MONTHLY SUMMARY.

Thames Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 1785, 10 April 1874, Page 3

MONTHLY SUMMARY.

OUft GOLDFIELDS,

Itf our last summary we entered into some self-congratulation on the very marked improvement which had manifested itself in mining affairs generally throughout the goldfield, but particularly on the imporsome rioh discoveries which had been' made recently. Upon this score of new discoveries the present month has been even more important in its results than the preceding one, and the finds have not been confined to any particular'portion of the goldfield. They have been well distributed, and their number has been, to say the least, most remarkable. In many instances, as in the Manukau mine, the discoveries have been all the more important from the unexpected manner in which they have been made. To this find we shall more particularly allude presently, but its importance cannot be over-estimated. This mine was generally considered exfuusted/ Indeed, work had been suspended in it for nearly 18 months, but recently a crosscut, which had been driven before work was discontinued, was resumed, and a distance of two feet only was driven when a strong reef was met with.- It proved to be 18 feet thick, aud the general stuff taken out is now being crushed for an average yield of 3ozs to the ton. This find ifl not one which affects the Manukau mine alone. It has an important bearing upon all the -adjoining mines through which it strikes; and another and more 'important effect which has resulted from this and other discoveries in various parts of the field is, that they have created a feeling of confidence w&ich has led to more vigorous prospecting, the effeot of which is already felt to a great degree. In the City of London (one of the Waio-Karaka mines) there have been two new reefs found during the month. In the Alburnia one new reef has been discovered, 'under very favourable circumstances; and another, which was< formerly opened to a trifling extent and lost, has been recovered. A strong new lode has been found in the bottom level of the Black Angel; and another, which was found last month in the, Central Italy, has this month been worked with great advantage to the company. The reef has been cut in the lo*r-level of the Bird-in-Hand, with a richer show of gold than was ever noticeable in the other levels. These are the principal actual discoveries made since the publication of our last summary; but there have been others of minor importance, to which we shall have occasion to refer hereafter. In other respects besides new discoveries, there has been a good deal done worthy of notice since our last summary. We shall have to refer to the continued extraordinary richness of the Old Whau and other miueß. The whole result of the month's operations affords a good foundation for the renewed feeling of confidence which is now pervading all.gold-mining ciroles, and which is felt to a remarkable degree on the Stook. Exchange. There is not any'of that feverish excitement which at one time prevailed during what was called par excellence the scrip" mania. In no instance now have stocks assumed more than a legitimate value, and the feeling which prevails may be designated as a healthy feeling of investment as compared with that sickly, feverish, speculative spirit which existed for some time, aud led to that prolonged depression from which the field is only now reviving. From the annexed list of the crushings which have taken place since our last published, it will be seen that, although the present mouth is not a complete one, there is an increase of 3,2850z8 ov?r the result of the preceding month's crushing. This is a very encouraging, indication of prosperity, and shows the genuineness of the foundation of the confident feeling which now prevails. When several important works whioh are now in progress in mahy mines are sufficiently advancod to be remunerative, we may look forward to a still more marked increase in our monthly gold yields. The prospects of the goldfield never looked brighter than they do at present, eyen at the time when the Caledonian and other exceptional mines were producing very heavy yields, for now the gold is more generally the result of crushings Atom all parts of the field than at any time previously. Caledonian, Pumping Association,' AND NEIGHHOtTBING MINES.—So far 8S what are usually known as the leading mines of this locality, namely, the Caledonian and Tookey, there is little of interest to report. In the Pumping Association active preparations are in progress for fixing the new plunger cistern at the 400-feet level, and inserting the massive machinery constructed for the plungerlift at the foundry of Messrs Price Brothers, Grahamstown. In our last, we alluded to the application which had been made to the Government for a loan of £50,000 for the purposo of continuing tho sinking of this shaft to a depth of 700 feet. The requisite security having been given by the mines interested, the money is to be granted, and as soon as the plunger is fixed and preliminaries arranged sinking will be resumed. Meanwhile driving- from the 400-feet levol towards the Albion shaft to the northward of the Tookey on the southward is continued, but no new discovery has .been made.—No new feature has been developed in the Caledonian mine which calls for special mention..—ln the Tookey mine also the month's operations have been barren of profitable results, and some trial crushings takon out of the hanging-wall leader did not fulfil antiqipa-

