THE WEEK'S MINING NEWS

Otago Witness, Issue 2623, 22 June 1904, Page 25

THE WEEK'S MINING NEWS

June 15

Mr J". C- Arbuckle will sell at his rooms, Lawrence, on Monday, 27th inst., the dredge Reliance, as she now lies at Tuapeka Flat, Lawrence.

The, secretary of -the New Fourteen-mile Beach Gold Dredging Company received a letter from the dredgemaster on Tuesday to the effect that he expected to get started dredging again on Monday morning. The new ladder line reached the claim on Saturday.

The master of the Golden Bed dredge reports that in consequence of the rise in the river he has been obliged to stop dredging until it eoes down asrain •

The Cornwall dredge and claim were sold by auction at G-reymouth on Saturday last by Messrs Mark Sprott and Co., and realised JE255. The workmen, who had liens out for wages, were the purchasers. The master of the Gabriel No. 1 dredge reports that everything on the dredge was working satisfactorily last week. The No. 2 dredge also had a fair run during the week ended 4th inst., but the ground was very shallow on the western, side, and the face was setting full of big stones.

The master of the Hartley and Riley dredge reports that the driving belt broke and carried away the main steam pipe, which is being* sent to Dunedin for repairs. It will be a few days, therefore, before the dredge can resume work.

The Alexandra Lead dredge had a good week's run last week. The ground was the same as in the previous week, but was still very poor. The dredgemaster expected, however, in the middle of the present week to reach the face which was left last spring, when the returns should improve.. The bottom was still very shallow and uneven.

The Loch Lomond dredge was closed down for the winter on Wednesday, Bth (says the Dunstan Times) owing to difficulties in connection with coaling, but the directors further decided to resume operations. The return for the two shifts worked last week was 3oz sdwt.

The Junction Waikaka dredge commenced ■work last week. The time worked was only 74 hours, as -a stoppage had to be made on Thursday and part of Friday to allow of some v alterations being made. The machinery then ran splendidly, and the dredgemaster expected to have .a steady run. The dredge was opening out, but it is expected that a decent face will be got by the end of this week, and, all going •well, there will be a wash-up on Friday. The ground is about 12ft deep. The Molyneux Kohinoor dredge was running very steadily last week, only a few hours being lost. Unfortunately there was nothing but old ground met with on the east side of th» paddock, and in addition the ground was deep, and consequently less bottom was got over. The river rose on Saturday last, when it was decided to shift th.3 head lines and pull the dredge ahead and open out more on the west aide. The bottom met with was of a soft nature.

The master of the Lady Roxburgh dredge, in his report for the week ended Saturday, 11th inst., stated that it took till Tuesday night to get the face opened out owing; to the width (120 ft) of the payable wash. The dredge was shifted from the payable wash on the west side, as it wa3 more suitable to work with a high river. The ground was 36ft deep, and the river rose 2ft on Saturday last, but comT/ienced falling again. It was expected that the river would cause drift to run for a day or two.

Considerable delay has occurred in completing the repnirs on the Rising Sun dredge <says, the Cromwell correspondent of the Dunstan Times) through the no2i-arrival of some essential parts of machinery, which were at Ida Valley and had not been forwarded. It was expected, however, to make a start yesterdaj'. Reports from the Nokomai Hydraulic Sluicins Company indicate stormy, wet weather, ■with snow falling almost incessantly, but sluicing was resumed on the Bth inst., and good progress is being made. Should nothing untoward happen, it is expected that the paddock then commenced will be finished about the So'.h. The work at No. 2 elevator has been seriously delayed on account of slips coming: into the' race at various places, and it will he some days before the necessary repairs are effected. Layinsr the main line of pipes was ■sompleted last Wednesday.

June 16.

The Perpetual Trustees, Estate, and Agency Company will sell at their rooms on Friday, Bth July next, the- Waimumu Extended Company's dredge, as she now lies in the Waimumu Valley, together with claim, tools, plant, stores, etc.

The secretary of the Rising Sun Gold Dredging Company wired on Wednesday to saj that dredging was resumed that morning.

