OUR GOLDFIELDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11716, 26 July 1901, Page 1 (Supplement)

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

.'•■'■' — SUMMARY. •■ ;.■> ' ; Though the last Summary; was published three weeks ago, the gold returns for the Auckland district were at that time incomplete, so that six weeks have elapsed since the publication of our last tabulated record of the output from the various mines. , The total of the returns issued during the- past six weeks amounts to £55,715 5s 6d, which is the second highest of the six periodical returns published during the current year, having only been exceeded by that of the period ending June 14, which amounted to £67,738 13s. The present total is made up. as follows : —Ohinemuri, £-16,979 17s lOd ; Thames, £4202 5s lid ; Coromandel, £4533 Is 9d. ■ ; ' ;"-'- The total output from the Auckland district mines for the first six months of this year amounts to £323,548 7s 2d. The total "for the first six months of 1900 amounted to £273,732 16s 6d, so that the figures for the present year show an increase of £49,815 10s Bd. During the month of June 43,0670z of gold, valued at £167,926, were exported from New Zealand, as against 33,8330z, valued at £132,897, in June last year. The export for the past six months was 217,3870z, valued at £844,836, showing an increase for that period of 38,1830z, valued at £150,027, as compared with the corresponding period of ISOO. During the last month New Zealand exported 38,7960z,0f silver, valued at £4392. . / The total result of the ballot taken by the Thames Miners' Union and branches to decide whether or no the award of the Conciliation Board in the mining dispute should be taken to the Court of Arbitration was 652 votes in favour of so doing and 104 against. The company representatives also deckled similarly, so that the case will be thrashed out once more. As an outcome of the dispute a Mineowncrs' Association has been, formed, the membership being restricted to representatives of owners of mines.; The association is to be governed by an Executive Council,, and provision is made for affiliation with ' any employers' association which may be formed locally. " The sitting of the Arbitration Court "has been fixed for September 6 at Paeroa, after which adjournments will be made to Waihi and other districts to take evidence in the mining dispute, , ■ . It is stated that the representatives of the miners, when the mining dispute goes before the Arbitration Court, will endeavour to secure an extension to the North Island of the Reef ton award, which fixes the rate of wage at 9s 6d per day. A considerable landslip- occurred at Karangahake on Sunday, 14th hist., on the hills facing the township, which caused part of the New Zealand Crown Mines' waterrace to carry away and the company's tramline to be blocked for some distance.' The matter has caused a serious set-back, as, owing to the large quantity of debris (some thousands of tons) to be cleared away and to the repairs necessary, crushing operations had to be suspended, and may not .be resumed for some weeks. '

