MINING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8004, 17 October 1887, Page 2

MINING.

NOTES FROM REEFTON.. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Reefton, October 15. ; The following are the battery returns for the i past week:—Keep-it-Dark, 2320z of amalgam; ; Fiery Cross, 3500z of amalgam from 80 tons;* Globe, 2970z of amalgam from 100 tous. '-* Globe.—The mine manager reports that dur- | iug tho' past week the 'eastern wiuze was eleepencd 13ft, making the total depth to date CCft, with 8 large body of stone at the bottom and'no sign of tho hanging''wall. The' level towards the eastern winse has been extended 6ft during the week with oue shaft) and a further distance of 16ft ha 6 been maeie in the main shaft. The upright stopes are looking very well, and the reef from the west end is from 20ft to 30ft in width. Sir Francis Drake.—The winze has now been sunk on the reef to a depth of 83ft from, the curfape, mill the locle still holds strong, and with no sign of the hanging wall. The negotiations with the Inkerman Compauy relative to the supply of crushing power have been broken off. The terms asked were 7*s Od por ton. In the meantime the elirectors arc awaiting tho receipt of estimates from Dunedin and Christchurch for tho supply of plant, and it is most likely that a new plant will be erected to bo driven by electrical power transmitted from the lighting company's generating station at Reefton. The

distance is about two miles. Mr Walter Prince is now at the Lyell, and is expected hero shortly, whau the directors will interview him ou the subject. Happy Valley.—ln tbis mine, which aeljoins tbo Sir Francis Drake, prospecting works are still being carried on

Progress.—The niaiu level is in about 300 ft, out slow progress is being made, owing to the toughness of thu country. The winze is down about 80ft, and still carries a strong body of stone. The driving of the level will be a long undertaking unless accelerated by the use of rock-boring machinery. At the present rate it will take about 18 months to reach tho reef. Wealth of Nations.—A fresh survey ' has shown that the level from the main shaft is not yet in far enough to cut the reef. The distance driven is 175 ft, anel 50fc remains to be driven. Just-in-Time—Still following the stone ou what are known as the eastern and western reefs. Both are small at present, but the quality of the stone is good. Argus.—The memorandum of registration of this new venture is published. The capital consists of £12,000 in 10s shares. Mr W. P. Gardner has been appointed legal manager. The ground is situated southward of the Just-in-Time, Boatmans, and is known as Larry's Garling Line. Keep-it-Dark.—The stone co far shows no improvement, but the north block is expected to be reached shortly, when better quality ore is expected. The battery is not employed regularly. Homeward Bound.—The erection of the winding plant is now completed, and tenders are therefore called for coutinuing the sinking of the main shaft. Welcome.—Operations in this mine have not yet resulted in picking up the reef, but the direction of the works has now been changed, and there are hopes of the stone being cut very shortly. The share market is flat. Keep-it-Darks have declined to some extent, and this of course has a tendency to bring other stocks down. Fiery Crosses aro also on the decline. Globes, Homeward Bounds, Inkermans, and Sir Franciß Drakes are firm. Owing to the infrcquency of transactions, it is hard to give reliable quotations. The Electric Light Company's race is now approaching completion, a short length of tunnel only remaining to be finished. Mr Prince will be here in the course of a fortnight, when it is hoped he will be ready to lay down the plant. It is likely that there will be a full demand for electro motive power, several companies having decided to go in for the new motor. The Western Star states that Messrs Logan anel Spence, representatives of Logan's Patent Gold Saving Company, of Ballarat,after inspecting the claims at Round Hill, decided to erect machinery to work the sludge claim there