MINING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12989, 2 June 1904, Page 12

MINING.

The secretary oi tlie Roxburgh, Amalgamated Mining arid Sluicing Company reports that the velum from the c'.aitn for the month of May was 13Gok ]9clwt 3jr.

The manager of the Undaunted sluicing claim reports that ho washed up for a return of .3907. lOdwt as the result of operations carried on during the month of May. Tho Rockland's Beach dredge (West Coast) obtained 270z Gdwt for 120 hours' work last week.

Tho master of the Enterprise No. 2 dredge wired , yesterday to the effect that he resumed dredging at midday on Tuesday. The Cromwell Argus stata that- Mr G. Morris, master of the Junction Electric No. 1 dredge, has bsen appointed master of the harbour dredge at Lyttelton. The boring upon the Cromwell Company' 3 c!»im on the Cluthn is temporarily stepped ior want of pipe 3, but work (says the Cromwell Argus) will be resumed. 'i'he stay tube which burst en tho Gabriel No. 1 dredge at the end of last weak was soo.i plugged and made perfectly tight again. The dredge was otherwise running very smoothly, At a meeting oi the directors of the Tuapeka Dredging Company, held at Lawrence on Monday evening, it was resolved to call a mcetine of shareholders to consider the question cf going into voluntary liquidation.—Ttiapeka Times.

The secretary of the Now Fourteen-milo Beach Gold Dredging Company received a wire from the dredgemaster yesterday atatuiig tliat ho had stopped dredging oil Tuesday, the ground being ioo deep for the lifting gear to be used with safety. 'I'he secretary states that a new line was 1 despatched to the dredge on Saturday last, so the 'stoppage should only bo temporary. The dredgcniaster wired further that the wash-up would take place yesterday. Tho secretary oi the Cromwell Gold dredging Company received a wire from lite master of tho No. 1 dredge yesterday to the effect that he resumed dredging nt noon on Monday last, and that the prospects were fair. The master of ihe No. 2 dredge wired that everything was working steadily, but owing to having to cleim out tho paddock he will not waali up this week.

Tho master of the Lady Roxburgh dredge, in his report for last week, stated that owing to the rise, in the. river and the amount of drift and silt travelling on the east side of the cut, it was intended to shift tho dredge down to her winter quarters on the same side of the cut to-day. Tho width of tho cut worked by the dredge litst week was 110 ft. Ti;o river was falling towards the end of the week, and heavy frosts had , set in,

The master of the Gabriel No. 2 dredge in his report, dated 23!1i li'.t., slated that he wa.9 then about ready to start dredging again. Some delay had been caused in jetting the gca.r from the iouudry, but everything was soon settled up again, and a start made on Thursday last. There was a big flood in !lio creek on the 2-ltU snd 25th ult... but ,, no dnninge was done to the dredge, as she was in better ord;r than when she first started. During the stoppage everything on the dredge, including the screen, was overhauled. '

The Dunsian Lend dredge had a very good run last week, the ground being jnst about the same ;i3 in tile previous week. The master thought it advisable to shift (he dredge further up the river, and got on fairly well with the work, and expected to hive the dredge shifted to where he intended by Monday or Tuesday Jast if everything;, went well arid there wns plenty of water to let the dredge through. Tho dredge will be taken back to where it was removed from in the summer, when the rivor will be.more suitable for dredging. distance worked ahead by the Electric No, 1 dredge last week was Oft," the width of the cut 80ft, with the ground varying in depth up to about :!sft. Tht. gold won ra a little coarser in character than tho previous week's, and the prospects on the Cromwell side better. Dredging had (0 bo stopped \u the'intddle of ■last week owing to the screen breaking. The river rose very high, and there was a groat amount of drift running, and it will take the best part cf a. week to settle, but by that time the repairs would be finished.

Tho New Royal Jlaori Company's dredge is gradually nenring completion (says the Cromwell Arguj), and when ready will prove fully capable of dredging 50ft deep, treating the neavy bottom layer that was found in the borings in this claim, and it is sincerely to be hoped that this venture proves successful, as upon it depends the future of this part of the country. The length of the dredge 13 115 ft over all, fitted with powerful machinery, and caci: pontoon U divided into two watei-tight compartments. The heavy gravel going through the screen is treated by a' Peck and Payne elevator.