tions. But, altheugh there has nothing of interest transpired in either of those, the so-called, leading mines, in their immediate neighbourhood a discovery of vast importance has occurred in the Manukau mine. We have already briefly alluded to this, but it calls for something more than passing mention. The Manukau mine was one of the first on the goldfield in which payable gold was struck, and a reef which has since become familiar as the Caledonian reef was opened in it. The company worked it on its underlie down to the boundary* of the Golden Crown, with great profit to themselves and benefit to the entire field. The same lode was afterwards worked in the , Golden Crown on its underlie down to the Caledonian boundary, with what results our readers are already aware, and the same reef was then worked in the Caledonian mine, where it produced enormous wealth. The Manukau mine is therefore of great importance to the, field, in having led in a great measure to the development of these important mines; but although we have alluded to this en.passant, it has only a comparative bearing on the recent discoveries. At the footwall side of this Caledonian reef another, which became known afterwards as the No. 2, was opened. It was running a parallel course, was equal in magnitude, and, although it never proved so rich; yet in the Cure mine, particularly, it produced a lot of magnificent ore, whioh paid heavy dividends. But, notwithstanding the richness of this particular portion of it in the Cure mine, the rest of the lode was unprofitable or nearly so, and in the Manukau, where it was opened at the same level as the Cure, it never paid. After a prolonged term of prospecting this, No. 2 reef, the manager of the Manukau determined to explore still further into the foot-wall or south side, and about 18 months ago a drive was put in a distance of 30 feet from the foot-wall of the No. 2 reef, but no results were met with, and work was then discontinued by the company, although some portions of the mine were let. on tribute by the company, but these sections were not worth much. Eecently the company resumed work, aud the principal idea entertained. by the shareholders being that the footwall side should be further prospected, the old cross-cut was cleaned out with a view to continuing it still farther. They had driven barely 2. feet when they uncovered a lode which, on driving through it afterwards, proved to be 18 feet thick. The stone contained a large quantity of mineral, but showed very little gold. However, it was worth testing, and the stuff taken out while driving through it was sent to,the mill. To the astonishment of every one, but chiefly of those most interested, the stuff showed up for an average yield equal to 4ozs to the ton.' Crushiag was commenced with 6 head of stampers on the 30th ultimo, and has been continued since, and the whole lode taken en masse in the face, is now proved to be worth 3azs to the ton •so far as it -has been opened. So far good for the fortunate shareholders, but the discovery affects the adjoining mines. The Cure mine is almost certain of the strike of this new lode in one direction, while in the other the Imperial Crown gets the strike, aud the Imperial City the underlie of it. The "Golden Crown will also, in all likelihood, get a good portion of it in their mine, and are driving for it now, as are also the Cure people. In fact, the discovery has exercised an electrical effect upon ull .the claims in the neighbourhood, and by infusing new vigour into their operations will lead, not only to the further development of this reef, but to the pushin? forward of prospecting works which may lead to equally i mportant results.—ln the Albion mine, there are ho operations carried on by the company, but tributers are working some of the upper portions ( of the claim with good rosults. One party this week obtained fr&m 50 tons of stone a splendid yield' of 3450zj gold.—lt will now be Been that the mines in the, neighbourhood of the Caledonian >and Pumping Association have acquired a much increased importance from the discovery in the Manukau mine.

