THE CALEDONIAN MINE AND THE PUMPING ASSOCIATION.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 284, 10 July 1873, Page 11

THE CALEDONIAN MINE AND THE PUMPING ASSOCIATION.

(From the Tliames Advertiser.") From the intelligence in our mining columns it will be seen that the shaft of the Caledonian mine is now free from water, the Pumping Association having drained that mine. This fact should cheer up the faint-hearted, and ought really to set at rest the question of the permanence of the Thames goldfield. During the past few months we have been accustomed to hear from tho " croaking " element — the ne'er-do-wells who congregate at every quartzmining town — that no reef would be found in the Pumping Association's shaft, or that if one was met with by driving for it, it would have no effect whatever on the drainage of the surrounding mines. And only a week or two ago, when the inflow of water at the bottom of the United Pumping Association's shaft became so great that it almost overpowered ihs workmen engaged in sinking, it was gravely suggested that the water must be from the sea, and must have percolated through the rocks a mile out in the harbour. These and many other equally foolish stories were circulated, and, probably believed by the credulous and unthinking, especially by those at a distance who know little of quartz mining. It is true that no reef, has yet been met with in the Pumping Association's shaft, but it is highly probable that one will be to hand before many more feet are sunk, and it is certain that the great object of the enterprise in erecting the expensive machinery, familiarly known as tho " big pump," has been well nigh accomplished. The drainage of the water from the Caledonian mine is sure to have a beneficial effect upon the Thames goklfield. In a short time we may hope to see sinking of the shaft resumed, and a large number of men again employed. But the benefit is not likely to be confined to the Caledonian mine. The object is to drain the Tookey and Albion, as well as the Imperial Crown itself. In the course of time, too, the G-olden Calf, Italy, Otago, and other claims in the immediate locality, will be enabled to sink to low levels without heavy pumping machinery. Indeed, the richest portion of tho goldfield will be opened up, and ground made available which it will tako many years to prospect and work out.