MINING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3114, 19 November 1913, Page 28

MINING.

WEEK’S MINING NEWS November 12. The master of the Electric No. 1 dredge reported that lie expected to resume operations at midday yesterday. Tlie master of the Korannui dredge reports a return of 17oz sdwt for 100 hours work. The shortness of the time put in was owing to a breakdown of the main engine. There is an improvement in the wash on the inside of the cut. ■ The West Australian output of gold during September was 115,168 fine oz, the value being £489,204, as compared with 111,106 line oz, rained at £471,949 for the same month last year. The total output for the expired nine months was 972,503 fine oz, the value of which was £4,130,928, of which 910 736 fine oz, valued at £5,868,558, went to tlie Koval Mint. November 13. The Rise and Shine No. 1 dredge worked under the usual conditions last week. There was no change of importance in the character of the ground, which continued to give fair prospects. The value of minerals and mineral products exported from Broken Hill (N.S.W.) during September was £402,720, as compared with £382,242 in August, and with the record total of £409,024 in September, 1912. Details for tlie two Septembers were as follows, those of last year being in paren-theses;—Silver-lead concentrates, 30,158 (25,065) tons, value £304,527 (£299,217); zinc concentrates, 35,881 (31,973) tons, value £90.493 (£100,978); silver-lead crudes, 2614 (2511) tons, value £6244 (£8606); silver-lead slimes, 1384 (441) tons, value £958 (£221); zinc slimes, 299 ( —) tons, value £493.

The return furnished by the Under-sec-retary for Mine's shows that the gold yield of New South Wales for September was 13,3030 z crude, equal to 10,5770 z fine, valued at £44,928. as compared with 19,5070 z crude, • qua! to fine, valued at £69,774, for the same month in 1912. The yield for the first nine months of this year amounts to 133.8710 z crude, equal to 107,1520 z fine, valued at £455,155, as compared with 147,5420 z crude, equal to 131,9350 z fine, valued at £517,903. for tlie corresponding period in 1912, showing a decrease of 14,7750 z fine and £62,748 in value. The master of the Olrig dredge reports that some time was lost last week owing to the breaking of the winch and the fixing- of new buckets on the string. The nature of the ground remains unaltered. The secretary of the Nokornai Hydraulic Sluicing Company reports that a wash-up was made at No. 1 on Saturday, the result being 2050 z. The stripping ofl of tlie top material of the next paddock was commenced on Tuesday. At No. 2 there was a full week’s sluicing, and good progress had been made. At No. 3 the 43ft level w«« finished. A start was made on Monday to sink the elevator, and this was now d*"' n to November 14.

The secretary of tlie Electric Dredging Company lias received a message from the master of No. 1 dredge, slating that the dredge has been working through an old paddock, and there will consequently be no wash-up this week. The secretary of the Kopulai Syndicate reports a return of 1640 z for a month’s work.

The value of the 1250 z of melted gold obtained from a crashing of 901 b of picked stone at the Occidental Consolidated mine, Thames, is 60s per oz. Consequently the total return amounts to £309 7s scl. The thirty-sixth dividend has been declared by the Talisman Company. This will absorb £30,187 10s, and will bring the total dividends and bonuses declared since rcconstuction to £849,096 17s sd. The value of minerals other than gold produced from West Australian mines duriper Aiirniet was £14?.91 nm) tho to+ol for eight mouths was £181,561. Details for August wore i —Copper, £703; tin, £5793; silver-lead ore, £3868; coal, £3927. November 15. The secretary of the Success Company reports a return of 31oz 7dwt for 116 hours’ work. The manager of the Waiotahi mine reports that the work of opening out and timbering t,h* chambers o.t the bottom of the. main

