Our Mining Reporter.

Thames Star, Volume VI, Issue 1807, 17 October 1874, Page 2

Our Mining Reporter.

THE, WEEK;

' As the sun lias at intervals skone out to dispel the dark clouds of the heavens, so have golden rays from some of our mines shot forth to chase away the clouds of doubt and inaction. The most peculiar circumstance in connection with these revulsions of feeling is that people are as willing to hope as despair and vice versa. Unpretentious, quiet prosperity will not do for a goldfield, the visible signs of wealth must be eyer before our eyes; indeed, it does not signify that the wealth should be visible, so long as the shadow is there, and how often hay* we found (elsewhere particularly) that it is but " the shadow of a shade?" However, there is very little of such flimsy'promise* about our records for the week, the finds all take a definite shape. People were all astir last night when the, news that, the Bright Smile had struck gold at the low level came to hand. This find is satisfactory in more than one., respect: in the first place it enhances the prospects of the shareholders in the market, and induces life at the corner; but the most important consideration is the fact that it goes to prove our deep levels—a question which, when once decided definitely in the affirmative, will change the whole prospects of the field. If it be discovered that we can w»rk payably at deeper levels, a field of undiscovered wealth lies waiting for the vigorous attack of the miner. Hence the value of such finds as that of the Bright Smile yesterday, apart from the mere fact of gold having been obtained. There is nothing, to record of unusual _ change in the general working of the mines. The Exchange has broken into the Crown Prince, and this is a matter for congratulation inasmuch as it will give a splendid current of air,, and do away with the gas difficulty which has been experienced in the Crown Prince mine. The prospects of the Crown Prince mine are very good, but a practical proof of what has been got out will not be forthcoming this week, as I learn that retorting for the company has been deferred. Of the great pivot on which—so to speak— all our mining revolves, namely the United Pumping Association, I have nothing to record, worth recording. They are continuing the sinking, and the pump is answeringthe great purpose.for which it was erected—knowing which we know all that is necessary. : The Caledonian, as most of your readers are aware, is to commence -anew era. in its existence as a limited company with additional shares. It is to be hoped that the operations of the new company will meet with success at, the low . levels. The Young American reef has been touched since my last account, and if great expectations were intertained of the immediate results, those who held such hopes have been disappointed; but the fact of the trial not having proved a success does not shut out hope that success may attend future working. Most persons interested will be glad that the Nonpareil and Italian companies have come to so amicable and speedy arrangements for the amalgamation of the two interests. There can be no two ideas as to the economy in working io be effected by this union, and I: imagine thp Italian people were too conscious of the fact to " prolong the agony " of uncertainty when a matter of 30 shares was all

that stood in the way of its settlement. To-day the crushing,of about 55 tons for Catran and party was completed, and tho iributers havo realised a fair return of 62ozs. 12dwts. of gold. The stuff was put through at the Prince Alfred battery. Tho following returns have been lodged at tho Bank of JNew Zealand since last report of the week: —

Iho same Bank . shipped during the week 2218 ounces of gold. Some heavy parcels of gold are expected to be lodged this evening.

uzs. dwts. Queen of Beauty - - 869 0 Golden Crovrn - • 25 ■ 0 Nonpareil • . - •-••■ :: 87 0 Junction tribute - ;- .20 ,0 Porei-ty* and Charleston « 90 ' 0 l#ng Ifnve Co. - - 66 0 All Nations - - - 147 0 Eolly's tribute - - 63 0 Small parcels, -; * 200 0 * Total - - 1567 1"" 0