MINING.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2485, 14 June 1888, Page 2

MINING.

Waiorongomai.

Silver Kino,—The contractor for sinking the winse in.this mine holed through to the drive below on Thursday last. This will give them about SOft. of backs to work on. It is probable that stopeing will be commenced without any delay, and as both drives are now in a distance of 40ft. north and south on the reef, a very large block of ground is thus ready for breaking out. Colonist. —The winse that was started a few days ago iu this mine has been discontinued, and the manager intends, as soon as the drive is sufficiently advauced, to start .rising. Water Race.—Progress at this work for the week has been somewhat slow. Some of the contractors have been, as Mark Twain says, "painting the town red." Comijtg Eventh.—What Waikato people probably prefer to hear about is our "mining boom." Since Millionare Wilson bought up the mines the place has awakened from its long lethargy, and, as I think I pointed out before, has assumed a busy and thriving aspect, reminding one of the good old times .of '82 and '83. But all this is mere child's play to the revival anticipated when Howell, the celebrated Californian expert, comes on the scene. He is on his way across, and shortly after his arrival in Auckland will visit thia place to tackle the great question of th# day, viz., the treatment of refractory ores. Over all the Peninsula men of low and high degree are tying up their intellect in knots in their endeavours to secure a divorce of the base metals from the noble ; and it is sincerely to be lipped that in Mr Howell we shall find a judge who will be able to pronounce a decree absolute. The battery, furnace, and all appliance's relating thereto are being arranged and cleaned up in readiness for his inspection. Should lie indicate a process by which our rich silver and lead ores can be cheaply reduced, the future of the place is made. The country is full of mineral lodes, wood and water are plentiful, transit is cheap, there is capital to work on—in short, we require only one thing, that is a cheap process on a large scale. At present nearly every second man you meet is a surveyor. We have amongst us just now Messrs Purchase, Pavitt, Jacksou, Biggs and Roche, with their respective parties. They are busy making surveys of the thousand and one special claims, licensed holdings, &c., between here and the Tni mountain.