OUR MINES.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4382, 19 January 1883, Page 2

OUR MINES.

DEEP LEVEL CROSS

-The water was down below the flatsheet at the 640 ft. level by 10 o'clock this morning, and the speed of the pump was then reduced to four strokes per minute. A start will probably be made with the continuation of the south drive on Monday. Some wages men are at present strengthening the barricade at the back of the steam capstan, erpcted to protect the building and machinery from slips. There is* ~no change to "reportfln the workings from the New Prince Imperial shaft,. The winze has been at a standstill for the past day or two. The hanging r , wall portion of the reef, which was being sunk upon, has been heaved, probably by the small break met with in the New Prince Imperial drive, a few feet from the Cross boundary. DART. The contractors for sinking the pump [shaft fiuished this morning. Tenders were opened yesterday for sinking the main shaft 70 feet to open up a new level, and were forwarded to the directors in Auckland. An answer has not yet been received by the mine manager, so in the meantime he will continue the work by wages men. The winding shaft will be 6ft. 3in. x 3ffc. 6in., and the pump shaft 6ft. by sft. Mr Stone estimates that the distance will be sunk in about nine weeks. The dam at No. 2 level keeps back the water from No. 2 reef, and it has now risen to within 15 feet of the level of the creek. Negotiations are pending for the purchase of the 10-inch pumping gear in the Albion shaft, and the boiler and 25* horse power engine recently purchased from Fraser and Tinne are being put in order. It is probable that before the shaft is down the work of getting the new engine, &c, in position will fee well in hand.