The master of the Junction Electric \ T o. 1 dredge, in his report for last week, stated that tho tumbler bush went to pieces at the beginning of the week, and as a new one had to arrive, general repairing was commenced. A new ladder line arrived on the claim on Saturday last, and was put in on Monday morning, and tho dredgemaster expected to resume operations the name day. The repairs to the Ko. 2 dredge were completed ot the beginning of last week, and a start made to shift up the river. On Tuesday the place where it was intended to begin work was reached, and on the following divy the head lines were spliced and all lines run out and the moorings fixed. On Thursday inorniug the river rose 3ft, and, knowing the ground was deep, the diedgemaster concluded that it was useless to continue dredging, so he decided to stop and repair some damaged buckets. The master of the Rise and Shine No. 1 dredge, in his report for last week, stated that tno prospects on.the east aide of the cut, which consisted of a chippy bottom, wcro slightly better at the beginning of the week than at the end. In the centre of the cut the gold continued the same on a soft bottom, containing plenty of wash stones. The-gold was of a scaly sample and very showy. The distance worked ahead last week was 9ft, the depth of ground about 43ft, and the width of the cut 390 ft. The No. 2 dredge was last wcel; working very steadily, .but the prospects were still poor, though much bettor wash'was showing, and the ground ehowed better indications of improving than line been the case for some time past. The distance worked ahead was 18ft, the width of the cut 130 ft, and the depth of the ground about 4uft. For some time past Messrs Park Bros., of Canada Reefs, near Milton, have been exploiting ft line of reef running almost parallel with the old Canada reef, and as a result have obtained some very good returns. To minimise.the cost of working this reef they havo been seriously thinking ot erecting a battery of five heads on their mine, to be driven by an oil engine, by which a considerable saving would be obtained, as cartage alone at the present time costs more than 5s per ton. Past operations on the reef have been confined to sinking shafts down to a depth of about 20ft, but recently a crosscut has been driven, so as to intercept the reef at a depth of 40ft, at which point a winzo has been carried

down the reef 'to a further depth of 18ft, and a level driven on for a distance of 72ft through payable stone.

The manager of the Mount Rex Tin Mining Company, in a- report for the week ended May 21, stated that sloping wa9 being carried on at the north end of the No. 2 level, but the atone wns-poor, and the south stope in the No. 1 level was filledin, Tcady for stoping. The stone crushed amounted to 250 tons, from which 45 tags' of tin were obtained. Tho mining and battery machinery was working well.'

The quantity of gold exported from tho colony for. the month of May iva3 22,5920z, valued at JEM.MO, ns compare/I with 21,2770z, valued at £BIi,OGO, for the corresponding month of the previous year.

DUNEDIN STOCK EXCHANGE. The share market was exceptionally quiet yesterday, and both sittings passed off without interest. Only one stock .(Junction Electrics) was touched on, but one or two other stocks aIEO received fairly, general attention. Hartley and Rileys showed an improved tone, while New Fourteen-mile Beaches were almost stationary. The height of the river at Alexandra yesterday morning was SftCin above the normal mark—a rise of 2in, since the previous day. Bignell's No. Towns were pieced on the market at 19s, Crdmwells at 255, and Dunstan Leads at 103 Gd, but in no cose was there any response from buyers: Tho demand for First Chances was slightly firmer, while holders remained firm, the quotations being buyers 17s ft], sellers 18s Cd. Hartley and Eileys'showed a firming tendency, but the margin existing between buyers' and sellers' prices wan too wide io allow of any business resulting. Junction Electrics also showed an improved tone, a parcel being taken up nl Gs 3d, with further buyers at 5s 3d and sellers at Gs Cd. Inquiry was made for Nelson Creeks at 35s Gd, but no buyers were in evidence; .while Riley's Beaches and Snndy Pdints were quoted at recent rates. The oiily Bale transacted was in Junction Electrics at Cs '3d. The following are .yesterday's latest quotations, subject to the usual brokerage : — Bignell's No Town—Sellers 19s. Cromwell—Sellers £1 fa. Dnnstan Lead-Sellers 10s Gd. Ettrick—Buyers' Ca M, seljors 7s G<J. First. dunce—Buyers 17s Gil, sellers 18s 6d. Gabriel—Buyers 9s 3d, sellers 10s. Golden Bed-Sellers 9s 9(1. Golden Run—Buyers £1 12s, sellers £1 Us. Hartley arid Riloy-Buyers £3 ss, sellers £3 7s Gd. Inchtlolc—Buyers 3a Cd. Junction Electric—Buyers 5s 9d, sellers 63 6d. Lady Roxburgh (paid)-Sellers 17s. Lady Roxburgh (contrib.)—Sellers Gd dis. Ladysmith (contrib.)—Buyers le, sellers Js p. Mokoia (ordinary)-Sellers 12s. Mokoia. (pref.)—Buyers 10s. Nelson Creek—Buyers £1 las Gd. New Bciidigo—Buyers 16s, sollcrs 17s 6d. New Fourteen-mile Beach—Buyers £1 Iβ Gd, sellers -Sl. 3a Gd p. • New.Golden River—Sellers 4s p. New Halfway House-Buyers Gs Gd, sellers 7a Gd. ' ; New Prince Arthur—Sellers Gs. Nα Town Creek-Buyers 17s, sellers 19s Oil. Olrig—Sellers 13s 9d. ■ Riley's Beach—Buyers 9s, sellers 9s od. Kising Sun-Buyers Iss, sellers £1. ■ | Sandy Poiht-Buyc'rt.JSl Is, sellers £1 3s.