UPPBE MOAfTATAUEI DisrEior.—The mine which has acquired the .position of paramount importance in the Upper Moanataiari district is the Old Whau, to the richness of whioh we alluded at considerable length in our last summary. But its wealth then was in a great measure speculative, when taken in comparison with the substantial proofs of value which have since been received in the shape of gold yields. The first return of importance since last summary was on the 16th ultimo, when, as the .result of 250 tons of general stuff from this mine, a yield of 5510z3 gold, or an average of better than 2ozs to the ton was obtained. This was followed shortlyafcer by a crushing of about 2| tons of stone specially selected for its richness, and designated picked stone to distinguish it from specimens, and this small parcel, in addition to about 6 Jons of general stuff, yielded 1,1340zs gold. But although this yield was astonishingly rich, it sank into insignificance when compared with that which followed, namely, a yield of 1,2170zs gold from 6owt v of specimens or stones selected from the general mass on account of its extraordinary richness. Two other retortings have since taken place with splendid results, but the final cleaning up of the crushing does not take place until early next week, when a dividend of £3 per share, or a total of £9,000 will be paid to the fortunate and plucky shareholders. The mine is still showing up as richly as ever, and there _ is a certainty of numerous heavy dividends for mauy months to come from the portions of,the reef now opened up for working. The mine has been hitherto principally owned by Thames shareholders in large quantities, but recently Mr Beetham, on behalf of himself and other Auckland speculators, purohased2oo shares from Mr Borthwick at £710s per share. On the 20th ultimo a new reef was struck in the deep level of the Blaok Angel mine 218 feet below the adit. Here the main reef was driven on its course towards the Sons of Freedom, and it was within 30 feet of the boundary th&t this new reef was found striking into it diagonally from the foot-wall. It showed gold' in a lode three feet thick. It has since been driven on for a considerable distance, and rich patches of gold were met with in it. A rise is now being put up on this new lode towards the level overhead, and a little of the stone which has been broken down at this rise showed gold freely, and produced a quantity of really superior specimens. But the reef is evidently patchy in character, a,nd the gold does not appear to be well disseminated through the stone. However, it will prove a good payable reof, and proves a valuable acquisition to the oompany's property.— In the Alburnia there have been three finds of importance this week which' serves to bring this company's mine into a very prominent position. Some' time ■ago the Alburnia Company opened negotiations for the usa of tho Whan tunnel

