LYELL MINING.

Westport Times, Volume XV, Issue 1938, 30 September 1881, Page 2

LYELL MINING.

[times.] Thursday, September 22. Crcesus.—Up to to-day this company's main tunnel had been extended 24 feet past where the break occurred in the reef but the lode had not been found. It has now been decided to cross-cut for a few feet east and west, in order to test whether the reef has taken one of the usual jumps. The majority favor the eastern side of the tunnel as that in which the lode will be .again picked up ; and the indications met in driving the tunnel certainly favor that theory, as several leaders were cut, and in the face there is a defined wall on the eastern side. The run of mullock lias also entirely disappeared. Driving in the cross-cut will be commenced to-morrow (Friday). Welcome.—The holders of this lease have let a contract for driving 50 feet of tunnel, in order to prove the permanency of the very favorable indications met on the surface. It is gratifying to state that the prospects continue to improve as the

driving proceeds. Very good prospects have also been obtained in other portions of the lease. United Alpine.—Extending stopes south ; also the new level between the intermediate and No. 5 level. The reef maintains an average of 10 feet in thickness. During the last week the reef disappeared from the face of No. 5 level, but :is this is a common occurrence with this lode, no uneasiness need be felt by the shareholders. Driving will be continued in the level, and no doubt the lode will be met within a very short distance of the break. There are nine trucks working on the flat tramway from No. 5 level. At G level good progress is being made by the contractors, the tunnel at the time of my visit being in 255 feet. This contract will be completed early next month. At the battery-house, the machinery runs smoothly, and a good average quantity of d stone is put through weekly. The berdans have not yet been started, but it is expected that they will be set in motion by the end of the present week. Maruia.—l am informed that the holders of this lease are about merging the property in a company, and the necessary steps to register under the Mining Companies Act will shortly be taken. Prospectors.—The battery recently purchased by this party is now in course of delivery, a contract having been let to Messrs Hewitt and Jacob to deliver the machinery, construct race and batteryhouse, and place the plant in thorough working order. The contractors expect to have the batteiy delivered on the ground within a fortnight. Every effort will be made to have the machine in readiness to complete a crushing before Christmas. United Victory (New Creek). —The driving in this company's main tunnel continues extremely hard, and progress is very slow ; in fact the men describe the face as being as "hard as flint." The contractors for delivery of the company's crushing plant have been engaged during the past week getting the stamper-box up the Zalatown track—no easy task, owing to the numerous zigzags and steep pinches. Better headway will no doubt be made on the New Creek track, as the grade is much easier, and the track is also much wider, giving more room to work.