Pacific Mining

Notes

From FIJI

Loloma West Ltd.

Following recommendations made by Dr. Lof tus Hills in his report on the leases of Loloma West Ltd., Tavua, Fiji, a cable message from the mine reports the following progress; Loloma West Blocks—Shaft sunk to 17ft. and timbered to 14ft. Costeaning E. of shaft. Hotspnngs Area—Costeaning on hillside above river, pros pecting S. Drumasi Area —Costeaning adits Nos. 1 and 2, no change. Building's completed on each drive. Assayer and assay plant arrived in Fiji on July 26. The work is being carried out under the direction of Dr. Loftus Hills, who has been retained by the company to supervise de velopment work. . - The latest report from the manager is as fol lows; “Drumasi Area —No. 1 adit to 76ft., face

in lode matter, and samples awaiting assayer.

No. 2 adit to 100 ft., began xcut S. No. 6 adit commenced on E. side of creek and N. from No. 2 to cut underneath outcrop on hill. Hot springs Area—Continuing prospecting and taken samples every 10ft. for assay; no free gold in dish prospects. Roskelly’s Area—Shaft sunk to 22ft., timbered to 16ft.”

The company has obtained diamond drilling plant to drill to 500 ft. for prospecting the areas at Tavua, Fiji. It is expected that the plant and a drill expert will commence field operations early in September.

Nasivi (Fiji) Syndicate N.L.

Nasivi (Fiji) Syndicate N.L. reports that a cable message has been received from Mr. D.

C. J. Hill, its representative on the newly dis covered Raki Raki field, stating that the lode has been traced over a length of more than three miles. The width of the lode is approxi mately 60ft. and the depth is approximately 600 ft.

Two hundred feet more of costeaning has been completed, and values have been consistent throughout. The Nasivi company was formed early in March this year to send Mr. M. J.

Foster, accompanied by its engineer (Mr. Hill), t© inspect auriferous areas discovered by Mr.

Foster. Capital of the company is £lO,OOO in shares of £5 each, and 1,500 shares have been subscribed at £2. The company abandoned op tions held at Tavua on the recommendation of Mr. Hill, and later Mr. Hill reported the dis covery at Raki Raki, 32 miles east of Tavua.

He stated that three lodes had been exposed, 20ft., 15ft., and 4ft. in width. Later, Mr. Hill reported that he had taken samples from costeans which, when sent to Melbourne, gave assay values of Boz. to 15oz. a ton. No development work has been done on the area apart from costeaning, but the high values and the large ore body ex posed give promise of the development of a rich field. The depth of 600 ft. stated in the latest message refers to the exposure of the lode on a hill at an altitude of 1,200 ft., while the lode has again been exposed in the valley 600 ft. below, indicating 600 ft. of backs to be worked. The field has been inspected by the Mining Board of Fiji, and it is expected that it will shortly be proclaimed a gold area and that the company will be granted prospecting licences over a large portion of it. A tentative reservation has been granted to the company covering about 7,000 acres. A director, Mr. G. M. Hume, visited the field at the end of July and on his return to Australia advised the board to form a larger company to take over the whole of the syndicate’s interests. Shareholders will receive a fully paid share interest in the new company, and have an exclusive right to apply on a basis to be deter mined for the whole of the contributing issue.

The share market reacted immediately to this new development and in mid-August the £5 shares (paid £2) were quoted on Melbourne ex change at £42.

Results of assays from samples brought back by Mr. G. M. Hume, from the Nasivi mine at Raki Raki were: From samples taken over 5-foot sections along the costean, values were —12 gr., 13 oz. 12 dwt. 10 gr., 15 oz. 14 dwt. 19 gr., 13 oz. 7 dwt. 12 gr., 1 dwt. 15 gr., 16 gr., 12 gr., 10 oz. 19 dwt. 4 gr., 12 oz. 8 dwt. 6 gr., 11 oz. 18 dwt. 19 gr., 8 oz. 7 dwt. 21 gr., 8 gr., 8 gr., 1 oz. 18 dwt. 21 gr., 2 oz. 12 dwt. 14 gr., 5 oz. 18 dwt. 10 gr., 1 oz. 12 dwt. 8 gr., 5 oz. 10 dwt. 18 gr., 8 oz. 12 dwt. 19 gr., 10 oz. 8 dwt. 2 gr., and 9 dwt. 7 gr.

