thames scrip, especially of properties at Karangahake, were in good demand. Crowns were sold at 265; Talismans again taw business at 18s 6d, while Imperials and Ivanhoes firmed. There were buyers of Talisman Extendeds at Is 3d. In Waihi scrip Consols were in steady demand at 7d, Souths at 6d. Waihi Extendedß were again placed at Is 3d, with buyers Is 2d, sellers Is 4d at last call. Silvertons had best buyers at 15s, sellers asking 2s more. Ohinemuris, which dropped towards the end of the week, had an upward tendency, closing with firm buyers at 5Jd. In Coromandel scrip Bunker's Hilll were placed at Is sd, Hauraki No. 2 at 9d, with further buyers at an advanced price, sellers asking IOJd. Four-in-hands were wanted at Is 3d, and Welcome Finds at Is lOd. There was also a good demand for low priced scrip.

KURANUI-CALEDONIAN G.M. CO.

435 TONS YIELD £477.

TheKuranui-Catedonian returns show that for the month of July 435 tons were treated, yielding 1770z 17dwts, valued at £477 4s 7d. This shows a considerable falling off from the previous month's return, when 490 tons yielded 3260z, valued at £876. A much better return is looked forward to next mouth, the battery having commenced ranking three shifts instead of two, as heretofore. Driving on the No. 1 reef in No. 4 level is proceeding apace, and a very promising class of country is being met with, flans for the new assay offices have been completed, and the erection of the building will be proceeded with at once. A circular has been issued from the London office notifying that a call of 2s 6d per share has been made, payable in equal instalments on 15th July and 15th September. As the shares held locally are mostly paidup, the calls will affect the London shareholders principally. It is mentioned that since April of last year £3620 has been won from the mine, ana the circular states that the mine is practically unprospected below the 317-feet level, and that when the rich veins in the long drive from the Caledonian to the Shotover shafts are opened up the shareholders 'should be handsomely rewarded.

NEW ALBURNIA.

A PAST RECORD. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Thames, Saturday. As a instance of what this well-known mine has done in the past in the shape of gold returns, Mr. Thos. Radford supplies the following as having transpired during a period of his management:—For the 12 months from July, 1880, to July, 1881, the yield of gold won on behalf of the company then working the mine was 15,4170z from 4232 tons of ore, the total value of which was £40,300 ss. The average monthly yield for that year was 12840z 16dwt, or an average of nearly 4oz of gold to the ton, and during the same period tributers averaged from 400oz to 500oz per month. From one tribute alone the company derived in percentage the sum of nearly £1000 during the same 12 months. These figures speak for themselves, and may reasonably be taken into consideration in connection with the extensive development works that are at present proceeding in the mine on behalf of the company who now owns the property, for the Bame ore bodies that yielded the above-mentioned returns are now being developed at greater depth, so that it is quite feasible similar results will be forthcoming at no very fardistant date.

SUNDAY LABOUR IN MINES. According to the New Zealand Mines Record, which has just been published by | the Government Mines Department, the Inspector of Mines, who was instructed to investigate the matter in the Ohineinuri district, ascertained that out of 1555 men employed but 84 of them worked regularly on Sundays at the pumps, cyanide vats, batteries, etc, In no mines was quartz broken down on Sundays. In connection with this matter, regarding which a good deal of controversy has taken place through the medium of the Herald columns, it does not appear to be generally known that in the mines in which men are employed on Sundays the shifts are changed, so that one man only works one Sunday iu every four.

TAIRUA EXTENDED G.M. CO.

