MINING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3097, 23 July 1913, Page 28

MINING.

WEEK'S MINING NEWS

July 16. The master of the Hartley and Riley dredge has advised that the top tumbler has broken, and operations have been stopped for a short time to effect repairs. A wash up gave a return of 230 z. Dur ng last week the Waikaia dredge was working ahead steadily. Up to the present there has been no improvement m the wash, which is poor and drift y. The cut has been narrowed, and (he dredgemaster is pushing through tho poor ground. The master of the Karaunui dredge, reporting on last week’s work, states that improved ground is now coming in. As iho No. 4 bore is still some distance ahead ho anticipates that the return will keep-a fair average for some time. At a meeting of shareholders in the Koputai Dredging Company, held at Port Chalmers on Friday evening, it was decided that the company go into liquidation. The ground operated by the company at Waikaia has lately proved unreinunorative. and an examination of the claim gave no promise of future improvement.

The secretary of the Nokomai Hydraulic Sluicing Company reports that No. 1 had a wash-up for a return of 121 oz 10dwt. The elevator casting was changed, a stone wall was bu'lt, and nozzle lines were laid. A start was made on Thursday to strip off tho top material. No. 2 got bottom on Friday. The prospects of (he wash are fair. In No. 3 claim the creek was turned The nozzle lines are laid for sluicing.

Recently, ami at present (says the Hampden correspondent of the Oamani Mail), tliere have been and are several gold prospectors on the Hampden beach, testing and working machinery, new and old, ami, judging by the vigorous way they work, are evidently being well rewarded. One of these persons, a well-known figure on Dunedin wharf, was testing a new invention of his. which did good work, and promises to minimise labour, etc., in alluvial goldmining in the near future. July 17. The Rise and Shine Xo. 1 dredge worked a cut. of 150 yards last week, making Bft ahead. There was a coal bottom over most of the cut. and the wash was much sliallower than formerly. Prospects at the end of the week were fair. During the past week the Electric Xo. 1 dredge worked 131 hours for a distance ahead of 27ft. The. prospects have been variable. A large proportion of the gold won is of a rough nature. On the Cromwell side the bottom was composed of soft pipeclay, and on the Bannockburn side of granite. The depth of the ground on the latter part of the claim has increased to 44ft. There was more wash, but the ground was more difficult to work. A number of large stones were met with, hut the mats were looking bettor than during (lie previous week. The master of the Electric Xo. 2 dredge reports that the dredge worked 40ft ahead during tiie past week. The bottom was hard and rough, making the ground difficult to work The dredge was shifted down to a further block on the 14th inst.. and dredging was resumed at 3 p.tn. on the same day. The Now Zealand Crown Mines (Ltd ). duritt" the month of June, crushed and treated 1227 tons of ore for a return of bullion valued at £2627. Compared with tno return for the eorresponding period of last year, when £4213 was obtained from 1986 tons of ore. hist month’s return shows e decrease of £1586. The total output from the mine to date is £852,415. July 10. The secretary of the Masterton Company reports a return of 3oz 12dwt for 119 hours’ dredging. A return of 360 z sdwt for 118 hours’ work js reported from the Success dredge. The secretary of the Ladysmith Shoeing Company reports a wash tip of 1350 z lsdwt for five weeks’ operations. The O'rig dredge has resumed operations the pronertv lately acquired by the com-

