THE WEEK.

Thames Star, Volume VI, Issue 1843, 28 November 1874, Page 2

THE WEEK.

The week which has jusfc passed over our heads has been to all intents an uneventful one—nothing having transpired in <.ur past of the mining world to call forth much ground for congratulation, while there is in truth as little reason for complaint. "We are much about as usual," to use a vernacular expression, and, as far as present indications go, shall not be in a position to say more on the next hebdomadal summary, though the prospects of goldfinding may be said to be inscrutable, the sagest of " experienced miners '^sometimes being unable to foretell the brilliant results frequently attained in what appear to be barren mines. § The inine lately taken up under the name of, the Ural has struck a nice little leader at the 80 feet level, about 1 foot wide, and some very Bice stone containing a fair sprinkling of gold has been obtained therefrom. There is every prospect of the leader retaining its strength and carryj^ig the present show of gold. The Central Italy have also struck a leader at the adit level 9 inches wide, and the main leader may be expected to be reached on Monday or Tuesday next. The prospects of this mine are advancing, to judge from the general appearance of the underground workings. The Queen of Beauty are now in 237 feet in the drive carried from the 70 feet level, and confidently expect to cut the Bird in Hand lode after driving a distance of 30 feet further. There is nothing fresh to be gathered from the Waio-Karaka—mining in that direction being carried on with varying progress, according to the nature of the ground through which operations are being pushed. The Exchange Company are expecting a good result from the present crushing, but it is not calculated to be up to the last return. A good return is looked forward to from the Crown Prince, and the Bird in Hand mine is also looking well. In the vicinity of the Moanatairi affairs have not been so fortunate, one reason being that which is already old news, namely the U.P.A.

stoppage. Every exertion has been made to push ferward the work of repair to the beam, and the piston and rods are completed. The main rods are 20 inches square, each joint being made with iron plates or straps 14ft x 9in x lin, secured with 24 J-inch square bolts, and will be strengthened with four additional plates of sin x lin. It will be seen that due attention has been paid to security, and perhaps the fact of the manager being now able to make these necessary repairs and additions makes the forced stoppage in the work of the Big Pump less a matter of regret. It is hoped that the job will be completed next week, when pumping will be recommenced with vigor. It will take over a week to e'ear out the immense body of water which has accumalated in th« shaft. Owing to the rise of water in the latter mine tho Celedonian Company have been unable to continue tho worlt of sinking their shaft since Saturday last. There can be no question that this is owing to the Pumping Association's works being idle. The tributers in the Multuin in Parvo mine have obtained a very favorable result from the parcel of stuff lately put through the mill, of which, moreover, there is more to come out of the same lode. The return of gold will bo found in the week's analysis of the gold returns at the foot of this article.

Affairs at Tapu are not remarkable for any change since last report. ]f Tapu were nearer the centre of mining operations, the facilities for mining would bo consequently greater, and the unlimited supply of cheaper crushing power render it a' more profitable employment. Probably as time progresses, and roads are maHe where now are narrow tracks the district of Tapu may assume greater importance as a mining camp. I learn from one whose experience in the locality is considerable that very fair prospects may frequently be obtained, but Tapu has not recovered from the speculative agitation and subsequent downfall that befell it in the early days. The mines now at wo k are—that of the Tapu Company, in which a tunnel is being driven in the iow level some 400 feet,. and Hope and Bullion claims. The Bullion shareholders having disunited, the claim. is now worked by contract. The Hope is held by four shareholders, who just keep a little four-stamper battery going steadily. The battery is driven by a water-wheel, the stampers being small 2|cwt, something like those used, in the primitive days of quartz mining here and on the other side. The following are the returns from the Bank of New Zealand :■ —

The above lodgments, which are considerably over those of last week, are exclusive of gold to come in this afternoon, so that the week's return many be looked upon as good. The Bank of New Zealand shipped during the week £2425 ounces 16dwts. of gold.

Nonpareil - Victory Waiotahi - Moanatairi Queen of Beauty Bird in Hand - Una (tribute) function - Inverness - 23rd Juno - Sundries - •• ozs. dwts. 101 5 10 10 84 5 249 0 . 794 15 311 4 15 18 67 1G 52 14 19 18 200 0 1,917 5