shaft for the No. 8 level has now been completed, and a start will be made nest week to continue the sinking of the shaft to connect with the 1000 ft level. The main crosscut at the No. 7 level in the Saxon mine is being continued to intersect the Cardigan reefs, and is still passing through the same hard bar of rock that has existed nearly the whole distance from the shaft. The existence of this bar, which is of very hard nature, lias greatly delayed the work, and was quite unexpected, as in the upper levels no such bar was met with. Tlie total distance driven is now 400 ft, which leaves a further 150 ft to drive to reach a point where the No. 1 reef should be met with. The secretary of the Nokomai Hydraulic Sluicing Company reports that a wash-up had been made from No. 2 claim, the result being 1220 z Idwt. November 17. At the Watchman mine all the men arc engaged on the tramway. No work has been done on the trusses owing to the want of timber, which is hung up by the strike. The condition of affairs with regard to ‘the Thames deep levels still remains unchanged, the only work in hand being that of keeping- the shaft clear of water. During the last week or two there has boon a gradual decrease in the volume of water to be contended with, and the speed of the pumping engine lias now been reduced to 12 revolutions, which is foundsufficient to keep the water clear. No further attempt has been made to inspect the underground workings, and the blower is still idle, so as to conserve the coal on hand for actual pumping operations, for which there is a sufficient supply to last for several weeks. November 18. The postmaster at Alexandra telegraphed on Monday morning that the Molynetix River was at the 10ft, 9in mark. The weather was lino. Advice has been received from the New Sylvia mine (Thames) to the effect that a crushing of 900 tons of ore realised bullion to the value of £B4O, and concentrates valued at £2OO, making a total return of £IO4O. The last return (270 z) from the Success dredge was won from the north end half of the cut. The return was considerably reduced owing to stoppage for Government boiler inspection and also to a big flood, which brought into the paddock a lot of silt. There is no change in the ground, which still remains the same blue wash. Everything is running well, but it is not known how long the dredge will braille to continue working as the strike has caused a shortage of the coal supply.

THE MINING BILL. BENEFITS FOR MINERS’ DISEASE. (Fit ox Gun Own Correspondent ) WELLINGTON, November 12. The Mining- Amendment Bill, which was introduced to-day, proposes to give elfect to the recommendations of the Miners’ Commission relating to ventilation in mince and the safety of workers. There are provisions intended to ensure the safety of the ropes used for the raising and lowering of the cages. Another provision enjoins the fitting in all shafts where a cage is used of safety devices to prevent the fall of the cage when detached from the rope. There are also provisions relating to ventilation, machinery, the use of explosives, and the supply of water for the laying of the dust raised by the drills or explosives. It is proposed that there shall be attached to all mines, other than open alluvial mines, at which more than 10 men are employed, houses supplied with hot and cold water; but the owner of a mine shall not bo compelled to erect a house unless such is demanded by a percentage of the men, varying with the number of workers. If the hatha are not used by 20 per cent. nf flio TV/rrlcorQ if cihril] manager whether he keeps the bathhouse open or not Additional powers are to to given to the workmen’s inspectors employed by any miners’ union at the expense of the union. If these inspectors, of which there must be two for each inspection area, declare that the mine or any portion of it is dangerous to life, the manager must forthwith forward a copy of the report to the inspector for

the district. Failure to comply with the workmen's inspectors’, direction as to dangerous workings or dangerous practices may constitute an offence. The penalties fixed arc fines not exceeding £IOO for every dayon which the offence is continued.

