THE THAMES GOLDFIELDS

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2083, 8 January 1908, Page 3

THE THAMES GOLDFIELDS

AX IMPORTANT NEAY AA'ORK

AYORKIN G S CAN NO AY (- GEO U R HUNDRED FEE L DEEPER.

Presa Association. THAAIEH, Jan. 7

A work of more than district- importance, and one which will have a marked effect- on the mining industry at the Thames, has been commenced, viz., the sinking of the large Thames-Hauraki shaft, to which is connected a mammoth pumping plant, purchased by the Government and handed to tho Drainage Board to control. Ail mines in the drainage area are contributing to the lip-keep of the shaft, which is now down 800 ft, it being proposed to sink to 1000 ft. The adjoining mine, the May Queen, is now opening out at 800 ft, but it is doubtful if tlie AI blister for Alines will consent to the other mines working from the (shaft until it is sunk an additional IOOIt. A crosscut Horn the shaft- in a northerly direction would render available a large -area of virgin ground to many mines, in some cases the gold is carried down to the water level, which will be lowered 400 f- when connection is made. If the work proves successful the future of the Thames is assured. No decision has yet been made public as to the appointment- of an Inspector of Alines as successor to Air. Coutts. Soundings taken from the entrance to the Thames River to the Hauraki Gulf show that so far there is no silting from tailings. The damage is confined to areas further up-steam.