MINING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3031, 17 April 1912, Page 28

MINING.

WEEK'S MINING NEWS April 9. The master of th G Success dredge reports a return of 330 z 15dwt for 115 hours' work. A wash-up on the BLackwater River dredge on the 9th resulted in a return of 450 z for 136 hours' work The master of the Good Chance dredge has been making arrangements for collecting a crew, in order to resume operations for the season early on the morning of Monday, the 15fh inst. The river is now at a favourable level, and will remain so, provided the weather keeps good The secretary of the I\okomai Hydraulic Sluicing Company reports that No. 3 had a partial wash-up for a return of 2170 z lldwt. Water is still plentiful. No. 1 has the top manorial blown off to a depth of 24ft, and will start elevating on Friday. The water there is also plentiful. No. 2 has blown. off top stuff to a depth of 20ft, and elevating was commenced on Friday night. Sto/ies are not so troublesome in this paddock. The dam is still full. April 10 The best of the wash at the Piaster ton claim - lies to the west of the centre, there being an improvement under the east side of the terrace. Across the centre of the cut and to the east the ground was deep and poor. The Electrio No. 2 dredge has worked and prospeoted a, dredgo length ahead since operations were started. The prospects showed a slight improvement, which kept up until Saturday, when they went off somewhat. As, however, the dredge is on virgin ground they may pick up again at any time. Last week the Electrio No. 1 dredge worked 136 hours for a distance ahead of 24ft. Tre out was 105 yards in width, and t!he ground 46ft deep. The ground has become shallower on the Cromwell side, and the formation of the bottom still consists of coal and pipe clay. The ground is also •very rough, and parts of the cut containing very large boulders have to be dropped. The eamplo of gold is of a finer nature. The roughness of the ground has been very hard on the machinery, and one of the lines broke twice. The secretary of the Electrio Company on the 10th inst. received the following telegrams from tho respective dredgemasters: No. 1: "Ground very rough, drift very troublesome and heavy; river up fully 2ft. No. 2t "Soft bottom has come in; dredge will bo stopped at 6 o'clock for boiler inspection." Ixist week the Karaunul dredge had a very good run of 137 hours for a return of 360 z 4dwt. There was no change to report, and everything remained about the same as in the previous week. All the machinery was running well at the time of writing. The wash was very tight and hand to break through, and was very severe on the machinery. April 12. At Muddy Terrace sluicing is in full ■wing, and one elevator and two hill claims are working The secretary of the Masterton Company reports a return of 230 z 12dwt for 137 hours' work. _. Development work at the Coronation Beef at Macraes is being pushed steadily ahead by Mr J- Hawkins, who is in charge of the five men omployed. The trround worked by the Rise Shine dredge varied in depth from 42ft to 50ft There was a slight improvement on tho wpst *ide of tho out. A return of lOoz 12dwt for 136 hours' work is reported from *ho Waikaia dredge. The Koputai dredare washed up on the 11th inst. for a return of 220 z 18dwt for LV* hours' work. The directors of the Nokomai Hydraulic Pluioincf Company have drclarrvl a dividend (the forty-second) of 6d per share, payable on Tuesday, 16tti inst. The master of the Olrig dredge reports that he has been laying the pipes for an

increased water supply since Tuesday mornibince commencing work a few weeks ago the winches on the Waikaka United No. 3 dredge caused considerable trouble, and operations had to be suspended until some necessary alterations were effected. Dredging: was resumed on tho sth, and there should be a wash-up shortly. "iho last return from the Waikaia dredge was obtained in the east section adjoining the terrace. The ground was shallow and scoured clean to the bottom. The dredgemaster intended to work that section one length downstream to allow for turning west, and as soon as possible the dredge will be worked west to the better ground. Since November 21 all the available water at Hamilton's has been used for stripping off tho overburden, ~ and a large paddock lias thus been cleared. During this period when the water supply was too short for effective work the manager went on with tho widening of the main race from the Pigburn. Two and a half miles of this work have been finished, and there still remain another two miles which it will tciko tho four men employed almost five weeks to complete. At the present there are about six heads of water at the claim and these will be used as long as possible for running in wash from a high level. A circular has been issued to shareholders in the Lady Roxburgh calling an extraordinary general meeting for the purpost