Summary of the Week.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3951, 27 August 1881, Page 2

Summary of the Week.

The past week has been noted for the number of mining disputes which have taken place—chiefly in connection with the upper country districts. Some important decisions have been given, and they are greatly to the advantage of the miner. We refer to the ruling of the Warden in the cases of Mcllhaney v. Wilson, and Mining Inspector v. Calder. and Leahy. These decisions have settled a question which has long been a bone of contention, namely, the title to ground pegged out years ago, and unworked. The line of argument adopted by the Warden is a very tair one, and will be the means of nipping in the bud many disputes as to tbe ownership of ground, besides compelling men to work their ground if they want to retain possession of it. The mines on the Thames do not seem to be doing very much, though an improvement has taken place in the Devon. During the last two or three days. The shareholders in this mine seem to have confidence in its prospects, if we may judge from the fact that at a meeting or about 40 shareholders held last evening, it was decided to decline the offer of amalgamation made by the Alburnia Company. The news from the Upper Country is that gold is reported to have been come upon in the Young Colonial claim at Wftihi.

CALEDONIAN. At the No. 1 level the drive on No. 1 reef east from crosscut is still in good, though very hard country, and cousequently slow progress is made in driving. A shot was fired in the reef on Wednesday light, and the stone broken out is heavily mineralised, and shows colors and small dabs of gold occasionally. As yet no specimens have been found, but from the general indications the quartz from here should crush well. A nice looking leader is also showing in the face of the drive. It is from 8 inches to a foot in thickness, and shows a color or two of the precious metal occasionally. It will probably junction with the main reef a few feet below the level of the drive. The rise at the No. 1 level, going up to where Mr James got some gold at au intermediate level, is now up about 2') feet from the top of the drive. It is in a splendid class of country for gold, and a patch may be come upon at any time. A distance of about 50 feet has yet to be risen before holing through. For the present, work has has been suspended in the western drive. At the No. 2 level operations have been stopped on the Young American leader, and the men put to clearing out a crosscut, in which a large reef has been lett, and which the manager hopes may prove remunerative. Trial crushiugs from the east aud west drives at No. 1 level, and also from the underhand stope on the Young American leader at No. 2 level, have been treated at the Herald mill, and the result, 7ozs 4dwts, was banked to day.

OLD GOLDEN CALF. The manager has resumed work on the leader in the stopes, and has also let a contract to drive 50 feet westward on the reef. In this drive the reef is still split up into three portions but from their underlay, it is probable they will junction before long, when it is likely something good will be got. The hanging-wall portion of leader in stopes is about two feet through, and yields good crushing dirt, with a little picked stone occasionally. The battery ha^s been stopped for a day or so, the Waiotahi culvert being so filled up with debris that the water from the turbine could not get away. This has now, however, been remedied, and a start will be made this afternoon. Cleaning up and retorting for the month will probably take place on Wednesday next.

CURE. . Stoping is being carried ou on the cross leader, and also on the leader lately worked by Clark and party. The former is about two inches thick, aud shows colors of gold occasionally. The latter is only about one inch thick, but is of a better quality. Several loada of quartz have been brought to the surface, and are uovr waiting removal to the battery.