MINING.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14886, 28 January 1914, Page 11

MINING.

PROGRESS MINES, LTD. (REEFTON). The following telegram was received yesterday by tho Christchurch Stock Exchange from the Attorney of tho Progress Mines, Ltd.', Reefton: — •'Progreta Mines of Now Zealand, Ltd., Number 35 eaat drive results to date first 3_ feet not previously reported unpayable, next 18 feet 10 decimal 54 dwte. next ten feet average valuo ten dwta. lteef still in face except top of south sid-o. Reef appears to be pitcbiug south —considerable development work necessary' before full extent and value of thia body will be known." TARANAKI OILFIELDS. THE BLENHEIM BORE. (SPECIAL TO "THE ITIESS.") NEW PLYMOUTH, January 27. Freeh interest has been created in the oil industry, and its possibilities in Taranaki, by the Blenheim bore, which lately has given demonstrations of a good supply. On Sunday afternoon further proof was given, when th-e bore became unexpectedly lively, oil being hurled to the top of the derrick. There were -mo workmen on duty at the time, and tho flow of oil was consequently unchecked, with the result that yesterday the inside of the derrick and the surroundings of the bore -were inches deep in oil, and the sludge pit became a lake oi oil. Tlie blow-out was altogether unexpected, as the field manager had •calculated that with 9in casing the pressure of gas would not be strong enough to force tlio oil out of the bore. That it has done bo ia b favourable sign, although it has made rather a mess of the derrick. Yesterday the staff were engaged in clearing away the congealed oil, and in making preparations for pumping tbe stored oil over to the tank which the company has rented from the Taranaki Oil Wells, Ltd. The pro-sure of i-aa in tho bare is still strong. * I . KUMLARA "WATER RACE. (SFECUI, TO "THE PRESS. ") HOKITIKA, January 27. The price paid for water from the Government water race at Westbrook (Kumai-a) ia beginning to agitato the minds of the minerra there, and some steps will be taken shortly to approach the Department to havo the pxioo reduced. The miners stato that the rate is in excess of what' they 'expected to pay when the race was extended to the north side of tho river.) It is stated that since the beginning of the present year only one party is really using the -water. The Mines Department state that the charge for water is really low, and the recognised rate all over the goldfields. The extension of the race across the Teramakau and attendant works coat about £23,000.