The secretary of the New Fourteen-mile Beach Company received the following -wire from the dredgemaster on Wednesday: — "Lifting gear line arrived on Saturday, and is in position; river too high to start dredging; shifting dredge back two lengths to-day ; river falling very slowly."

The Riley's Beach dredge did not get to work last week as anticipated, but was to start on Monday (says the Cromwell Argus). The dredge should get good returns from the ground ehe is now on.

The master of the Al Company's dredge advises that operations have been stopped. The i«ew pontoons have been successfully launched, and the work of transferring the machinery is in hand.

The secretary of the Gabriel Gold Dredging Company has received a wire -from the master of the No. 2 dredge to the effect that the sparge pipe of the screen had broken on Wednesday morning, and that dredging had! to be stopped. The distance worked ahead by the Junction Electric No. 1 dredge last week was 39ft. The ground was still very rough on the Cromwell side of the cut, and was very severe on the buckets, the result being that a number of new or.es got cracked and were torn off. The master of the Dunstan Lead dredge reports that he was working at the buckets all last wjeek, but was getting on very slowly with them. The river rose a little last week, and the dredgemaster would like to see it settled a little before making' a. As soon as tbe tumbler arrives it will be put in and dredging resumed.

The master of the Electric No. 1 dredge reports that he finished repairs on Friday afternoon, and started dredging at 5 p.m. the "same day. The machinery was running satisfactorily, but the paddock was full of silt, and it was expected to take the best part of the week to clean it out again. Heavy rains were experienced last week, and the river rose a good deal, but commejiced falling again on Saturday, when the weather was more settled and frosty and prospects more favourable for a steady run. The distance worked ahead the Rise and Shine No. 1 dredge last week was 6ft, and the width of the cut over 400 ft, with the depth of ground varying up to 44ft. The prospects continued good, the ground on the west side being the better and more regular. On the east side there was a very tight, ce^jpenty wash, while the bottom right across was soft. The No. 2 dredge worked ahead a distance of 15ft ; the width of the cut was 160 ft, and the depth of the ground 43ft. The ground was about the same as in the previous week, a little fine gold being met with throughout the face. The following items are from the Mount Benger Mail: — The return from the King No. 1 dredge last week was 41oz lldwt. The dredge is working steadily, and is still on good wash. — The King No. 2 washed up 18oz for two days last week. A good return is expected this •week. — The claim and dredge of the New Teviot Company have been secured by Mr J. Sparrow, of Dunsdin. The price is believed to be £2600. Another attempt is being made to organise a company to take over the River Molyneux diedge and give the c'aim another trial. The promoters of the new venture (Messrs Harrnan Reeves and J. B. Brugh), after negotiating ->\ith the owners of the property (.Messrs A. and T. Burt), have secured an option to purchase it for £600 and 100 paid-up shares in the proposed new company. Of the d£6oo, only £100 13 to be paid down, and the balance in . payments of £10 per week, with 10 per cent, interest on the balance after the expiration of three months, Messrs Burt retaining a mortgage on the dredge until paid for. It is proposed to form % company of £1500 in 1500 shares of £1 each, 500 of which it is proposed to hold in reserve with the idea of selling them if the dredge gets on to payable ground, and then completing the purchase of the dredge v.ith the proceeds. The shares thus available total 900, of which 500 are already bespoken. It was announced a few days ago that the "ivionte Christo dredge had been taken over by the trustees of .the mortgagees, but that there ■was some talk of forming a new company with a capital of £1500. In connection with this movement the following circular is being issued: — " The directors regret that the recent operations of the company have not been so successful as was hoped, and that the company is now unable to meet its present liabilities. The liabilities of the company— all of which have accrued since the mortgage was taken — amount to £119 15s 7d, and the amount due under the mortgage is £572 16s 3d. Messrs Hyde and M'Arthur, wno are the trustees for those shareholders who paid the levy, consider that it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to obtain at present a sufficient price for the dredge to meet the amount due on the mortgage; that not a quarter of the claim has been tested, while in the opinion of many qualified tp judge very rich gold still exi&ts in the claim ; and that the best way cmt of the difficulty, in the interests of all concerned, ib to endeavour to sell the dredge and claim to a new company, in which the secured shareholders would allow their claims to be satisfied by paid-up shaies. It is proposed, if sufficient inducement offers, to form a new company with a capital not exceeding £2000, and that for each complete pound duo to those,shareholders included in the mortgage one paidup share be allotted, and that the balance, consisting in each cpse of o<H shillings, be paid in cash; also that the liabilities of the company incurred in the recent operations be paid by the new company ; and that the contributing shares in the new company be offeiccl first to those shareholders included in the mortgage, then to the remaining shareholders, .md then to the public." In the S.M. Court on Wednesday the case Foley's Extended Gold Dredging Company v.

