Mining on the Carrick. (Cromwell Argus.)

Otago Witness, Issue 1597, 1 July 1882, Page 12

Mining on the Carrick. (Cromwell Argus.)

Signs of revival in quartz-mining on Carrick Range continue, quite a number of claims being worked — some on old reefs that have been untouched for years, and others on newly-disco-vered linesv Herbert and Watson have taken up the old Caledonian, and are working on some leaders at the south end of the claim, They have already got over 20 tons of stone out, which they expect to average about ftn ounce

to the ton, and from ihe present appearance of the reef it is likely to continue for some distance. The Star of the East Company is at length making preparations to resume work at the mine. A meeting of shareholders is convened to be held in Dunedin on the 27th instant, and Mr C. S. Harvey, a large shareholder and well acquainted with the practical working of quartz mines, has made a visit- to inspect and report on the best method of future operations. We hear that his idea is to put in a tunnel at as low a level as can be_ got. This, although an expensive undertaking, is undoubtedly the only plan to successfully work the mine. Geod stone is known to exist in the deepest level, the last crushing from which averaged two and a-half ounces to the ton; and there can be little doubt] that at the level the tunnel would be Eut iii there is almost a certainly of the Elizaeth and Heart of Oak lines of reef being found within the company's lease, as the former was worked to within a few feet of the boundary, and the Oak was dipping at an angle thafc must bring it within the Star lines. vVe believe the battery is to be put in order without delay to crush for the public, as applications have already been received from parties who are raising stone. Rintoul and party have about 25 tons of stone at grass. They have traced the reef on the surface' about 150 feet up the spur, and it seems to widen the further they go. They have a tunnel ®n the line of reef some 40 feet, but have been delayed for want or timber — the ground near the surface being very rotten they are obliged to close timber the drive all the way. The reef in the tunnel seems split in two with a ' horse ' of rock between, but under foot it appears to come together again with a very fair thickness of stone, and orospects averaging about an ounce to the ton. The reef is underlying very much — so much so that at the lowest end of the claim it will very soon be out of Rintoul and party's ground owing to their having badly marked it out. In Asher s lease (surrounding Rintoul and party) two shafts have been sunk— one on the north-east side of Rintoul and party, and one on the line of reef above the same party's ground. The shaft on the north-east side struck the reef at a depth of about 25 feet. The reef here is fully two feet in width, with welldefined walls and very good prospects in the stone. In the shaft above Rintoul and party the reef has also been found, and from it traced a considerable distance up the spur. There can be no doubt now that there is a distinct and well-defined line of reef, payable stone having been found seven or eight hundred feet through Rintoul's ground and Asher's lease, and having been, traced for such a distance is a good guarantee of its continuing downward. Guilford and party are tunnelling on a reef at the head of Smith's Gully, formerly known as the Golden Phcenix. Some years ago a few tons of stone were taken from this, which re* turned about 15dwts per ton, but the cost of carting and crushing being then very high it was abandoned, and nothing has been done at it since. The present party seem determined to give t it a good trial, and we wish them all success.

J. Hubert is getting stone in fair quantity from his reef at the top of .the range. He has several .men employed, and his last crushing averaged over an ounce to the ton. He has the prospect of a very good thing before him. Being so high up on the range no doubt the winter will retard the work, but ea,rly in spring he will have a considerable quantity ready for crushing. , The Norwegian Company, on the other sida of the range, are still pushing their tunnel forward. The have some 150 feet to go down before they strike the shoot of stone they were working in the upper level, but they expect; to get payable quartz before that is reached. The party '.has 'expended a large sum in putting in a low level, and deserve to meet with success.