to enable them ' to work a blook of the reef in their ground whioh was supposed I to contain a good portion of the Whau rich run of gold, The terms asked by the Whau were not considered favourable, and negotiations were then opened for the use of the Dixon's No. 1 main tunnel. This has been driven from the opposite side of the range, and the reef was followed in it and worked up to the Alburnia boundary. The level would be sufficient to open up a block of the lode 60 feet in length by 50 in depth, and would therefore in a great measure answer the same purpose which was intended to be gained by the use of the Whau tunnel. Terms were arranged on the 28th ultimo, and soon after that driving was commenced. Three important finds were made in this mine on Wednesday last. The first and most important one was the discovery of a new auriferous lode in the main level, or old Star of the South level, as it is called. Here the manager drove a cross-cut into the hanging-wall a distance of about 25 feet, and on Saturday last saw a little quartz in the side of the drive, which is going in a direction very close ,to northwest by north. Its strike did not bring it fully into the drive up to yesterday, but although little notice was taken of it, as its course was so different to all the chief lodes of the mine, yet the manager had a shot put into it on Wednesday, which soon altered the estimate of its value. It showed a remarkably fine' body of stone, in which gold was freely visible, and some very fair specimens came to hand with the first parcel broken down.' The course of this lode is such that it appears to strike from the cornerpeg of the Whau and Alburnia mine towards the Tinker's Gully side of the claim. It is,a foot thick. The find is of itself a very important one, but the manager is of opinion that this is nothing more or less than a cross-reef connecting the main lode with another whioh he thinks exists, and ruo3 a course parallel with the main reef at the hanging-wall side. On the same afternoon a iine show of gold was met with in the lode at a distance of 16 feet from the boundary in the Dixon's tunnel, and it was no poor patoh, as it was evidently more important than that, for there was a good general show of gold through the whole of the stuff afterwards broken down. The third find did not occur in any of the low levels of the mine, but on the upper or surface level. Shortly before Captain Higgins resigned the management of this mine, he opened up a good strong lode on the crown of the hill, and upon it he sunk a winze. Some crushing stuff taken out of it yielded well, but at a depth of 19 feel; the reef| was lost. The present manager, .after some consideration, determined to continue the sinking of the winze, but to alter its underlie. This he accordingly did, and on Wednesday, at,'a further depth of 18 feet, he found the leader a fine body of stone two feet thick, which, amongst other encouraging indications, contained a good show of gold. Dixon'3 No. 1 having in a great measure worked out the lode in their own mine above their miin level (thai to which the Albarnia have now gained access) have endeavoured to obtain an entry from the Black Angel low level, but have not been successfuHn making arrangements.—The Sons of Freedom Company discontinued crushing oa the 25th ultim>, and have since been engaged in putting in prospecting drives.—The Watchmaa has resumed work within the last few days.— The Moanataiari Company have been crushing with their new battery during the month, bat the quality of the stuff put through it up to the present has been poor.—The Central Italy has had a new and important, find of a strong reef in their low level, on which they have carried on operations to a considerable extent during the month, fhe lode was met with at the lower,boundary of the claim where it struck into the main reef, but it lies flat, aud therefore recedes into the foot-wall side as it is worked on upwards.—The Golden Calf Company have had some good returns during the month, but the most important work which they had on hand was sinking a winze to oonnect the 200-feet level with the 260-feet level. This is now almost accomplished, and during the ensuing month they will be able to break out larger quantities of crushing stuff, and will therefore be iu a position to crush, greater quantities, and obtain larger returns. ' ' Waio-Kaeaka Dxsteioi.—The discoveries made in this distriot, as well as the rapid development of its mines, have fully kept pace with the other portions of the goldfield, and its importance his become greater than before, inconsequence of the new resources opened in it. Amongst the most important finds of the month have been those which ocourred in the City of Loudon mine. On the 23rd ultimo, while following the course of the cross-reef, the manager met au entirely new lode, the coarse of. which was parallel with the Nos. 1 and 2 reefs of this and' the adjoining mines. I This was found within 30 feet of the boundary, but its strike was directly through the extent of the mine. It has been opened up to some extent, and although small in size, being only about 6 inches in width on an average, it is in good Easily worked country, and the quality of the quartz is pretty g9od. Hitherto the portion of the mine which has been most worked lies between the cross-reef and the Queen of Beauty boundary, although by far the largest, extent of the olaitn is in the opposite direction; but after the > two main reefs came in contact with the cross-reef they diminished in size. Besides, it qras found more advantageous to delay opening up this side of the drive in the meantime ;-but on the 30th ultimo the manager started to drive on the course of the No. 2 reef. It was of small size, but oontained good crushing stuff, and it got into better country and was improving in size, when on the dth instant another new reef was discovered, the course of whioh is parallel with the cross-reef which was formerly worked to such advantage. On cutting through it, it proved to be 3j feet thick, composed of very fine-looking quarts. The manager has since opened out on it right and left, and in one of the faces it is now 6 feet thick. No gold has been seen in it, but the stuff appears to be as rioh as any in the other parts of the mine. The consequenoe of these finds in the mine is that the value of the shares have greatly increased in market valuo since .these discoveries have been made.—ln the Crown Prince, arrangements were completed for the seotion of the ground on whioh a new shaft is to be sunk, on the 16 th ultimo, and by the 26 th a start had been made and a depth of 12 feet reaohed. At present, all work iu the mine is suspended, except the sinking of the main shaft and the sinking of winzes on-two of the reefs. The shaft is now down nearly 60 feet, and when a sufficient depth is reached a level will be driven to connect with those winzes, whioh will immediately open out a large section of both lodes for working on.—Work is riow' going on in the Queen of the May, where the manager 'is driving oa the cross-reef o£ the City of

London, which was followed by the latter up-to the boundary.—ln the Exchange also, the progressive works are going on as before, but no discovery of consequence has yet been made in it.—ln the Bird-in-Hand, the winding-engine which .was purchased recently has been erected, and was started to work on the 19th ultimo. On the 2nd instant the reef was cut in the new level, and on the following day it was cut through. It was 2 feet 6 inches thick, and showed gold. " Crushing for the company will be commenced next week. Bioh stone was struck in the mine on the Bth instant, and there is little doubt but that the block of reef now being opened will prove a very valuable one. On the 27th ultimo the manager started to sink winzes on the reefs below, the 218-feet level. The new shaft is now down about 60 feet towards opening up the new level. Gold shows richly in both reefs in the winzes, and the prospects of the mine are greatly improved by the richness of the stone found in those winzes.—The Queen of Beauty mine is continuing to turn out handsome returns.

