THE WEEK.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2853, 6 April 1878, Page 2

THE WEEK.

Wo hare had another dull week of it, although some little flutter was caused in the earlj part through the cutting of a reef at the 640 feet level of the United Pumping Association shaft in the Kuranui Hill United Company's ground. Under ordinary circumstances the intersec-' tion of a lode at this lorel would not it all hare been considered ar matter of any moment, as a good many lodes hare been I cut within the past few months; but the last one come on has some very encouraging indications about it, which caused the little tfir referred to. It is to be sincerely hoped that gold will soon be «discovered at this depth, so that some remuneration may be obtained for the great expense entailed by pumping. The New North Devon has been attracting a little attention lately, in consequence of the Alburnia drive on the main reef reaching its boundary and leaving good prospects in the face. The prospects of this mine turning out a good " spec " are very favorable. At the * laftt meeting of the County Council a resolution was tabled to the effect thnt pumping from the 640 feet level be discontinued, and in future water be raised from the 400 feet level; in o'her words, that the water be allowed to rise to the 400 feet level. The motion did not find much support from the Council, and it was postponed for a month. It is to be hoped that this is only intended as a "frightener" to the companies that. wilt not prospect their ground; but if it is intended as bona fide, it is rather hard that the Kuranui Company should be made to suffer for the faults of other companies after the large amount of money expended in prospecting their low levels. The Mining Inspector should put the functions of his office into motion and forfeit the ground of a few of the unworked companies, when it is likely a change would be perceptible. It has been made an excuse that as several of the companies are held in security by the Government that they cannot be forfeited. This, however, should not be permitted to shelter them. Speaking of forfeiture, notice should.be taken of the fact that the Mining Inspector intends to commence forfeiting unworked ground, the first batch consisting of several" likely claims having been, served with, preliminary notices diring the week.; ... . '