panj. The drcdgcmaster, in reporting a return of Boz 2dwt for last week's work, stated that although there was an abundance of water the supply towards morning fell off owing to it freezing in the small pipes. He had been engaged in covering the pipes with sacking, which would ensure a fun and steady .supply. The last return from the Success Company’s claim was won from the south end of the cut. The ground at the end is 35ft deep, and the wash is similar in nature to what was met with when this pan of the claim was previously operated. It is still extremely hard and cemented, with Hat stones. There are 14ft of strippings consisting of day and mud. The machinery is running well. At the May Queen mine steady progress is being made with the new crosscut at the 1000 ft level,' a distance of 35ft having been driven. It is estimated that a further 265 ft of driving should intersect the Vanguard reef. The manager of the Saxon mine reports that the extension of the new crosscut at the No. 7 level is being proceeded with, and a further distance of 33ft has been driven for the fortnight, making a total of 105 ft from the shaft, and leaving a further 450 ft to drive to intersect tho Cardigan reefs below where they were worked at the upper levels. The country is still of a hard nature, and is apparently the same hard bar which was encountered in sinking the shaft the last 100 ft. The attempt to recover the lost core barrel and diamonds from the bottom of the bore-hole at tho Waiotahi mine has nowbeen abandoned a-s hopeless. It has been now decided to rise from the 1000 ft level to connect with the bottom of tho bore-hole. This will require about 99ft of rising to effect, and will enable the lost diamonds to be recovered, and will also drain the water away from the bottom of the shaft, so that the work of sinking the shaft through to the 1000 ft level can bo proceeded with without any further difficulty. This work will not entail any additional cost to the company, as tho cost of the rise will be more than compensated for in the sinking of the shaft afterwards. The boring plant and fittings are nowbeing removed from tho shaft, and the shaft cleaned out ready for resuming sinking operations. It is intended to proceed with the sinking of the shaft at the same time as the rise is being put up from the 1000 ft level. July 19. A memorandum drawn up by the directors has been issued to tho shareholders in the Muddy Terrace Sluicing Company, containing part of the report of the chairman of directors to the board after a recent visit. The memorandum states that there are 10 faces or sources from which returns can be got on the claims, and to which the plant has boon laid. Of these 10. eight are already opened up and proved, and seven of them are ready to yield gold immediately the water is brought on to them. The whole of the faces already opened up, and which are now virtually being operated on, so far as tho water conditions will allow-, show good gold-bearing wash, and Long Gu'ly. which has not yet been opened up, shows excellent prospects for development. Tho returns have so far boon intermittent and under average, hut considering all things have been consoling at a time when much discouragement might have reasonably been entertained. Commenting upon this the manager has stated that but for the Hood disaster he would have sent forward returns for the first half of the year exceeding those of any previous corresponding period. When the full supply of water is again brought in, the first duty will be to get all this wash swept in and the Long Gully field opened up and a big endeavour made to pull up the leeway caused by tho temporary set-back, and normal conditions resumed under what is firmly believed to be developments and auspices better than ever. Everything has been kept up to the best working standard, and constant vigilance observed at all points. The rains at the end of March and onwards would have enabled the management to sweep in such a largo body of wash in April and May that by that time tho records of previous yeans would likely have been topped. The temporary loss of tho main supply of water, however. left them with a shortage of gold equal to 5140 z as compared with last year at the end of June Tlie returns since the end of the last financial year are : —l9l2 —November, 85oz 14dwt 22gr £336 10s lid; December. 530 z. 6elwt 14gr. £209 6« 3d; —surplus. £29 ss. 1913 —January-February, 440 z 18<lwt 12gr, £176 6s 6d; March, 90oz Odw-t 6gr. £353 5s lid; April, 53uz Odwt 22gr. £212 5s 7d; May, 970 z 17dwt, £384 Is 2d; June, 40oz 6dwt 19gr, £l5B 6d 7d. July 21. The master of tho Mastorton dredge, writing under date July 17, reports that tho wash is poor across tho full extent of the face. The ground is increasing in depth slightly. The shallowest ground is on the western side of the cut. The master of the Rise and Shine No. 1 dredge reports the ground to be poor and patchy. A correspondent informs us that Messrs Laffcy and Adams were the successful tenderers for tho properties of the Golden Treasure Company at a satisfactory figure. July 22.