John O. White was heard.— -Claim jE66 for calls due on 250 shares. — The amount was made up by portion of the first call unpaid, with interest for three and a-half years, and the liquidator's cp.ll of 4s per share.-— Mr W. D. Stewart appeared for the plaintiff company, and Mr C. G. White defended.— This was a test case, brought before the court for the purpose of deciding whether the defendant was liable for the paymen of the money. — Evidence having been given by the liquidator (A. M. Sidey), Mr White asked that the plaintiff bs nonsuited. The share register had been produced with the defendant's name on it, but it was only prima faoie evidence, and the rniimte book showed that the share had bsen allotted as per list, but no list had been produced. Allotment had not been proved beyond the share register, and the prosesution must show that the contract had been accepted by the allotment of the shaies. In addition to this the notice of call had not been proved. — Mr Stewart contended that under the act the share register was prima facie evidence of everything entered therein. If the defendant washed to have his name removed from the register he should have taken out a summons to have that done, and if he wished to show that he was improperly on the register it was his duty to call evidence to prove that. The defendant admitted the first call by the fact that he had paid JEI2 103 of the amount called up. — Has Worship said he must refuse a, Lonsurit. — Mr White then asked for judgment for the defendant on the ground that the liquidator's call was made payable before the list of contributories was settled. The list of contributories was settled at 3 p.m. on Monday, March 14, and the liquidator's call was made payable the same day, and was therefore payable before the list of contributories was sett'ed. The list of contributorieg must be settled so that the liquidator could know what calls he should make. — Mr Stewart said the liquidator had power to treat all persons on the register as contributories until they showed cause to the contrary. Full provision was ma-dc for that in the Companies Act, and ■if some persons could not pay or were not liable the liquidator had power to make further calls. — His Worship said he was of opinion that the liquidator had done everything he was called upon to do, and judgment would be given for the amoxmt claimed, with costs (jE6 6s).

June 17.

The pontoons of the New Fairdown dredge were successfully launched on Wednesday^ast, and the contractors (Messrs M'Gregor and Co.) are now proceeding with the work of placing the machinery on board. The master of the New Roxburgh Jubilee dredge reports that he had a steady run last week, but the ground had been partly worked before. The height of the river was causing the drift to be very troublesome, but the machinery was running well.

The directors of the New Fourteen-mile Beach Gold Dredging Company have declared a dividend (the first) of 53 per share, payable on the 24th inst.

The directors of the ISTew Roxburgh Jubilee Gold Dredging Company have declared a dividend of Is per share, payable on the 24th inst.

Messrs M'Gregor and Co. at present have a full crew of men engaged taking the Gibbstown dredge up the Kawaraii River for about lialf a mile to the site on wliicli she was built, preparatory to dismantling her for shipping to the West Coast, where she is to be erected on the New Trafalgar Company's claim by the same firm.

