OUR GOLDFIELDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11842, 20 December 1901, Page 1 (Supplement)

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

SUMMARY.

With the closing weeks of . the current year it is gratifying to have to record a most encouraging increase in the bullion returns—an increase which takes effect comparatively early, moreover, for the total output for 1901 is not yet complete, the returns now published merely- accounting for the bullion won, in the ; majority of cases, up to the end of November. Notwithstanding, however, the necessary incompleteness of the figures, the gross yield from the Auckland goldfields to date, since the beginning of the present year, amounts (with the total of £59,960 7s lOd produced during the past three weeks) to £696,724 9s J. Compared with iast year's total output, this shows an increase of £61,690 9s lid, and in comparison with the total for 1899. which has hitherto been the record for many years, the increase amounts to £55,573 14s 9d. The returns to hand since the publication of last Summary amount, as has been stated, to a trifle-' short of £60.000, of which the Ohineinuri district has contributed £55,449. The Thames and Coromandel totals are, curiously enough, within a few shillings of each other, and both show a falling-oi? from the general" average, though this is due to several .of the returns not having come to hand yet. * The sanguine anticipations formed at the commencement of the current year wit regard. to the profitable and productive nature of the mining industry have already been borne out, as the figures now published make clear. It is not, moreover, by any means unreasonable to forecast that the coming year has still better prospects in store. The Ohineinuri district, in the light of recent developments (to which detailed reference is made in the columns following), and, in view of the brightened outlook thereby opened up, promises not only to maintain its position as the chief source of the North Island's bullion production, but, further than that, to become the centre of considerably more active operations. The prospects for the Thames district are far more uncertain, although there seems every reason to believe that the comparative stagnation which has existed there for many months is nearing its end. The Coromandel field should also, during the coming year, receive additional impetus owing to .- the progress'!' towards profitable operations which many of the mining companies are making, notably the Kauri Freehold Gold Estates at Opifonui, and the Kuaotunu Syndicate and Waitaia Gold Mining Company, at Kuaotunu. There has undoubtedly been a good deal of depression in mining during 1901, much of which owed its existence to the suspense attaching to the mining dispute, but that cause having been happily removed, a reaction would appear to be setting in, and in the meantime the gold returns have, steadily increased. Tiius the year would seem to be closing upon results which cannot he other than <-ncouraging, and with an outlook for the future of the mining industry which inspires no little confidence. * During November last 39,1850z of gold were exported from the colony, valued at £149,680, as .'(gainst 19,7590z, valued at £70.957, for November, 1900. The return for the various ports last month were: — Auckland. 19,2540z ; Nelson, 233 ; Greymouth, 89970z ; Dunedin, 10,7010z. The export of gold for the 11 months of the cur-' rent year amounts to 410,3230z. This year's return will be the highest since 1873. The latest return from the AVaihi Gold Mining Company's mine has again beaten all previous records. A glance at the figures published in tabulated form in another column reveals the fact that during the No-vember-December crushing period the output amounted to £39,964. This is equivalent to a yield of £3 4s 3d per ton from the 12,425 tons treated, which shows an encouraging increase upon the average per ton (£3 2s 7d) yielded by the ore put through during the previous month. The total output from the mine to date is now well on towards £2,000,000, the exact figures being £1,945.130, of which £425,004 (or nearly one-fourth of the whole) has been obtained this year. These figures speak for themselves as to the continued, if not increasing stability of this great mine. • Development work in the property at the low levels gives evidence of further large ore reserves being available as required, so that there is every reason for believing that the company have a long lease of prosperity still ahead. The development of the Waihi Grand Junction Gold Mining Company's reef at the 500 ft level, though slow, or: account of the quantity of water to be dealt with, is nevertheless resulting most satisfactorily, recent reports having, indeed, been of a glowing . character. The lode has been driven upon at both ends, and assays show its value to be better at the western end, now separated from the Waihi Gold Mining Company's boundary by about 150 ft. It seems to have been demonstrated by the work in the south-east crosscut that that level has passed over the course of the Empire lode, which was being sought. The water making there is coming chiefly from the floor of the drive. Doubtless when the management are fully satisfied upon this point some effort will be made to locate the reef lower down, either by sinking a winze on some quartz stringers passed further back in the crosscut, or by putting in. another level below when the shaft has been sunk sufficiently deep to al■low of opening out. Altogether the Grand Junction operations are at a very interesting stage, a great deal depending, upon their discoveries'. !

