LIVINGSTONE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 835, 17 December 1878, Page 2

LIVINGSTONE.

—• (FROM OT7R OWN CORRESPONDENT.) A lecture on " Tin and Copper Mining in Cornwall" was delivered on Tuesday, 10th inst., by Mr. H. L. Gilbert. The lecture was illustrated by large diagrams showing the extensive engineering involved in modern mining. Mr. Frater, in introducing the locturer, said that as the proceeds were to be devoted to the funds of the Waitaki Presbyterian Mission, the lecture was, apart from the treatment it would receive, well worthy of their support. Mr. Gilbert commenced by raferring to the great antiquity of mining operations, being probably coexistent with Tubal Cain, and to the fact that the Cornish mines had been worked by the Phoenicians. The divining-rod was then illustrated. It consisted simply of a twig of hazel or hawthorn in the shape of the letter Y, one leg being held in each hand loosely. By this instrument it was alleged a professional diviner as recently as 1830, in Redruth, Cornwall, tracked the copper lode from the surface. The lecturer explained in detail the various tests for the existence of mineral known to miners, such as the cuprie sulphate found in the water and peat of some distriots. He then explained various methods of ventilation in the shafts and drives, going minutely into the construction of various mines in which he had had some ten years' practical experience, the'diagrams (which were beautifully executed) making this very clear. He stated that in the Botallack mine the drives penetratod for 300 fathoms beneath the bed of St. George's Channel, having a temperature of nearly 100 deg. Farh., and it had a fine diagonal shaft at an angle of 45 deg., carrying a tramway worked by steam at a furious speed. The latter was much admired by tourists, &c., who visit Cornwall. At a depth of 300 fathoms the grinding noise of the waves were distinctly heard. He stated that all visitors contributed to the support of the widows and orphans of nine men who were killed in the above shaft by a breakage in the chain. He explained a number of technical terms used at this mine, and said the maximum wages of the miners was from L2 10s to L 3 per month only. He related a miraculous escape he experienced, of which a slight injury sustained now often reminds him! The lecturer then described, with the aid | of' a drawing, the ancient and remarkable " "Werry Mine," between Newlin and Penzance, the shaft penetrating a rock in j mid channel, only 19ft. above water-line, i Communication was established by means ■ of a viaduct, which in winter was swept by the waves so as to cause a suspension of operations. In three summers, however, a shaft to the depth of 720 ft. was sunk, and a total of ore raised valued at L 70,000. Mr. Gilbert then referred to the superstitions prevalent among miners, such as whistling' m the mine, &c. , to the methods of selling contracts, of division of profits, and other matters interesting to miners. He expressed himself willing to answer any queries, and some discussion ensued on the characters and distribution of copper ores in the colonies and elsewhere. The lecture occupied about an hour and three-quarters, and was much appreciated. On the suggestion of Mr. Smith, it was arranged to institute a series of lectures on subjects of general interest, in, aid of the charitable institutions of Oamaru. The Chairman thought Mr. Gilbert might be willing to repeat his lecture for the same object. Mr. Anderson was in fullest sympathy with the idea, and thought the experience of the older countries went to show the beneficial effect of scientific and other lectures in raising the moral and intellectual status of a community. The 'thanks of the meeting were tendered by ac'clanyition to Mr. Gilbert for exhaustive handling-"of the Subject. Mr. ' Gilbert having responded, a vote of thanksip the Chairman concluded the proceedings. The lecture was enlivened at intervals by musical selections, Mias Gilbert presiding most efficiently at the harmonium. Another- new dam is in course of construction on a portion of Run 92, half a mile below the township, and this spot is likely to become a busy one with miners soon. The Committee of the Miners' Association meets to-morrow (Saturday). I have observed a eurious piece of engineering on the road from Livingstone to [ Ngapara. An expensive looking cutting has been made for about half a mile from the golly near Mr. M'Kay's house to the top of the hill, and abruptly ending amidst the crop. Strangers to the road with a dray are compelled to. retrace their steps when they reach this point, there being not even a plough-furrow to indicate the line of road beyond. I suppose the explanation is that the County authorities are awaiting the removal of the crop before proceeding with the road. Meantime it is a great inconvenience to travellers.