REEFTON LETTER.

Lyell Times and Central Buller Gazette, Volume VI, Issue 273, 15 May 1886, Page 2

REEFTON LETTER.

(from our own correspondent.)

Wednesday, May 12. Had any Reeftmite, whose absence covered twelve months, returned during the last week, nothing would have surprised him more than the appearance of two companies of voluuteers, who since that time have sprung into existence, showing smart appearances and caieful evolutions. One evening, at least, every week headed by the garrison band discoursing ma: tial music the town is made lively by the parade of our troops and their bright uniforms. No. 1 Company is composed of adults, mostly strapping fellows, miners and townsfolk, well up in drill, The cadets, No. 2, are especial objects of interest as they are chiefly schoolboys who under the enthusiastic training of Mr Burnham, state schoolmaster and captain of the companies, have attained great proficiency, and appear to be imbued with a large share of the esprit de corps which animates their commander. Major Webb and Lieutenant Spence, inspecting officers, have been putting them through severe drill on this occasion, and on the whole are reported to be highly pleased with their efficiency. The Ingle wood having a good supply of stone on hand, the paddocks being full, started crushing yesterday for a run probably of two months; so by that time the battery will have overhauled the mine, the output from the shaft being dependent upon the hauling power of a single horse, who has also to lift a large quantity of water. The main level to the north has been extended during the day shift, and in a cross-cut to the east cut a new make of scone as yet broken and undefined, but which from its position is expected to eventually lead to what is known as the North Star block; stone which has never yet been operated on by the present company, this being the first attempt made to pick it up. The Golden Treasure after driving much further to the west, from their low level than the usual underlie of the reef waranted, and after experiencing some very hard country cut the track at 68 feet. No reef was met with, but from the favorable appearance of the country hopes are entertained that by driving along the track it will soon be met with.

The Venus having once more got things in order started crushing last week. The level, north and south, is still being extended, carrying stone in both directions ; the southern drive carrying a lode of fair dimensions equal to three feet in width. The stopes show an ample supply of stone and the work of keeping the battey going will not entail much anxiety on the manager.

The Nil Desperandum has jnst succeeded in bailing the water from the shaft, the time over it being longer than expected, owing to the breakage of the Wealth water race, the source of supply for the winding wheel. All the appliances about the wheel work admirably, its speed is good and power great, and in strong contrast to the horse whim which used to do slow and painful duty. As there are biocks of stone available, and known to be payable, the fact of the company being on the eve of active operations has caused a rise in shares which have been in good demand lately. The appointment of a mine manager, which was to have been decided on Saturday last, applications having been called for, was postponed for a week.

The Inkerman having put all their present available stone through the battery the stampers are hung-up, and a small staff at the mine are going in for vigorous prospecting. The Globe is still driving south on the line where those small blocks of payable stone were lately cut, but without as yet meeting with anything permanent. Fortunately the ground is what may be termed fair driving country, and every week shows good progress has been made.

The Happy Valley has suspended operations. Splendid stone was fouud in sinking, down to about 40 feet, when a new make came in, with a scant supply of the precious metal. Drives north and south were put in below to cut the run of good stone, but without success. At the half-yearly meeting, to be held this month, the questions of letting the mine on tribute is to be discussed.

At the Wealth the sinking of the main shaft is again resumed. Some time was lost repairing the main head-race, which suffered damage during a late flood. The new wheel is about ready for winding, and will be at once used for hauling stuff' from the shaft.

Progress at the Dark is of the usual loutine character. Two shifts are working in the stones, and the supply for the mill is forthcoming with monotonous regularity. The sinking of the main shaft is progressing favorably, no unusual d faculties being met with in the process. The Pelton wheels, ordered some time ago, are delivered at Grey mouth. They will not I e placed in position until such serious signs of weakness are developed in the battery wheel as to render it unsafe to use further.

At Boatman's the repairs necessary to Just in-Time water-race, which if? not yet out of hand, has delayed the intended crushing of the Reform, the paddocks there being completely blocked up with stone. The contract for extending the level being finished, before proceeding further the company intend to rise a few stopes and break stone for crushing ; this work is uow proceeding. Mr Thomas Naysmith was on Monday appointed mine manager. The battery will be kept going by this claim until the Just-in-Time is ready to step in, which, from appearances, will not be long, as the show of stone is very large; fully G feet in the intermediate, and of the usual good quality, of the Just stone. Both these claims are worked from the same shaft; the appliauce for winding being a powerful water-wheel.

The Fiery lias just cleaned up, after putting through 180 tons, giving the excellent return of 37dwts to the ton. As a long series of crushing of the same nature may be expected the property is in great demand, and shares arc steadily rising.

Perhaps nothing saddens a mining community more thoroughly than the news'of one or more of its members being cut off whilst in the discharge of some duty connected with their calling. The sad fate of the two poor fellows, Ryan and Biron, who lost their on Sunday last, has cast a gloom over the place; the funeral occurred yesterday, and was very largely attended. The Welcome winding-engine is situated underground, a long distance from the mouth of the tunnel. A large and capacious chamber is cut, giving room for shaft and engine, and as a flue, portions of rises and drives going through the old workings have been utilised. As these are altogether of unusual length, certaim times, when fire was out and engine idle, were appointed for cleauing and ventilating them, and it was in discharge of this duty the melanehely event happened. The inquest, adjourned from yesterday, was to be held to-day, when all facts connected with the sad aflair will doubtless be brought to light.

Thady.