The New Zeals, Crown Mines (Limited) declared their fourth dividend of Is per share on December 4. A week later the return for November was published, and proved to be the highest .monthly yield from the mine for a considerable time, 2700 tons restilting in bullion worth £7201. The prospects of the property continue to be of a satisfactory character.

operations a crosscut had been put in hand in April last, to intersect the Maratoto reef; 130 ft, below the old workings, from the Payrock tunnel. ; This had been extended 249 ft. leaving 271 ft further to. go. . Hard country was encountered " all the way. The mine manager in his report pointed out that the crosscut would intersect two distinct goldbearing lodes before reaching the main, or Maratoto, lode. On meeting the latter at a point below where rich quartz is showing in the level above, he anticipated cutting n to high-grade ore. : , ■ . • The half-yearly report of the directors of the Kapawai.Goid Mining Company was issued at, the end of last month, but contained nothing of a very encouraging nature, regarding their mine at Gumtown. It was stated that the fii'st crushing in August, whilst fairly payable; did not come up to expectations, and that soon after crushing had to be suspended owing to the great reduction in the size of No. 2 reef., No. 1 lode, on further exploitation, gave no satisfactory results, and work,would now be undertaken'at a lower level.

Reference was made in last Summary to the offer made by the Talisman Consolidated Gold Mining Company, for the purchase of the Imperial Gold Mining Company's property, at Karangaliake. That offer was, as was stated, declined. The directors have since received another offer (it is not stated from whom) which is to be submitted to shareholders at a special meeting called for to-day (20th hist.). So far as can be ascertained the offer is a cash one, and in the neighbourhood of £2000. The Thames Drainage Board, at their last meeting on the 11th inst., decided to strike their own drainage assessments for the coming year. Mr. .Green, who moved in the matter, pointed out that this year,' though assessors were appointed, their report had been practically disregarded. It was agreed at the same meeting to allow the judgments obtained by the Board against the Thames Hauraki Company ; to stand over until the annual meeting on January 15. At the sitting ,of the Thames Warden's Court on Wednesday last the Board obtained further judgment against the company named for £200, the amount of November and December contributions.

At the annual meeting of the Auckland Stock Exchange, Mr. G. A. Buttle was reelected chairman. , .The old committee was re-elected, with the exception of Messrs. H. S. Ruddock and Francis Hull, who retired by rotation, their places being filled by Messrs. J. M. Lennox and F. H. Mas feu. It was decided to close the Exchange on the evening of December 23, reopening again on Monday morning, January 6. During the next few days the majority of the mines in the Auckland district will; be closed • down for the Christmas and New Year holidays,' reopening about the ,' first .week in January. ■

The following are reports from our goldfields correspondents : — -

OHINEMURI. KAHAXUAIIAKE.

The New Zealand Crown mine at Karangahake is steadily improving under the management of Mr. Daw.. The output from the mine is on the increase, and the shareholders have since last Summary been rewarded with a shilling dividend. The latest return was an exceedingly good one, £7201 having been obtained from 2700 tons tof quartz, V Work in the mine is proceeding ' steadily; and the*'new low level being opened up should still further add to 'the ore reserves. L

