OUR MINES.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4476, 10 May 1883, Page 2

OUR MINES.

DAET.

The pipes and main rods have all been placed in the shaft, and as soon as the surface works are completed and con" nected with them, pumping can be started. Winding was stopped yesterday morning, and the engine and shed are now being removed. The timber for the foundation for the new engine is on the ground, and will be put in position at once. It is heart of kauri, and of large size. The engine is at present in Auckland, but it will be brought down shortly. The tunnel for the boiler is nearly completed, and a rise has been put up to the surface, a distance of 35 feet, for the chimney. The boiler, which was carted to the mine to-day, will be bricked in, and the tunnel arched «ver. The rise will also be Hoed with brick, and a smoke-stack put on top. The hole for the balance-bob to work in is being cut out. The manager estimates that he will, if favored by good weather, be able to start pumping in about six weeks' time. The water is now to the top of No. 3 chamber, but it will probably rise to No. 1 level.

CALEDONIAN.

The western drive in the Eed Queen section has not yet broken through into the old workings, but the manager expects it will do so in a day or two, as the men in the two places can hear each others' voices. A leading stope is being carried along the eastern drive and timbers put in, so as to have everything in good order for stoping once the ventilation is secured. A few stones come to hand occasionally, but the dirt is not picked overmuch. As soon as this block is well in hand the manager purposes starting a winze on the lode to No. 2 level. This will be connected with by a crosscut 50 or 60ft in length, and will open up 100 ft of backs on the leader.

KUEANUI HILL,

Good progress is being made with the prospecting shaft in the battery yard. It is down 25ft, and in a capital] class of country for gold. Another 6ft. will be sunk before opening out. No timber has yet been put in. A little water is running from a crack in the sandstone, but it is easily kpt under. Cook's leader continues to look well in the workings from the Albion shaft.