MINING NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15175, 14 December 1912, Page 5

MINING NEWS.

THAMES DEEP LEVELS.

SHOULD BORING BE STOPPED?

The Thames Deep Levels Mining Board met yesterday at the office of the secretary (Mr." J. B. Sheath). There were preeent: Mr. E. H. Taylor (chairman), Hon. Mitchelson, [Messrs. C. Hudson, • \ fillan, jun., G. Aickin, A. Bruce, and J. Kneebone. . , The supervisor reported that the o y work done on tho Victoria subsidiary cross cut during the past fortnight had been. Ie timbering and cutting up of the drain, and cleaning up the drive. The origin P a * of contractors having withdrawn f work (as agreed to by the Board) _ rangement had been made for mainder of the work, which d , be ®V£: sumed. In the main crosscut the bore-hole was in 65ft. Some little difficulty had ; been experienced during the week g to the bore-hole falling in, but better progress was now being made. .. n , „ Messrs. Bruce, Hudson, and Gillian remarked upon the recent marked improvemerit made in the ventilation con , and the report was adopted. . , The chairman stated that £10°°. Jiaa been raised from the companies for ie requirements of tho Board, and it was - cided to make immediate applicat lor the Government subsidy of the same amount. ~ , Mr. Mitchelson said it would bo necessary to discuss at next meeting the question whether £2000 would suffice to take the tunnel to its destination. • A discussion took place as to whether the driving of the deep level crosscut should be continued, in view of the tact that the bore-hole which is exploring tor the Moanataiari slide has penetrated tolt beyond the face of the crosscut. Mr. Bruce expressed the opinion that the £>oara could go on with the driving of the tunnel if it wished, so long as difficulties were not encountered. But if the bore was stopped it would • probably have to be resumed later, and they must either run the rusk of losing their drilling expert, who would be hard to replace, or must pay him while he was idle. , ~ It was decided that the supervisor should report as to whether tho boring should be stopped and the driving gone on with. Accounts amounting to £296 were passed for payment.