The Junction Electric No. 2 dredge resumed work on Monday, Bth inst., and bottom was reached on the following Wednesday, at a depth of 40ft, on the Cromwell side of the cut, but the prospects were poor. The bottom gradually rose towards the Cornish Point side, .but the ground was hard right across the cut. The dredgemaster intended this week to extend the cut towards the Cromwell side and in behind the big rock. The actual time worked by the Electric No. 2 dredge last week was 120 hours, the distance worked ahead 24ft, and the width of the cut about 60ft, with the depth of -the ground varying from 24ft to 40ft. The gold won was still of a coarse sample, and the ground very rough. Heavy rain fell on Friday last, when the river rose about 2ft or 3ft. As one of the head lines broke the same moraine, advantage was taken of the rise in the river to dredge the shallow cut across the beach of tailings on the north side, to facilitate coaling. The head line was fixed and put out again on Monday, and dredging resumed the same night. As a result of the rise in the river there was a good deal of drift running, and this, combined >vith the short week, is expected to tell against this week's return.

The master of the Riley's Beach dredge reports that a trial run was held on Monday, and, as everything seemed to be working very well, he expected to start shifts the following day (Tuesday). A start was to be made about & chain and a-half below the big rock, where the Alpine dredg* got her big returns. It was intended, to try the channel next the read first while the river was high, but it is on the opposite side, in the deep ground, where the best gold is expected, as it has never been worked. In the present state of the river it was thought likely -that there would be too li'uch drift to work the- deep ground, but by the time the present ground has been tried the, river should permit of the dredge working it then.

The dredgemaster of the Gremstone Creek Company, reporting -for the week ending 11th inst., stated that the average depth of wash was 26ft, width of face 140 ft, length of ground dredged 17ft. and q\tantity dealt with 9790 cubic yards, from which a return of 240z lldwt was obtained. The ground, was about the same as that worked the previous week, but slightly shallower. He was tible to obtain bottom oil p«rt of the face only, and was of opinion that if he could get bottom right across the face that the return would be quite 30oz. Owing to the rough wash the buckets and links have been subject to considerable wear and tear, and the dredgemaster had to remove fiv& tuckets for repairs. The dredgemaster wired on the 15th inst. that the dredge had stopped working for 22 hours owing to floods, but that he had got the paddock cleaned out.

June IS. The Inch Valley dredge resumed work on Thursday morning lnst.

The "\Vaikaka United ICo. 2 dredge started work on Thursday night after repairs to the engine had been effected.

The Lake County Press understands that the Lafranchi's dredge at Caidiona has been closed down for a while.

The master of the Cromwell Xo. 2 dredge wired ye&terday stating that lie could not get started till Monday

The piston ror the Toltaic dredae having arrived dredging \\&i started on Thursday afternoon.

Ihe secietaiv of the Lady Roxburgh Gold Dredging Company 1 sports a leturn of 230z 14dwt. The dredgemaster vned that the river was flooded, and that the diedge was shifted ba( k yesterdaj morning to take up the inside cnl.

Tlip master of the Alpine Xo. 2 dredge wired yesterday to the effect that he had stopped d ■•edging owing to the rise m the river on Ttitiradav The wash-up was to take placs on Fndav. *

The secretary of the Gaiden Gully Gold Drodgmg Company rcoorts a return of lloz •Idwt for 50 hours work. The dredge was stopped for throe days owing to the tutps leaking and to the fact that some other necessary repairs had to be effected.

The secretary of the Junction Electric Gold Dredging Company reports a leturn of 50oz lOdwt from the No. 1 dredge. Tho master of tlae No. 2 dredge wired that there would be no wash-up this week. The dredge was being shifted a short distance up stream on Friday.

The master of the Island Block dredge, 111 his report for last week, stated that the dredge had a fairly steady run. At the sluicing claim the elevator was working steadily, Rnd good progress was being made on the paddock. The master of the North Beach dredge reports that he washed up for a return of 240z Sdwt for 120 hours' work on the back lead. The ground worked by the dredg last week continued very fair, but the qiiality should improve. Some trouble was caused through timber and large stones. The machinery was rxinning well, but a few small repairs needed effecting. The master of the Aldinga dredge, reporting for the week ended Saturday, 11th inst., stated that he was still working on the right hand side, where tho ground was very rough. This veek the dredge was to be shifted over to the left hand side, where the ground is more even, and where better returns may be expected. The Moonlight dredge last week encountered a good deal of buried timber, which gave some trouble. The dredgemaster states that he opened out bft on the eastern side, where the wash looked very well, but very shallow. A better return is expected for the current week. Messrs Thomoson and Robertson, Long Gully, are reported (says the Lake Wakatip Mail) to have obtained a return of 200oz for the past three months. The method of mining adopted is the suction pump. This is the last return for the present, as preparations are to be made during the winter months for next season.

