THE AUCKLAND GOLDFIELDS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 148, 2 November 1868, Page 3

THE AUCKLAND GOLDFIELDS

The Southern Crost of Oct. 24 publishes the following letter from its correspondent at Shortland: — The Home ward-Bound machine has started crushing again, but uuder difficulties, owing to the want of water. It is expected that the stuff now going through the machine will j givo a return of three or lour ounce 3of gold to the ton. Five head of stampers are being added to this machine. The Kuranui Company's machiae has been idle for the last fortnight, as alterations hare been made to filter and render fit for use the water coming from Hunt's Claim. They commenced crushing yesterday for the Cumberland and Junction Claims. I notice that Dixons are delivering a large quantity of stone at this battery, and I am informed that the machine will be at work on it next week. Goldsworthy's are also preparing to deliver a large lot of stone to be reduced by the Victoria Company. I expect to hsar of something good from these two claims. Twelve more head of stampers are about to be added to this machine, but according to her engagements she requires twentyfour more. The Thames Crushing Company's machine is progressing rapidly. They are sinking a well, and preparing to fix up the battery. The boiler will shortly be bedded in, and the engine put together. It is expected to be in working order in about six weeks from the present date. Perry's machine is also advancing towards completion. The stampers in this battery weigh 7 cwt each, and. not 14 cwt, as stated in my last report. I hear there is to be in connection with this mill a process entirely new to the Thames goldfields. It is a patent amalgamator, and consists of a large iron barrel, which works on a shaft and revolves very rapidly. The tailings pass through this barrel, which is filled with smnll balls, and thus all the amalgam and quicksilver will be saved. • The alterations at Harrison's machine a*e not yet finished. They are lifting the frame from the stampers to prevent the grease dropping inside the battery, and and putting caps on the rods in order to catch any that may fall. Souter's machine is at present engaged in crushing stuff from the Mauukau and New-market-Claims. The Una Quartz-Crushing and Mining Company have just finished crushing for the Head Centre, but as they have not yet cleansed up the result is not known. They are now putting through some stone from the Lord Nelson. The Thames Advertiser of Oct. 23, has the following with reference to the opening of Rapata's land for gold digging at Ohinemuri, —A special messenger arrived in town late last tight from liaputa's place, Ohinemuri, and waited upon Mr Warden Broad thin morning with a letter for Mr Commissioner Mackay, in the delivery of which he said no time was to be lout. He informed Mr Broad that its contents had reference to the throwing open at once of liapata's land, and requested Mr Maek;iy to come up und make arrangements without delay. A great meeting of the Natives had been held, ut which this course was adopted.