OTUNUI DISTRICT.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4757, 5 April 1884, Page 2

OTUNUI DISTRICT.

New Ettbeka. —The country in the face of the low level is a hard blue rock, and progress is therefore slow. The drive is now in 295 ft., and it is estimated that another 90ft. of driving should see the lode in hand. The presence of the hard bar greatly deters progress, but it is rather a favorable sign than otherwise, as on this field the reefs often yield best where lying in kindly sandstone between bars of hard rock (as is instanced by the Imperial No. 2 reef). At the battery the flume to carry the Otunui stream to the wheel is nearly completed; this will give additional power, especially in dry weather.

Obienta.li,—Two men are employed driving on the reef intersected a short time ago; it is a strong body of stone, showing colors of gold occasionally, and the quartz is being saved for crushing. Dirt from the Bonanza section, Bruce's leader, and the reef now in hand, is in the paddock, and a payable return is expected. The road between the mines and battery being nearly finished, it is expected that after a week or two crushing will be resumed at the New Eureka battery. The Oriental will be the first to send quartz down, and the New Eureka will follow.

KARANGAHAKE.

Hatjbaki.—A parcel of 58 tons from the Excelsior section of this mine has been put through the battery for the yield of 29ozs Bdwts melted gold. This yield is scarcely payable.

Retebat.—A trial lot of five tons was being crushed at the Hauraki battery yesterday. The return will probably be brought down on Monday; it is expected to be a good one.

The proprietors of Hunt's claim, at Rotokohu, are taking out a parcel of quartz to forward here for treatment.