OTAGO.

Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 754, 17 November 1870, Page 4

OTAGO.

The Aurora Company's reef, Bendigo Gully, proved a losing concern to the shareholders. Notwithstanding the splendid nature of the prospects at first ob.tained, and the then apparent abundance of gold-bearing quartz, it has since been proved that there is very little body of stone in the reef, so little that it will scarcely cover the expenses of getting it out. The shareholders have, therefore, come to the conclusion to discharge all their hands, and to work the claim themselves, in the hope of finding a greater thickness of reef at a lower level. I trust! they will be successful. The Cromwell Company's battery continues in full operation, and the results of the crushings from their reef are highly satisfactory. The manager of the Oromwell Quartz Mining Company lodged at the bank, on the sth inst., a cake of amalgamated gold weighing 3850z, the result of fourteen days' crushing at the company's battery. | This is an increase of 20oz over the yield for the previous fortnight, and may be regarded aa a further proof of the permanent and remunerative character of the reef. We trust the time is at hand when similar returns will be obtained from some of the other quartz claims in this district. We learn that some very good-looking stone has been got from the O.P.Q. Reef, which is again in full working order. Mining matters remain much in the same state as usual at the Nevis, those who get gold spend it ; those who do not, get into debt — if they can. Several strangers have passed up and down the diggings, but none have set into work : they were only visitors. One party have had a large pnmp and wheel from Clyde — one of the largest wheels that has been sent up to the Nevis. When extra expenses are incurred like the cost of this gear, it is a sign that the ground is payable. A small pacch of nuggets (the largest about 3oz) has been found near the surface on one of tho deep claims ; and trifling as the find is, it causes quite an excitement.