Two schemes have been formulated for the testing of the Thames deep levels, one emanating from Mr. C. A. Harris, attorney for the Thames-Hauraki Company, and covering the sinking of all the shafts in the drainage area to a uniform depth of 1000 ft, and their connection at that depth by a long main drive and crosscuts. The Second scheme has been suggested by a member of the Thames Drainage Board. Particulars of both are given in the following columns by our Thames correspondent and will be read with interest. ■-.;-■>. .The.Thames Miners' Union have agreed to support the resolution adopted by the Waihi branch providing that ail contracts in future be let through the union. ? At the last meeting of the - Thames' Warden's Court the Thames-Hauraki Company applied for six months' protection for the Dee]) Levels Consolidated special claim, pending settlement of matters in difference between the company and the Government in regard to the claim: six months' • protection for the Deep Sinker special claim, pending completion of a comprehensive scheme for working the whole of the Thames deep levels ; six months' protection for the Queen of. Beauty Extended special claim and special machine site, pending (1) the completion of a comprehensive scheme for working the whole of the Thames deep levels; (2) to give further time to complete the reconstruction of the Standard Exploration Company, ot London, which has been unexpectedly delayed ; and (3) none of the companies affected by the Thames Hauraki pumps are prepared to work below the 500 ft level, and therefore will not be prejudiced by the granting of the protection applied for. The May Queen Hauraki (Limited) objected to the granting of the application.on the following grounds : —(1) ' That the Thames Hauraki (Limited); had entered into a deed of covenant, bearing date March 15. 1897, with the Minister for Mines, whereby it would with oil due diligence and skill sink its shaft to a depth, of 1000 ft, and would at all times make ar- j rangements to the satisfaction of the Minister, or the Warden of the district, whereby the owners of mines might construct and maintain drainage levels (not necessarily exceeding two in number at any time) from or connected with the said shaft, for the drainage of their mines, and for that purpose might avail themselves of the company's shaft, machinery, plant, and operations, provided that the said machinery and plant shall at all times be worked solely by the company, and that the company would at all times, at its own cost, carry on with such plant the pumping, hauling," and other operations as were necessary in order to keep the said shaft reasonably dry : (2) that the company had only sunk its' shaft to 823 ft, and that the granting of the application would still further delay sinking it to 1000 f t; (3) that the objecting company was entitled to the said agreement, and particularly to the right to construct and maintain drainage levels from or connected with the said shaft for the drainage of its mine ; (4) that the said company had allowed the water to rise in its shaft, and had not kept it reasonably dry ; (5) that the said company was granted six months' protection on January 22 last, and if a further period of six months was granted it would seriously prejudice the objecting company in its operations. The Thames Miners' Union also objected to the granting of the application, on the ground that the company has had six months' previous protection on the understanding that they would be prepared to resume work at the expiration of that term; also that there is no reason why the company should not continue to work their ground, and fulfil the agreement entered into with the Government of New Zealand, and that the discontinuance of pumping is a serious impediment to the adjacent companies in working their deep levels. Mr. J. A. Miller appeared on behalf of the Thames Hauraki Goldfields (Limited). Mr. Tunks for the May Queen Hauraki (Limited), and Mr. Pott's for the Thames Miners' Union. Mr. C. A. Harris was called in support of the application, and bore out the arguments given in making the same. In his opinion it would be a great' incentive to the successful carrying out of the reconstruction scheme of the Standard Exploration Company if he could cable Home that the adjacent companies were prepared to develop their low levels, and to pay towards the maintenance of the Thames Hauraki pump. He proceeded to give, under examination and cross-examination, an exhaustive statement covering the Thames Hauraki Company's position, and operations carried out by them and by adjoining companies. Mr. Tunics, in objecting to the application, pointed out that it was four years since the Thames Hauraki Company had entered into the agreement with the Government to do certain works in consideration of a subsidy of £250,000, and contended that beyond getting the pumping machinery on the ground, practically nothing had been done. He objected to protection being granted to allow of time for the reconstruction of the Standard Exploration Company, and held that there was no evidence to show that that company had any interest in the Thames Hauraki Company. The May Queen Company were, anxious to proceed to sink their shaft and had issued instructions to let no further tributes, and this being so , he maintained that the application for pro-

tection l should not be granted. He then called evidence as to what the May Queen Company was prepared to do. Mr. Potts, in support of the objection lodged by the Miners' Union, said it was the opinion of the -union that the labour clauses of the Mining Act should be enforced in the present instance, as there was no guarantee that the company would be prepared to resume operations even if another six months' protection was granted to it. The matter was a serious thing to miners, as a large number of them. were out of work. The union considered Mr. Harris' scheme impracticable, as it wanted a large subsidy from the Government. On behalf of 'the union, he strongly opposed the application for protection being granted. The Warden gave no decision, but stated that he would forward the application to the Minister for Mines, and place the matter fully before him. A' claim, recently taken up at Upper Tairua by the Taniwha Syndicate, has, since prospecting operations were commenced in May last, been productive of encouraging results. Seven leaders have been unearthed on the surface, and traced to a depth of about 20ft. From these some stone of excellent ' assay value has been secured, and one ton of the ore is to be shipped to the Thames School of Mines for treatment as soon as possible. A low level is to be run in to test the run of gold on its downward course. , ■