INVESTMENT STOCKS. Standard Insurance—Buyers 17s 3d, sellers 18a.- • Wc3tport Coal—Buyers £7, Commercial Properly—Buyers 2s 6d. ROXBURGH AMALGAMATED MINING AND SLUICING COMPANY. The annual general meeting of shareholders in the Roxburgh Amalgamated Mining and Sluicing Company was held in tho Chamber of Commerce-Hall last evening. Thero were seven slw-rch ciders present, and Mr W. L. Simpson (chairman of directors) presided., The following report for the year ended April 30 was presented by the directors:—"Your directors regret to report.that the operations at tho claim during tlic past year have resulted in the najrment of only one 'dividend of Gd per share. For full information in regard to the past working of the mine, condition of the plant, and; lutura prospects reference is mado to tho .subjoined Extract from the mine manager's annual. report, dated April 30, io which tho attention of shareholders is specially directed. In accordance with the articles of association, two directors—viz., Messrs James Haz'.ett and J. 8.-CaJlan—retire at this time, but, being o'.igible, they offer themsolvcs ifor re-election. Messrs W. Brown and Co., auditors, also retire at this time, and offer themselves for re-election.'

Tho following arc the principal clauses in the report presented by the mine manager (Mr John H. Wniglh):— "The several blocks of ground worked during the year havo been in the vicmity ot the old dam sile and within reach of the present line of pipes. In some paddocks (ho wash was good-jooking, having some rough layers through it with a- fair quantity of Maori stone and black stmil indicating gold near by, but the return did not come up to indications. Tho block of ground , at the front of tho mine on the boundary of the Ladysmith Company's crea will bo operated on as soon as tho extension of the main pipe line is completed. The elevating plant, including valves and nozzles, on tho mine is in good wcrkiiig order, necessary renewals. having Keen made during (he year. At present there pre two elevators working in one largo paddock, and joinKy discharging into a third elevator, which lifts the tailings to a higher level and iaci'.itates stacking. The sluicing runs aro in goal condition, having been supplemented recently with new boxes t« replace others that were getting the worse for wear. The main pipe line is in good order, the joints aud seams being tight, and not showing any weakness under the high prcfsnte used to work tho elevators. The tkniing haa undergone an unusual amount of repair this year, which lias added to the ordinary expense of labour and material for upkeep. The cause of this must bo attributed to the hard winter and wet spring. TJie timber in the raco is sound, but owing to numerous breaks from rolling stones and earth slips an extra,' amount o! timber has been used up. The wet weather caused the race bench in places to settle, neeessittvrijig the readjustment of the fall of the flume. With a favourable winter the same trouble may not be again'experienced. The dam at Lake Onslow lias given the least trouble this year. Tho water supply has been so regulated that there waa lio occasion to raise the gates at the dam during, the season. In conclusion I may add a few 'comments.upon tho operations pf the year. The climatic conditions during tho winter and spring , seriously retarded the progress of,the work the mine, for, after making due allowance for the quality of the wash treated by the elevators, the output was lessened by the frequency of stoppages of the water supply. When the water is off, all , pumping is stopped in tho mine, with tho result that tho paddocks fill with drainage water, which has to be pumped out before the elevators start again. , In the'face of the past year's returns, it would be presumption on my part to write in too hopeful a strain of the future prospects of tho mine;- but as your mine mamager, and being thoroughly conversant with the working and surroundings of tho mine, I would fail iu. my duty if I did not report to yon the fact that you have about 25 acres o( virgin ground adjoining aud lying behind tho Ladysinith Company's mine, which only requires the extension 'of the main pipe lino to sK the elevators at work on it." The Chairman, in moving tho adoption of tho report and balance sheet, said he was sorry that Mr 'Cockbnrn's prophecy, made last year, had not'been -quite fulfilled. The year had been rather disappointing so far as shareholders we're concerned,-, as only one dividend had been paid during the year, as compared with two for the preceding year. Ho ihougUV however, that before he sat down these present wenid be of opinion that the coming year ought to be veiy satisfactory. He was glad to say that the cxpeiws for the year were Sl'ii lesb than these for the previous year. Things were go'n , , , oil so poorly and the prospects were so poor that at the request of the directors tl.e manager haa changed his. operations, and was able Io dispense -with some labour. \\\i directors would have to incur some expenditure, but he thought tho prospects ahead would justify Ilial outlay. Tho pipe line would ha"') to k" extended so as to command ihe ground winch lay immediately at. the back of the Ladysmith ground, which was jieiding suchgp)d returns. In consequence of the qua-iity of the Ladysmith claim, the directors had incurred the necessary expenditure without waiting for the annual , meeting, as t-ha sooner the work was done the better it would be; in fact, some of the outlay had boon authorised already. The' race had given very ht-tle trouble during the yew, and ah , the works had been maintained, at much less expenditure than during the, preceding year. He had received a- very welcome telegram that eVcnicg stating that the return for' last month was 1360z. Two lifts were at work en the claim, and he noticed that th'o No. 2 lilt, which wa3 on the side nearest tlic Ladysmith claim, had given the better yield. The claim was worked on a face, and the No. 1 lift was en the right hand side am 1 . Ihe No. 2 !ifton th« left. He had not the slightest doubt that the run of gold would be caught, and that the returns would increase as they worked on. The return from the No. 2 lift—7ooz odd-wua, ho thought, decidedly encouraging. Tho motion was Beconded !>y Mr H. Adam, and carried.

