Mining Notes.

Otago Witness, Issue 1795, 17 April 1886, Page 19

Mining Notes.

The Cromwell Argus reports that the efforts of the workmen on behalf of the local Prospecting Association in seeking payable gold in the Cromwell Flat have not proved successful, and operations in that quarter have ceasi-d. Tho result may be taken to have set at rest speculations as to leads of auriferous drift existing in the deep ground between Cromwell and the Gorge. The Association will now turn its attention to quartz, and the Carrick Range has been decided upon as the field of operations.

Tho Waipori correspondent of the Tuapeka Times contributes the following items: — "A good deal of attention has lately been paid to quartz-mining in this district. During the last few weeks three mining leases have been applied for to the south of Mr Ch:is. M'Lenn's flaim, which is situated about three miles from this township and within a short distance, of what is known as Cot's reef. A few days ago I paid a visit lo the claim held by Messrs Enipero and pnrly, who recently made application to the Warden's oflice for n. lease of lo' acres. At. tho lime of my visit ihey were taking out stone at a depth of about 16ft from the surface!. The stone is of a friable nature, frequently showing gold. Mr Brapere tried a dish "in my presenco from the stuff which had just, been brought to grass, and I was greatly pleased with thtf prospect, which was undoubtedly a payable one. I rather like the appearance of the reef, which runs north and south. Mr Empore mentioned that ono part of their workings was intersected by a reef running east and we.-it. The cross stone, however, did not give any indications of being gold-bearing. About 10 tons of stone from fche reef ha\"e already been stacked, and in the course of another fortnight or so the party intend to have a trial crushing of some 20 tons. The casing and walls of the reef consist of soft sandstone. Tne claim is most advantageously Mtuated for wot king, as it is crossed by a deep gully, the reef carrying gold on both sides. So far powder has not been required, the stuff yielding readily to tho pick. The County Council has promised to assist in making a passable dray track from the claim to the Little Maud battery, which is about half a mile distant. The owner of the battory has very kindly placed it at the disposal of the party to carry out their trial crushing. — The Victory Company's battery is working away steadily, and tho tables are reported to be showing gold freely. I hope to bear of a big calm when the party clean up. — Messrs Sturm and Ritchie have, 1 10-irn, almost succeeded in disposing of all the unallotted shares in Ihtsir quartz-reefing venture. They have made, arrangements for the purchase of Mr Drury's battery in Nuggety Gully. The stuff will lie crushed on the present ms^chine site for some time to come. — Work is being carried on steadily by the Deep Lead Prospecting Association, uho have three or four hands employed. One of Ashbury's patent pumps arrived ;i day or two ago, and will probably be placed in position towards the end of the week. A shed for the boiler and other fixings lias been erected.

WAKATIPU MINING NOTES. (Fiiom Onn Own Cohkespondent.)

Arrow, April 14. The electric motor at the Phconix mine has been started again, and worked with entire satisfaction. A speed of from 75 to 80 beats per stamper head was obtained, and maintained throughout the trial.

At Macetown the pold is making itself felt, and if it continues will seriously interfere with crushing.

News is to hand from Mount Criffcl of a new discovery of very rich gold by C. Kitto and party, who have struck what appears to be a new patch of gold, as the metal obtained by them is of a very different nature to that found by former parties. The gold in the new patch is much coarser and more nuggety. Present reports speak highly of the new discovery.