MATTERS AT THE THAMES,

Otago Witness, Issue 1422, 22 February 1879, Page 10

MATTERS AT THE THAMES,

Auckland, February 14th. A meeting of directors of the Thames Pumping Association, and directors and shareholders of the Thames gold-mines generally, was held for the purpose ot considering a scheme of new operations of the big pump in aid of prospecting deep levels. Mr J. Stone presided. Mr William Rowe moved the following resolution :— " That in the opinion of this meeting, I to fairly develop the resources of the Thames i Gold-field, and to drain the mines of the district at deeper levels, it is desirable to sink a pumping.shaft to intersect the deep slide, and to extend the south drive to the Piako mine ; and that the Government be requested to lend LSOOO for these objects. That the Borough of Thames pledge its gold duty, and that the county should contribute its gold-fields revenue received from drainage effected by pumping ; and further, that the companies interested should contribute the remaining portion of the money necessary, and sufficient to make the whole sum not less than LIO.OOO for the first year." After considerable discussion, in which Messrs Whitaker, Williamson, Lennox, Speight, Brodie, and the Mayor of the Thames took part, it was resolved— " That a committee be appointed to devise a plan on the barfs of the resolution proposed by Mr Rowe."

A lead and silver deposit in the Little Agnes claim has been discovered. This is due to the late Captain Goldsmith, who communicated the fact to a Cumberland _ miner, named William Hetherington, and he interviewed Captain Phillips, of the manganese mines, when a sample of the ore was forwarded to Wellington for analysis. It was found to contain 50 per cent, of lead, L 2 worth of silver, and 9dwt of gold to the ton. Six tons have beeu sent to Sydney and six to England for further analysis.