A LIVELY MEETING. . The annual general meeting of the shareholders of the above company was held on Saturday, at Mr. John Churton's office, Victoria Arcade. Mr. W. Ledingham (chairman of directors) presided, and there was a large attendance of shareholders. The meeting was called for the purpose of electing two directors, etc. The Chairman called upon the legal manager to read the notice convening the meeting, and the minutes of the previous meeting held. This was done, the business of the previous meeting having been the confirmation of the action of the directors in appointing Mr. J. Churton legal manager in the place of W. R. Waters resigned. After the minutes had been read, aud before they were confirmed, Mr. Woodroff asked how many proxies were exercised at the previous meeting (when the action of the directors was confirmed after a poll)? He had taken legal advice upon the matter, and he was satisfied that there were several matters which required looking into. (A shareholder; That's my opinion too). He wanted an explanation regarding the proxies used. The Chairman did not think it advisable that such matters should be gone into at that meeting, as he had understood that it was inconvenient for some of the directors and shareholders to attend; he therefore thought it better to adjourn the meeting until a more convenient time. Some feeling was evidently to be introduced into the matters to be discussed, and if the meeting was to bo adjourned he would take amotion. A shareholder thought a change of directors would do the company good, and the sooner a change was effected the better. The directors were fighting among themselves, and were, he said, jeopardising the interests of the whole of the shareholders. It wa* suggested that the meeting should be adjourned until Thursday, but to this some of the shareholders objected, as the time would be too short to allow of proxies being arranged for with those residing at a distance. The Chairman said they need not trouble their heads about that. They could not bring in any more proxies to decide a question which had already been decided. Mr. Shera (director): Well, I say that's open to question. The Chairman said he would not discuss the question at that stage, but Mr. Shera would not resume his seat, and said that he would be heard first. What be wanted to say was— . A shareholder: Oh, sit down and let us get to business. Mr. Inder (addressing Mr. Shera, who was still endeavouring to make his voice heard above the others, several of whom were talking at once): Sit down for goodness sake! What no you want to be always slinging mud for? You're always at it, Mr. Shera (excitedly): You have no right to be here. You were put on the. register illegally, and you have no right to be present. Mr. Inder; Haven't I? Well, we'll see about that. It lam here illegally, why don't you sue me for it. You're not game enough ! Mr. Shera endeavoured to. reply, but several shareholders objected to these recriminations being allowed to proceed. When order was restored, it was decided to adjourn the meeting until next Friday, at half-past two pan. As the shareholders were leaving the room, Mr. Shera said he wished to know tho number of proxies used at the last meeting? The Chairman: This meeting stands adjourned, and you can't get any more information from us. _ Mr. Shera: Well, I demand the information, and I call upon Mr. Stone to witness that I do demand it. Mr. Churton : You don't call on one; you call upon the whole room to witness it. • . Mr. Shera (excitedly) -. Well. 'give me the information, I say; I insist on seeing the documents, The Chairman Don't give him the documents. We've had enough of him before now. v.';-,'.!--; , . . , j MrAßtdpei Demand the proxies Shera; don't let them .bluff you. .. A shareholder: I think it would be much better nr . tin company if all the directors resigned.-v- " >v , ,

