THE GYMPIE DIGGINGS.

Grey River Argus, Volume VII, Issue 451, 3 December 1868, Page 3

THE GYMPIE DIGGINGS.

(From the Oympie Times, October 24.) During the week our mining reporter visited the reefs situated on the south side of the Mary River, and from his minute description of them there can be no doubt o: their payable character. If a crushing machine of eight or ten stampers were erected in the vicinity of these reefs a great impetus would be given to the development of the auriferous resources of this portion of the gold field. There are sixteen reefs now opened there, and we know of no reason why as many may not be found as has been found on the north side of the river. The difficulty and cost of conveying quartz in large and other reefs, by their payable yield, are aiding to increase the fame of Gympie as one of the largest and richest quartz-mining districts in Australasia. In alluvial mining there are no new discoveries to report. The old workings still continue to be systematically reworked with profit, as shown by the magnificent find made in the Golden Bar claim, at Walker's Gully, upwards of 500 ounces having been lodged in the bank from it during the week. Puddling machines are increasing, several being now in course of erection on the banks of the river, where the only reliable supply of water is available in summer. With the increased area which can be held by puddlers under the new rules, it is likely that there will be a large number of puddling machines at work ere the summer closes. Since our last issue the following crushings have been completed : — "At the Victoria machine, 68 tons from the prospecting claim Lady Mary Reef yielded 1250z5. At the Pioneer machine, 20 tons from the prospecting claim Victoria Reef yielded lodwts. to the ton. At the Enterprise machine, 250 tons from No. 4 south Monkland Reef will be commenced about Thursday next. The " Golden Bar" still continues to maintain its name ; another find of 40ozs. was made yesterday, as well as two rich specimens, the whole .expected to yield 75 ozs. of gold. The claim-owners have sent 12 loads of mixed quartz and alluvial stuff to be crushed, from which they expect a heavy yield. Mr Murphy has " swopped" a half share in this claim for a full share in the prospecting claim Perseverance Reef. In the prospectors' claim Nil Desperandutn Reef good alluvial gold is being obtained. The Golden Bar is end on to this claim. In the prospecting claim and No. 1 north Oue-mile Reef what is called " good" gold was struck on Saturday last. In the prospecting claim Banana Reef, the party after sinking several shafts has struck a reef two feet wide in which coarse gold is easily seen. It is expected that the next escort will be about 7000ozs. the largest for many months past.