Another clause provides that the men must bo at once withdrawn from workings where noxious gases are known to exist. The area shall then be inspected, and until the workings are reported as not dangerous no workmen shall be allowed to re-enter those workings. The Minister of Finance is to be empowered to borrow on the security of the public revenues a sum not exceeding £20,000 a year wherewith to make advances to companies for the development of mining. Miners who have contracted the disease of pneumoniconiosis shall be entitled to benefit from the Miners’ Relief Fund equally with miners who have suffered injuries from accident. Winding engine-drivers must be examined annually by a medical man. An engine-driver may not be employed unless ho is free from health weakness, liability to tits, or defective hearing or vision. REEFTON GOLDFIELDS DISPUTE. NEW ARBITRATION COURT AWARD. GREYMOUTH, November 15. The Arbitration Court decision in the Reefton goldfields dispute is for the most part based on the old award. A memorandum to the award states ; “ Both parties desired various alterations to the clause relating to the working of hammer drills. The clause has been redrawn, and it is hoped this will enable work to be carried on without further friction. The clause as to contracting has been redrawn, and the company’s right to agree (o have any work done by contractors is made declaratory. Outside the award there is no jurisdiction to restrict or interfere with that right. Overtime for the first hour has been increased to time and a-quarter. Double time has been fixed for any work done on Sunday after a full shift has been worked. A new clause has been framed dealing with the subject of matters not provided fur in the award. The wages of workers affected bv the award have been carefully considered, and an increase has been granted in most cases. No distinction lias been made between the Avages to be paid by- the new Big River Company and other companies, although the conditions of life on the Big River field might have justified a difference being made. The court is of opinion that the Big River Company should do something to ameliorate the lot of the workers on that field by providing suitable houses for them to live in, and by arranging for prompt medical assistance when required. GREYMOUTH. November 17. About a time when strike is in the air it is pleasing to note the success of arbitration in the Reefton dispute. The assessors evidently struck a happy medium, as both sides are jubilant. Doubtless this is due to the systematic method adopted of placing only ti c actual sincere claims The union gained from Is to Is 6d a day, two men being engaged in the machine and spray. The court added a rider that it was of opinion that the Big River Company should ameliorate the lot of the workers by providing suitable living houses and arranging for prompt medical assistance when required. The wages are the same as those of the other mines. No employer shall discriminate against members or do anything for the purpose of injuring the union directly or indirectly. The terms of the award are. for three years. The employers have the right to contract for any work. The officials of the union have received many congratulations on the systematic and direct method adopted in placing the facts before the court. REEFTON. November 17. At the Minors’ Union meeting yesterday the award was considered satisfactory. The increases will not affect the mines so much as seems evident at first eight, since many of the classes raised have been already getting an advance on the old award rates.

NOTES FROM CROMWELL. (From OUB OW!C CORHKRPONDXNT ) CROMWELL, November 14. The- weather during the past week has been line and settled, and the rivers have fallen considerably from the high levels oi a week ago. Rise and Shine No. 2 started work on Saturday, and has since been working steadily in the cut west of the sunken dredge, the only stoppage being for about 12 hours through a slight mishap. The dredge is engaged in cleaning out an old paddock. The return this week, if any, will be small, but there is no doubt the ground will prove highly payable when the cut is properly opened, which will not take very long. No. 1 is still on fair prospects, with indications of an improvement. It is now likely that the company will have a successful run for some months, as both dredgers are in good older. Alcssrs Patton and Ballingall have been delayed in starting work in their hydraulic claim in the Roaring Meg Creek through striking some rough country in one race. They expect to bo ready for a run early in December, and will bo in full swing after Christmas. Work in tho Carriek mines is still on a moderate scale, and only a few men are at work. WAIHI MINES. (From Ocr Own Correspondent.! WAIHI, November 11. The improvement in tho price of shares in the Waihi and Waihi Grand Junction mines may bo attributed to two causes—namely, the indication of an early settlement of the existing labour trouble and the recent satisfactory developments in the mines. In tho Waihi mine the Edward reef is opening up splendidly, both as regards width and values, at the 1150 ft level, and tho various other lodes being operated upon are looking well. In the Grand Junction mine tho Royal reef, going west, which had not been shaping satisfactorily for some time, now shows u width of 35ft of pay ore; and otljer points, including tho Empire reef east, are continuing to disclose good results. AUCKLAND, November 12. For the four-weekly period ended November 1, u total of 8670 tons of ore was treated in the Waihi Grand Junction mine for a return of £17,328 9s 4d. WAIHI GRAND JUNCTION COMPANY. AUCKLAND, November 13. The following cablegram has been sent to London by the Waihi Grand Junction Company :— “Royal lode, No. 6 level, crosscut west. No. 6 lode: Width of reef, 34ft; final assay averaged 38s 3d.” MOUNT LYELL MINKS. MELBOURNE, November 13. The report presented at the half-yearly meeting of the Mount Lyell Mining Cornpany showed a balance at the credit of the profit and lons account, after providing for all charges, of £SoO,CSC. Tho liquid assets showed an excess over liabilities of £486,486. The ore reserves at tho North Lyell mines were estimated at 4,188,000 tons. Tho Mount Lyell Comstock property is being tested with a view to the possible extraction of a substantial tonnage by means of an open cut. This may have an important bearing on the future of the property. SAILOR'S BEND COMPANY. The fourteenth annual general meeting of shareholders in the Sailor’s Bend Gold Dredging Company was held on Friday afternoon. Captain Sundstrum .presided, and there was a bare quorum present. In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet the Chairman said that it was not necessary for him to cm larfe on the m.rtieulnrly unsuccessful year they had experienced. The river had been at such a high level that, though the dredge had been put in fair order and hauled up ready to commence operations, it hud been impossible to do any work ; That had been a heavy strain on the finances of the company. The directors had done everything pownbio to conserve the finances of the company, and when they had seen that the dre-ago ' could not work, all the handa