The Chairman: Well, we are prepared to resign if Mr. Shera will de the came, and we will leave the shareholders to elect another board. But he won't withdraw. Mr. Charton said be would With pleasure give Mr. Shera the desired information, but he would not allow him to obtain any documents, "became," he explained,' " you had us that way before." . . .... An adjournment was then made to the adjoining room, where quite a scene ensued. Mr. Shera evidently wished to obtain possession of a paper held by Mr. Churton, who declined to allow it to pass out of bis hands, although he said Mr. Shera wu welcome to its contents. While this animated controversy was proceeding, A remark passed that Mr. Inder was not legally a shareholder; he excitedly issued a challenge to all and sundry to "lay an information against him, and see how they would fare." . Ll ., The Chairman interposed, ana asked Mr. Shera why he always wanted to cause a disturbance? Mr. Shera replied that all he wanted was fair play. . . A shareholder remarked that their interests were being neglected while " some of the directors were hunting after mare's nests." _ This sort of conversation continued until Mr. Shera seized the paper which lie evidently wanted, but with tbe words " No, you don't; you tried that business before," Mr. Churton regained possession of the document. Mr. Shera was at last apparently satisfied, having copied some figures from the paper mentioned, but angry talk still continued, and only ceased when the opposing parties went their respective ways. THE KARANGAHAKE DISTRICT. DESCRIPTION OF SOME OF THE MINES. [BY OUR SPECIAL reporter.] Having dealt fully with the leading mines of the Karangabake district, brief reference will be made to several of the other properties visited TALISMAN EXTENDED. This property consists of 81 acres, and lies south of the Talisman, the Stanley and Waverley lying to the west. The; mine manager is Mr. K. Stackpool, jun., and under his superintendence a level is being driven in the Rob Roy section to intersect the Marmion Extended reef. Thirty feet below the outcrop of the lode, which is' about four feet wide on the surface, a level was commenced and driven 80 feet on the reef. At the mouth of the drive the lode was about two feet thick and 30 feet in it widened out to close on eight feet. The low level was then commenced 230 feet below the top level. and3l6feetdriven in a south-easterly direction. Then as no quartz caine to hand, the course was altered to south-west, and driven 214 feet,, when a reef formation two feet wide was met with. A foot of this was composed of flinty stone, and the other foot silica and gritty quartz. This may prove to be the Marmion Extended reel, but to make sure the crosscut is being eontinued ahead in ease the reef should be further in the wall. If no lode is met with here, driving on the formation passed through will be commenced. A sluice head of water is at present coming out of the tunnel, and this can be used for ventilation purposes, and allow the company to properly test the southern portion of their ground, and reach the point where what are called Nos, 7 and 8 reefs are located. The reefs are from four to five feet thiok, and the assay value is said to run from £110 ato £2 10s per ton on the surface. If the lod* proves to be payable 500 feet of backs will be obtained from the Rob Roy tunnel. Another level has been started on the south eastern boundary of the Talismau, with the object of intersecting the Shepherd lode (to which reference has before been made), and the Maria reef, running through the Woodstock. This level is at present in 500 feet. At 200 feet a lone, which is believed to be Shepherd's, was met with, and it is thought that not more than 400 feet from this lode the Maria reef should be met with. A reet is from five to six feet oti the surface, and something like 000 feet of backs are obtainable from this level. Good work is being done on this property, and it will not be long before it is ascertained whether the lodes which have been cut in the upper level continue and improve as they go down, and whether the reefs expected to be cut run as far as the Talisman Extended. IVANHOE. In the abovenamed mine, which adjoins the Crown property on the north side, a crosscut is being driven from the Ohinemuri with the object of picking up the main Crown reef. The level, which is being worked on contract, is now in 350 feet. What is supposed to be the reef mentioued was cut in the upper level, and the present level is being driven from a point 200 feet below. It is stated that in both the Woodstock and Crown properties good gold was obtained from a reef some 203 feet from the Ivanhoe, and it is anticipated that in about another 100 feet of driving the reef mentioned will be intersected. Thestrikeof the Woodstock main reef, if it continues true to its present course, would take it into the Ivanhoe, and there is a possibility of the two reefs mentioned (which at|present are running almost parallel) functioning in the north end of the Ivanhoe, in what is known as the Shotover section. In this section several gold-bearing reefs, some as wide as six feet, have been cut. None of them, so far as hive yet been proved, contain gold in payable quantity, but as it has been ascertained beyond a doubt that in the Woodstock and Crown the reefs within what may be termed the present auriferous belt improve as they go down, it is assumed that a similar change will occur in the Ivanhoe, and that when cut at a depth the lodes will show considerable improvement. Very little work has been done on the Crown property adjoining the Ivanhoe, so far as opening up the ground is concerned, but as stated there is a possibility of the Woodstock tad Maria reefs junctioning on the old Ivanhoe and continuing on as one body through the mine under mention. Mr. Golaswurthy, the mine manager of the Talisman, is superintending the work in the Ivanhoe, which is being carried out by six men, WAVERLEY. In the above company's property, which idjoins the Woodstock end Talisman Extended on one side and the Stanley and Stirling on the other, they are driving to cut what is known as the Mammoth lode, and a promising-looking country of andesite is now being passed through. Close to the boundary if the Woodstock a large reef was cut, and is said that good gold was here obtained; ivhile the crosscut is being continued further to intersect another known reef. The level is in 300 feet. The reef has been 'driven on jlose to the Woodstock boundary, Mr. W. Cregoweth is mine manager. STANLEY. This property adjoins the Woodstock ou :he north-eastern side, and on the opposite ilde the Waverley, Sterling, and Locksley. is the underlie of the lodes on the Wooditock property averages about 45 degrees vest, it is thought that the Stanley will cut ;he reefs mentioned, but they will have to » sought for at a considerable depth. If he reefs maintain their present course, and he underlie remains as . at present, the Stanley should cut Shepherd's lode first. It s thought that the Mammoth lode also runs hrough the Stanley, and a crosscut is being tut in for this lode. The crosscut is now in ibout 300 feet west of what is termed the No. 2 ieef. It is estimated that ab.>ut i Mother 130 feet of driving .will have to be I accomplished to intersect the Mammoth lode, 1 ,nd all things considered the future pros- i lects of the property under mention are very 1 tromising, The position of the property is I rery favourable, as it adjoins the Woodstock i or a considerable length, lying to the south- i vest (the direction in which .the reefs are I rending at that end of the Woodstock) of I he property just mentioned. i STERUNO.. i ', 1 The above claim, which consists of 90 odd 1 teres, is bounded on tbe north by the ) xicksley, south by the Golden Fleece and • iotokohu special claim, eaist'by the Waverley, ' .nd Stanley, and west by the Rothschild. 1 L'he manager is Mr, J. White, The principal 1 vork at present being undertaken is the ' Iriving of a level to cut a lpde discovered on 1 lie surface, and which gave every promise ' if developing into a substantial body of 1 iuart£ . The, level, -at ithe time of our re- 1 >orter's visit, was' in 350 feet, and what is 1 relieved to be the lode discovered on the ' urface has been cut. This reef, when ' vorked on the surface, gave good 1 irospects by dish washing, and it is 1 anticipated that the lode at a lower lepth will improve considerably, It ii lot yet definitely known whether the ormation cut in the low level, is identical ritli the reef cut on the 'surface. The reef at i iresent iu the low level is small, being but a i ormation with a little quartz in it. It is I irobable, judging by the experience in other I sines adjoining, that the reef will improve i Dwer down, but it is the general opinion that i i will have to be cut at a! considerable depth : efore anythiug like payable quartz will lis I btained. So far as ;the"country has been I roved the claim under mention lies a con- < iderable distance west of the well-known < ariferous belt, of which' mention has previu«ly been made,' but at present' there is othing to prove that the auriferous country oesnot extend for a considerable distance ' eyond the present proved HmiU. ■ _ ! COROMANDEL WARDEN'S COURT. » c Messrs. Basley and .Bruce -received ' the a Mowing reply to a telegram to Mr. R.S. f lush,' who is now. at Wellington" War- » en'i Court for 'the eleventh adjourned Ito < eptember i date, - not magistrates." ; This i leans that the Warden's Court at Coroman- (> el ii adjourned to 15th September. . ■>~v; f I

