THE WEEK.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2533, 17 February 1877, Page 2

THE WEEK.

During the.week there has been what is now almost a chronic state—a dearth of mining news of interest. Notwithstanding, very encouraging; reports are to hand from the Ohinemuri district respecting the quality and size of the Waitekauri Company's reef, which is known at least to be 17 feet, and the hanging wall not yet cut. There is one thing that is now regarded by the public as very unsatisfactory, however, and that is, that it has been decided only to work the battery one shift instead of two, as formerly. The alleged reason is, that there is not sufficient stuff to keep it going two shifts, and though it is scoffed at by some it has to be taken as correct. The stuff is said to be shaping well. The preliminary arrangements of affairs concerning the construction of the tramway connecting the Welcome mine with the Waitekauri battery are being made, but the survey ,not having been completed nor the specifications completed, the application has not been lodged. As the construction of the tramway is of vital importance to the district it is to be hoped that it will be carried out to the satisfaction of all parties concerned.

The Mining Inspector having declared most of the leases in the Tairua district forfeited, during the week they have been advertised as open for re-occupation by Captain Fraser the Warden. No less than 28 have been forfeited, and as some of them have been considered crack pieces of ground at one time, it is probable that they will get another trial. There is no fresh news with the exception of the above to chronicle respecting this district, though it is mooted that mining affairs are not very blooming.

In the Waio-Karaka district very little has been doing during the last week in consequence of the flooding of the lower workings, and little will be doing for several days yet until the water is out. As the water takes a considerable time lo percolate through the hard country in the vicinity, it will be a day or two after the

water is below tneir levels befpre most of the mines can start work unless the decrease is assisted by baling. In the drainage shaft the water is decreasing rapidly. About the middle of the week a slight accident happened to the chuck in the City of London's engine, and several of the spider legs of the winding gear were broken, and it is fortunate that nothing more serious occurred. The manager is about to let several other sections of the mine on tribute,; and considering the success of Johns and party it ought to receive the attention of intending tributers. In the Karaka several claims are still on goad gold, and it is reported that a movement is on foot to form another company in the much despised Hape district. If theie districts go ahead it will tend greatly to the advancement of the place generally.