had been dispensed with, and the dredge put in charge of a, dredgemaster. The profit and loss account in the balance sheet showed a credit of £53 in September. At that time they were hopeful that they would still have a run and get some money. That did not eventuate, and there was at the present time about £230 outstanding liabilities. In the- meantime the directors had secured an overdraft from the bank up to £SOO on their own personal guarantee. It was for the meeting to discuss the question of finances. The directors had full confidence in the claim and would be sorrj to ace anything taking place which would rob shareholders of any possibility of recouping themselves. . Mr Brugh seconded the motion, which was carried. In the course of a few further remarks the Chairman stated that the directors were not drawing any fees, while Mr Roger (secretary) had drawn nothing for a couple of years. , The retiring director (Mr A. Kyle) was re-elected, ami Messrs Barr, Leary, and Co. were re-elected auditors. Mr E. R. Smith moved, and Mr W. D. M'Curdie seconded —“ That this mooting approves of the action of the directors in obtaining an overdraft from the bank upon their persona! guarantee, and that the company agrees to give to the directors such form of security over the assets of the company as they may require to secure them against their guarantee to the bank. The motion was carried. The meeting closed with a vote of appreciation to the directors.

DUNEDIN STOCK EXCHANGE. Business has brightened up considerably on the Dunedin stock Excnange during the past week, inain.y on account of indications of an early cettiemevit of the existing labour trouble. The prices of most classes of shares in the investment stock section have been well maintained. Bank shares remained fairly firm, with the exception of Bank of New Zcalands, which have had a tendency to drop back, with sellers quoted during the week at £lO 17s and £lO 16s, without any declared buyers. A strong demand has existed for insurance lines, which have displayed a consistent firmness throughout the week. National Insurances have been wanted up to £2 10s, and New Zealand Insurances up to £5 10s. Two sales of the former were reported on Thursday at £2 10s, cum dividend. Standards and South British show practically no alteration from the previous week’s quotation. Union Steams have had a fairly large turnover, both in ordinary and preferential shares. The ordinary issue has firmed slightly, with buyers on Friday at £1 4s 6d and sellers at £1 ss. The preferential issue has had business at 19s 6d and 19s 7d, with further buyers at 19s 6d, but no sellers under 19s 9d. Prices of Westport Coals have advanced during the week. The market opened on Monday with buyers at £1 11s, and sellers at £1 11s 6d. Sales were effected on Tuesday at £1 lls 3d (three parcels), and business was reported on Thursday and Friday at £1 12s. '1 he market contained buyers on Friday at £l lls 9d, sellers holding out for £l 12s 6d. These prices are cum dividend, payable in the course of a few days. D.I.C. (prof.) have had inquiry at £1 Is 9d, but holders have not been quoted below £1 2s 6d. Mlburn Limes have firmed slightly, with buyers at £1 10s 9d, and sellers at £1 12s 3d. Mosgiel Woollens are now quoted ex dividend of 4s 10-J.d per share, with sellers at £3 10s and £3 9s 6d, but buyers have been scarce. Wright, Stephensons have still got firm buyers of the ordinary scrip at £6 10>. with sellers of the preferential issue at par. A sale of Perpetual Trustees was reported on Thursday at £1 Is 9d. There was a seller at tho beginning of the \reek at £1 2s 6d, an<l on Friday at £1 2s 3d, but no buying offers were recorded. New Zealand Paper Mills have been placed on tho market at 17s 9d, and Donagliy’s Hope and Twines e-t £1 5s 9d, but there have been no declared buyers of cither lino. The share market opened quietly on Monday. No sales were effected on ’Change, business being confined to a small number of reported sales. Rise and Shines had slightly firmer buyers at £1 Ids, with eellers at £1 10s 6d. Two sales were reported at £1 10s. Ross Goldfields were wanted at 12s Id, but sellers wore firm at 13s. Talisman- Consolidateds continued on offer at £2 6-s, without buyers. The market was slightly easier for Waihis and Waihi Grand Junctions, but the margin between buyers and sellers was too largo to allow of tho transaction of business. Sellers of National Banks wore quoted at £5 7s 9cl, and N ow Zealand Insurances at £5 12s 6d, but no buyers came forward. Business was reported in Westport Coals at £1 12s, and the market contained further purchasers at this price, but no sellers under £1 12s 9d. Inquiries continued to be made for Miiburn Limes at £1 lls, but there wore no declared sellers. A sale of Mosgiol Woollens was reported at £3 9s 6d. Buying offers were recorded on ’Change at £3 9s, without sollor.". The following arc Monday’s latest quotations, subject to the- usual brokerage:— Dusoging Stocks Kiso and Shine —Buvers £1 10s, sellers £1 10s 6d. Mining Stocks Ross Goldfields-Buyers 12s Id, sellers 13s. Now Sylvia—Buyers 9d, sellers Is ‘ Id. Talisman Consolidated —-Sellers £2 6s. Waihi—Buyers £2 19s 6d, sellers £3 0s 6<i. Waihi Grand Junction—Buyers £1 6s 9d. sellers £1 7s 6d. , November 11. —Waihi, £2 17s 6d, £2 19s 6d (two parcels). £2 18s 9d, £3 Os 3d (four parcels), £3 0s 6d ; Waihi Grand Junction, £1 7s 2d; West-port Coal, £1 lls 3d (two parcels) Sales Reported.—floss Goldfields, lls lOd ; Waihi, £3, £3 0s 3d (two parcels): Westport Coal, £1 Us 3d. November 12, —Waihi, £3 Is 3d (three parcels); Talisman Consolidated, £2 4s 6d. *■ November 13. —Waihi, £3 0s 9d. Sales reported:—Ross Goldfields, lls 9d ; Waihi Grand Junction, £1 7j 6d, National Insurance, £2 10s (two panels); Westport Coal, £1 12s r Perpetual Trustees, £1 Is 9d.