of considering and, if deemed advisable, passing a resolution in favour of voluntary liquidation. At their rooms on the 11th inst. Mes-.rs Park. Reynolds, and Co. offered for sale bv public auction the Aiv6tery Flat dredge, with kauri and hardwjjxi pontoons, 16 h.p. engine, 20 h p boii#», 48ft ladder, 4£ft buckets, 12in Tangyo pump, feed pump, lines, tools, boat, and general equipment Bidding started at £IOO and rose slowlv to £l6O, at which figure the dredge was knocked down to Mr H Nelson, the late dredgemaster. The water rights to four heads from Wingrove Gully, for a term of 21 years from April 12, 1904, was also submitted to auction. It was not keenly competed for. and after being started at £5, and rising to £25. was passed in. April 12.. In reporting a return of 30oz 14dwt for 123 hours' work, the master of the Electric No. 1 dredge states that the drift is running very heavily. It is pleasing to notice the marked improvement in the past week's yield from the No. 2 dredge, the return of over 71oz being the best won by this rnachino for somo time. Tho Sandy Point dredge last week worked 9ft ahead on a cut 100 yards wide and of an average depth of 30ft. The face above water level was very fine, but the bottom scam was getting much harder. Prospects remained about the same as in the previous week, and the sample of gold was very fine. The return from the Masterton dredge for the past week was won from tho full width of the cut. The deep ground was becoming a little shallower, and the wash improving slightly, though it was still inclined to be dtifty. The bottom across the greater part of the cut was of a soft brown sandstone, with 1 a coal formation on the western corner. A Press Association telegram from Auckland states that during March the New Zealand Orown Mines crushed and treated 1822 tons of ore for a return of bullion valued at £4250. Mr P. M. Fink (managing director of the Little Valley Sluicing Company) forwards a. report of a recent visit paid by him to the claim. He states that he found that the water raco from Mount Campbell Creek to the claim, a distance of 5| miles, had been finished, and the manager (Mr G. Campbell) was then busy putting in about 20 chains of open fiuming (ironl and 78ft of 22in piping. When the syphon of 455 ft is in position the claim plant, consisting of 250 ft of 18in piping and 165 ft of Din pipes and boxos, will be put in and this work will be finished by tho end of tho month. A start will bo made immediately with opening out a paddock, and if the winter does not put in an appearance too soon, tho company hopes to- be able to get two 'months' sluicing done before the heavy frosts set in. The claim nas been prospected for over six months, and has shown good promise of giving fair returns to tho shareholders. April 13. In reporting a return of 14oz sdwt for tho past week the master of the New Trafalgar dredge states that an overhanging reef was encountered on Tuesday, and the bottom rose 12ft. Returns from 15 dredges at work throughout Otngo and Southland have come to hand during the past week, showing tho total gold yield to have been 4060 z 6wt, or an average of, roughly, 270 z per dredge. Four West Coast dredges obtained a total return of 1550 z 14dwt. The following are the details: Apirl 15. The Molyneux River was 4ft £in above the normal mark at Alexandra on Monday, «.nd tho weather was fine. The secretary of the Manuherikia Company has received a telegram stating that dredging was resumed on Monday. The Rising Sun dredge worked 140 hours last week and shifted ahead 15ft on a cut 100 yards wide. There is no change to report in tho nature of the ground or bottom. The machinery is running well. The dredgemaster expects to lose somo time this week for boiler inspection. Our GTeymouth correspondent informs us that Messrs W. J. M'llroy and Joseph Taflor were the successful tenderers for tho dredge and plant of the No Town Creek Gold Dredging Company. The master of the Hartley and Riley dredge, in his report for the past week states that he struok a bar of hard bottom, which has risen about 15ft, and that he does not expect an improvement in the returns until he gets over it. The dredge was stopped for nearly two days for boiler inspection. It is working well, and no trouble is being experienced with the machinery at present. >otos from CromiyelJ. (From: Our Own Correspondent.) CROMWELL, April 12. Tho weather is now exceptionally fine, with warm, sunny days and light frosts at night. Mining matters are very quiet. The dredges working are getting only small returns, and tho Rendigo mine is not doing anything in the way of work. The Carrick Reefing Company is employing a number of men. and prospect* are reported as very promising. Tho Hartley and Riley ground is very patchy, as tho ground has been previously worked. Boiler inspection this week on the Hartley

and Riley and the Electric No. 2 would lose them some timo.

