THE THAMES FIELD.

Otago Witness, Issue 2809, 15 January 1908, Page 28

THE THAMES FIELD.

SOME, IMPORTANT WORKS. THAMES, January 7. A work of more than district importance-, and one that will have a marked effect oa the> miningr -industry in the Thames-, was commenced—viz., -the sinking of the large Ihames-Hauraki with _ which is connected the mammoth pumping plant parchased by the Government and handed over to; the Drainage Board to control all the mines in_ the drainage area contributing ,to its upkeep. The shaft is now down 800ff; and it is proposed to sink to a depth, of 200Qft. The adjoining miiie, the May.Queen, is now-opening out at> 800 ft, but it is doubtful if the. Minister of Mines will consent- to other min-es working from the 'shaft until; it "has been sunk an additional 200 ft. " A:" cross cut from.-the shaft in a. northerly direction would render available a' large " area of virgin ground to' many mines. In some\ cases the gold' is carried^ down to the water level, whicn will be lowered 400 ft when a connection is made. ' If" the work proves successful the future of the Thames- will -ba assured. "^ " Ho dteciaion has yet" been made public as to the appointment of »n< Inspector: pi, Mines as successor to "Mr Coutts>~Soundings taken' at the entrance of the Tliaanes River, to the* fliaurakiT3-ulf_sh"^w that so far there- is no silting, from tailings.. The. damage ia< confined to- areas farther up the stream. . • -