Improved prospects have been met with in the Hauraki Freeholds mine, at Coromandel. A promising lode, about 6in or Sin wide, has been cut, which is encased in splendid. walls, and has yielded some good stone. -, A considerable extent of the reef is in virgin country. $ • In the Waihi Beach United Company's claim, . where operations have been in progress, under the personal supervision of Mr. J. Ziman, acting for the optionholders,. good specimen dirt has been coming to hand. The development of the property is being undertaken in a systematic manner. The following are reports from our goldfields correspondents: — OHINEMURI. The mining industry in Ohinemuri proceeds on the even tenor of its way, with little change to report. In fact, since last Summary was published, very little has occurred to merit special comment, though, of course.'all the standard mines are proceeding with their development work, and satisfactory results are being met. KARANGAHAKE. Since the publication of last Summary there has been an exceptionally heavy rainfall, and several large landslips have occurred. About the most serious, however, was that on the New Zealand Crown mines tramline and water-race at Karangahake, thousands of tons of earth having slipped away from the hillside Though the tramline is uninjured, the t line has been blocked with debris, and it has been found impossible to get quartz down to the mill, the consequence being that the reduction works have been stopped for close on a fortnight. The old water-race has also been carried away for a considerable distance by the heavy slip. A large staff of men have, however, been constantly at work clearing the debris, and though the task has been a difficult one, owing to the continual creeping away of the hillside, the men have about got through it, and it is confidently believed that crushing will be resumed without unnecessary delay. Otherwise the Crown works are proceeding very satisfactorily, and some splendid chutes of ore are being opened up. Another veiy satisfactory crushing came to hand at the commencement of the current month, the bullion yield being for the month of June, when 2656 tons were crushed for bullion valued at £5575. This is a decrease upon the return for Mav, when £5995 was obtained, but then 240 tons more ore were treated, so that talcing into consideration the quantity of ore crushed during ■ the -two periods the returns are pretty ; equal, :.apd at- the same time .very satisfactory. ' ■'."■'• ''-"- -,■•■•■■' '" The new battery for the Talisman Consolidated is now practically complete, and a run has been taken out of the shafting, belting, etc.. and the whole of the machinery works smoothly and well. The rock-breakers have also been crushing ore during the last week preparatory for the stamps, which will also commence running on Wednesday next. Altogether the plant is most up-to-date, and the company have an advantage in the fact that their reduction works were erected for wet crushing, so that now no alterations in the matter of a conversion from dry to wet process will be necessary. . Operations at the mine are also proceeding very satisfactorily, and some excellent blocks of ground are' being opened up. Communication between the No. 4 and the upper levels having been established, the ore from the latter is now being sent down to the No. 4 level, Talisman section, for delivery at the new mill. The ore is of a very promising nature, and the Dubbo reef, being operated upon in the top levels, is yielding payable stone for a width of about sft. The object now is to continue the No. 4 level on the Dubbo southwards in the Royal Mail section, and as there are hundreds of feet intervening before the southern boundary is reached, some large and valuable blocks of ground should be opened up. Another very important work is the crosscut of No. 8 level. The face must now be in close on 800 ft, leaving about 350 ft further to go before the reef system is intersected, and when completed .'exceptional facilities will be given for the effective development of a valuable property. At -the Woodstock Gold Mining Company's mine excellent progress is being made with the sinking of the shaft, the work having attained a, sufficient depth to allow the excavations for the No. 6 level chamber to be undertaken. This work is already ell in hand, and when completed sinking will be resumed. There will be 150 ft of backs available between the Nos. 3 and 5 levels. Contracts are also being let for stoping in the back of No. 5 level, whilst other contracts are to be let shortly for the development of blocks over the Nos. 2, 3, and 4 levels. A winze is also about to be sunk down to the Nos. 6 and 7 levels, the object of which is to prospect the Maria lode on its downward continuation, and also to facilitate the rapid opening up of these levels. On the whole satisfactory progress is being made with the various works in hand. The recent heavy rain damaged the tail-race, which at the time was not quite completed, but repairs have been effected, and the race is now being fastened down permanently. j ' WAITEKAURI. The : Waitekauri Gold Mining Company are doing an immense amount of work in the way of opening-up the lower levels, but it will be a while yet before anything like substantial benefits will accrue to the company. In the meantime the Golden Cross section of the company's property is providing crushing material for the mill, and it is hoped that the operations now in progress for the betterment of the property will meet with unqualified success. ,_ Mr. E. K. Cooper reports that he is making good headway with the opening up of the Jubilee mine, -, and that the prospects being met with are of an encouraging character. He states that he has succeeded in intersecting both Butler's and the Point reefs at the low leveljjie latter body being only a, few inches inside the footwail country of the former body, and that at the point of intersection Butler's reef was 6ffc in thickness, and the Point reef 9ft, the ore of both bodies being of a payable quality from wall to wall. At the present juncture, however, only the Jubilee reef is being driven upon, and that in a southerly direction, in order to reach underneath Butlers run of gold that was worked at a higher level some rears ago. It is estimated that about 450 ft of driving will have to be accomplished in order to reach the point mentioned, but the possibilities are greatly in favour of carrying payable ore along the whole of the distance stated, seeing that the ore in the present face is already of good quality. 'J. he reason for not undertaking the development of the Point reef at the present juncture is because both bodies ■ have ; been interesec.ted at a point 2400 ft in from the surface, and the ventilation has to be provided for by a Avater blast that is amply sufficient for one face, but scarcely enough for two faces. Consequently the development of the Point reef will have to stand over for the present until a winze, is sunk later on upon Butler's reef, which will connect the low level with what is knoAvu ' as the Horn level, about 30Oft