Miscellaneous.—Amongst theoutside mines there is little to report, The Waifcemata is yielding handsome returns from a large clay leader 'opened some time ago. —The' Una mine is only yet carrying out their dead work in opening a deeper level, aud hare not been crushing for sometime past.—The Nonpareil mine has not been at work for sometime past, but a meeting is to be held next week for the purpose of increasing the capital and proouring fupds for re-opening the mine and pros-, pecting,' a large section of which is still undeveloped. ' ,

CosoiiiNDKii. —la this distriot the prospects of several mines are more promising than ever. The Union Beach claim is turning out rich stone, so also are several other mines on the beach. The mines on the ranges are also produoing well, and the returns from several of the mines are this month very handsome.

The Go&d YibiiD.—We append the list of the orushings whiah have, taken place siace last summary. It will_ be seen that there is an increase in the yield of gold of 3,2850z3 :—

Increase - - 1,005 13 75 3,235 521 m means that the quantity stated isia molted gold.

GBtfEBiL tfEWi. \ On.Saturday, March 14, a severe gale blew at the Thames. A large portion of the wharf at Paraca was carried away, while the ' Golden Crown,' which left at four o'clock, had to put back, and lay in shelter till the storm abated. Some trifliag damage was done on shore by the wind. ' . St. Patrick's Day, March 17, is always kept as a holiday at the Thames., This year] the members of the Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society at the Thames met at their hull in Pollenstreet, and marched to the Homaa Catholic Churoh in Willoughby-street. _ There, a sermon was, preached on the life of St. Patriok by liev. Father Norris, to a large congregation. The members of the Hibernian Society afterwards marched to Parawai, when there were excellent sports and races. In the evening there was a ball. .

la consequence of the accident a short time sinoe, by which four men were killed by the oollapse of the boiler at the Kuranui Company's machine, the General Government appointed Messrs O'Neill, Nancarrow, and'Stewart, as a commission to inquire into the causes of the acoident and to report upon the state of the machinery at the Thames and the inspection,! Those gentlemen hare within the last fortnight taken a large amouut of evidence on the subject, and will shortl; report. : (1 _ ' £•;

Tbe colonial prize-firing has taken place during theV month of Maroh, at Napier. Last year, the ohampion belt was won by' Lieutenant Hoskin, No. 2, ELR.V,, of the Thames, but was neoured this yeaV by Sir E. Hamlin, of Waiuku, one of the members of the Auoklaud Provincial Council. Lieutenant Hoskin was olose behind tho ohampion, and several prises weretakeabyXhamea oompetitorst

Early on the morning of March 23, a fire broke out in the Grand Junction Hotel, Moanataiari .Creek, which destroyed that hotel, and Bennett's store, adjoining. The Inmates had barely time to escape. Bennett's store was insured, and also the hotel-building. , . On Maroh 28, Thomas Bailey was charged with two instances of stealing specimens from the Kuranui mino.' Bailey has been employed for some years as a trucker in the Kuranui mine, and was implicitly, trusted. He stated that he found the specimens in a plant in the Kuranui tunnel. He pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to a twelvemonth's imprisonment.

On the evening of April 1, a soiree was was held at,the .Grahamstown Wesleyau Church; to take leave of the Rev. W. J. Williams, who is leaving for Balclutha, Otago. Mr Williams has been for some time at the Thames and Coromandel, and has been highly esteemed at both plaoes. Mr Williams was presented with £20 on his leaving the Thames from friends in the district.

Good Friday, was kept at the Thames ai a strict holiday, there being neither business nor amusement. On Easter Monday there were sports at Parawai. , The anniversary of the. Thames Northern Pioneer Lodge of Good Templars was celebrated on Sunday, April 5, when the Hev. S. Edger, of Auckland, preached in St. George's Hall'to a large audienoo. Next evening, a soiree was held, at which ;Vfr H. H. Lusk, of Auckland, presided, 1 The first meeting of the Borough Counoil of the Thames will take plaoe on April 15. The members are: —Messrs J". Renshaw, W. Davies, J. Butt, J'. Wilson, L. Ehrenfried, U. Eenuau, A. Anthony, J. Brown, and Dr. Eilgour. .