The postmaster at Alexandra telegraphed on Monday morning that the Molynoux Hirer had risen to Bft Ilia ahovo the normal mark. The weather was dull. The secretary of the Electric Company received a message on Saturday from the master of the No. 2 dredge, stating that owing to heavy rains in the interior the river had risen rapidly and the dredge had been compelled to shut down temporarily. MINING IN AUCKLAND. THE COROMANDEL FIELD. Reference was made recently in the Auckland Sltar lb the need for deeper workings to trst the Thames and the spread of waste country between Waihi and Karangahako. The same need exists at Coromandel, where such rich hauls were got from surface workings in the early days of that field, niid again about 21 years ago ip the Old llauraki mine from Loggo’.s reef. At the present tune, mining is very dead at Coromandel, practically the only work in progress being in the Old Ilauraki Reefs. Mount Welcome, and also at Bremner’s Freehold on the Tiki section. In the latter mine coarse gold has just been reported from Tic-man's reef at the low level, and the Mount Welcome mine is at present (hiving- the lowest level yet put in towards the main Tokaf'ea reef, whirl) is the backbone of the Coromandel Range, and should surely be well worth prospecting at a lower level than has yet been worked.

This main lode stands out boldly on the range, and rich shoots of ore have been obtained in proximity to it. although th. big reef itself is a “ buck ” one. What is required to properly test the field is for a- strong company to bo formed to acquire certain properties that are now lying idle, and then drive at a depth of 1000 ft from the lowest shaft on the fiat hillwards, so as to intercept the Tokatca reef at what would be a considerable depth, seeing that it is on the top of the range. It is quite probable that although the Tokatea reef is not payable on the surface, yet when cut below the water level it might bo found to have made gold downwards, added to which such a work might also intersect other payable locks as it was pushed hi 11 wards. Various subsidies have been granted by the Government towards the ccst of the crosscut, at 1000 ft on the Thames field, and it is probable that, if a. company was formed to undertake similarly important development work at Coromandel, it might also got a grant in aid. If this work were carried out, and payable ore discovered in the main Tokatea reef, it would mean a new goldfield at Coromandel, and result in many other companies being s 1 arted with a similar object, as the Tokatca runs for m : les along the hills. WAIHI MINE. (From Our Own Correspondent.! WAIHI, July 15. About two months ago a cross-cut was thrown out from the south wall of tho Empire reef at a point about 140 ft east of the main north-west crosscut to intercept the Dreadnought further east, and the ore body was encountered three or four days ago about 170 ft to 180 ft south of tho Empire. Roth walls are to hand, anil an inspection of tho reef made this morning by your representative showed that the lode has opened out to between 6ft and 7ft in width. It is a well-defined, compact body of quartz, and tho appearance of tho ore points to a marked improvement in values. At the 1000 ft level the Dreadnought is small, and consists practically of a few quartz stringers, and its increased size and value 150 ft below indicates that the lode is gaining in strength with depth, a most encourag.ng feature, and one that augurs well for tho Dreadnought when it is developed at the 1300 ft level. The faces on both the Royal and Empire reefs going west at the bottom level show strong bodies of goodlooking stone, and the Royal, going east, also carries quartz of improved appearance compared with that eohio little distance back from the fact. On the Martha reef going west nothing of commercial value has so far been met with, but this lode looks rather better, and is not carrying so much oxidised ore as formerly. 