overhead. Mr. Cooper mentioned that the country encasing both lodes at the low level is a splendid class of white sandstone, and such as a good run of gold would be expected to exist in under similar circumstances in any of the Thames mines. He expressed himself as being very hopeful of eventually proving the Jubilee mine to be one of the best properties in the Waitekauri district. f" MAEOTOTO. . The Waitekauri Extended Gold Mining Company have now entered in earnest upon their new scheme of development work. A commencement has been made with the. sinking of a main shaft, from the low level, and in order to expedite the work a splendidly equipped pumping and winding plant is to be erected. The company are determined to thoroughly exploit the lower levels of the property. KOMATA. The labour trouble at the Komata Reefs Gold Mining Company's property having been amicably settled, the men consenting to ■work under the single-hammer system, if required, : numbers of miners have come from other parts, and now the mine is pretty complete again ; in fact, it is stated that more hands are now employed than was'the case before the dispute arose. The trouble, of course, 1 had an effect upon the battery, which, owing to the want of quartz, was brought to a standstill. When everything was satisfactorily settled crushing was resumed only to be stopped again by a large landslip, which as a result of the exceptionally heavy rain came down on the race. The damage, however, was repaired as expeditiously as possible, and matters at the Komata are now working smoothly and well. Underground stoping operations are proceeding on Wilson's ,iud L:-.vington's lodes, whilst driving is also in progress on Wilson's lode in the low level. In this working the reef narrowed down to nothing, but during the past week the ore body has been moved. It is now opening out again in a very satisfactory manner, its width being about 3ft, and is carrying gold:' The northern face is. still in hard country. WAIHI. The Waihi Gold Mining Company's operations continue with encouraging results. The return for the June month was £33,107 from 12,882 tons.

