31

C—3

Consolidated Goldfields nj New Zealand {Limited), Wealth of Nations Mine.—A summary of the development-work at this mine shown that it lias been carried out extensively at all levels from Nos. 6 to 11. The total footages amount to 798 It. of rising and sinking, and 1,580 ft. of driving. The most important developments are as follow : No. 8 level (1,485 ft.) : The main level north was advanced 140 ft. It passed through 20 ft. of good-grade quartz 2 ft. in width. A well-defined reef-track was exposed all the way. No. 9 level (1,611 ft.) : The main level north was advanced 122 ft. on a welldefined reef-track containing stringers and boulders of quartz. Payable values existed for 76 ft. of the distance. The main level south was extended 167 ft., about half the distance being on payable stone. No. 10 level (1,736 ft.): The main level south was advanced 94 ft., almost entirely in payable ore. This ore was of excellent quality, and about 6 ft. in width. No. 11 level (1,861 ft.): The main level south was advanced M) 3 ft. ; of this distance, 82 ft. was in quartz of low grade, tending to improve in southern extension. The main level north was extended 136 ft., encountering only small makes of very low-grade quartz. A crosscut to intersed the cast reef was driven 94 ft. At the mill the slimes plant was stopped, treatment under existing circumstances being unprofitable. During the coming year it is proposed to install fifteen additional stampers, Wilfley tables, and further cyanidetreatment Vats. At tlie main shaft a new compressor plant is to be installed, and provision made for additional steam-power. The treat ment of 21,363 tons of ore resulted in a yield of 9,434 oz. 8 dwt. of gold, valued at £36,385 9s. Bd. One hundred and twenty-nine men were employed. Consolidated Goldfields of New Zealand (Limited), Golden Fleece Mine. —The tributers (J. Oats and party) had a very successful year. No. 15 level was extended south, and a payable block of stone opened up. Stoping operations on this and the north block produced 2,796 tons of ore, which was treated for a return of 2,683 oz. 15 dwt. gold, worth £10,167 19s. 9d. Thirty-four men were employed. Progress Mines of New Zealand (Limited). —During the year a considerable amount of work has been carried out, with the view of facilitating the handling of stone from the large ore-bodies, and thereby reducing the cost of mining : also towards providing an efficient system for ventilating the mine-workings. For ventilation purposes a. 25 in. Sirocco fan was installed at A shaft in December, and its good effed is apparent. At No. 9 level (1,116 ft.) a rise 124 ft. in height has been completed on the hanging-wall of Callaghan's Block, which, when connected with No. 8 level, will effect a short circuit of the air-course Iα some 1,500 ft., thereby reducing the friction and increasing the efficiency of the ventilation. No. 10 level (1,266 ft.) : The main south level was extended 325 ft., intercepting the head of No. 1 Pioneer rise at 273 ft. This level is to be continued to intercept the No. 2 Pioneer rise, and to prospect the country still further south. A short distance south of No. 1 Pioneer rise a drive was started from the level, and will be extended south-east, with the intention of searching for the Pioneer ore-body on this level, and eventually developing the upward continuation of the Wharf reef. No. 11 level (1,416 ft.) :In the Pioneer section a rise has been put up from No. 6 bord, and connection made with No. 10 main south drive. This is one of a series of rises to be cairicd through, which, when completed, should thoroughly ventilate this section, and secure a good system for filling the stopes. A new intermediate level has been commenced in the foot-wall of the Pioneer Block from No. 6 bord, which it is intended shall serve as the main intermediate level for the northern portion of the block, while a southern extension of it will serve the Wharf reef. This level is to be connected with the Magazine crosscut at No. 11 level, to simplify and cheapen the handling of stone from the Pioneer Block. The Wharf reef was driven upon for 119 ft., disclosing payable stone 3 ft. in width. Prospecting for a continuation of the Pioneer ore-body, which is dislocated at No. 11 level by a strong east and west fault, is being carried out by a crosscut and rise in the country to the south of the fault. The total development for the year was 2,619 ft. of rising, sinking, and driving. The ore treated was 50,207 tons, yielding 18,816 oz. 18 dwt. gold, worth £71,352 4s. 10d. An engine and boiler were installed for the smelter. It is intended to renew a large portion of the cyanide plant, and replace the present compressor, which is worn out, by a larger and more efficient machine; also to enet a complete fitting-shop. Three hundred and fifty-three men were employed. Bonanza. —Prospecting operations were carried on up to July by Mr. J. J. Rogers for an English syndicate that had secured an option over the mine from the owners. A crosscut was driven from the surface, intercepting a reef at a depth of 80ft. below the surface. Drives were advanced north and south on the reef, and a winze sunk to a depth of 30 ft. from the north drive. The reef proved gold-bearing, but the prospects were not sufficiently encouraging to induce the syndicate to continue operations. Bolitho Brothers. —This party is mining and crushing a seam of cemented quartz at Lankey's Creek, with payable results. Four men are employed., Wellington Mines. —The low-level tunnel has been repaired preparatory to resuming the work of driving south on the reef-track. Thornton and Party. —This party's claim is situated at Murray Creek, adjoining the Wealth of Nations Mine. A crosscut driven from the road-level intercepted a reef 3 ft. in width. This reef is being followed on its southerly trend to test its value. Willis and Party. —This party is driving a tunnel to prospect the country to the north-west of the Consolidated Company's adit level, and at a lower level of 86 ft. Anderson's and other lines of reefs, which gave good results at higher levels, should be cut. A subsidy of £125 was granted towards the work. Golden Point. —A main shaft, 10ft. by 4 ft. clear of timbers, is being sunk to prospect the mine below creek-level. The owner intends to open out for No. 1 level at a depth of 150 ft. New Big River Gold-mining Company (Limited). —During the year operations have been directed principally to opening up No. 10 level (1,575 ft.). The main crosscut was extended to a total distance of 580 ft. from the shaft, at which point a block of stone was cut. Since this stone was intercepted 316 ft. of driving has been done, 90 ft. of which has been on a reef varying from a few inches to 6 ft. in