THE QUEEN OF BEAUTY.

Thames Star, Volume VI, Issue 1772, 7 September 1874, Page 2

THE QUEEN OF BEAUTY.

The work of cutting down the main shaft is progressing most favorably. The men started from the bottom to surface, and hare already completed the work up to the ono hundred and fifty foot level or depth; thus haying completed one hundred feet of the work required. The timber being u«ed appeared to me to be the best money could buy. The frame sets are twelve by nine ; the timber being placed in the shaft, is nine by three ; and the sets to be used in the opening, will be a foot square. A ladder road will be placed in the ghaft, z\g zag, with a platform every forty feet, so that should the cage jam at any time, tho men below can come to surface without fatigue or danger. From the underground communications now made between the Queen of Beauty and other claims, there will be a good " get away " in case of accidents. riMcn arc'employed in working on the little leader, also in deepening the main shaft ; in fact, every man that can be is kept at work—l expect both with the view of keeping the men together and a reluctance to see them walking about idle. It is certain that the shaft badly wanted altering* and it is being done most effectually. It will take some little time yet to complete the work. The engine is being overhauled but, from what I can see and tear, there is little the matter with it; bettur, perhaps, be sure than sorry. The work at, the battery is being, pushed ahead, and a connection with the main tramway is being formed, but at considerable expense, as some houses had to be purchased .and removed by the Queen of Beauty people before the tramway could lead in to! the battery platform. I hear that near where the Queen of Beauty's battery site i« the Waiotahi hill will be cut down some eight or nine feet; perhaps to connect the Waiotahi tramway with the main line. The dividend for the fortnight from the Queen of 'Beauty mine is £185 per share, and there are seven full shares in the mine.