MINING NEWS.

Thames Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 8620, 26 March 1897, Page 2

MINING NEWS.

(By our Bpeoial Reporter.)

GLOUCESTER G.M. COMPANY.

To-day, the Hon. Wm. McOullough, M.L.C., (New Zealand Attorney to the above English company) and Mr W. C Skrine, Consulting Engineer, paid a visit of inspection to the above mine,, for the purpose of laying out the site for the nevr shaft, which it is the intention to commence sinking forthwith. The company's mine manager, Mr Thomas McCullough, pointed out the various lode systems and also what he thought to be the best site of the new shaft for the development of the lodes at the most central point. As this matter had to be decided by Mr Skrine that gentleman, after going into the matter thoroughly and noting the trend of the various lodes, and also the position and condition of the country, quite coincided with the mine managers's idea and decided to advise the work to be negotiated at once. Regarding the position,of the shaft, it will be sunk in a central position, and 400 feet of driving will intersect the whole of the Lucky Hit lode series It will also penetrate a section of proved highly auriferous country and will be handy and easy of access to the main county road. It is the in* tention to carry down a shaft 12ft z sft in the clear; it will be divided into three compartments, two of which will be used for haulage purposes, whilst the third will be utilised for the pump and travelling road. As regards pumping in this locality, I am of the opinion that the water trouble will not be very great, and can be very easily dealt with. Where this mine is situated, is on a fairly high elevation. The country which it embraces rises to an altitude of 800 ft above sea level, so it will be seen that no natural obstacles exist to prevent successful mining operations. The property is not in the same predicament as other mines on the low lands, where the chief obstacle is the influx of water. Here, deep mining can be carried on to a .great depth, and there is not {he slightest doubt existing as regards the continuity of the lodes into the deep regions. The quartz lodes in this locality are all stxmgly defined veins of the true fissure series, and> traversing as they io, through a most congenial class of country for gold, there need be little fear of any sudden or rapid impoverishment of the ore within any depth to which mining can be carried on. This is, unless lam wholly in error as to the origin of the deposits. A very large amount of gold has been won from the works carried on at the higher levels in years gone by, and the sinking of this shuft will be the first attempt ever made to attack the lodes at the deeper areas in this part of our auriferous belt, and it is to be hoped that the Company will meet with results similar to those obtained in the past. I might mention thatjat the point where it is the intention to sink the shaft, the large master lode reoently opened up at its outcrop by Mr MeCullooh traverses in close proximity to the shaft, and can be systematically openad up in connection with the whole of the Lucky Hit series. Regarding other prospecting works which have been in progress for some time past, the level known as No 2 has, it is pleasing to notice, entered upon a more kindly class of country than hat been passed through for some time jast.

The lode is also much improved is appearance and size, and in consequence the manager ishopef ul of meeting with improved results. Another piece of prospecting work is being carried on in the south port of the mine upon what ia known as the Australian reef. This work has not advanced sufficiently to allow of an idea being formed as regards tho lode, Jhut probably in s few feet more driving, a more definite opinion of the character and nature of the quartz-body will be ascertained. This and the Bell system of reefs be developed by another shaft, which will no doubt be sunk at a later date