GOLD v RSTGTRfTS FROM MARCH 15 TO APtttEi 10. Claim or ComfAk?. Sionb Crushed. Gold n aS • w . PI ."g 5 « 0 ? 5 N P H EH W O rg 5 Albion tribute (Poverty) - 60 0 0 315 0 0 . Ditto (Kelly's) ' - 25 0 0 12 8 0 Ditto • ditto - 7 0 0 11 5 0 Alburnia - - - - 240 0 0 393 0 0 All Nations - - • ■ 75 0 0 ' mS8 . 0 0 Bright Smile • - - 700 0 0 nt507 15 0 Black Angel - - - - 120 0 0 95 10 0 Caledonian - - - - 75 0 0 lk> 0 0 Ditto - - - - 79 0 0 92 0 0 Ditto ..... 79 0 0 70 0 0 Ditto - - - - 75 0 0 100 0 0 City of London - - - 400 0 0 m30310 0 Cure ..... 45 0 0 23 5 0 Crown Prince - • - 200 0 0 171 0 .0 Central Italy - - - 250 0 0 302 0 0 Californian tribute • - 100 0 0 mii 4 0 City of Auckland (Corom'del) 19 2 0 179 0 0 Dixon's No 1 - 100 0 0 81 0 0 Ditto- - - - - 30 0 0- )H37'17 0 Eureka Hill- - - - 109 0 0 ml97 7 0 Excelsior tribute(Corom'd'l) 2 0 ,0 will 15 0 Fiut Chance ■ ■ • 0 010 112 0 Golden Calf ■ ■ - 112 0 0 410 0 0 Ditto- - - - - 120 0 0 121 14 * 0 Golden Crown - - - 169 0 0 m32 15 o Harbour Viow (Coromaudel) 0 113 91 0 0 Just-in-Dime - - - 22 13 0 ml9 12 6 Junction tribute - - 40 0 0 miO 2 0 ICuranut - - - 250 0 0 230 . 0 0 Ditto- - - - - 250 0 0 453 5 0 Lord Nelson ■ ■ • 15 0 0 mlO 0 0 LastCliauce ' - • - 21 0 0 9 0 0 Long Drive tribute • - 200 0 0 20110 0 Moauataiari - - - - 160 0 ]0 102 0 0 Ditto- - ; - 800 0 0 101 10 0 Morning Star 20 0 0 2219 0 D.tto tribute - - 15 0 0 20 0 0 Missouri tribute - - 20 0 0 0 0 0 Ditto - - - - - 25 0 0 7 1 0 Multum-in-Parvo tribute - 18 2 0 jh.174,0 0 Montgomery Bros. - - 9 0 0 16 15 0 Messenger's tribute - • 6 0 0 mjW i 0 ifo jJCaine - - ■ 10 O 0 7 0 0 New Caledonia tribute . 27 0 0 33 12 0 Old Wliau - - - - 250 *0 0 551 0 0 Ditto 0210.0 1131'0 0 Ditto 0 .0 0 1217 0 0 Ditto .... 250 0 0 470 10 0 Ditto 30,0 0 437 10 0 Only Chance - - ■ 21' 0 0 m!8 812 Peepo'JJay (Coromaudel) ■ 0 0 00 18 18* 0 Point Russell tribute - • 12 0 0 m!7 7 0 Queen of Beauty • - - 250 0 0 211' 0 0 Ditto- - - - 200 0 0 192 0 0 Ditto - - ■ • • 200 0 0 100 0 0 Dittq 109 0 0 113 0 0 Red'ffhiteaudBlue tribute 45 0 0 mti i o Ditto - - - • 9 0 0 12 1 0. fiuby - - - . - 71 10 0 67 17 o Royal Staudard(Coroinaud?l) 21 0 0 10 0- q Itusseil Battery tribute - 60 0 0 11 8 0 Sons of Freedom - - 100 0 0 m5S 8 S Sundries, including Gold from 'Mings, about - ■ ■ 1000 0 0 l'okatea (Coromamlel) - - 80 0 0 43 0 0 Ditto - - - - 100 0 0 10310 0 Tookey 14 0 0 0 12 0 Tweedside tribute - - 2 0 0 2 5 0 Victory 20 0 0 10 0 0. Waiotalu - - - - 30 0 0 11 18 0 West Coast tribute - - 60 0 0 ml513 0 'T* — ■ TOIAL ■ 7,202 4 S3 11,026 5 A Previous Month- C,130 11 8 8,340 19 0