MINING NEWS.

Lyell Times and Central Buller Gazette, Volume VI, Issue 255, 9 January 1886, Page 2

MINING NEWS.

(FROM our MINING REPORTER.) Friday, January 8. United Alpine.—The manager, Mr Martin Conradson, has had all hands busily engaged filling-in the worked portion of the mine since the holidays, and everything, both inside and outside, has been placed in thorough working order to start the New Year. The shoot has been repaired. In&ide the mine the men started to break down stone last Wednesday, and a good supply has been continued to the battery, since Thursday. There is no change in the stopes, with the exception of the north end, where the reef is gradually cutting out the horse of mullock. The reef is also there much wider than usual, having made out to 50 feet in the widest place." In No. G level they have started to drive for the north block. The estimated distance to be driven to reach this block, is between 170 and 190 feet. There are six men engaged in this work, in three shifts. The battery started on Thursday evening with 15 stamps. The full complimeut could not be started owing to scarcity of water consequent on the late dry weather. MiWaters has given the battery a thorough and complete overhauling since the holidays. The tunnel race-deviation contract was accepted on Tuesday last; the price, with timber, being ,£1 3s Gd ; without timber, 19s per foot; the contractors are O'Brien and party. They commenced work on Thursday.

United Italy.—The contractors far extending the main level north are making rapid headway, and expect to complete the existing contract in ten days or a fortnight, when in all probability fresh tenders will be called for another extension. The. directors met 011 the sth, but beyond making a call, no other business of importance was transacted. Larnach.—Steadily pushing on with the cross-cut. The hands engaged in the face have come on water, which is considered a good indication of the close proximity of the reef. Tyr Connell.—Still getting out payable stone. Some of the men are engaged driving No. 4 level to ca ry air into the mine while the remainder are rising and taking out stoue. It is possible that when the ventilation arrangements are completed more men will be put 011. Lyell Creek Extended.—The con> tractors are making good headway with the tunnel. The distance driven to sth instant is 1318 feet, leaving '2BO feet further to complete present contract. When this distance is driven, the tunnel will be in 100() feet. The country pierced at present is looking well with a good underly. Small leader formations have lately came into the face.

Mauuia.—Mr J. Campbell, contractor for the conveyance of stone to the mill, will start work on Tuesday next. The compliment of quartz is now to grass for present crushing, which will be stated at the Croesus battery, when between 70 and 80 tons is expected to be put\hrough. The distance to pack stone to tli® battery is fully 4 miles, and the time lias now arrived when the absolute necessity for the erection of a 10-head battery m the vicinity of these rich leader claims has become apparent. It is to be hoped that those interested will take the matter in hand at once.