'The crosscut south from No. 2 shaft to intercept the Welcome reef, and later the Edward lode is out between 53ft and 60ft, and the Welcome should come to hand any time now. The crosscut is penetrating kindly country rock, tho unfavourable brown country which was in evidence during the sinking of the shaft having cut out a few feet in from tho chamber. The recurrence of tho blue country going down must be regarded as somewhat reassuring as far as the prospects of the mine at a great depth are concerned, and it would now appear that tho brown clt composed rock in which the lodes showed impoverishment is confined to a limited area running from north to south as depth is attained. AUCKLAND, July 18. The return from the Waihi mine for tho period ended Ju’y 5 was £252.790 11s, from 14,568 tons, making the total output to date £10,236,295. July 20. The Waihi Company’s plant at Ilorahora is nearing completion, and is expected to bo ready to be put into operation by tho rnd of the present year. At Horahora tho work of constructing the water-race and Greeting the turbnes, generators, dynamos, and other portions of the plant has been practically completed, and an early reduction in the number of hands may bo anticipated. Trial runs have bean made w th portions of the machinery. The transformers for increasing the current from 5000 to 60.000 volts are also nearing completion. Tho work remaining to be done in connection with the scheme includes a certain amount, of wiring and also tho installation of motors, etc., at tho mine. GOLD MINE OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND, July 16. The first annual meeting of the New Zealand Gold Mine Owners' Association was licit! to-day. The following officers were elected: —President, Mr C. Rhodes; vicepresident. Mr H. Stansfield ; committee—the president and vice-president and Messrs 11. P. Barry. A. Winter. Evans, J. M’Combie. W F. Grace, and 11. H. Adams; auditor, Mr M . C. Stephens. * otrs from Cromwell. (From Our Own Correspondent.) CROMWELL. July 18. The weather during the last, lew days lias been very mild for this t me of tho year. A lot ot snow has sh.fted oil the iugii country, but the river is still at a low level. '1 he Electric No. 1 dredge struck a nice patch of rich wash and secured lOOoz in a little over a day. ’lhe local director (Mr J. Horn) has been expecting the dredge to strike this lead as the diviner located it going in there. The claim pegged out by tho Ohura Syndicate begins here, and it is expected that a rich run starts here and makes into the flat. Boring operations on the Ohura claim will be started next week, the boring plant being now on tile ground. It is intended to put down several bores on the supposed lead to prove if. Rise and Shine No. 1 dredge is r-til! on the coal bottom over a portion of the cut, and it will probably bo a while yet before the returns will get much better. It is safe to predict good returns in any case, and something considerably better when the coal bottom cuts out. The Punt dredge had a stoppage last week through a break. It is rumoured that they are now on fairly good payable ground working away from the river. The Hartley and Riley dredge is stopped, waiting for a now top tumbler. The ground where it is at present ;s very rough, but there is a fair prospect in parts. Notes from Keefton, REEFTON, July 20. Owing to tho installation of new winding machinery, the best in the dominion, at the New Big River mine, a largo and representative party visited the mine on Saturday. The cost" of the winding engines and the installation is over £9OOO. The chairman of directors (Mr J. Stevenson) presided, and indicated the great progress of