The anaster of the Gabriel No. 2 dredge, in his report for the week ended Saturday, 11th mst.j stated that during the whole of the week he was working on the eastern side of the cvit— that is in the present river bed. The ground was very poor, but as soon as the river is blocked sufficiently to increase the depth of water the dredge will be shifted to the western side, as the best returns have been obtained from there.

The master of the Bignell's No Town dredge reports a return of 260z for about two and ahalf days' work. In his report for the week ended 11th inst. he stated that the wash con■tnrued tight and heavy with plenty of large stones, and had been very rough on the screen. The directors have let a contract for a new screen, and it is expected that it will be shipped within a fortnight. The dredge has been stopped, and the dredgemaster is dismantling Ihe old screen in readiness for the new one, and at the same time he is giving the dredge a thorough overhaul. The best ground appears to be towards the middle of the creek bed, and the dredgemaster intends to widen out in that direction as soon as he has dredged ahead another chain.

June 20,

Messrs Sievwright Bros, and Co. will sell at their rooms, High street, on Saturday, 23rd July, the O.P.Q. gold mine, water rights^-races, residence area, battery, plant, tools, dwelling, etc.

The master of the Sullivan's Lead dredge wired on -Saturday that everything wws running well, and that he was pleanmg out the paddock. He did not expect to be in the lead sill to-morrow.

The master of the Mokoia dredge wired on Saturday that the river was in flood, and he had stopped dredging on Thursday morning to make a coal road. He intended washing-up to-day. The secretary of the Stafford Waimea Company reports that there was no wash-up on the dredge last week. There have been two floods ■since the last wash-up, and in addition the main winch driving shaft broke.

There was no wash-up on the Three-mile Greenstone Creek dredge last week owing to the aniount of silt met with during nearly the ■whole of the week.

The secretary of the Rising Sun Company wired on Saturday that there was no wash-up as the dredge was engaged in cleaning out the paddock since starting.

Tihe master of the Bignell's No Town- dredge reports having obtained an additional 3Joz, ■.vhich brings the return np to 290s "lOdwt for 54 hours' actual work. A flood had taken place, but the dredge was safe. The master of the Sandy Point dredge, reporting under date 11th mst., stated that the distance worked ahead during the week ended that date was 9ft, the width of the cut 330 ft, and the average depth of ihe ground 28ft. The bottom was very even, there being no dips, while the prospects remained much the same, but the gold was of « a much coarser sample. Some time was lost during the week through the driving .shaft of the main elevator getting twisted, a-nd thus giving trouble in keeping the coupling belts tigbt. The directors of the Sunshine Company, which was formed to take over the Central Electric dreclge and pxit it on a claim on the Upper CUitha River, slate that, having leased the dredge for 12 months for JESOO (the company having run into debt to the extent! of £400 by their own operations), they have given the lessees the right to purchase the dredge for JEISOO, less the amount of rent paid up to ihe time of purchase. Should the lessees decide to purchase shareholders will be called together. The local director of the Riley's Beach Gold Dredging Company (Mr Jolly) telegraphed to the secretary on Saturday that there was no wash-up last week owing to the appliances having been washed overboard when the dredge was sunk, and the new appliances not yet having arrived, but? he considers the prospects good, and expects a good return thi3 week.

June 21.

The caretaker of the Davis's Bend No. 1 dredge wired to the secretary on Monday that the river was falling fast, and that hard- frosts

had set in

The master of the Happy Valley dredge reports that his last week's return would 1 have been larger had he not lost a considerable portion of the last thiee days of the week, owing to the flood carrying away the dam.

The manager of the New Shetland Terrace Sluicing claim advises that he has washed up for a return of 13oz 17dwt, and now purposes shifting the pipes to try another part of the claim. During the recent floods on the Coast j,he water race did not sustain any damage.