MINING NEWS.

Thames Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 8611, 16 March 1897, Page 4

MINING NEWS.

(By our Special Beporfer.)

TAIRTJA NEW FIND

Regarding the discovery made by Kauri Gold Estates prospectors in the above district, I am informed on very reliable authority that on the survey of the boundary line between the Pakirariha No. 1 and the Matikitaki Blocks being completed, the new discovery was found to be on the Pakirariha No. 1 Block and not on the Matikitaki as was at first thought,, so that it will be seen that the Kauri Timber Company have it well within their dominions.

WAIKOEIMIKO. Messrs Lillas and Ryan, who recently sent up one ton of ore for treatment at the May Queen Extended battery, have sold their property to the Kauri Freehold Company. During the term which they have worked the mine they had highly satisfactory results. At Christmas a parcel of specimen stone yielded over £1000 worth of gold. Lillas and Ryan's workings are close to the Waikoriraiko Company's boundary, and the reefs are running direct into the latter'a property. MAY QUEEN EXTENDED.

The development of this company's mine is to be carried on more exteusively than has been the case heretofore. Mr Jenkin the Company's manager has received instructions to increase his staff of hands, and push on with the development of the new reef, which has been under steady operation for some time past, in the Oneluinga section of the mine, and also to repair the old Hokianga level for a length of 160 feet and commence driving westward upon the course of the Hokianga reef. These works will be vigorously carried on at the expense of the option holders, who have secured an extension of a further three months. Regarding the lodes about to be systematically developed, I might point out that the Hokianga lode is a quartz body of large dimensions measuring from 3 to 4 feet in thickness, and has in the past produced a large amount of gold. At one point the gentleman who is now acting as general superintendent, operated upon this lode, down to a depth of 80 feet below the present creek levelj and for a very great length the results met with proved highly re umnerative, the ore yielding on an average 4ozs to the load. Oper% tions were eventually compulsorily suss. peuded due to the influx of more water than could be dealt with by hand labour, and in consequence the lode still remains to be developed below the depth mentioned, and also for a length of hundreds of feet. Where the present works are to be carried out upon the Hokianga reef, a good channel of country exists, and Mr Jenkin anticipates meeting Avith a series of flints, which it is thought should have a beneficial effect upon the quartz body at their respective junctions. Regarding thelode under development in the Onehunga section, it varies in size from 15 inches to 3 feet divided into ribs of quartz with bands of country intervening. Colours of gold have been seen at each breaking down, and when the flint series is met with a further improvement is anticipated^ This company have a splendid asset in their 22 stamp mill fitted uy with all requirements, and all they want now to place them on a steady footing is a sufficient output of pay ore to keep their mill in continuous employment.