The Diamond Drill.

Thames Star, Volume XXI, Issue 3780, 8 February 1881, Page 3

The Diamond Drill.

This rock drill which was purchased by Dr Hector at the Sydney Exhibition, on behalf of the New Zealand Government has been placed at the Borough Council's disposal by Mr Eolleston, Minister of Mines. The following is the communication from the Minister to the Council.:— " .WxxiraaxoN, Monday. His Worship the Mayor, Thames.—Some time ago an application was made by the Thames Borough Council that the Q-overnment drill should be sent to the Thames for testing deep levels, &c, and the Town Clerk pointed out in his letter of the ,25th of January last .that nowhere could the efficacies and advantages of the machine be so well determined as at tbe Thames. The Council floes not appear to haye 5 desired to have the drill upon the terms for its hire fixed by the Government, but it has occurred to me that the Thames district, being apparently more suitable for the machine than other parts of the colony, the Council might desire to purchase the machine, alone, or in association with the County Council and mining companies. Tbe machine coet £400, and you are already aware' of its capabilities. It has recently put down a bore of over 400 feet at Kanieri,' Westland, but the strata there was not suitable. If the Council desires to have a machine, the Government is prepared to receive an offer for its purchase. —W. ROLIiEBTON." A meeting of mining experts has been r called, and will shortly meet to discuss I the matter, and ascertain if the drill can be successfully employed in testing the geological formation of the Thames at deep levels. If it is found that such could be done, and that the cost of working was not excessive, conditional offers would be made for the purchase of the machinery.