Messrs. Bewick, Moreing and Co. furnish the following particulars regarding operations in this Talisman' Consolidated ', Gold Mining. Company's mine :—"Driving is proceeding southward on the Talisman main reef at No. 7 level. The width of the Idle in the present face is 6ft, the assay values varying up to £2 12 per ton. No. 8 crosscut . has attained -;a total length of 980 ft, and the icef should l)e intersected after not more than 150 ft; of further crosscutting. The Dubbo reef: is also being driven upon at No. 4 level, nit. is in the present- face 4ft wide. A, vein of quartz 2ft- wide is on the footwall side, and has a. favourable appearance. More encouraging" assays are being obtained than hitherto at- this level. Sloping 5s in,progress at Nor. 5, 6, and 7 levels on Talisman main reef, and at the Now. 1 and 2 levels on the. Dubbo reef. The bullion returns since the commencement of crushing operations at the new. mill have been very disappointing so far. On the cutting of the reef by the No. 8 crosscut, which is expected to take place about February next, it is considered. that a large body of ore of payable grade will be rapidly developed." The Woodstock battery is still closed down in consequence of the shortness of water necessary to drive the plant. OWHAROA. Operations at the Rising Sun claim at Owharoa are being attended with a failmeasure of success. Driving on the footwall reef is proceeding, and a good class of stone is being obtained. It is the intention of the management to shortly commence driving to intersect the haugingwall reefs. . . WATTEKATTIU. The Waitekauri Gold Mining Company crushed and treated during the four weeks ending November 29, 2045 tons of ore, for a return of bullion valued at £3666. The company have now commenced testing the deposits of tailings, which have accumulated in the large pit adjacent to the battery, and if the results are satisfactory no doubt the treatment of the tailings will be undertaken. The actual tonnage of the deposit is unknown, but it is the gathering of three years, and it is believed that the tailings pit will yield a large amount of revenue. The New Alpha Company are pushing ahead with the extension - of the level northward on the course of the main reef, and though the lode has - lately been disturbed somewhat, owing to a break crossing the drive, it has now assumed its defined state, and the prospects obtained are a little better, though not payable. MABOTOTO. At Marototo the Maratoto Gold Mining Company and Hikutaia Gold Syndicate ave developing their respective properties, and the latter' new five-head stamper battery is, I understand, doing good work. KOMATA. At-Komata the Komata Reefs Gold Missing Company"; ; property .• is in course of active development. The return for the last month was £1183 from 1210 tons, a slight improvement on the previous month. A good deal of interest is being centred in the Bonanza and Byron Bay claims, upon which new discoveries have lately been made. A number of disinterested parties have within the last week or two visited the properties, and all speak highly of the prospects to be obtained. wAinr. Last month the Waihi Gold Mining Company came forward with the handsom*' yield of £39,904 worth of bullion, whicH constituted a record,', and again this month they have eclipsed all previous returns, the output being but £36 short of £40,000. The. amount of ore crushed was 12,425, or 522 tons less than during the previous month. Such steadily increasing returns must afford great satisfaction to all concerned, especially when it is also taken into consideration that the mine is opening up in such a magnificent way, and it would seem as if the large reefs are, on their downward trend, not only in- ! creasing as to quantity of stone, but are producing a richer quality of crushing material. j In conversation with an old Thames miner at Waihi the other day lie expressed to me the opinion that lie would not be surprised if in the still lower levels to be opened up specimen stone - were obtained. He says the manner in which the reefs are changing as. the lower works proceed strengthens this theory, and that the quartz is becoming more like Thames stone, and also more favourable for carrying rich deposits of the precious metal. The north-west crosscut at No. 6 (the lowest) level of the mine has been extended a further distance of 78ft, making a total of 243 ft from No. 2 shaft. All the distance driven during the month has been through ore of which a part was lowgrade, but which on the whole was of a satisfactory quality. The lace is now up to the point where the Martha lode was expected to be met with, so that, a large body, of ore: will, it is anticipated, be 'in hand ' until the -northern or footwall branch of that lode is reached. The course of the crosscut has been turned

The result of the second crushing at. the Talisman Gold Mining Company's new battery was announced on December 14, and showed a slight improvement on the initial return, the yield averaging £1 7s 6d per ton, as against the previous average of £1 5s 3d. Shareholders in the Tairna Broken Hills Gold Mining Company held their annual meeting on December 5. The financial statement showed total liabilities amounting to £2326 10s 6d. In their report the directors stated that as the whole of the company's capital was called up, they must either increase their capital or borrow on the security of the property. The chairman (the Hon. IC. Mitchelson) explained that two of . the shareholders were prepared to advance the sum of £2000 for 12 months, and the shareholders authorised the directors to accept the offer. Authority was also given to the directors to increase the capital of the company, by the issue of 50,000 new shares at 2s each, and to dispose of the same at tot less than that amount, when and in any manner they should consider it advantageous to the company to do so. shareholders to havo the first option of taking them up pro rata. In his report the mine manager stated that all work done ; during the year had been paid for from bullion won from the Blucher reef, which had been driven upon 120 ft, producing payable ore all tho way. The annual meeting of shareholders in the reconstructed Maratoto Gold Mining ' Company was held on November 29.- J. he directors' report stated that in order to open up the mine before commencing crushing

