WAITAHUNA.

Otago Witness, Issue 1344, 1 September 1877, Page 4

WAITAHUNA.

(from our own correspondent.)

The trial crushing of thirteen tons stone from Simson's reef resulted in a yield of loz. 13d<vts., or an average o£ 2dwts. 13axs. pnr ton. The stone c> united was that taken out cf the winze, and included much rubbish. In the progress of sinking, it will be remembered, it was stated that the lode contracted to a Blaty substance, and then widened. The trial was a bona fide test of what was taken out, and considering tl^at the mode of redncing the ore was such as to admit of tho escape of much fine gold, the result is not altogether adverse. It is reasonable to s>up. pose that the stone will vary in richness, and considering She facilities for motive power, the trial is at least an earnest of the reef being worked to advantage under suitable

conditions. There is no doubt much fine gold was washed away in the cold muddy water, and possibly the excess of sulphurets will account for so little gold being got. It is said that no gold was got from the platea, but that all came from uuder the stamps. I have not been able to learn if any pyrites lodged on the tables, ripplts, sinks, or the like. It would be interesting to know, as these, if tested, might be found to hold much one g!-ld.

Alluding to pyrites, I note an instance in Tasmania where two tona quartz yielded loz. 9dwts. 6grs. gold, and that "a sample of pyrites taken from the washings and bbnketings gave at the rate of 94ozs. gold per ton."

To give the ore a fair trial, it i 3 thought that by dry crushing and amalgamating by the best process in übo at present, a definite result would be arrived at. But there is one process which would appear to be more perfect, and if introduced might alter the question of the payableness of many reefs that have been tried in Otago. I allude to Secor's amalgamating process, a description of which appeared in the mining columns of the Otago Witness of date 28ih July last. A process by which from 92 to 98 per cent, of the fire assay can be obtained, is an advance on present modes of extracting gold from ores. The conditions under which the finest particles of gold will be taken up by the quicksilver, have not hitherto been known. They appear to be clearJy stated in the article named.

Two leases of 10 1 cres each have been applied for ground at the head of Nuggetty Gully, about 3CO yard 3 ncrth of Dewes's agricultural lot. A rubble reef over 3 feet wide, running west, was met with in working the Golly for alluvial gold. The reef dips to north, and a vein or leader, aboat 100 feet north dips south. Tho lease west w.'ll bear the name of the Blue Jacket, and that to east the Perseverance. The auriferous indications are such as to warrant a trial by sinking. Water power equal to 80 stamps ia available for machiuery, &c. — the Nor wegian's Race having a fall of 200 feet closo to the spot, it could be used, and yet past on to the dams and da good work as at present. More ground is likely to be taken un. Messrs Barr ar.d Co.'s Bluespur claim was sold on 2nd August for £715.— Mr A. Barr was the purchaser. The claim will be supplied with water from the Norwegian Race. Work haß been raumed.

The rumoured projected race from Waipori was but talk. Yet none can Bay but what such a stream may ytt be required to develops and maintain industries in this locality.

An accident happened lately in Owen and Party's Cement claim on Richmond Hill, by the caving of the cement — the drive being 8 or 10 feet wide. G. Maley received ratber eerious iojury to the ribs, but is fast mending under Dr Withers'" care. Timber has since teen used in the mine. This is the only party operating upon the cement seams at present. There are others working open cement, but this one is underground mining. They take out a depth of about 4 feet, and find it to sluice fairly, but they stack the tailings. Judging from this instance, it would appear that the eeutent seams will yet afford scope for much work.