MINING.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 93, 26 January 1872, Page 3

MINING.

Caledonian. —Yesterday morning it was currently reported in town that gold had been struck in the low level of the mine, and a little excitement naturally ensued in consequence. Upon proceeding to the mine our reporter found that rumour was for once correct, and that some specimens had actually come from the main reef in the low level. About 81b. of stone showing gold freely and well were knocked down during the uight,and the manager him self, on proceeding to the spot, found several more pieces of the same sort. Antimony was also making its appearance. During the afternoon again some more golden stone was brought to light, and the show of antimony in the reef was very good indeed. The spot where the gold came from is at the bottom of the No. 3 winze, and some 17 feet from the Tookey boundary. It was about two feet from the hanging-wall of the lode, which (the wall) looks very well indeed. This find quite agrees with our opinion expressed a few days since, that there was plenty of the reef left on the hanging-wall to contain a good run, and that until it was completely stripped, no just opinion could be formed of the value of the lode at this level. A great demand arose for shares during the day, hut holders were afraid to part, and buyers unwilling to advance in price, so that the amount of business done was not so very great. This find may prove of the greatest value to the field in general, if it shows that the gold continues down to the deep levels. We sincerely trust that it may. Bright Smile. —The crushing which has been going ori for some time at the Prince Alfred battery, was finished yesterday morning, and a general clean up took place. About 100 tons were put through, nearly the whole of which was taken from the lower level, and the result even exceeded expectations. After molting, the gold weighed 2040 z. lfidwt,, being at the rate of slightly over 2oz. to the ton. This looks well for the future of the mine, being a better average than was obtained from the higher levels. Crushing will lie resumed in a short time, as soon as the manager gets properly to work at opening up this block, and lie fully expects to keep constantly at it. Unicorn. —A crushing of a small parcel of stone from this tribute was cleaned up yesterday morning at the Manukau battery. The tons put through yielded 2‘2oz. 3dwt. of clearly retorted gold. Besides this we were informed that a parcel of specimens crushed separately gave 190 z., so that the total yield may be considered very rich. The leader from which the stone was taken is, however, very small indeed, and the country is very hard, so that a rich return must be got to pay for working it. Great Surtrise. —The trial crushing for this claim has not yet been commenced, owing to the carter not being ready to take the stuff to the machine. Yesterday afternoon some more stone with good gold through it was knocked off tho outcrop of the reef, quite close to the boundary of the Oriental claim, by some persons who visited the ground. Inverness. —The manager has started another six head to work at the battery, the supply of quartz having increased. lie will he ablo to keep the l(i head going constantly. The tramway which is being carried from the mouth of the tunnel to the machine is being rapidly erected, and this when finished will save all expense of carting. The reef looks still very healthy carrying gold all along. Thctriliutcrs are getting their paddock full again for another crushing. Herald Battery. —Brushing for the Alburnia and Moanataiari Companies is going on at this machine, but neither are looking up much for a good return. The Alburnia stone is quite different from that which yielded so well at the last crushing, and must be from a different part of the mine. The manager informs us that lie has now a more than sufficient supply of water for the machine. This is owing to the excellent arrangements he has made with regards to his tanks and pump, a constant and steady supply being always on hand.