THE BRITISH COLUMBIA RUSH.

SOME WORDS OF ADVICE. While at Waitekauri recently a representative of the Herald bad an interesting chat with Mr. Draffin, manager of the Grace Darling mine, regarding the tush to the Britiih Columbian gold mines. At several New Zealanders are said to be leaving our shores forth* distant field, Mr. Drain's experiences may prove interesting. He spent several years at the mines, md while he admits that the country is undoubtedly rich in gold, he thinks it advisable that those who contemplate making the journey should first obtain reliable information as to the conditions under which they would have to labour, the cost of the whole journey, and whether they have any prospect of earning anything during the winter, when many hardships have to be experienced. Many of those who nave left are totally ignorant of what has to be faced," said Mr. Draffin," and it would be to their advantage if they had obtained all possible information first. They are leaving at a bad time unless a man can afford to remain idle for some time, aud this also is a matter which should be pressed home on those who are leaving. The field may prove a rich one— trust it will — but the difficulties with which miners have to contend are more serious than many people imagine. It is certain that of the number who leave for the field many will uever reach it, and probably had they known as much before they started as they do now they would never have left. The cost of the journey is considerable, and the difficulties which have arisen regarding the transport of provisions should show that reaching the field is a task which, if the conditions are similar to what they were when I was engaged on the field, requires a good deal of pluck and endurance. My advice to those who intend visiting the field is to make full inquiries first, especially regarding the cost, climatic, conditions, and means of transport, if any; also, whether they are likely to faro better in a place where operations can only, be properly conducted during a portion of the year than in the colony where they are now situated. As I said before, a good prospector has a change, and I don't want to say a word against the field, but in the excitement the conditions under which a man has first to reach the field, and then to work, appear to have been forgotten, and it is important that these matters should be freely inquired into before prospectors leave New Zealand for the snow-clad country of British Columbia."

GENERAL MINING ITEMS. On Saturday Mr. D. G. MacDnnnell received the following telegram from the manager of the Cuirassier miue at Coromandel : "In breaking down twenty live pounds picked stone and specimens. Fifty pounds now on hand, and gold still showing. 1 ' Mr. H. (Jilfillan, juu., ou Saturday received the following telegram from the manager of the Omega iniue at Waitekauri: "In Omega low level have cut four-inch leader."

