PIAKO.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2590, 26 April 1877, Page 2

PIAKO.

The JS"o. 2 reef in the low lerel contiues to look weJI, there being no change either in its quantity or quality, as it is

maintaining its average size, and specks of gold are seen occasionally in breaking down. The N6. 1 lode has been intersected during the last two days, but it has.not come up to expectations, being hard and poor looking, and it has been decided to let it alone for the present, it being expected that when the next level is put in it may be found to have improved going downwards. This assumption is chiefly grounded on the improvement of the No. 2 reef in this level. A fresh contract has been let for stdping on the No. 2 reef, and sloping in the IS ov6 level is proceeding with unabated vigor. Driving on the Bird in Hand reef is also going ahead, and the manager expects to get on the run of gold after driving about 40 feet. The sinking of a winze on the Queen of "Beauty side of the shaft from the No. 6 to the No. 7 level has been started and another one will shortly be started between the same levels on the other side of the shaft. The manager and Mr Badford, pitman, to. the Waio-Karaka Drainage Association, were at the bottom of the shaft to-day laying off the work of the sinking of the shaft for the extension of another level. Tenders for sinking are to be called for at once and the work proceeded with without delay, and it is to be hoped that when the .fffoft is down no delay in putting in the*TeVel will take place. In order to let sinking, commence and to reduce the pressure the, presenl draw-lift is to be fixed in a cistern?* and a new working lift it to be sent below to pump the shaft as sinking proceeds. The crushing at the company's battery continues to look well and as fat as appearances go there is no, change since yesterday. The amount of amalgam obtained yesterday was lOOozg, which is not at all bad. The total amount of amalgam on hand is kept dark, bitt all will be known on Saturday, when, it -is expected that the first regular retorting will take place. At the small battery the crushing is also looking well, and retorting may take place this evening or to-morrow, though it has not been yet definitely arranged when it shall. The result is sure to be up to expectations. There is some talk of working the big'battery with a turbine, and the directors hare applied to the Government for water with which to work it.