to cut the reef at right angles. Quartz has - recently been' exposed in the west crosscut at " this level at 47ft from the north-west chamber. This may prove to be the " C" lode, met at No. 5 level, on the south section of the Welcome "D." At No. 5 level on the Martha lode the east drive from No. 1 shaft north-west crosscut is in 605 ft. At 550 ft the reef was 25ft wide, of which sft. on the north wall was mineralised ore of fair value, the remainder being ' oxidised and of low grade. Another crosscut is being run through at 6Coft east, but so far only a few feet have been ' exposed. All the ore broken here from the level during the month has been more or . less ' mineralised, and of good value. ' The south-east crosscut on the northern side of No. 5 shaft at No. 5 level is now in 10] ft. At 45ft in a lode 2£ft wide was intersected, course 'north and south mag., dip vertical, and ore of low grade. Again at SOft a body of rubbly ore 4J;ft wide was passed through, course north and south mag., and dipping one in three to the west. The ore from this lode proved to be of a payable grade. The crosscub has been suspended for the present. The various topes at Nos. 4, 3, and 2 levels have been proceeded with as usual. A contract has been let for the sinking of No. 1 shaft 90ft below No. 5 level.

At the Grand Junction Gold Mining Company's mine the development of the large lode at the 500 ft level, is in an active stage, over 70ft having been driven on the course of the reef with highly encouraging prospects, the assays being of a most satisfactory nature. The quartz from both ends of the reef is being paddocked for future treatment. The ' .south crosscut is also being steadily advanced, the face having been driven over 800 ft, the indication being, consequent upon the. quantity of water bubbling up from the bottom of the drive, that it is not low enough to pick tip the Empire lode. The mine closes down from to'-mwrow for 16 days, commencing work again on January 6. During the holidays it is proposed to make a thorough o\erhaul of the machinery and pumping plant. About four or five men only will be employed at the mine, and the chief engineer. At the Waihi West section the company ;■ re continuing active prospecting works. The north drive is in 301 ft,' and water is making in the face, an indication that a lode may be ahead. At the Waihi Gladstone, Mr. Langford, manager, reports that the shaft is down 255 ft. Water is not a source of trouble in any greater degree than when the pumps were working in the old Silverton shaft, which were recently stopped in consequence of the closing down of the Union Waihi Gold Mining Company. He says good, though not speedy, progress has been made, as the country passed through becomes difficult to work, owing to its being bound up with massed quartz stringers. The contract for sinking the shaft to No. 4 level was abandoned. Several of the late employees in the Union Waihi mine were engaged and put on wages.

At the Waihi Consols the borehole has been extended a further distance of 23ft, making a total of 119 ft from the. surface. The bore is still in hard blue country. THAMES. The mining outlook in this district shows no immediate signs of improvement, but it is hoped that after the Christmas holidays are over, and matters have settled down for another year's work, something will be done not only to instil a little more life and •energy, into,, the works that are already in progress, but that steps will also be taken to renew the efforts for testing the lower levels of the field. So far. as this latter important work is concerned, we are no fur-ther-advanced than. we were at the commencement of the year, but at the same time it is possible that the respite which the companies interested have had will have the effect of causing them to bestir themselves into more active energy at no far distant date. . Shortly after the publication of last Summary Mr. J. A. Miller, the well-known solicitor, received a cable from the official receiver of the Thames Hauraki Company, in London, to the effect that the' Home creditors have appointed a committee to go into the affairs of the company, and that pending their report the receiver thinks it will be to the advantage of the colonial creditors not to push their claims at the present juncture, but to await the result of the committee's investigations. As a result of -this cable Mr. Miller wrote a letter to the Thames Drainage Board, which was dealt with at the Board's last meeting, asking the Board to grant a further extension of time before taking proceedings to enforce the recent judgments obtained against the Thames Hauraki Company, as negotiations were still pending for the reconstruction of the Standard Exploration Company, the latter having purchased all the assets of the Thames Hauraki Company. A letter on the same subject was read at the same meeting from the Board's solicitors (Messrs. Earl and Campbell) in which they advised the Board to take no action meantime.' assuming that the other creditors of the Thames Hauraki would also fall into line, and on condition that the Board be allowed to take judgment for the rates to the end of the year. The chairman then moved, and it was carried: "That Mr. Miller be informed that the Board is agreeable to let the judgments stand over till the next meeting of the Board on January 15 next, on the conditions laid down by the Board's solicitors." It is thought that the result of this action on the part of those interested in the Thames Hauraki Company will be that active operations will sooner or later be resumed in the property in question.