the mine. The machinery was given a most exhaustive test before the company. It is rumoured in Reelton that an option has been granted over the Pride of Roefton claim, and that extensive developments are likely to take jilace at once. DREDGING RETURNS.

DUNEDIN STOCK EXCHANGE. During the past week on the Dunedin Stock Exchange there has been a considerable amount of activity in the mining and investment stock division o{ the market, sales having been recorded and reported at each sittiiyr at firm prices. The late financial stringency has now shown signs of easing. Money has certainly become more plentiful locally, and any good investment scrip offered is readily taken up. A confident feeling has been expressed about the stability of values, and this probably accounts for the increased amount of bus'ness transacted during the last few days.

A considerable amount of business has boon transacted in investment stocks, although the market has been quiet during the last few days. National Banks havehad firm buyers at £5 ss, without declared sellers. On Wednesday the new issue firmed to £5 2s (buyers) and £5 3s fid (sellers). National Banks closed, ex dividend, yesterday with buyers at £5 Is fid. Union Banks have been for sale at. £fif) with buyers at £57. Union Stearns have eased in price during the week. Buyers were quoted on Friday at £2 2s 9d, with sellers asking £2 3s 3d. Business has been reported at the latter figure. Buyers of National Insurances have offered up to £2 ss, without inducing sellers to come forward. Other insurance lines have been in demand, but holders seem disinclined to part with shares. Several sales of Kaiapoi Woollens (pref.) have been reported at £5 3s. Buying offers have been recorded at £5 2s, with sellers at £5 3s fid. New Zealand Portland Cements have had sellers at 17s, and New Zealand Paper Mills at 16s 6s, without declared sellers. On Tuesday there was reported business in the latter line at 16s. Westport Coals have firmed a trifle. The market closed on Friday with buyers at £1 7s 7d, and SOHO'S at £1 Cs 2d. All classes of stocks opened firm on Monday, and a moderate amount of business was transacted. Electrics were wanted at 3s fid, with sellers asking 2s more. Rcss Goldfields were in demand at 9s and Progress Mince at Bs, with a seller of the former line at 9s sd. Waihis opened at £2 4s (buyers) and £2 4s 9d (sellers). Prces advanced steadily during the day, and at the final sitting parcels were sold at £2 4s 9d and £2 ss. with further havens at £2 4s 9d. and sellers at £2 5s 3d. There were sel'ers of Waihi Grand .functions at £1 Is. with buyers offering up to £1 Os 9d. National Banks, which were ex dividend on Friday, continued in demand .at £5 Is. w-.th a seller at £5 3s fid. There were firm buyers of National Insurances at £2 ss. with a seller at £2 fis fid. A sale was reported in Union Steams at £2 3s. further lots being wanted on ’Change at £2 2* 9d. with sellers at £2 3s fid. Prices of Westport Coals showed a tendency to firm, but no business was reeordod. The following are (Monday’s latest quotations, subject to the usual brokerage : Dredging Stocks. Electric—Buyers 5s fid. sellers 5s fid. Hartley and Riley—Havers 3s 9d, sellers 6s. Island Block--Sellers 3s 9<l. Mining Stocks Ross Goldfields —Buyers 9s. sellers 9s sd. Progress Minrs of N.Z. —Buyers Bs. New Sylvia—Buyers Is Id sellers Is 3£d. N.Z. Crown—Sellers ]s 7(1. Saxon —Buyers fid, sellers lOd. Watchman—Seller- 3s Id. Waihi—Buyers £2 4s 9d. sellers £2 5s 3d. Waihi Grand Junction—Buyers £1 Os 9d, sellers £1 Is. Waiotahi—S-dlers 2s 3d. July 15. —Waihi, £2 5s fid (two parcels), £2 fis ; Waihi Grand Junction. £1 Os 4d. £3 Os 9d : New Zealand Paper Mills, 16s; Kaiapoi Wooden (nref.l. £5 3s. June 16. Waihi. £2 4s fid; Waihi Grand Junction, £1 Os fid; Union Steam, £23<j3el. Sales Reported.-—Waihi. £2 4s fid (two parceds; Waihi Grand Junction. £1 Os 9d (two pa reels); Kaiapoi Woollen (pref,). £5 3s; Wellington Woollen (ore].). £3 13s 6el. July 17. -New Waitara, Is 2d; Waihi, £2 4« fir! ; Kaiapoi Woollen (nre-f.), £5 3s. July 18.—Waihi. £2 4s 9d. £2 5s (two parcels), £2 4s fid; Waihi Grand Junetiem, £1 Is; Ross Goldfields. 9s sel ; Wellington Woollen (ordinary . £3 13s fid. July 19.—Mosgicl Woollen £3 12s. July 21. Waihi. £2 4s 9d. £2 ss. Sale Reported : —Union Steam, £2 3s. AUCKLAND STOCK EXCHANGE AUCKLAND. July 21. The foi'ovving was (lie* businrss at the Auckland Steie-k Exchange' fo-d-iv : New Zealanel Crown, Is 3d. 1« 4d, Is 4d : New Waitaia. Is 2d; Auckland Tram wav Company (ord ), £1 3s fid; Waihi. £2 4s fid; Auckland Gas Company. 12s 4el. WELLINGTON STOCK EXCHANGE. WELLINGTON. Ju'y 21. The following p-de- was reported at the Wellington Stork Exchange today:—Waihi Grand Junction. £1 Os 9d.

Oz. dwt. grElectric No. 1, Kawaraa, \vk 103 15 0 Karaunui, Alexandra, week ... 27 10 0 Rise and Sliine No. 1 22 7 0 Wiilowbank, Glenorc, 132hrs Olrig, Manuherikia, week 20 13 0 9 9 0 Masterton, Waikaia, 119hrs ... 3 12 0 Total 187 6 0 The West Coast. Success, 118hio 36 5 0