MINING NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18888, 10 December 1924, Page 7

MINING NEWS.

GOLDMKING INDUSTRY.

YEAR'S WORK IN PROVINCE.

WAIHI COMPANY'S PROGRESS.

OPERATIONS AT DEPTH.

The present position of the goldmining industry was roviewed by tho chairman, Mr. G. C. Creagh, in addressing the annual meeting of tho Auckland Stock Exchange yesterday. Tho report of the Mines Department slated the value of bullion produced in' 1925 was greater in value by £162,182 than for the previous year. The increase, however, was almost wholly from quartz-mining in Waihi.

It was a matter for regret that the goldmining industry continued at a lowebb, and that during the current year there had been no developments of importance reported from any part of the Dominion. With regard to the Waihi Company. it was still hoped that developments at depth would lead to the opening up of a secondarily enriched bonanza at a lower level.

Unfortunately, results from the Grand Junction mine had continued disappointing. and in April last it was announced that after full consideration of experts' advice the directors had decided to stop the mill and mine except for developing the bottom level. Since then it had been decided to test tho mine at depth by means of boring. Tho latest, repoii. stated that No. 1 borehole was down 520 ft., but showed no good indications. Mr. Creagh proceeded to quote from a report to the Minister for Mines by Mr. P. G. Morgan, recommending wider arid deeper exploration in Waihi Borough mines. Speaking of other mines in tho province, Mr. Creagh said operations in the Caledonia-Kuranui Moanataiari Consolidated mine at the Thames had not yet been attended with a great, ileal of success. Development work, however, was being pushed forward as expeditiously as possible, and it was hoped that before long there would be satisfactory results. A great deal of work had already been done and a considerable amount of money spent in connection with the mine, and in no mining venture of recent years had the public had a fairer run, nor was there any more deserving of success Other mines that had commanded a good deal of attention during tho year were the Majestic (Maratoto), Ohinemuri, Rising Sun, and Muir's Gold Reefs.

MINE MANAGERS' REPORTS. New Waiotahl.—No work has beon done in tho low level for the week owing to tho water being in. This was caused through tho pump being taken out for repairs. This work is now finished, and the pump is working again. Two men have been working in the stopes above the intermediate »nu w hich showed a few colours of gold, "he other men have been driving on the cross lode off the main level. This drive was advanced 6ft. The reef here in 9in. wide, carrying minerals and silica. This reef should bo worth driving on later. —The contractors have driven 67ft. in tho south drive on the Marototo reef, making a total of 271 ft. from the main crosscut. The reef made a sharp turn into the footwall and for 45ft. the drive was in country rock on the hanging-wall of the reef. The reef is. however, again showing m the faco for the full width of the drive, with only the hanging-wall exposed, and is a compact body of stone. The preliminary work in connection with starting tho pay rock low. level is in progress and air pipes and tram-lines are beincr put in. The work of putting Mcßrinn road in good order is also being proceeded with. Ohinemuri.— contractors have extended the south drive on the hanging-wall of tho Catnoola reef 4Sft., making the total distance south of the Silverstream crosscut 1147 ft. The contractors have completed '249 ft. of their contract for driving 600 ft. To reach a point to correspond with the northern face of No. 2 level, 200 ft. above, a further distance of 300 ft. requires to be driven. The present drive is just in touch with tho main body of quartz. The country •at present exposed on the hanging-wall is of a jnost congenial character both for progress and accompanying values in tho orebody.