MOANATAIRI.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2907, 10 June 1878, Page 2

MOANATAIRI.

Retorting for the month took place on Saturday afternoon, when the good return of 2430zs gold was obtained. The following is the mine manager's report :— 150-feet level—Driving west on No.^9 reef has been suspended for a short time in order to bring along the leading stope, and put in timber preparatory to stoping. The stope west from No. 2 slide is, I think; a branch from No. 9 reef; it shows colors of gold freely, and is good payable, stuff. The main part of reef is heaved south by slide: -above referred to. The drive east ; between; two slides has intersected a reef which lies at an angle of 45degs. The country and reef here are much broken. I have started driving an intermediate level from winze sunk on this reef, and the stuff is worth fully an ounce per ton. The bottom level is not yet sufficiently advanced for stoping. 80 feet level—The north cross-cut has not yet intersected No. 2 reef. We are now driving on seaward side of main slide to pick this up; The stopes arid winzes throughout have yielded better grade stuff, as will be seen by the quantity crushed,—viz, 350 tons for a return of 245 ounces. South cross-cut, tunnel level, has been extended during the week 22| feet making its total length 88£ feet. A reef 2 feet thick has been intersected, traversing through hard country. The quartz is much crystallized, and has not the appearance of being gold-bearing. The Point .Russell reef should have been intersected ere now, but it is very probable that the underlie is reversed, between bottom of winze and tunnel level which is a distance of 160 feet. If so, it will be found on north side of tunnel. I shall still continue the cross-cut south a few feet, and if nothing is met with, then suspend and drive on north side. Point Russell winze is now down 57 feet. The reef is two feet thick with a slight underlie south. The stone is more compact, and has a better appearance for gold. The water is increasing, making sinking more troublesome. I am, &c, ROBT. COMEE.

Howe and party have finished a crashing of 24| tons for the yield of 29ozs 18dwts gold, at the Herald mill. McKelvie and party are crushing a parcel also at the Herald.