Our Mining Reporter.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2512, 24 January 1877, Page 2

Our Mining Reporter.

WAIO-KARAKA DRAINAGE, t

At about 12 o'clock to-day,, one of th%'' men connected with the engine house/ while engaged with the pumping engine observed that the bearings of the pumping shaft near the spur wheel were very hot. The upper part of the bearings -w.SST;r removed and it was found that the shaft was broken. The engine was™ at once "" stopped, and it is a fortunate circumstance that it was observed in time,' as if it had broken while in motion the consequences might have been disastrous. Though the shaft is seven inches in diameter it is now an established fact that it is not strong enough for the work it has to do. This breakage is in a different ' place to where the last one.was, and it will be more difficult to repair, and. it is estimated that if the greatest expedition is used in repairing, a fortnight will at least elapse before the pump re-starts. There . is a 9- Inch shaft at Price's foundry, which was brought over from Melbourne .. the last trip of the Hero, and it is evident that this will bo required to replace the present one. This, however, will entail a great deal of labor and expense, as the spur wheel will need to be re-bored, new plummer blocks made and new crank made. Up to the present nothing definite has been arrived at. The men are out of . the shaft already, and the water is making. The accident has occurred at a rather . unfortunate time, as now that the Piako low level is being put in a few weeks more would probably define the value .of the reef, and if it turned out (veil it would give those interested better heart to carry out the repairs. It is pretty certain that most of the Waio-Karaka mines will be flooded out before the re-starting of the pumps. CROWN PRINCESS. The manager has cut through the slide to seaward after driving some 12 or 13 feet to get through it, but he is disappointed in fi iding that beyond it there is nothing but the soft country of the levels above. He has discontinued driving, and though the non-discovery of the reef is discouraging yet the. stuff taken out being good crushing dirt will repay for the work done. WAITEKAURL The following report has been received - from the mine-manager:—" Waitekauri,' January 22nd, 1877. To the directors of the Waitekauri Goldmining Company.—" Gentlemen,-—Since my last report I have, extended the main lower drive a distance of 25 feet, and it is now within 120 feet of the line of No. 2 winze. The No. 2 winze is down 53 fret, and the reef continues about the same width and carries gold. During the first three days of the week this winze made a good deal of water, but since then the water has be* come less, and I think the lower level drive has cut the water, and is draining it. I have also been atoping the block towards the Queen of Beauty end. It has not:', been turning out so well this week, but I will be getting better stone next week.—. I am, &c, Chaei.es Whson, Mine Manager." -