THAMES SHAREMARKET. [by telegraph— CORRESPONDENT.J Thames, Saturday. Argosy, sellers 7d; Chines, sellers 4d, buyers. 3d -, Comet, sellers 2d; Darwin (paid up), sellers 4M ; Golden Horn, buyers 4jd; liuranui • Caledonian, sellers ss; Karaka Queen, sellers 3d ; Kuranui, sellers Is 3d; May Queen, buyers 7s fid ; Mclsaacs, sellers, 3d; Now Albumin, sellers Us; New Whan, buyers 6Jd; New Golden Point, sellers 4d; Nonpareil, sellers 8d; Occidental, buyers 2d; Ptiriri, sellers 4d; Royal, sellers Is 6(1 ; Sheridan, sellers 2s 7d ; Tararu Creek, sellers 2s 9d ; Empress, sellers 3W. NEWS FROM THE MINES. [bytelegraph.— CORRESPONDENT B.] Thames, Saturday. • mm special CLAIM. The 230z 19dwt of melted gold obtaiued by the proprietors of this claim from two oneton trial parcels of dirt, realised £3 3s 3d per ounce, or a total sum of £75 14s lOd. This is equal to £3717s 5d per ton. ARGOSY. The crosscut towards No. 2 reef has not yet succeeded in intersecting that body, but the country continues good, and the reef sought for should be to hand sooner or later. There is no change in the No. 1 reef, upon which work is proceeding as usual. PDRC CONSOLIDATED. The south drive upon the Rimu reef at No. 2 level has been pushed Btcadily ahead during the past week, but the reef has been somewhat disturbed by an inferior class of country, and consequently not so much gold has been seen. There is now, however, a chuuge for the better setting in again, and, judging by the large amount of water issuing from the face, there is every reason for believing that some new development is close to hand, The manager forwarded a small parcel of the general ore to Auckland a few days ago, which was obtained from the No. 2 level, and although it is not of a very rich character, still it shows good freely, and is a pretty fair sample of what has lately been obtained.

YORTONA SPECIAL CLAIM. A company was recently registered in Loudon for taking over tno abovenamed special claim, which is situated to the south of the Occidental mine, in the Hape Creek district, and includes the well-known Consols, Magnolia, and other old mines. Altogether there is a large area of ground, and it embraces a section of anrifornus country in which many good patbhes and runs of gold have been found in years gone by. For several months past a considerable staff of miners has been employed under the supervision of Mr. H. Rabe in opening up on several of the reefs that exist in the property, and whilst so engaged very encouraging pros, pects have been met with. Latterly a large lode, about 20 feet in thickness, was discovered, from which fair prospects of free gold are obtainable, and upon this body it is now iutended to carry out systematio work. THAMES IIAURAKI. A good deal of time was lost this week in connection with the pumping machinery foundations, owing to tlio supply of concrete running out, but a fresh supply having now arrived tho work is again in progress, and anothor day or two should see the foundations completed. The bricklayers have made excellent progress this week with the work of building in the boilers that have already been delivered at the mine, and the carpenters have also made good headway with the construction of the tram-road leading from the shaft down to the storehouse, over which the large pumping columns are to be conveyed to the shaft when they are required. A start lias been made to erect the pillars of a 12-ton travelling crane, which is to be used in connection with lilting the beaw pieces of machinery, whilst other incidental works are also in progress with the view of pushing forward the completion of the plant as quickly as possible. Tight country continues to be penetrated at the Deep Sinker shaft, but nevertheless very fair headway is being made, the shaft having already attained a depth of 296 feet. ADELAIDE.

The main reef in the north drive at the low level has again been met with, the cross-flint which came into contact with it at the latter end of last week bavin? thrown it about five feet out of its ordinary course into the hangingwall country. When first met with on the other side of the cross-Hint the reef was rather small, but it has since opened out to fully two feet in thickness, and although no gold has yet been seen in the quartz, still the mineral indications in it aro the best that have been met with at this level. The reef also, in its general appearance, and the class of country encasing it, are,all in favour of still further improvement, 10 that it is possible something good may yet be met with as the drive advances. Stoping, at the present time, is now confined to the block north of the rise, and the quartz coming to hand shows colours of gold as usual. Driving eastward upon the cross reef at the same level is still being pursued, and an excellent class of country encases the reef, which is just now about 15 inches in thickness, but so far the quartz is not of a payable character. It is anticipated, however, that a change for the better will shortly he met with. As there is now a considerable! tonnage of ore on hand from the Adelaide reef, it is probable that crushing will be commenced about Thursday or Friday next. Paeroa, Saturday,