Prospecting operations are still being continued on the Waihi Extended Gold Mining Company's property, and the manager reports that he has intersected another conglomerate reef formation in the south-east drive, at right angles with the former discovery. Although the quartz intersected does not contain much value the development is fairly satisfactory. The Grand Junction Gold Mining Company are making good progress with ■ the sinking of the main shaft, and great hopes are entertained that when the 750 ft level has been opened out, the large lode will prove of such quality that extensive blocks of payable ore will be opened up. Active progress is also being made in the openingup of the Waihi West section. The Waihi-Gladstone Company are continuing the sinking of their shaft. whilst the Waihi Consols Company are proceeding with their boring operations. The Union Waihi are pushing ahead with the development of the Silverton and Union section, and from both sources a good supply of crushing material is continually finding its way to the battery. . TE PUKE. - The manager of the Te Puke Gold Reefs Company is engaged driving to the south, along the footAvall of the lode at the top level, with encouraging prospects. The crosscut has been extended over 30ft find the stone from the face is of good quality, gold showing as it is broken out. The lode apparently keeps its size of between 50ft and 60ft, but when the crosscut is pushed ahead a few feet further the '• lode will be cut through to ascertain its dimensions and see if the hangiugvva.ll side is equal. in quality to the footwail. A paddock has been excavated to stack the quartz that is being won. The manager considers the mine could be made to pay if a small battery were erected, but he has a sufficient supply or quartz opened up and in sight to keep a large battery going for a. long time to come. - THAMES. The. question of deciding upon some definite action relative to the testing of the lower levels of the Thames goldfield is once more occupying the attention of our leading mining men, and two schemes having that object in view , have recently been brought under public notice. The first of these schemes is one that Mr.' C. A. Harris, attorney for the Thames-Hauraki Goldfields (Limited) has formulated for the testing of the low levels at a depth of 1000 ft. Hi 3 proposal is to form a company with 1,000.000 shares of Is each, fully paid-up, for the purpose of defining the interests of the following:—Thames Hauraki. May Queen, Victoria, Waiotahi, Kuranui-Caledonian, Moanataiari, and Kuranui Gold Mining Companies, and the trustees of the Big Pump. The company to do its own pumping. On the formation- of the company the proposal is to raise a working capital of £150,000, of which £75,000 is to be obtained, if possible, from' the New Zealand Government, in the form of a subsidy of £ for £. In order to carry out the thorough prospecting of the deep levels it is proposed first to sink. each of the following shafts the distances named, which will in every case bring them to the 1000 ft level: —Deep Sinker, 550 ft; May Queen, 357 ft; Saxon,. 524 ft; Prince Imperial, 416 ft; Shotover, 705 ft; Big Pump, 346 ft; Caledonian, 346 ft; total, 3244 ft. These shafts will be required to be sunk for ventilation and haulage purposes, and to enable the whole necessary works to be carried out simultaneously. The 1000 ft depth having been also attained in the Queen of Beauty shaft, it is then proposed to drive main tunnels from that point to the May Queen, Deep Sinker, Prince Imperial, and Shotover shafts, and to put in crosscuts to connect with the Saxon, Caledonia, and Big Pump shafts. The total distance to be driven and crosscutted would be 7542 ft. The first work would be to connect the Queen' of Beauty and May Queen shafts at the present levels, and then at the 1000 ft level. Following that the connection with the other shafts would be proceeded with, and every reef cut in the main or crosscut tunnels would be driven; upon. It is estimated that they would more than pay their own expenses. All ground below the 500 ft level of the collar of the Queen of Beauty shaft will have to be surrendered by the different companies, and powers of attorney, surface, and all other rights, and use of present plants given by all, with legal agreements entered into. The working capital is proposed to be expended as follows: — Sinking 3244 ft of shafts, at an average of £15 per foot, £48,660; driving 7542 ft at an average of 30s per foot, £11,313; completing Queen of Beauty shaft to 1000 ft and fixing plant, £17,500; three vears' pumping to 1000 ft, £36,000; erecting 40-head battery plant, ' with all accessories complete, £16.000; cost of working old Big Pump for three years, £6000; re-timbering and repairing old shafts, rents, miner's rights, insurances, etc., management, office expenses, stamp duties, etc., timber, stores, tools, repairs, surveys, salaries, wages, legal expenses, and contingencies, £14,527: total, £150,000. This scheme, if carried out in its entirety, would be the means of cutting all the known reefs in the area held by the companies named, and would most effectively prospect the deep levels, besides assuring the employment of a large number of men for several years. Some of the representatives of the companies interested have approved of the proposal.

The other ■ proposal referred to is one brought forward at the last meeting of the Thames Drainage Board-by Mr. H. Green, one of its . members. He moved " That the Thames Drainage Board give publicity to clauses 18 and 19 of their regulations, bearing on the extension of present drainage works, and that this Board consider the subject at their next meeting.. •• In moving the resolution, Mr. Green said he considered the time had arrived when the companies benefited by the Board's drainage operations should be made aware that'it was within the Board's power to extend their drainage operations by continuing the shaft to a further depth, which would enable the companies interested to open up new levels at greater depth than were now dicing worked. His contention was that the two clauses,referred to gave

the Board ■ power ■to go to greater depth provided that two-thirds of the contributing companies gave their consent to such a proposal. ,Mr. Gray seconded the resolution. and Messrs. Curtis, Paul, and the chairman spoke in support of the same, which was carried. Since the meeting in question the matter has been submitted to the Minister for Mines for his consideration, with the request that, if favourably inclined to it, lie will grant monetary assistance, and in other ways help to bring the proposal to a favourable termination.

