THE WEEK.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2123, 23 October 1875, Page 2

THE WEEK.

A discovery of a new gold-bearing reef at Tavaru, and a supposed new line of reef at Waitekauriiiave caused a little interest to be taken in these two widely separated portions of the goldfield during the past few days. The first-mentioned find was promptly followed up with a trial crushing of a quantity which, under ordinary circumstances, and in any other country would be taken as an indication of the existence, of a good payable reef; but, owing to the erratic nature of Thames reefs generally, and tho uncertainty felt about all reefs in Tararu, no very sanguine hope are indulged in that this discovery will lead to any great results. It is to be hoped good results will be obtained. The trial crushing was a genuine one, there is every reason to believe, and if the large body of stone should yield as well, the discoverers are in for a goo^ thing. A considerable area has been pegged out on the new line of reef, but as yet it is not reported that the reef has been come upon in any of them, except where it was first opened. It would, undoubtedly, be a good thing for the whole district to see Tararu once more occupied by miners, because it is a locality which at a very early period of the Thames's existence as a goldfield developed superior attractions. - A great deal of money has been spent there, from which no return was ever got. Perhaps this new discovery may lead to more gratifying results than former rushes to the district. The new find at Waitekauri has attracted considerable attention and many claims have been taken up. The locality is " fancied" by some experienced miners. Unfortunately the facilities for a trial of the quality of the stone do not exist on the spot, so that it is very probable some time will elapse before a reliable test can be obtained. The first instalment of gold from the Tairua came in last Saturday—that is the first parcel from stone treated ia the Company's own battery. It is a pity the battery is not more powerful, as a steady yield might then be looked for; besides which some of those claims which are now unworked might have an opportunity of testing the value of their reefs, which would remove all grounds of complaint as to nonworking. If the reefs were found payable they would have some inducement to go in for machinery ; if worthless, present holders would probably relinquish their rights, or curtail their areas, and open the way for their occupation by other parties. Unfortunately there has been nothing done yet towards improving the communication to Tairua, beyond the work performed under the direction of the Provincial Engineer. No answer has been received from Sir George Grey in reply to the representations of the Warden, at the requost of local magnates, ui'ging that the work be undertaken at once. Considering the number of men out of work just now, it is a wonder mining matters are not much duller than they have been. Not that there has been any improvement this week which deserves notice, but the returns are nearly up to the average considering the decline consequent upon the stoppage of two or three regular producers. That great venture from which so much was expected, the South British, is now in course of liquidation, a resolution to that effect having been come to at a meeting of shareholders the other day. * A great deal of money has been expended by the company, and some thoroughly systematic works wero undertaken and completed, but here again results were not commensurate with the outlay, and it will remain for a new corporation (already talked of) to fully prove the lavge area of ground hold by the company. The striking of a good reef in the South British would have been a most fortunate thing for the company and for the district. Beefs they have found, but the stone was of a poor quality; hence the present condition of affairs. The new company may be more fortunate: they deserve to be for their pluck and perseverance.