With respect to the May Queen Hauraki Gold Mining Company, Mr. A. H. Curtis, representative of the "Bewick-Moreing Syndicate, who was at the Thames recently, in reply to a question as to whether he could give any information as to when the company was likely to resume operations on its own account, stated that so far as he was aware nothing definite had yet. been decided upon. The Home directors, however, were no doubt moving in the matter, but pending their decision the mine would probably be worked on the tribute system as at present. Personally, he was in favour of the company amalgamating its interests with the Thames Hauraki Company, as he considered it would not be to the interests of the company to have to erect a pumping plant of its own in order to get down to the deep levels. The Thames Hauraki Company had a most efficient pumping plant already erected, and that, he considered, should be made the pump to eventually drain the whole area on the Thames flat. The term of the tribute blocks at present let in the May Queen mine would expiro at Christmas time, but it was probable they would again be renewed, although it 'was his intention when reletting them to grant them for two months only, instead of for three months, as was the case in the present instance. His reason, he said, for so limiting the time, was because he wanted the mine to be free from all encumbrances when the company renewed operations on its own account.

Mr. Curtis also slated... that so far as lie was aware there was no prospect of the New Moanataiari Company resuming work for some time to come. In the case of this mine, lie said, there was no reason' why the letting of tributes should not be continued, for the whole of the blocks were situated above the drainage, level, and thus no heavy expenditure was required for pumping operations. He hoped, however, to see the company make a start eventually to test its lower levels, for he was of opinion there was plenty of scope in that direction.

At a meeting of the Thames Miners' Union Committee, held 011 the 3rd inst., Mr. J. W. Walker was present for the purpose of explaining details in connection with his scheme for extending the Moanataiari main tunnel. He placed before the meeting the plans which he had had prepared. He ■ pointed out the good that would result tq the field generally by the carrying out of his .scheme, as-, it would involve the expenditure of a large sum of money, and necessarily the employment of a considerable number of miners. A somewhat informal discussion took place between Mr. Walker and the members of the committee, but no resolutions were passed, although the majority of those present . expressed themselves in sympathy with the scheme. Mr. Walker left his plans in the union's office,,with a request that the . committee make themselves conversant with his . proposals.

;: The gold returns for the past three-weekly period, so far as . the Thames district is concerned, are again somewhat limited in number, and do not total "up to a very large amount. ■ The Eclipse'; ' Limited, secured 1950z 3dwt'of gold, valued at £552 17s 9d, from 'the treatment of 378' tons of ore, the Waiotalii Company: 1270z lOdwt- of retorted gold from 100 tons, valued at about £350, and the Kuranui-Caledonian tributers 320z 3dwt from 11 loads, valued at £86 12s lid, and the New Gloucester Company Boz 18dwt from three loads, valued at £26 i6s 3d. In a few days, however,. further returns will be to hand from the tunuters in the May Queen Hauraki, New Moanataiari, and other mines, some,of .which will probably be above the ordinary, but they will not be available for the present outgoing mail. The improved prospects iu the Kuranui mine, which were mentioned in last Summary, still continue, but before the full advantage of the same can be made use of certain preliminary works have to be performed, but these are expected to be completed within the next week or .two. A considerable number of men are also engaged carrying out certain prospecting works in the Tararu mine, under the management of Mr. R. W. Powell, whilst in the Eclipse, New Gloucester, May Queen Extended, and two or three other properties, certain development and prospecting works are in hand, which it is hoped will eventually lead to remunerative results being forthcoming from the same. Not much headway has latterly been. made with the Victoria Company's boring operations on the foreshore, so that there is nothing new to report in connection with the same. WAIOMO. The Monowai Company's operations in this district are resulting in considerable attention being drawn to the same, and to several new claims being taken up in its immediate vicinity.:- The company in question continues to meet with excellent prospects in the development works it has in progress upon the main lode at No. 3 level, and no difficulty is experienced in keeping up a supnW of ore for keeping the 10-head stamper battery running the full three shifts per diem. The contractors-for the extension of No. 4 level are making good headway with the same, as are also the contractors for the erection of the company's new wharf on the Waiomo beach. It is understood that the company will shortly be calling tenders for the supply of a 20-stamper-battery, which is to be erected on the site/lately acquired down near the beach. . , -" / taxr.ua. Operations at No. 1 level in the Chelmsford mine upon Nos. 1 and 2 reefs are resulting in very encouraging prospects being met with, and the supply of ore forthcoming is sufficient to keep the company's 10stamper mill and cyanide plant fully occupied. It is ■ anticipated 'that the company's output of ore will shortly be augmented by supplies from : : No. 1 .reef at No. 2 level, as another 25ft of driving at that point should bring the; face in underneath' where the run of. gold making down from No, 1 level is ■ expected •: to be met with. Excellent -prospects' continue to be met with in the Taniwha mine, but no further crushings'.liave latterly taken place, as the chief attention »is confined to carrying on dvelopment works at the present time. In the Tairua Broken Hills mine, opera tions at the present time are confined to carrying up i the • rise upon l the Bluclier reef above the low level, with the view of connecting with the winze sunk from the workings overhead,; to laying down a tramway for the purpose of connecting the company's tramway with the New Year section of its property, and to constructing a water-race for the purpose of in future working tile battery with water-power instead of with steam. Each of these works are now well in hand, and are expected to be completed so as to enable the company to renew • crushing operations early in the New Year. WHANOAMATA. The Mananu Gold. 'Mining Company crushed 140 tons of ore during the month of November, for a return of bullion valued at £526 14s sd. which is a very satisfactory yield lor the tonnage crushed. The prospects in the mine, are said to be of a very encouraging character. Tile Whangamata Gold Corporation Company's mine is at present under protection from the Warden, but it expires in Februtary next, and when that time arrives it is believed the company will resume operations. . COROMANDEL. In the Hauraki Gold. Mining Company's mine new development works have recently been undertaken, and after the Christmas holidays will be further prosecuted. The manager is confident that as a result further discoveries of gold will be made. The Royal Oak r Gold Mining Company have, owing to the continued dry weather and consequent scarcity of water in the race, been unable to treat any general ore, of which there is * about 250 tons at grass. Fortunately, during the past week rain has fallen, and it is hoped in sufficient quantity to en-, able the battery to treat the ore on hand. In the meantime 9611b of specimens have been treated, for a yield of 5780z 16dwt of melted gold, valued at £1455 12s lid. This shows a considerable increase upon all previous returns. . •

