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Dominion Mine. This company commenced operations, chiefly of a prospecting character, in the early part of the year. Several outcrops of reefs were discovered on the surface by trenching, and assayed well. In order to test these reefs at a greater depth, a low level was driven a distance of 348 ft. It is expected to intersect the reefs at about 750 ft. in. An average of four men were employed. Shotover Mine. This property is situated about a mile from the Township of Karangahake, and adjoins the Talisman. Comstock, and Dominion properties. Development-work was started in June, and an average of five men have been employed since. A low level was put in with the object of locating the reef from which good prospects had been obtained on the surface by the previous owners. The level is now in 490 ft., and about 200 ft. more will need to be driven. At 330 ft. in, a rise of 80 ft. was put through to the surface for ventilation purposes. Silver Hill Mine. This claim adjoins the eastern boundary of the Talisman Mine. A good deal of prospecting-work has been carried on during the year, and several reefs located, some of which give high assay values. An average of ten men were employed. The mine is at present under protection. Comstock United. The work in this mine has been chiefly confined to the continuation of the drive on the main reef, which is about 14 ft. in width, encased in an improving class of country as the drive advances towards the belt of country from which the Talisman is procuring highly payable ore. Better results are expected. Work in the main crosscut has been greatly retarded owing to a big flow of water coming from the face, which seems to indicate the near presence of a large body of ore. The average number of men employed during the year was five. Karangahake Mine. Work for some time has been confined to the Taukani section. A low level has been driven a distance of 550 ft., and two reefs intersected, No. 1 being 12 ft. in width, and No. 210 ft. No. 1 reef assayed from 16s. to £1 per ton. No assays have been taken of No. 2 reef but fair prospects of gold can be obtained by panning. It is intended to continue the crosscut a further distance of 240 ft., and when this is done the various reefs will be vigorously prospected. Twelve men have been employed during the year. KOMATA. Komata Reefs (Limited). The development-work during the year consisted of 1,213 ft. of driving, rising, and sinking. No. 5 Level. —The drive was extended northwards on the No. 2 reef 186 ft., making a total of 478 ft, north of the shaft. The reef proved to be 4J ft. in width, of an average value of £3 per ton. No. 6 Level. —North on the No. 2 reef the drive was advanced 262 ft. from the shaft. From 70 ft, to 250 ft. the reef was 3 ft. in width, and the value £1 7s. per ton. No. 8 Level. —The drive on the No. 2 reef was advanced 167 ft., making a total distance of 645 ft, north. The reef is fair-sized, but low-grade. The total production of ore was 28,120 tons, of an average value of £1 14s. Id. per ton. The battery crushed and treated 28,170 tons of ore, which yielded bullion valued at £44,305 14s. 2d. Two tall tanks for agitating slimes, and a new amalgamating-room, were added during the year. Te Aroha. Murphy's Find Syndicate. This claim is situated just outside the boundaries of the Te Aroha Domain, and consists of 100 acres. It is being worked by a syndicate. A crosscut has been started and is now in a distance of 160 ft. to intersect a reef, a portion of which was found in a landslip in 1880 by a Native and the late Mr. Adam Porter. Some very rich specimen stone was discovered, but the continuation of the lode has never been located. It is for this purpose the present crosscut is being driven, and it will need to be put in at least 400 ft, to thoroughly prove the ground. Hardy's Mines (Limited). No. 5 level has been driven 800 ft,, making a total of 850 ft., at which point the Hero reef was intersected and a rise of 20 ft, put up with the view to connect with No. 4 level for ventilation. An average of ten men have been employed. Waiorongomad Mines. The work done during the year has consisted of prospecting at various points on this property. A 1 about 1,100 ft. above sea-level the Bonanza lode 3 ft. wide was met with in crosscutting, giving good values. Seven men are employed. Bendigo Mine. This claim is situated on the eastern side of Te Aroha Mountain, in the Waiorongomai Creek. Mining operations are principally confined to the Silver King reef, which is 8 ft. in width. The footwall portion assays £3 19s. Id. per ton, and the manager considers the prospe ts are encouraging.

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