WAIKI CONSOLIDATED. I The erection of the pumping plant is proceeding satisfactorily under the superintendence of Mr. Milner, and a commencement has now been made to cut out the chamber lor the bearers and cistern, which will Do doubt, be placed in position almost immediately. The work of fixing the plunger and rising mains will then be commenced in the shaft, so that it should not be long now before the new plant is ready for working. Mr. Clias. McLean has assumed the management of the property, vice Mr. J. Gordon, resigned, i GRAND junction. A large volume of water continue! to flow from the face, and it is doubtful if operations will be resumed until a more efficient pumping plant is erected; at all events, much caunotbs done until a new boiler is procured as there is not enough steam power, available from the boilers use to supply the winding as well as pumping plant., ,No donbt in a day or two definite v arrangements will : be made as to the plan of operations and the ad* vancement of the face of the crosscut undertaken.) s -, it- wmmtHmm,

COROMIKDIL, Saturday. * ROYAL OAK. A pack horse in charge of Mr. James McGnire, accompanied by Mr. Peter Reid, manager of the Tokatea mine, arrived' in Ctoromandel this afternoon, The load proved to be two small but heavy packages, as much as MoGuire could apparently conveniently carry into the Bank of New Zealand. , This is supposed to be the result of the Royal Oak crushing. • BCNKEBS HILL. Arrangements have been made for a crushing of 10 tons of general ore at the Kapanga battery. This quartz has been obtained from the workings on the lowest level. The ore has been carted to the battery from Bunker i, and the orushiog will take place at once. HAURAKI ASSOCIATED. On Monday operation's will be resumed at the Hauraki Associated battery, with a view to its completion. This will possibly occupy about five or six weeks;

MINK MANAGERS' REPORTS. Hauraki North (Coromandel, August 4). —Total distance driven westward from shaft is 202 feet. Reef measures about 18 inches of solid quartz. I have never seen face look better. Crosscut driven 79 feet, and at that point No. 2 reef was cut. ', Very fine,body of stone measuring tWofeet.' It is my intention to open out on it. Sinking of the shaft is progressing in a satisfactory manner.'' Nil Desperanddm (Ohui, August 5).Low level crosscut to cut Clarkson's reef has been driven S3 feet from shaft. Cut several stringers in face of drive, Mine of which show gold by pounding and . washing. Clarkson's reef should be in hand during the ensuing week. An excellent class of country is being penetrated. Kaitoke (Great Barrier, August 4).—Have started new low level to cut Great Barrier lode. Drive is in 34 feet, the country blue sandstone. No. 1 level is now in 303 feet. Passed through another leader about 12 inches thick, giving out fair quantity of water. , Flemington (Whangamata).—Both crosscuts kept going; north is in quartz width of drive. Can get colours of gold by washing. Drive is now in 43 feet. Crosscut south is in excellent sandstone, and we are making good progress. Martha Extended (Wailii, July 31). — Still driving and trenching. Nothing yet has been cut in new trench. Waikoromiko (Waikoromiko).— extended drive on Plutus lode 12 feet. Lode is two feet six inches wide, and carries small prospects of gold. Have sunk winze 10 feet on hangingwall portion. It is about six inches wide, and carries very encouraging prospects of gold. In trenching on surface, close to Kauri Gold Estates, discovered a lode two feet six inches wide, on which propose opening out next week. Sterling (Karangahake).—Lode averages about one foot thiok. Quartz coming to hand. Bunches of heavily mineralised stone arc occasionally met with on hangingwall side of reef. Ajax (Kuaotunu, August Just cut reef, which I feel certain is one of the reefs wo have been driving for. I cannot get any told in it, but promising stone. Have started to drive on'it, and as driven on improvement may take place. Mount Aiigentum (Great Barrier, August 4).—Have started sinking on lode, shaft is down 11 feet. Lode is now underlying slightly to south. Broke down reef, and there is an improvement. Beef will improve as we go down. Star or Tairua (Tairua, August 3).—Cut two reefs—one three feet wide other one foot. Larger one is nice-lookiug reef, good kind of stone for gold. Wavekley (Karangahake, August 5).Drive is passing through very favourable ground, and another change lends me to think we will shortly get reef. Ground mineralised, and of favourable nature. _____