MINING MATTERS.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 466, 26 April 1890, Page 4

MINING MATTERS.

THE DIAMOND DRILL. Auckland, April 21. A meeting of the Mines Committee of the Chamber of Commerce was held this morning, when Mr Adam Porter presided. There were present: Messrs Newman, Brodie, and Lennox. The question of

mine managers’ examinations was considered, and it was decided to write to the Government asking to be supplied with copies of the examination papers. The opinion was expressed that the present curriculum was too heavy for the present mine managers, and that something more practical and less theoretical would be preferable.

A letter was read from tho Thames Borough Council with regard to an American diamond drill rock borer which had been offered for sale to that body by the Inangahua County Council. The cost of this drill was £1,915 7s 6d landed in Melbourne. The New Zealand Government gave £I,OOO as subsidy for the purchase of the drill, but it has never been used, being too heavy to move about in such a hilly- country as the Reefton district. A report was also read from Air H. A. Gordon, Inspecting Engineer, stating that there were rods equal to 2,000, but he feared they were rather light to be used bo any great depth. It was decided to write to the Government and ask them to assist towards the purchase of the drill, as that would prove a great incentive to mine owners to subscribe towards that object., in order to thoroughly test the low levels at the Thames.