MINING NEWS. Thames, June 12.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 377, 15 June 1889, Page 5

MINING NEWS. Thames, June 12.

LoxeHand. — The low level on the course of the General Chute reef having been extended a distance of 20ft, a breaking down of the lode has taken place for the first time. The reef, which is encased in a favourable channel of sandstone, proves to be 12 inches bhick, and carries some nice mineral. No Rold was observed, but as 6dwts per load would defray all working and crushing expenses, the manager is saving a trial parcel o'i. quartz. Otherwise there is no change to report. Nkvv Alburxia. — The men are now engaged cleaning up and re-timbering about 60ft of the drive ab the battery level, which collapsed a few days ago. Until this is completed the reef cannot be further operated upon, although there are about 12ft of it stripped ready to take down. Sylvia.— The Melbourne syndicate owning this special claim, which is situated ab Tararu, have done a considerable amount of work. The main tunnel, during the progress of which several reefs were pas&ed through, was driven a distance of 1,027fb, at which point the main lode, worked so successfully on the surface by Messrs Taylor and others, was intersected. On the 28th of April last a contract was let to drive 100 feet upon this reef, and the allotted distance has just been completed. Throughout this distance the lode has varied from 2}j feet to 5 feet in thickness, and is composed of very heavily mineralised quartz ; there being an abundance of galena and copper pyrites. The galena vein is from 2 to 6 inches in thickness, and a sample of this ore has been sent to Mr Howell, manager of the Te Aroha G. and S.M. Company's works, with a view to ascertaining its value. The quartz is of a very kindly description, and a few colours of gold have been seen occasionally, but not sufficient to warrant the opinion that it is payable. Mr Seymour George was at the Thames yesterday making fresh arrangements for pushing on work. In consequence of the weather iately the ventilation in the low level has been troublesome at times, but arrangements have now been made for cleaning out and repairing the top tunnel. This will be done by wages men, after which a contract will be left for sinking a winze upon the reef, and good ventilation thus assured. Waiiii. — Information has been received here from Paeroa that the Waihi G. and , S.M. Company's reduction plant has been closed down for about three months. It is stated that this course has been adopted pending the connection of the water race with the plant, steam having been found too expensive. The other work proceeds as u&ual. Loxe Hand. — The reef in the General Chute drive in the low level has been broken down to the face of the drive. The quartz is kindly-looking, with some nice mineral. The reef is about 12 inches in thickness in the face ot the drive. Me and Howe. — This licensed holding' was to-day sold by the Warden for £26, Mr Jaa. Madden being the purchaser. Paroquet G.M. Company (Waiomo).— This mine, which recently suspended operations, wa? to-day granted protection for hrce months.