Boring operations with a diamond drill were commenced by the Victoria Gold Mining Company on the 2nd inst. to test the country down to a depth of 1000 ft or 1500 ft on the western side of the seaward slide, and thus proving whether or not there is a probability of payable gold being found westward of the slide. The point chosen for the bore is situated on the Thames foreshore, adjacent to the Moanataiari Company's battery site, and comes witliin what is known as the Favourite Foreshore sections of the Victoria Company's property. It is anticipated that the drill will intersect the downward strike of the old Caledonian and Kuranui reefs, and thereby give an idea as to their value at a depth, besides proving how far it will be necessary to sink before actual mining operations can be carried on safely underneath the Thames Gulf. Here it is considered by many who are conversant with the peculiarities of the field that 'valuable gold-bearing reefs will yet be discovered, and virtually a new goldfield will be opened up. The bore has at present attained a depth of a little over 100 ft, but at the time of writing what is considered firm sandstone country has not yet been met with. At the commencement 33ft of battery tailings were passed through, and since then a clayish formation with occasional rubble and a few feet of sandstone has been-penetrated. At a depth of about 55ft a few colours of gold were got in the dish from some of the cuttings made by the drill, and at 60ft a fair-sized stone showing gold freely was secured. This latter, however, had probably been broken off a reef on the hills many years ago and washed down to the foreshore, where it had ultimately been buried under the debris. On the Ist inst. the local representative of the Standard Exploration Company, of London, paid in full all that company's local liabilities which had been incurred in correction with the Thames-Hauraki property. No information is yet to hand, however, as to whether operations are likely to be resumed soon in. the Thames-Hauraki, but the fact of the outstanding debts having been paid is looked upon as being a favourable augury.

The last clean-up on behalf of the Eclipse, Limited, resulted in the best return of gold that company has yet banked. i The cleanup was for a five-weekly period, during which time 460 tons of ore were crushed for a yield of 2790z 14dwt of melted gold, valued at £797 15s sd, which left a good margin of profit after paying all expenses. It may be mentioned, in order to show the results attending the company's operations, that during the 12 months ending with June a total of 2554 tons of ore was won and crushed for a yield of 15990z 19dwt, of melted gold, valued at £4577 19s lid, which is equivalent to a return of £1 16s per ton | of ore crushed. This is a very satisfactory, I result when it is considered that only .a comparatively small staff of miners is em- I ployed. and the company's crushing plant is limited to ten head of < stampers. The mine continues to open up well, and the company has a most encouraging outlook before it. The tributers at work in the local mines continue to meet with very fair results. During the month the May Queen Hauraki tributers banked 1360z 2dwt of gold, valued at £507 12? 2d ; the Kuranui-Caledonian tributers, 117oz 16dwt, valued at £326 6s Id ;, and • the Moanataiari tributers S2oz 3dwt, valued at £252 5s 9d. The Waiotahi Com-pany'.-also banked 1330z, • valued', at about ■ £380, the result of 85 tons' of ore crushed. \ Active operations have been earned on in the Fame of Fortune, May..Queen Extended, New Gloucester, Thames Talisman, New Whau, Kuranui, and other mines, but the works generally have been principally of a general routine character, and no new developments have occurred. .':.■' WAIOMO. Particulars are just to hand regarding the April month's concentrates ' that were shipped by the Monowai Company to the Dapto Smelting Works, New South Wales, during the month of May last. The return obtained . from the same exceeds all expec-. tations, and forms a record return for the company, so far as the value per, ton received for the concentrates is concerned, as the parcel averaged at the rate of £21 15s Id per ton. The highest value obtained per ton for the concentrates previously was that resulting from March month's shipment, which averaged at the rate of £18 9s 5d per ton,, so that in the present instance there is an increased value of no less than £3 5s 8d per ton. This is a most gratifying result, inasmuch as it indicates that as the development of the mine proceeds an improved class of ore is being met with, and therefore proves that the,company is possessed of a valuable property. In addition j to the above-mentioned parcel of concentrates, a parcel of rich crude ore was also shipped at the same time, and it averaged at the rate of £156 19s 6d per ton. The net weight of the shipment of concentrates, after making all allowances for moisture, bags, etc., was 24 tons Bcwt 3gr, and the total actual value received from the parcel by the company, after deducting all charges for treatment, penalties, etc., was £480 8s 6d ; the net weight of the crude parcel of rich ore, after deducting for moisture, etc., was 1 ton Oewt 2qr 231b, and the actual value received by the company, after deducting all penalties, was £159 Is 6d; so that, as a result of the entire shipment, the company actually received in cash £639 10s. The total amount of ore crushed at the company's battery for the yield of concentrates referred to was 286 tons.