Notes from fcireymoutli. (Fkou Ock Own Correspondent.) GREYMOUTH, April 11. Since the boring operations of the Shell Company ceased at Kotuku, owing to the striking of the bed rock, nothing has been heard from that quarter, but quite recently the men who had bjeeti practically unemployed since operations ceased, were set to work to remove the machinery and erect the derrick close to one of the old bores where oil was fornterly found. After all the efforts that were mado to prospect and open up the reefs at Wilson's Reward, between Hokitika and Canterbury, all work has ceased with the view of organising on an entirely new basis. The weather interfered a good deal with the operations, and there seemed to be no immediate prospect of any gold being obtained. It is doubtful when the operations are likely to be resumed at either Wilson's Reward or at the King Company's reef, originally pegged out by Mr Baucke, of Rimu. Most probably nothing less than a very rich find of some sort would be ablo to galvanise the locality once more into active life. This is to be regretted as the district is full of promise as a payable quartz field, but its day for development is sure to come sooner or later. The old Victory quartz claim at Lyell has lately been taken up by a small syndicate of Christohurch and Greymouth men. They commenced operations in an old abandoned tunnel and commenced following up what seemed to be an ordinary quartz leader a few inches thick. This increased steadily as it was followed, and has developed into a well-defined auriferous reef, 3ft thick, that assays an ounce to the ton. The manager (Mr Jeffries) has in the meantime taken a run over to Canterbury to consult with the shareholders there in respect to future operations and other matters in connection with the enterprise. April 12. The New Big River Mine report for the month of March 1 is as follows:—"In the winze on No. 10 level, North Block, there has been only a few shifts worked. The reef is almost the full size of the winze, and is now making a little water in the stopos. On the same block there is 28ft of reef formation, carrying from Ift to 16ft of quartz. Stopes over the south-western level reef vary from a few inches to 3ft in width, and' the western intermediate stopes reef from Ift to 6ft in width. The rise from these stopes has been connected with No. 9 level, and we are now engaged repairing No. 9 level and utilising the mullock for filling in these stopes. No. 2 tunnel (Deep Creek extension) is now a total distance of 75ft from the survey pegs. We have erected a small overshot water wheel and a sturtavant exhaust fan for ventilating tine tunnel, and a new winding plant. The balance of the bricks required for building in the boiler should be delivered within the coming month. The following are the returns: —605 tons of stone were crushed for a return of 5470 z 9dwt of smelted gold: 4CO tons of sand were cyanided for a return of 70oz 17dwt of bullion—total approximate value £2375. Fiffrv tnni of concentrates havo been carted to Reefton preparatory to being Shipped for treatment. A dividend, the thirtyseventh, of Is per share, absorbing £I2OO, lies been declared, and was payable on the 6th inst. N t*s from Kefflon (From Our Own Correspondent.) REEFTON, April 10. The following are the crushing returns for the GonsolidAted Goldfields, New Zealand group of properties—Progress, Wealth of Nations, and Blackwater Mines—for March: —Progress: Mill ran for nine days and crushed 1908 terns, yielding 511 oz lldwt of bullion, valued at £2116 10s 9rl; cvanided 1765 tons, vielding 3210 z 19dwt of bullion, valued at £751 4s 4d; estimated value of sulphurettes £323. Wealth of Nations: Mill ran for 20 days, crushed 1950 tons, ielding 5770 z lOdwt of bullion, valued at £2358 3s lid; cyanided 1374 tons, yiek}ing 2340 z 16dwt of bullion, valued at £636 17s lid; estimated value of sulphurettes £B7. Blackwater: Mill ran for 124 days and crushed 2566 tons, yielding 11350 z 3dwt of bullion, valued at £4623 Is Id; cyanided 1587 tons, yielding 2390 z 2dwt of bullion, valued at £690 8s; estimated value of sulphurettes £212. WAIHI GRAND JUNCTION MINE. (From Our. Own '.'orrespondent.) WAIHI, April 11. The south-east crosscut at No. 6 level i.-i the Waihi Grand Junction mine has now been advanced between 50ft and 60ft through country rock beyond the footwall of the ore body cut recently, which proved to be 12ft wide. In view of the fact that a cross-cut through the Royal reef in No. 9 winze about 65ft over the point of interception at the No. 6 level disclosed 47ft of ore worth £3 9s 6d per ton, it was anticipated that a large body of quartz would bo encountered at the low level, but it would now appear that the lode has pinched going down. It will possibly widen out when driven on east and west, which work will be put in hand in the course of two or three weeks. After the management has pushed the cross-cut south to intercept the Georgo lode. THE KOPUTAI COMPANY. In submitting their sixth annual report the directors of the Koputai Dredging Company state that the dredge has worked steadily" throughout the year, the only stoppage of any note being for the Christmas holidays, when tho opportunity of executing a few minor repairs was taken. Tho dredge is in good order, all tho machinery running well. Tho total amount of gold produced was 12660 z lldwt for 49 weeks' running time, giving an average of 250 z 17dwt. This enabled the directors to pay in dividends 9s per share, bringing the t>tal i aid in divldids to £3 14s per share. Application was made to tho Mines Department for the use of tho Keystone drill for tho purpose of prospecting the claim, but it has not yet arrived on tho ground. The retiring directors are Messrs John M'Kay and S. Laweon, both of whom offer themselves for re-election. Tho retiring auditor (Mr J. H. Crawford) also offers himself for re-election. LADY ROXBURGH COMPANY. An extraordinary general meeting of shareholders in the Lady Roxburgh Gold Dredging Company was held on the 12th inst. for the purpose of considering the question of appointing a liquidator and winding up the affairs of the company.

The chairman of directors (Mr T. K. Harty) explained that the liabilities of the company amounted to £565, and it had been thought advisable to consider the shareholders as to whether they should make a further call for the purpose of continuing or whether they should voluntarily go into liquidation. He read a letter from Mr Cockburn, the local director, who strongly recommended that Malone's Beach be given a trial. The Chairman moved in the direction of winding up, the motion being seconded by Mr T. Steele. Discussion arose, as the outcome of which Mr L. W. Harris moved and Mr J. Brown seconded—" That the meeting stand adjourned for five weeks for the purpose of giving effect to Mr Coekburn's recommendation." The amendment was carried. Oz. dwt. gr