In the Hauraki Freehold Gold Mining Company's mine during the past three weeks a distance of 60ft was driven on the western course of. .No. 1 lode at No. 1 level. For the greater portion of this distance the lode formation was merely a band of clay, but it is now opening out again to a well-defined body "of'.quartz;. The pass connecting No. 1 level with No. 2 level from the north shaft has been completed, and driving started on No. 2 lode at that level. This is a. well-de-fined lode, and with the exception of a small portion worked on tribute, is entirely intact" throughout the company's property. The Kathleen Crown Gold Mining Company are now crushing at Scotty's battery a parcel of general ore. From present appearances the manager is confident that this will give a return of over to the ton. This gold, being worth 62s per oz, would, with a ; battery :on the ground, pay handsomely. • Development work is being pushed on. ■' - ~ i' ' • - : ''

The prospects in the Hauraki No. 2 Gold Mining Company's property are at present very encouraging, and the manager reports a great improvement in the leader, which is about 4in wide, of nice-looking quartz, and well mineralised. ' • MAHAKIRAU. The Nil Desperandum claim is looking better. Stone showing blotches of gold has been won from the leader in the drive off the winze. Crushing is now proceeding at the Mahakirau battery. MATARANGI. The owner of the Ocean View claim at Matarangi has brought a parcel of 5 tons of ore to Coroniatidel for treatment at the School of Mines' battery. KUAOTUNU. The Waitaia Gold Mining Company have completed' another fortnightly crushing of 60 tons of ore at the Irene battery. By the amalgamation process this yielded 960z 12dwts of melted bullion, valued at £303 9s Bd. The tailings have yet to be treated by the cyanide*!process. During the four weeks 150 tons of ore has been crashed, yielding 2210z melted bullion, valued at £694 6s 2d, off the plates only. The battery is: in full work, and it is, expected that another crushing will be completed before the holidays. Work at the Kuaotunu Syndicate's mine is in full swing, arid the manager expects to have a satisfactory clean-up before the holidays. . -

Several parties of tributers in this district are working with the object of getting their ore put through one of the batteries this week, GUMTOWN.

The Welcome Jack Gold Mining Company have had a very satisfactory crushing, 30 tons of ore yielding .'£2lo 12s lid, or an average of £7 per ton. The battery only worked half-time, owing to shortness of water. 1

In the Big Beetle claim a new lode was cut three weeks ago, which shows gold, and the more the lode is opened up the more promising the prospects are. The Kapowai Gold Mining Company have during the past month kept developmentworks in' hand. A- level has been put in 'with the object of.intersecting the lode at a greater depth, and it should be met with very shortly. The 'country penetrated has been of a very favourable nature.