In addition to the above-mentioned facts, it is also pleasing tr note that the experiments which the general manager, Mr. A. Hogarth, has for some time past been making at the company's reduction works at Waiomo, regarding the treatment by the cyanide process of the tailings resulting from the crushing of the ore, are at last being attended with very satisfactory results. A few days ago a eleaning-up took place from the treatment of 100 tons of tailings in the manner mentioned, and the result from the same was 160oz sdwt of bullion*': which realised at the rate of lis 9d per ounce, or a total value of £94 3s.' It will therefore be seen that the company's outlook is one that is almost assured of success, for not only has the difficulty of the'treatment of the ore been overcome, but the mine continues to open up well, and the class of ore at present coming to hand from the large reef under development is equal to, if not of better grade than, any hitherto broken out. What is now required to bring the property to the front is the carrying on of operations on a larger scale than is at present being done, and also increased crushing facilities, and with the reconstruction of the company that is now being attended to in Glasgow, with the view of securing a larger working capital, it is very probable that both of these essentials will receive due attention in the near future. Another shipment of concentrates, amounting to about 25 tons, and also one ton of rich crude ore, the result of June month's operations (dating from the Bth to the end of that month) was shipped to Dapto a few days ago. ~ TAPU. Mining operations in this district are very slack. In fact, with the exception of two or three private claims, work is practically at a standstill just now. The Bullion Gold Mining Company's special claim (formerly known as the Sheridan), together with all* rails, tools, etc., belonging to the same, was sold on the Ist hist, for £10. WHANGAMATA. The return from the Mananu Gold Mining Company's mine, as the result of June month's operations," during which period 297 tons of ore were crushed and cyanided, was as follows : —Value of bullion recovered' by amalgamation. £377 9s 4d;• value 'of bullion recovered by cyanide, £597 13s 2d ; total value, £975 13s 6d. The average value of bullion recovered was equal to £3 5s 7d per .ton. At the mine fall the faces are stated

to be looking well, and the assays show the ore to be of a highly payable character. TAIRUA. The Chelmsford Gold Mining Company's development, operations are being attended with fairly successful results, as the ore coming to hand from Xos. 1 and 2 reefs is shaping pay ably at the battery/ The Tairua Broken Hills Gold Mining Company had a successful crushing a short time ago from the reef that is at present being opened up. A yield of bullion, valued at £724, was obtained from a crushing of 150 tons of ore, COROMANDEL. Mining matters in the Coromandel district durng the past month have been very unsettled, partly owing to the difference between the employers and the employees. There is also a feeling of uneasiness with respect to the future of some of our largest) mines in this district, owing to the reports of meetings of shareholders lately held in London. It is gratifying to find-that; the' development works which have been carried on in the Hauraki Freehold Gold Mining Company's mine for some months past are turning out satisfactorily. About four weeks ago a reef was intersected in No. 1 drive, and, as a result of work done upon, it, colours and dabs of gold were seen in the ore worked out on Monday last and again on Tuesday. It is believed that the reef, which is now showing gold, is identical: with that worked by the Hauraki North Company, and there is every probability of gold being won in considerable quantity. Where the reef is being worked it is virgin country, and there are about 400 ft of ground intact along the line of the reef before the old: working will be reached. '. As the workings proceed the backs will increase, as the ground ahead is higher. There are also twe lower levels which have been driven a considerable distance towards the locality where the gold has been discovered, and.it is only a matter of a little time when they: will be under the spot. : It will thus be seen that everything is very favourably circumstanced for working the reef to a considerable depth. There is also every probability of other gold-bearing reefs being met with as the drive proceeds. ; The reef being operated upon is 6in to 8m thick. The return from the Royal Oak of Hauraki (Limited) is much more satisfactory this month than last, being £459 9s 3d, as. against £217 13s 3d. Work is being pushed on in the different levels ; the water-races are repaired, and crushing operations will now be carried on without interruption. , The West Tokatea Gold Mining Company are busy getting out ore ready for another •crushing. The operations have been hampered through the heavy rains for the past month. ■.:.-■■..:■

. The prospects in the Kathleen Crown Gold : Mining Company's property are still veryl, encouraging. The crosscut is now in 300 ft,:. and it is expected that in another 150 ft the reef will be met with. 'No. 2 reef is show-;" ing gold freely in the stone, and the country encasing the lode is good. It is expected that another crushing will be put through shortly. The New Four-in-Hand Gold Mining Company paid another 3d dividend (the 4th)» during the past month. Their return from, 80 tons; crushed was £509 10s 9d.

