WAKATIPU MINING NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 1893, 2 March 1888, Page 12

WAKATIPU MINING NOTES.

(From Oue Own Correspondent.) Arrow, February 28.

UPPER SHOTOVEE.

A trial crushing of about 16 tons of stone from Johnston's reef, at Skippers Point, yielded at the rate of rather better than 2£oz to the ton. This is one of the specs held by Melbourne people, and the success should encourage them to proceed vigorously with further work. The situation of the mine is such that work may be carried on ie it all the year round. The last cake from the Phconix mine weighed 1350z of smelted gold, and it would appear that there is a great quantity of stone of a medium quality in the mine yet to take out. The Phoenix Extended are driving for the lode, but so far have met with nothing of an encouraging nature. Veins of quartz are frequently met with, but no well-defined body of stone has yet been struck. The water in the ground, in spite of the great depth, is easily kept down, and offers no hindrance to the working of the mine. The Maori Point Reefing Company tributers are now crushing on their own account, aud it is reported that there are signs of improvement noticeable in the yield of the stuff put through.

ARROW RIVER.

The Arrow River Tunnel Company has washed up, but the result is kept a dead secret. As the party holds nearly all the Arrow river, and have nothing to fear from jumpers and such like, this secrecy is much to be regretted, because their workiugs, which have now extended over a considerable portion of their claim, include some of the best ground; the yield obtained would furnish an estimate of the value and extended application of the hydraulic jet plant. However, the party is a private one, aud is fully entitled to follow any line of action regarding its affairs it may deem fit.

BIACETOWN.

The Sunrise party are still busy raising and sleighing quartz. Unfortunately for the shareholders, the Premier Company have decided to run their mill on their own account so long as the water lasts or until stopped by the frost, so that the only other battery available is the Tipperary, which is distant about three miles from the Premier battery. This will add considerably to the expense for carting, and reduce the profit on the stone.