THE REEFS.

Cromwell Argus, Volume I, Issue 18, 16 March 1870, Page 5

THE REEFS.

BENDIGO BEEP. The Cromwell Quartz Crushing Company are bringing in their water-race from the Little Bendigo Cully, for which they have recently obtained a grant from the Warden. The cutting of the race is being proceeded with vigorously, and it is expected to be comW%d before the frost sets in. Crushing*!; the Company's battery has to be frequently suspended, owing to the quantity of sludge brought down by the tad-water from the sluicers higher up the creek, and a law-suit is pending between the Company and the sluicers. The Company is getting out very good stone from deep sinking on a lower level than former workings on their reef. The next crushing at Logan and Co.'s battery is from a portion of the ground called " The Golden Link," situate between both leases of the Company, and as the stone is very rich, the next washing up is expected to exceed 500ozs. Mr Brian Hebden, one of the shaieholders, is to be married to-morrow, and the Company is to grant a holiday to all hands in their employ. There are over 40 men employed by them altogether. There is also to be a ball and supper at Perriam's Provincial Hotel, Logantown, in honor of the marriage, so that the first St. Patrick's Day in the existence of Logantown will most likely be remembered on the Bendigo Reefs for some time to come.

A contract has been accepted for sinking an additional 50ft in the shaft of -No. 1 west of the Bendigo Reef, at £1 per foot. The original shaft was down about 50ft, and Messrs Talboys, Day, and Company deserve great Credit for the manner in which the claim has been tested. This will be the fourth shaft now sunk on the claim. The reef appears cropping out of the surface in this, as well as in the adjacent claim of John Wilson and party. The second shaft in No. 2 west is now down more than 60ft, following a substantial leader from the surface, where golden stone was struck, This is one of the first claims taken up on this reef. Work has been vigorously carried on by the two working shareholders (Messrs John Wilson and Hugh Henry) from the commencement. Mr Wilson was offered £3OO for his share i,ome time since, but declined to sell, as he expects to do better by working the claim than by selling out. Mr Andrew Dalziel, of No. 9 east on Logan's line, will be ready for a trial crushing as soon as an opportunity occurs of getting the Aurora battery. He is getting out some good stone at present.

AURORA REEF. The Aurora Company intend to proceed With the erection of dams as soon as possible tor holding spare water. The race being for a long time dry during the preliminary operations and erection of machinery, there has been considerable loss of water by soakage and otherwise. They are for the present crushing with only four stampers, owing to the scarcity of water. The second set of stampers will be ready to commence operations as soon as the necessary supply of water is available. Their tunnel, which is worked vigorously night and day, is over 400 ft long, and the manager (MrHazlett) has commenced opening up the line of reef eastward to the boundary of the adjacent claim. The great energy and perseverance displayed by this company fully merit the golden reward they are now reaping. Although only four stampers are working, the next washing-up is expected to exceed the last, as the stone appears to be improving the deeper the company sink. Had the shareholders in other reef claims on Bendigo taken example by the Aurora and Cromwell Quartz Crushing Companies, the reefs would be still more developed, and the working miners, as well as the Province generally, largely benefited. The working miner can only give his labour, and it requires capital to properly develop the resources of the district. The adjacent claim east of the Aurora (David M'Longhlan and party) are piling 6orae excellent stone, and are anxiously looking out for a trial crushing. Beare, Wilson, and Company's claim, between the Aurora and Colclough's Reef, is turning out some excellent stone, and they are waiting for a trial crushing. They are now commencing a tunnel to strike the reef from a low level.

HicHJrioND's Bee?. Stewart Richmond's claim is at a standstill, pending the decision in the law-suits now going on in the Warden's Court. This is considered to be a very good line of reef, and is the lowest down the range towards Bendigo Gully running east and west.

THE ALTO OR WJLLIAMS'S REEF. During the last week, some excellent stone has been struck in No. 1 east on this hne of reef, and prospecting is carried on with much vigour.