Notes from Nenthorn.

Otago Witness, Issue 1905, 14 August 1890, Page 14

Notes from Nenthorn.

(Fboh Our Own Oobbkspondbnt.) The Consolidated Company 1 ! battery ii not doing such good work as the publlo were told it would do when a start was made to treat the ore. It is the opinion of many men who are competent to judge such matters, that the maohinery is about the best thftt could be procured, but serious defects exist in its mode of ereotion, and the present state of the plant clearly shows this to be the case. There are three concentrators set in position to catch the pyrites, but there might as well be three washing tubs in the same place for all the good the present concentrators can do under existing ciroumatanoes. I assert, without fear of co t radiation, that under the existing system of working it Is impossible that more than 10 per cent, of the gold can be saved. If rhe present state of affairs is not put a stop to, it is easy to predict the consequences that must inevitably follow such a loss of fold. The Eureka stone that is being treated at the public buttery shows signs of an excellent yield. I have heard from a reliable source that 48oz of amalgam were taken off the plates alone for a run of eight hours. This is good news, bub folk at Nenthom would soaroely wonder at it, as there always has been a hope of great returns from the Eureka. The washing up takes place about Tuesday, and it will be a fortnight or so before another start is made to crush stone, as some necessary works have to be oarried on at the mine before scoping operations are begun. This mine will keep a battery working for about two months when onoe men begin to work in the stones. The Orassus mine is turning out some very fair stone, but; not In sufficient quantities to keep the battery oonti oually working, Th* Victoria is showing a very fair reef In the present face workings, and the walls are smooth and well defined. The stone prospeotß well. It seems as If some difficulty has oropped up regarding the sale of our township sections. Some person has written to headquarters asking that the sections be not sold, as it is known that auriferous lands adjoin the seotions on the south side of the township. I remember that application was made for a lioense holding on the south side of the township, [and immediately adjoining the seotions, but Mr Warden Wood refused to grant the claim on the grounds that it would interfere with the township site ; and now we have to deal with the matter in a, new light, as it is evident the ground cannot be sold if It is known to be auriferous, and our present Minister of Lands made a promise to this effect not very long since. Gold has certainly been piouel up in the vicinity of the township site, and It it well known that a line of reef takes its course immediately at the baok of the sections on the south aide of the main street. As matters are at present it might be best not to sell these sections for at least four or five years to oome. (Daily Timks Oobbbspondbht.) The field as a whole is looking better, not so muoh on account of more cakes of gold being got but that the mlneowners are beginning to plaoe relianoe upon themselves, and not to look outside for capital to work the reefs. Working on tribute is also becoming common. The field is a working man's field, and working on tribute is a step in this direction. Oroesus.— This mine is looking better than ever it did. There is a good strong reef well denned, and ranging from 3ft up to 3ft in width, and showing gold freely m almost all the stone. Stoping it being proceeded with, but the mine is scarcely able to keep the battery constantly at wotk. The battery is now crushing at a muoh cheaper rate than formerly, the price per ton for the last month being lls 6d, The reduction is due to the use of the Pelton wheel, by water power. With this assistance only about 201b of steam is required to work the mill, Eureka.— The stone from this mine Is being crushed at the public battery, and according to reports is turning out well - probably about 2oz per ton will be the result. The amount being put through is 150 tons. The mine presents an animated appearance, and looks as a mine ought to look that meant to do legitimate mining, and not merely share selling. The number of men employed is 20. If only all the mines in Nenthom could employ the same number with equal success what a prosperous field we would have. The mine is easily worked on account of the soft nature of the ground, no blasting to any great extent being needed. The main shaft is now down a further distance of 30ft, being now 130 ft deep. The water is increasing rapidly in depth, whioh is a good sign of a strong reef existing below. Victoria.— Stone is being got out in this mine in a lifeless manner, only two men being employed at present. Tbe stone is being crashed at the Consolidated Battery, but I do not think the yield will be up to expectations— viz., loz to the ton. The Consolidated Battery.— This battery is now working splendidly, crushing about 36 tons of ore per day. The newness having now worn off. everything is running smoothly and well. The Victoria stone, consisting of some 600 tons, ought to be all through in about two weeks. Tbe washing-up is eagerly looked forward to, as upon this orushing In a great measure depends the future prospects of the field. Break of Day.— This mine is still only employing two men pending the washing up of the Victoria in order to get their stone put through. The quantity of stone at grass is about 250 tons, I think the company are doing right in awaiting the result of the crushing before going to further expense developing the mine. The crushing is expected to turn out ■well, and I think it will, as the stone is nice and clean, without the mullock often present In most of the other claims. The mullock is said to yield good prospects, but I very muoh doubt this— at least, what [ have seen certainly does not. Zealandia.— This mine has now been a long time idle awaiting the crushing of their stone at the Consolidated battery. Now I hear some of the shareholders wish to send the stone to the publlo battery, which I think is a mistake, as tbe Consolidated Is certainly superior to it in having the latest appliancei for saving gold. Jacob's.— This mine) has been taken on tribute by Owen and party, and I wish them every success. I hear the stone they are taking out shows gold. The last crushing of 38 tons from this mine went loz to the ton, and this ought to pay well if the mine is economically worked. Gladstone.- The tributers are beginning to stope, and expect to have a crushing in about two months from now. The prospects met with are encouragGolden Chariot.— This mine, taken on tribute by M'Oonnell and party. Is said to be looking well, gold showing freely In almost every stone taken out, and the reef Is Increasing in width on going deeper. Surprise.— The mine has been Inactive for some little time, but is now going to start again. A low level tunnel is to be put In, which will give 90ft of backs. A. parcel of 14 tons of stone is being crushed at the Blue Slate battery, and is expected to keep the usual average of this mine— viz , 3oz. Blue Slate. -This mine, now defunct, left some 60 tons of stone unorushed on oeailog operations,

thinking it too poor to crush. Donaldson Bros, obtained tne stone, and on oleanlng up were pleasantly surprised with a yield of 13dwt to the ton. The average of the stone formerly was 7dwt, This mine has never had a fair trial. I believe it Is equal to any on the field.