45

C.—3

intermediate level between Nos. 11 and 12 a further 60 ft. on the bottom of the lode it eventually pinched out, when the block was stoped to No. 11. Driving north was then extended 100 ft., and connections completed with an old winze from No. 11, when a short block 83 ft. in length was stoped to 60 ft., the lode cutting out. Crosscutting was continued into the foot-wall in No. 7, but the unfavourable character of country did not warrant further expenditure in that direction. In view of proving theformation between Nos. 10 and 7 levels, No. 10 south was driven 150 ft., and surveys completed to rise and connect with a winze which was sunk from No. 7 about five years ago. This work is now operative, and the calculated rising is approximately 233 ft. Ventilation will be effected by compressed air. It may be stated that the old winze (after standing under water for five years to a depth of 115 ft.) was baled out, the water containing no indications of gas or stench of a Workings are securely timbered and well ventilated. Temperature in shade was 54°, the return airway 56°. The stone mined yielded—by amalgamation (2,630 tons) and cyanide (2,225 'tons) —a bullion-value of £5,76 lis. 7d. The Italy Syndicate (late Tyrconnel). —Kelly and party of four men continue to work this property on very successful lines, care being taken to keep development well in advance ; but a Droner road is much wanted to convey mining-material. Boatman's. Welcome. —This mine was let on tribute to O'Leary and party for a term of three years, commencing from the latter end of 1903. From date of starting they continued to work the property with exceptional success until May last, when, notwithstanding the very liberal inducements offered in the form of future development, they abandoned the tribute. During the period worked, they milled 382 tons of ore for a return of 435 oz. 14 dwt. 21 gr. of gold valued at £1,726 15s. 9d., besides which 225 tons of tailings was treated, yielding bullion to the value of £396 4s. 4d. The company carried out develop-ment-work for some time after the tribute was abandoned, and then obtained six months' protection to enable the wishes of the London office to be consulted. Kirwan's Reward. —ln connection with the development of this* property more than usual energy has been exercised to open an important section of the working to the south-west, this section of the field having always|been looked forward to with favour, and more especially as the ore-bodies, exposed in the'four faces now being worked, give promise of yielding values considerably in excess of anticipations. The extension of the aerial tramway across the plateau will also facilitate operations and put the company in a very comfortable working position for some time to come. During the year 6,250 tons of ore was treated, yielding 1,949 oz. 19 dwts. 15 gr., giving a bullion-value of £7,764 16s. 7d. Lady of the Lake (Owner, A. McKenzie). —The rise level intersected a small block of stone at 50 ft. from day, but although of fair value the block is very short and does not extend upward. Its values have not yet been proved on lower levels. The ground is securely timbered, and since holing was effected with some old workings the ventilation has been very good. Reefton. Wealth of Nations. —Development-work has been practically at a standstill during the year. Maintenance of main roads, &c, has been well attended to. Stoping has been carried out on levels 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, whereby all the quartz developed on Nos. 4 and 5 levels has been exhausted, the reserves of mill-rock in the mine being now confined to levels Nos. 3 and 6, and the new level recently opened from the Energetic shaft. The tonnage milled, 12,748 tons, yielded bullion to the value of £14,666 16s. Bd., or 5 dwt. 16 gr. per ton, while the concentrates and slimes shipped to the smelter realised £1,068 ss. 3d. At the cyanide-works, 8,710 tons, representing 698 per cent, of the total crushed, yielded bullion to the value of £5,941 ss. Id. at a working-cost of 16s. 4 - 88 d. per ton milled. This rate of cost includes mining, milling, and concentrating, cyaniding, assay offices, and bullion and general charges. Energetic Mine. —Since sinking operations were completed to No 8 level the various underground works effected have been purely of a development character, the execution of which must have entailed very considerable expenditure. The reef system was opened on level No. 7at 267 ft. from the shaft, and driving was extended north 45 ft. and south 698 ft. Whilst rising from the north drive to connect with a winze sunk from No 6 Wealth of Nations a serious accident occurred, which resulted in the deaths of three miners, who were suffocated by the effects of poisonous gases, presumably liberated from the stagnant water which had accumulated in the winze prior to connection being effected with the rock drill. On the whole, this level has proved a great disappointment, for not only did the quartz open out in very limited quantity, but the assay-values were of very low grade. Diamond drilling : There were four diamond-drill holes pierced from No. 7 level, hoping to locate and intersect a parallel ore-body. Of these, three we're non-productive, while the other borehole located a thin band of stone, the value of which will shortly be proved. Shaft : During October a contract was let to sink the shaft to No. 8 level, a distance of 125 ft. This contract was finished in February of 1905, and driving commenced to open out at a depth, of 1,5025 ft. from the surface. Surface plant: The first direct-coupled Tangye winding-engine erected in the district started to hoist from the bottom of the shaft in March last, and has continued to run in a satisfactory manner. A small electric-light plant has been installed, which efficiently lights the surface works and the chambers at the different levels. Golden Fleece. —Mining and milling have been continuous during the year, with the exception of the time required to thoroughly overhaul and retimber the winding-shaft between Nos. 10 and 11 levels. Further sinking has not been effected in the main shaft, but in levels Nos. 11, 12, and 13, extensive developments have been extended north, making in all 1,539-5 ft. of development-work.