0.-3

32

Abstract of Licenses for Special Claims issued from the Warden's Office at Thames, in the Great Barrier Island, and registered on or before the 31st March, 1898, in the Books of the Mining Registrar, Thames.

Egerton. This mine is now being worked on option by the New Zealand Mines Trust. Several reefs are being opened up, but the operations so far have not been sufficient to prove the value of the property. The No. 4 drive, on what is called the "14by 6 " reef, has been extended 179 ft. The 2 ft. cross-reef is also being exploited, but at present it is smaller than usual. Paul's reef has been trenched on, and it maintains its size and looks well. The drive is being extended to cut the junction of the 6 ft. and other reefs, and it is expected that the reef at this point will show an improvement. Driving on a small leader in the hanging-wall is also being proceeded with, the operations being conducted under the superintendence of Mr. Richard Newdick. White Cliffs. The cross-cut has been extended a further distance of 11 ft., making 83 ft. in all, and the ree cut through. It shows a thickness of 2 ft., being well defined, and carrying good-looking mineral. Work has now been started on the western boundary of the original Great Barrier and White Cliffs property by means of trenching, with a view of intersecting a reef that has been worked by the former company with good results. On the Barrier Gold and Silver Company's property the reef in the low level has been stripped 14 ft. in a westerly direction—that is, towards the Barrier Reefs boundary. Operations here have been suspended for the present, and the men are now working on the eastern end. Just at the boundary of the Fitzroy and Barrier Extended sections a reef 3 ft. wide is outcropping, and it is intended to put in a low level to intersect this lode, which, it is thought, may possibly prove to be the continuation of Lee's reef. On the adjoining claim, the Barrier Eeefs, the work of sinking the shaft is progressing satisfactorily, a depth of 137 ft. having been attained. The rock at the bottom is hard, and progress is somewhat slower in consequence. The low level is now in 39 ft., and the face is in harder country than that previously penetrated. The lona low level has been extended a total distance of 360 ft., 31 ft. having been driven during the last fortnight. The country is showing an improvement, the face now being in a nice grey sandstone. On the Staffa ground operations have been temporarily suspended, absolute protection having been obtained. The future operations of this company will to a great extent depend upon the result of the development work in the lona property, which should give a good indication to the Staffa company as to what work they should undertake. On the Kaitoke property the number of men employed has been reduced, and the shareholders are to be called together to decide as to future operations. The point at which the reef should have been intersected in the low level has been passed, and the directors, before deciding as to the nature of future operations, have decided to consult with shareholders. The Aotea and Original Great Barrier properties are being worked by the New Zealand and Johannesburg Syndicate, and the work previously described is being continued. The same remarks apply to the Great Barrier Gold and Silver Estates (over which the Melville Corporation have the option). Cobomandel Distbict. This district, which comprises the most northerly portion of the Cape Colville Peninsula, includes the different goldfields from Port Charles to Manaia, as well as the Kuaotunu and Mercury Bay fields. Many of the claims taken up during the past two years have been surrendered and abandoned. The licenses consequently lapsed, or were forfeited for non-compliance with the condi-

Date of License. Area. Locality. Block. Survey District. Name of Claim. Name of Registered Owner. 30/11/96 30/11/96 A. E. P. 100 0 0 100 0 0 Great Barrier VII. VII. III. VII. VI. VI. VI. Fitzroy .. Aotea Aotea No. 2 Aotea Gold- and Silver-mines Co. (N.L.). 30/11/96 100 0 0 . - I Tryphena) Fitzroy ) Fitzroy .. Argyle Iona Gold- and Silver-mining Go. (N.L.). 23/12/96 30/11/96 30/11/96 62 0 36 100 0 0 100 0 0 Egerton Fitzroy Great Barrier Extended Great Barrier Ex celsior Great Barrier Proprietary Iona Kaitoke Alexander D. Robertson. Great Barrier Gold-minmg Co. (N.L.). Great Barrier Gold- and Silver-mining Co. (N.L.). William Ernest Gossar. 30/11/96 100 0 0 VII. 30/11/96 100 0 0 VII. Original Great Barrier Gold- and Silvermining Co. Iona Gold- and Silver-mining Co. (N.L.). Kaitoke Gold- and Silver mining Go. (N.L.). Kaitoke Gold- and Silver-mining Go. (N.L.). Mount Argentum Gold- and Silvermining Go. Mount Argentum Gold- and Silvermining Go. Original Great Barrier Gold- and Silvermining Go. (N.L.). 30/11/96 30/11/96 100 0 0 100 0 0 VII. VI. 30/11/96 100 0 0 VI. Kaitoke No. 2 .. 30/11/96 100 0 0 VII. Mount Argentum 30/11/96 100 0 0 VII. Mount Argentum Extended Premier of Great Barrier 30/11/96 100 0 0 VII.