57

a—3a

St. George Quartz-mine. —(10/12/98) : This sandstone formation, which is composed of small gold-hearing quartz-veins, is worked from 6 ft. to 12 ft. in width, on tribute. Mr. James Sutherland is in charge. The plant consists of a five-head stamp-mill, driven by water-power. Up to the present only seventeen loads have been treated. Last Ghance Quartz-mine. —(12/7/98) : This property is situated ou the Big Eiver Eoad. The formation is sandstone intermixed with quartz-bearing veins. It varies in width to about 30 ft., and is worked in an open face. The greater portion of this ground is put through the mill, as it is difficult to pick out the valuable stone. A five-stamp battery, driven by steam-power, forms the plant. This is a private company of four men. Inherman Mines. —(7/2/99) : On this property extensive developments from the Eainy Creek side have been carried out. The chief work is the completion of the low-level tunnel which connects the Eainy Creek with the new Inkerman shaft, a distance of 3,762 ft. A considerable amount of crosscutting and rising has been pushed forward in view of striking at lower levels the ore-bodies that are known to exist in the New Inkerman and Scotia, but the developments so far have proved of little importance. All operations in connection with the low-level tunnel have ceased. In the No. 2 Supreme sixteen men are employed to determine the blocks that are on the main drive, but up to the present nothing of a permanent character has been found. Timber and ventilation are strictly attended to. Twenty-seven men are employed. At time of writing all work was suspended. Golden Treasure. —-(15/11/98): This property has been reopened by the Anglo-Continental Gold-mining Syndicate (Limited), Mr. James Naismith, mine-manager. The shaft by which mining operations are connected is 308 ft. in depth, and is divided into two winding compartments and one ladderway compartment, which is furnished with a substantial ladder. The only work that is being done is repairing No. 1 level, which is retimbered in a very substantial manner. The winding-cage in use, which was not provided with proper safety appliances to raise and lower persons, was prohibited, and the manager was duly notified to that effect; also with reference to fencing across the entrance to the shaft and over the shaft's mouth. Five men employed. ♦ Victoeia Eange. Cumberland Extended. —(ll/11/98) : The principal work is pushing forward the leading stope and timbering the passes. The drives throughout the mine are all well timbered and in good condition. Ventilation is good. Fifteen men are employed. Kirwan's Reward. —(l 4/11/98): —The prospecting work carried out on this property is under the supervision of Mr. W. Kirwan, on behalf of the Anglo-Continental Gold-mining Syndicate (Limited). The Nos. 1, 2, and 3 tunnels have been driven 480 ft., 291 ft., and 312 ft. west respectively. They are well timbered and ventilation good. At present work has ceased in Nos. 2 and 3 tunnels, but four men are employed preparing the ground to start other two crosscuts. The works throughout are in a satisfactory condition. Boatman's Exploration Company. —(14/11/98) :On this property prospecting is principally carried on by sinking shafts 6 ft. by 3 ft. No. 1 shaft, situated about 4 chains east of Kirwan's Eeward, and No. 2 shaft, situated 3 chains south of Lord Brassey, are sunk to depths of 12 ft. and 15 ft. The ground sunk through is a formation of loose slate intermixed with small particles of quartz. The shafts are close timbered. Mr. J. McEafferty is mine manager. Welcome. —-(22/8/98) : The works on this property still continue of a development character. No. 5 drift has been extended north 250 ft. A winze was sunk on the reef 100 ft., and the same reef was followed by a rise for 149 ft. Crosscuts from this level were driven east and west 246 ft.; and two men are engaged in cleaning out No. 6 level. Nos. 2 and 4 levels have been retimbered, and 1000 ft. on the specimen low-level tunnel was cleaned out during the past two months, which work is being continued. At the Just-in-Time work will be started as soon as the road is made to deliver machinery at that point, which work is expected to be completed at an early date. Papakoa Eanges. Julian Quartz-Mine. —During the year a mutual agreement between the Julian Gold-mining Company and the Victory Gold-mining Company was arrived at, and an amalgamation of the two properties under the title of the Julian Gold-mining Company was confirmed. Mr. Charles Curtis, late partner in the Victory, is now mine manager. Since the amalgamation of the properties a prospecting tunnel on the west of the Victory line of reef has been driven 260 ft.; also 7 chains of tramway and 260 ft. of shoot to connect the Julian reef with the Victory low-level tunnel have been built, this work being necessary to convey the ore across the Victory lease, and to connect the Julian section of the property with the battery-incline. Stoping on both sides of the reef is steadily carried on. Ventilation good; nine men employed. Crasus (Paparoa.) —The surface developments that have been erected consist principally of a ten-head battery and aerial tram-line by the Despatch Foundry Company, Greymouth. From the upper terminal, the tram-line rises for nearly 200 ft. to the crest of the mountain, whence it descends for 2,300 ft. to the machine-site; the average gradient is 1 in 3, and the distance between terminals a mile and a half. The battery, which is under the charge of Mr. E. W. Eaithby, is worked intermittently, as the mine developments are not sufficiently advanced to keep the mill continuously employed. Under these conditions the battery works on an average twelve hours per day, but in the near future it is expected that sufficient ore will be obtainable to increase the output and enable the battery to be worked night and day. The mined ore for battery purposes is confined to No. 1 level, in which the reef has been followed for 300 ft., and proved to the surface outcrops, giving backs varying from 110 ft. to 190 ft., which increase in height as the drive extends into the hill. The reef varies from 6 in. to 8 ft., and the value of the ore varies with B—C. 3a.