LYELL MINING.

Inangahua Times, Volume II, 3 October 1881, Page 2

LYELL MINING.

[tthb..] Census.— -Up to to-day this company's main tunnel had been extended 34 feet past where the break occurred in the reef but the lode bad not been found. It has now been decided to cross-cut for a few feet east and west, in order to test whetber the reef has taken one of the usual jumps. The majority favor the eastern side ofthe 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, aud in the face there is a defined wall on the eastern side. The run of mullock has also entirely disappeared. Driving in the crosscut wili be commenced to-morrow (Friday). Welcome.— Tbe holders of this lease have let a contract for driving 50 feet of tunnel, in order to prove the permanency of tbe very Tavorable indications met on the surface. It is gratifying to state that tbe prospects continue to improve as tbe driving proceeds. Very good prospects bave also been obtained in other portions of the lease. United Alpine.*— Extending etopes south ; also the new level between tbe in* termediate and !^o. 5 leyel The reef maintains an average of 10 feet in thickness. During tbe last week the reef disappeared from the face of No. 5 level, bot as this is a common occurrence with this lode, no uneasiness need be felt by tbe shareholders. Driying 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 tbe fiat tramway from No. 5 level. At 6 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 stone is put through weekly. The ber* dans have not yet beeu started, but it is expected tbat they will be set in motion by the end of the present week. Mabuia.— l am informed that the holders of this lease are about merging tbe property in a company, and tbe necessary steps to register nnder tbe Mining Companies Act will shortly be taken. Pbospectobs.— The battery recently purchased by tbis party is now in course of delivery, a contract having been let to Messrs Hewitt and Jacob to deliver the machinery, construot race and battery* house, and place the plant in. thorough working order. The contractors expect to have the battery delivered on the ground witbin a fortnight. Every effort will be made to have the machine in readiness to complete a crushing before Christmas. United Victoby (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 tbe company's crushing plant bave been engaged during the past week getting the stamper box up the Zalatowo track— no easy task, owing to the numerous zigzags and steep pinches. Better headway will no doubt be made on tbe New Creek track, as tbe grade is muoh easier, and the track is also much wider, giving more room to work.