1"lic retiring directors (Messrs Jae. Hozlett and S. B. Callau) were ie-cle2*«l, and the retiring auditors (Messrs W. Bromi and Co.) weie reappo'inted at the same remuneration as they received previously. Mt H. North stated that all the directors visited the claim about, two months ago, and stopped there for a considerable time. Tho washdirt looked as though tho company was getting Snto the same run of wash as that in tlie Ladyshiilh claim. The ivaali was different to that on which operations had been carried on for a. long time.

A vole of thanks to the chair brought the meeting to a close.

with uppeartmces of bad weather. The river is hot aising, and as Uμ weather is cold there is not much chance of a big rise. The Electric Xα. 2 dredge is on a patch o! poor ground, \ykch will take n. few w»eks tn get through. There is known to be rich ground just ahetid a phorl distance. The Kiley's Beach dredge is getting ready for a start. The dredge is very iittle the worse of the mishap. Tho Alpino No. 2 dredge and tho Hartley and Biley dredge are the only two dredges working in the gorge.

NOTES FROM CLYDE. (From Oue Own Cobresiondext.) CLYDE, June 1. Owing to the increased flow of drift which set in after (he recent rise in the river the U.'uty dredge ceased operations for a day tr The Monte Christo dredgn, though somewhat handicapped by the drift, keeps gonig steadily. The bottom is composed of very hard rock, and issomewhat crevicy. There is on increased numlisr of hands employed in pushing on the repairs to the Jlaiau dredge.

The river is cfiP. falling slowly, although the frosts have ceased. There war a light fall of snow on the mountains last night, and it rained along the lowlands. NOTES PROM RKEFTOW. (Fnoit Own Own Correspondent.) REEFTOI', June 1. The reef in the United .Mine Jiae pinched down to lft, and gold cannot bo seen in tho stone. The average width of the vcef in tho winze ennk on in the Scotia mine is from 2ft Pin to 3ft. On both sidee ol the winze gold is showing freely iu the quartz. The reef in the south end is 18ft. Tbeie are iZ tons cf uuatlz in the paddock.

The levci in the Uls)er mine has been intended 9ft for the week on a reef which is 2ft wide.

The Kccp-it-Dark returns are:—Battery, 32-loz lildwt from 980 tons; cyanide, 2030z 1-ldwt I2gr;—total, 5340z 13dwi. i2gr. The Big J?iver Compnny cleaned up ltloz 3dwt from 110 tons. OF INTEREST TO DEBEXTUREHOLDEIiS. WELLINGTON, Juno 1. Before Mr Justicu Cooper to-day in Chambers Mr Myers moved, en behalf of the plaintiff in the case of John Forbes Op (of JolmsonvKte) v. the Lysjl llytraulic Sluicing Company, (or an order directing Str E. M. Boulion (receiver on behalf of plaintiff) to sell by public auction certain property, rights, and privileges belonging to the company The plaintiff is a deben-ture-holder. The receiver filed an affidavit to the effect that be believed tho sals would , bo ill the best interests of all concerned. His Honor mado an order for the sale by publia auction, the sale to be advertised, and plaintiff to have iibsriy to bid. The conditions of sale to bo approved by tin registrar at Wellington. The proceeds of the sale to bo paH into court U tho credit of this action, and there to abide a further order of the court.