COROMANDEL.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 56, 11 December 1871, Page 3

COROMANDEL.

( from OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) December 8. The crushing for the Masonic G.M.C. at the Whakaroa battery lias come to an untimely end. Seventy tons of stone taken from their main reef, about 25 feet thick, were to have been put through. Not even the color of gold was found, and the crushing was discontinued. The Two Georges have had a very satisfactory trial crushing, the 3 tons just put through the Whakaroa battery having vie ded 29ozs. The Three Kings have not been so fortunate, their return being only 4ozs. from 15 tons : but I am informed that the stulf was taken from a surface leader and sent to the machine as a test. The Nil Desperandum are engaged in blocking out. and will have about 2(J tons of stone ready for crushing when their battery has tiuished with the Golden Point, about'the middle of next week, as from want of water only four head of stampers are at work, and unless we have rain shortly, even that number cannot be kept The Aldershot, a new lease, on private ground, was visited by me for the first time yesterday. It is situated on King s Hid.'and takes in all the old Mclsaac’s workings, from which good specimens have been from time to time brought to light, and which have been taken up again and again only to be abandoned. The present possessors of the ground — gallant sons of Mars I —seem to take as

kindly to the pick as to the sword, and have put in a drive at a low level to cut the Mclsaac leader. It is now in 75 feet, and they calculate they have still 80 feet more to drive before they effect their object. They have met with two very promising mnllocky leaders, from which good prospects have been obtained, and one of which they intend to follow up at once. I would not he at all surprised to find that this claim turned up one of the prizes in the mining lottery. The Golden Pali have struck gold in the cross drive leading to the reef, and some fine specimens have been taken out. The bush in the vicinity of tho Bismark and French Republic was discovered to be on fire, early this morning, and as there was a brisk breeze blowing at the time, the flames spread rapidly up the hill, towards the Tokatca ground, and threatened to destroy the newly-built whare belonging to the mining manager of the Excelsior, and the cluster of huts about it; but by the exertions of a strong body of miners* the fire was checked, and did not extend beyond the tramway. Its origin is unknown. An adjourned meeting of the Sports Committee was held at the Royal Hotel last night, when the programmes were submitted. They include liorso racing, both fiat and hurdle, and athletic sports. They met with general approval, and, with one or two trifling alterations, wore adopted. The details will he published in due course.

A melancholy accident occurred yesterday afternoon. A little hoy about eight years of age, named Dixon, was playing on some logs in Mr Ring’s mill-pond, when he slipped off, and was drowned. II is body was recovered later in the evening, and an inquest was held at 3.30 to-day. Verdict, •* Accidental death by drowning.”