WARDEN'S COURT.

Thames Star, Volume VI, Issue 1775, 10 September 1874, Page 3

WARDEN'S COURT.

THIS DAY.

(Before W. Fbaiser, Esq., Warden.}

DBAINAGE CASE

The hearing of the evidence in this case was continued to-day, at 10 o'clock. W. C. Wright was examined as to the water in the Prince Imperial shaft. The underground in the shaft had been very wet, as well as there being surface water. The mine was dry now, he could not explain it further than that whenever he made surveys lie found upper and lower levels dry. Some water came in with the cross-cut, but soon disappeared. Witness also gave evidence as to the Golden Gate Company, to which he had been appointed surveyor in 1870. The shaft contained water to the extent of about 40 feet, and they had to puddle to keep the surface water back. The shaft was sunk to 157 feet; several reefs were passed, all containing water, and the water in the lowest level was very heavy indeed. One hundred and fifty-seven feet was reached before 1870. Pumping machinery had to be errected, which proved to be insufficiently strong. Witness could not speak as to the Manukau, and he was questioned as to other mines on the flat. As to why the Cornstock mine was dry now, he could only say that it had been drained .by the general drainage—the Golden Crown .first, the Caledonia, and subsequently the Pumping Association. The Waiotahi mine had been wet, but was dry now. When witness first became connected with the mine, the shaft was down about 40 feet, when water was met with. The Imperial City were driving from the Waiotahi. The levels of the Imperial City were 60 feet, 138 feet, and 237 feet.

,-., The examination of this witness lasted until the adjournment, at one o'clock. On the Court resuming business, James Hanna was examined by Mr. Macdonald. His evidence went to prove that the Magenta, Louden and other mines were very wet before the pump.shaft wa3 commenced. It is expected that the case will last some days. The case was adjourned for a week.