OHINEMURI GOLDFIELD. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2205, 26 August 1886, Page 3

OHINEMURI GOLDFIELD. [ FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

KarangahakeWoodstock Fcbnack.—lt is a pleasure to have to pass from the future tense to the present when writing of the starting ot this concern. A fine day's successful run was completed on Saturday morning, when the furnace was shut down in order to settle the question of payability as far as matters have gone at present, which, of course, will be the criterion of future operations. Up to date everything has gone on mo»t satisfactorily. A saving has been effected by a stoppage °f tne volatilizing of the load, which was a bad point in the working of the Thames smelte.r, by means of a fine water spray introduced into one of the condensing chambers. The slag has flowed well during the run, and indeed everything has proceeded without a hitch. Refining operations are being completed at the time of writing. Between 40 and oO tons have been put through altogether, the gross value of which will probably be from £300 to £500. The next siv months will see thetnalof the Ohiuemuri goldfield, both as by tire and water. It will get a, fair chance of proving itself by the latest advantages of modern mining science. At present the furnace appears likely to prove successful in solving the problem of dealing with the refractory ores of this part, but even if it fails there are still the new quartz reduction works to look to for the salvation of the place. It is not well to prophesy unless one knows, and as public opinion is about equally divided in favour of these two plants I should not like to risk a pi emature costing vote. As regards the newworks there is little to say but that everything is satisfactorily progressing. The water-works are being kept back, owing to the fresh m the riser, but the internal machinery and the general work will be complete in a week or two. The plant will, as far as i«* now known, and unless any unfoieseen hitch occurs, start with the beginning of October next. With respect to the mines, there is scarcely anything fresh to report. The Scott til ilmters, Messrs Trfigoweth and Co., are crashing a parcel at the Ivanhoo battery, as a trial. The remainder of tho mints managers appear to be shy of the old process, and are hanging on until the newworks start. The well-known prospector, Mr Maurice Kelly, is reported to have dropped upon a good looking reef \n his new claim, the Bonnie Jeanne. It has a large outcrop, and is being driven for by the prospector-..

Waihi. Union*.—Operations in this mine, under the charge of Mr VValker, juur., are being continued with spirit. The lode in the low level has increased in thickness, and now measures about 4ft. The stone gives every appearance of being of first-class quality, the colour being frequently observed, and there being also an abundance of the Htrriky blue indications of silver in sulphide form. A large paicei is being propared for crushing. Winnkr.—Mr Cooper is working with a will in this claim, and his efforts stand every chance of being well rewarded. SrLVKRroK.—Mr Moore, manager of this mine, is now engaged in stoping. This mine has gone down in the public e-.tim ite lately, but there is now a p-csibiUty of its regaining its lo*t laurels. There h a sum of £700 in hand already, and the next crushing will probably pay all working ex penses that are likely to accrue up to time of crushing. There is, therefore, if the directors we,re< only in the humour, an opportunity of the declaration of a dividend. A dividend does not merely bring satisfaction to the receivers of it, but also brings about increased confidence in the adjacent mines, with the natural consequence cf more capital being invested, and, more likely, country opened np. Mahtha Kxtkn'mei).—Favourable reports have been received fr mi this mine during the past week. A very good-looking ore is being grassed, far aboxe the average of this mine, and a good yield is anticipated from the next crushing. Roshmont.—Still plodding along in the main drive. Country amenablo to pick and &ad, and prospects fair generally.

General News. The cause celebre, Wright v. Ohiuemuri Jockey Club, was again brought up at the R.M. Court, Thames, before Mr Northcroft, R.M. The secretary of the club applied for an adjournment to Paeroa, on the grounds that the dispute arose there and both parties resided in the district, and also that about a dozen witnesses would have to be brought down. Mr Millar contested the point strenuously, but the R. M. ruled that as in his district (the Waikato), it was the custom to hear local cases in local courts, which custom he considered fair and equitable, he would grant the defendant'3 application for an adjournment to the Paeroa court. . . Mr Commissioner Barton finished his enquiry into the Paeroa leaseholds during the week. The result will not be known for sometime, but it is generally thought that the leaseholders are no nearer getting an extension of lease than they were Vif*f ore* The'separatiou of Piako fr jm the Thames, re the Hospital and Charitable Aid business, and the action of Ohinemuri in withdrawing their delegate, reduces the Thames Board to two, which, not being a quorum, places that body in a somewhat awkward position. The chairman of the board intends petitioning the Governor-in-Council to render the sittings of the two remaining members legal. Their meetings will doubtless be interesting. Miss Amy Johns Pleasant Hours Company has been showing to fair houses here.

Messrp W. J. Hunter and Co. will sell at the Cambridge yards on Saturday, the 4th .September, fat cattle, fat sheep, store cattle, dairy cowp, saddlery, fowls, pigs, produce, and about 50 useful horses. Mr W. Skeates, watchmaker, who is leaving Hamilton, advertises a building, stock, furniture, &c, &c, for sale.