November 14-. —Waihi "Grand Junction, £1 7s, £1 7s 3d; Waihi, £2 19s. Sales reported:-—-Waihi Grand Junction, £1 7s 9d; National Bank, £5 7s sd; New Zealand Insurance, £5 12s 6d; W estport Coal, £1 12s (two parcels). November 15. —Union Steam (piet ), ius Bd. Sale reported. —Waihi, x>3 Os pd. November 17. —Rise and Shine, £1 10s (two parcels); Westport Coal, £1 12s, - os giol Woollen, £3 9s 6d.

AUCKLAND STOCK EXCHANGE AUCKLAND, November In The following sales were made on tne Auckland Stock Exchange to-day Moanatairi, lid (two parcels); Ross Goldfields, 13s 3d, 13s Id, 15s, 12s lid; '\ a ? hl . Junction, £1 7s 3d (two parcels), -M Talisman Consolidated, £2 4s 6d; Waihi, £3 Os 6d; Taupiri Coal, £1 Os 6d The following sale was reported: —Waihi Grand Junction, £1 7s 3d. WELLINGTON STOCK EXCHANGE. WELLINGTON, November 17. The following Stock Exchange sales were reported to-day : —Westport Stocir,on Coal, 4«; Ross Reconstructed, 13s 4d, 13s 2d. CANTERBURY STOCK EXCHANGE. CHRISTCHURCH, November 17 The following series were made on the Canterbury Stock Exchange to-day: Westport Coal, £1 11s 6d, £1 12s; Christchurch Meat Co., £ls 17s; Union Steam Ship, £1 4s, (preference) l&s 6d ; W r aihi, £2 15s 9d, £3 Os 3d, £3 0> 6d, and £3 Is; Waihi Grand Junction (ex dividend), £1 7s 9d.

DREDGING RETURNS. Oz. (Jwt. Rr. Rise and Shine No. 1, Cromwell. 132hrs 45 3 0 Rising: Sun, Cromwell, 135hrs 54 17 0 Willowbank. Waikaka, Valley, 5 days ... 12 7 10 Olrig, Manuhorikia, week 9 10 0 Total ... 101 17 10 The West Coast. Success, 1161ns 51 17 0