The Hauraki Gold Mining Company for the past month completed their crushing on the 18st, inst. ; for a, f return of £251 2s; 6d. The company are pushing on certain development works, and high-grade'ore may be met with at any breaking-down. ;' . In the Progress Castle Rock Gold Mining Company's mine in the second stope on the; footwall branch of Reynolds' reef the lode is about 6in thick, and the ore continues to look well, showing gold each breaking-down. When cutting out the siding for the road a new reef about 2ft wide was exposed. The quartz shows an excellent class of minerals, and looks very well for making gold. Carting of ore to the battery had to be discontinued owing to the wet- weather cutting up, the roads.

■'7 ' " '■ V GUMTOWN. "," - At Gumtown, notwithstanding the wet: weather, work at,all the mines is being vigorously : pushed on with, and in the course of. another month the starting of both the Welcome Jack and Kapowai batteries should eventuate. Both these mines. have a considerable quantity of good ore: at grass,'' and the management are each sanguine as to the -results proving satisfactory.. MAHAKIRAU. At the Nil Desperandum mine (Mahakirau) Messrs. Prescott and Davis have ■ started a low level to get under their previous working. So far the result has proved satisfactory, the winze having been sunk to' a depth of 18ft proving that the run of ; gold goes down. About 40ft of driving will ] intersect the leader. KUAOTUNU. n The Kuaotunu Syndicate are busy opening., up the old Mariposa, mine. 'Owing to a. slip blocking up the flume,' work was retarded for a short time. .'•: . . '- In the Waitaia mine work is in full swing. A good ; ore is coming to ..hand ready * for, ; another crushing.., ; / '.:■ r OPITONUI. The Kauri Freehold Gold Estates Company are' now • opening ■; out in the Maiden'_ mine, and men arc being put on as room is ' made for them. Development work is being pushed on in the Carvill mine, and good oro is coming to hand from the Rangihaumihe.The cyanide plant and filter presses: f are : t working very satisfactorily. The average extraction for the last return' of £543 5s lOd was 88.5 per cent/, the tailings after treat-:', ment containing only 2s worth of bullion to the ton. The Dow pumps and Babcock boiler are now at the mine, and it is expected permanent crushing will be resumed towards the end of August. During the, month several small parcels of ore have "been: put through the School of Mines' battery: for prospectors on this property. * PUKEMAKUKU. In the Aitken's Freehold mine fPukemakuku) work has been resumed, and 13 tons' of ore have been put through the School of Mines' battery this week. There is a con-:,: siderable quantity of similar ore 'at grass ready for enisling. . • '.; TIKI. From the Pukewhau mine (Tiki) favourable reports'arc received, and during the:, past month good colours and dabs of gold':: have been obtained from the.- reef being worked on, which runs from 6in to Bin in width. ' , THE GOLD RETURNS. ■• •-;-'-- ■■'' .-:,■-;' ..:".■'■.'■:;:;.•:.';.' NEW ZEALAND CROWN MINES (LIMITED), /v £5575 FROM 2656 TONS. i During the month of June the New Zealand Crown Mines (Limited): crushed 'and treated at their . battery, at Karangahake. j, 2656 tons of ore for a yield of bullion valued «t £5575. This is a decrease upon the re- | turn for May, when 2896 tons f yielded I £5995. The total amount won from , the i mine to date is £359,911, as shown in the following table of details: —

Bullion obtained prior to 1896 ... ... £138,104 To December, 1898 ... ... ... ... 52,024 To December. 1899 ... ... 71,636 To December, 1900 ... ... ... ... 66,515 • , £328.279 January. 1901, 2980 tons ... 4,800 February. 1901, 2804 tons ... ... 4,502 March, 1901, 2836 tons ... ... ... 4,642 April, 1901, 2883 tons ... ... ... 6.118 May. 1901. £896 tons ... ... ... 5.995 June, 1901, 2656 tons ... ... ... 5.575 T.otal to dote ... ... ........ £359,911 . ECLIPSE (LIMITED). 1 The i past five weeks' operations in this company's mine resulted in the best return of gold, the company; has yet banked. During the period stated, about 460 tons of ore * were won from all parts of the mine, and crushed for a yield of 2790z 14dwt of melted gold, valued at £797 15s sd, which, leaves, an excellent, margin of profit after paying all expenses incurred in connection with the same. It may also be mentioned, in order to show the results attending the company's operations, that; during the. v2 months ending with ; June, a. total of 25u4 ';;■. tons* of ore were won and crushed for » yield of 15990z 19dwfc of melted gold, valued ; at £4577 19s lid, which is equivalent tc a return of £1 per ton of pre crashed.. •