DUNEDIN STOCK EXCHANGE. Business was quiet on the Dunedin Stock Exchange on Monday, and only a few sales were effected. Golden Beds were firm, and \ver e quoted at lis 6d (buyer) and 13s 6d (seller). Talisman Consolidateds, Waihis, and Waihi Grand Junctions were all weak, and no business was recorded in any of these lines. In the investment stock section business took place in New Zealand Insurances at £4 15s, and in New Zealand Drugs at £2 10s. A sale was reported in D.I.C. (pref.) at £1 3s 6d, and, though there was a further buyer at £1 3s, no seller came forward. Union Steams wore somewhat easier than on Saturday, and' there was a buyer at £2 5s 3d and a seller at £2 6s 6d. The following are Monday's latest quotations, subject to the usual brokerage: Dredging Stocks. Blackwater —Buyers 7s. Electric—Buyers 3s 6d. Golden Bed—Buyers lis 6d, sellers 13s 6d. Rise and Shine—Sellers £l. Mining Stocks Consolidated Goldfields —Sellers 15s. Old Hauraki—Sellers Is lOd. Kuranui Caledonian—Sellers Is sd. May Queen —Sellers Is 4d. New Sylvia—Sellers Is. New Zealand Crown—Sellers 2s 9d. Waitangi—Sellers Is 3d. " Talisman Consolidated—Sellers £2 3s 6d. Waihi—Buyers £1 18s 6d, sellers £1 18s 9d. "Waihi Grand Junction—Sellers £1 5s 6d. Waiotahi —Sellers 3s sd. April 11.—Golden Bed lis. Talisman Consolidated £2 5s 3d. Side reported : —Old Hauraki Is lid April 12.—Union Steam, £2 Bs. Sales Reported : —Waihi Grand Junction, £1 7s; New Zealand' Paper Mills, £1 2s; Union Steam, £2 7s 9d. April 13. —Union Steam, £2 7s (two parcels). Sales Reported.—Waihi Grand Junction, £1 4s lOd; Keep-It-Dark, £1 7s 3d; Talisman Consolidated, £2 3s 3d; Rising Sun, £1 IDs. April 15.—New Zealand Insurance, £4 15s. Sales Reported—D.l.C. (pref.), £1 3s 6d; New Zealand Drug, £2 10s. AUCKLAND STOCK EXCHANGE. (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, April 15. The following business was done on the Stock Exchange to-day:—May Queen, 16 Id; Moanataiari, 3i<i: Waiotahi, 3s 2d, 3s 2d; Waitangi Consolidated, Is; Golden Orcfis, 3d; Taiisman Consolidated, £2 3s od, £2 3s 6d; Waihi Grand Junction, £1 ss; Waihi, £1 18« 6d; Takapuna Trams, 14s 3d; Milno and Ohoyce (pref.), £1 5s 3d. WELLINGTON STOCK EXCHANGE. WELLINGTON, April 15. The following sales were made on the Stock Exchange to-day:—Talisman Consolidated, £2 3s 9d (four parcels). The following sales were reported:—Talisman Consolidated, £2 3s lOd, £2 3s 6d, £2 3s 3d; Waihi, £1 18s 6d. New Zealand Shipping Company Shares were quoted at £l6 5s (sellers), and Union Steams at £2 9s (sellers). LONDON SHARE MARKET. LONDON, April 11. Waihi—Buyers £1 17s 6d; sellers £2. Waihi Grand Junction —Buyers £1 6s 6d, sellers £1 7s 6d. Talisman Consolidated—Buyers £2, sellers £2 ss.

Electrio No. 2, Cromwell, I26nrs 71 1 0 Golden Bed, Cromwell, 128hrs 44 0 0 Karaunui, Alexandra, week ... 40 10 0 Rising Sun, Cromwell, 140hrs 39 1 0 lileetr.'C No. 1, Cromwell, 125hrs 30 14 0 1911 dredge, Alexandra, week 30 9 0 Rise and Shine, Cromwell, 160hrs 28 6 0 Masterton, Waikaia. 137hrs ... 23 12 0 Koputni, Waikaia, 13 q hrs 22 18 0 Waikaka United No. 1, Wai17 8 0 Golden Treasure, Miller's Flat, 132hrs 16 10 0 Olrig, Alexandra, week 11 3 0 Waikaia, Waikaia. 136hrs 19 12 0 Wa-ikaka United No. 2, Waikaka, 102hrs 10 2 0 Hartley and Riley, Cromwell, 86hre 10 0 0 406 6 0 TnE West Coast. Worksop, 129hrs 67 14 0 Black water River, 117hrs ... 40 3 0 Success, 112hrs 33 12 0 New Trafalgar, 128hrs 14 5 0