Raki Raki (Fiji) Gold Syndicate

Nominal capital of Raki Raki (Fiji) Gold Syn dicate N.L., recently formed in Melbourne, will be £12,500, in 2,500 shares of £5 each. The company will operate at Raki Raki, Fiji. Mr, H. W. Percival, 422 Collins Street, Melbourne, is the legal manager. Application has been made for the registration of the company. At a meet ing of directors on August 7 it was decided to withhold the allotment of shares pending con firmation of certain details from the co.’s rep resentative on the field.

Viti Levu Gold N.L.

In a report, dated July 3, forwarded by the leader of the prospecting party of Viti Levu Gold N.L. at Lautoka, Fiji, he advises; The recent rich assays were from surface ore and indicate that we may expect occasional enrichments in our area. At 14ft. from the surface dish pros pects do not indicate a continuance of these high values, but there are highly mineralised veins in the lode matter at that depth which assays may prove to be equally auriferous. Free gold is still obtainable. No. 1 shaft is down 45ft., and dish prospects indicate an improvement in values. It is highly probable that a zone of secondary en richment will occur just above the sulphides, and I am hopeful that we shall have the good fortune to encounter good values in further sinking. The gold is contained in a body which is up to 40ft. in width and should we be able to prove a large tonnage it should be a commercial proposition.

I am continuing the sinking of No. 1 shaft and trenching on the line of lode to the south, where loam tests indicate a further continuance of values. Without assays no indication can be given of the value of the ore, as dish prospects have been misleading at times. Sometimes it is nearly a fortnight before samples can be assayed owing to the volume of samples being put through. , , .

Aug. 17: Dr. Loftus Hills has recommended the abandonment of the area held by Viti Levu N.L. under option at Momi Bay, Fiji. The directors are negotiating for other areas.

Loloma Gold Mines N.L.

The directors of Loloma Gold Mines N.L., Fiji, report that an agreement made with London in terests provides for the reconstruction of the present company and the formation of a new company, to be known as Loloma (Fiji) Gold Mines N.L., with a nominal capital of £Z2S,UUU. divided into 900,000 shares of 5/- each. Under the agreement, 420,000 contributing shares m the new company, paid up to 1/6 per share, will be allotted to the contributing shareholders in the old company on the basis of two shares m the new company for one share held m the existing

company, and 180,000 shares fully paid to 5/- per share will be allotted to the holders of the fully paid shares in the existing company on the basis of two fully-paid shares in the new company for each fully-paid share in the existing company.

Of the remaining 300,000 shares, the London group will take up 150,000 contributing shares, paid to 1/6 per share, at a premium of 18/6 per share.

The London group will be entitled to appoint one director to the Melbourne board. The direc tors state that the arrangement will provide ample additional capital to enable comprehensive developmental work to be undertaken and the installation of large up-to-date treatment plant.

Capital of the present co. is £150,000 in 300,000 shares of 10/- each. The area over which a new prospecting licence was issued in June is of 199 acres, situated at Tova Tova, six miles from Tavua, on Viti Levu Island. Directors are Messrs.

W. H. Smith, T. R. Victor, P. F. Cody, J. Wren, E. J. Banks, and E. G. Theodore.

Fiji Gold N.L.

A cable message received by Fiji Gold N.L. in August from the company’s solicitor in Fiji (Sir Henry Scott) stated that the application for prospecting licences for Budd’s and Ragg’s areas had been approved. Budd’s claim is immediately to the south-east of Koroere, and south of Loloma West. Some trenches have exposed a formation on a spur of the Koroboya Range, and another in a creek which runs parallel with the spur.

Low assays for gold have been obtained in both formations. Ragg’s claim has been tested by trenches and shafts. It is understood that pros pects of gold have been obtained from the for mations disclosed. Work done is insufficient to show the extent and value of the ore body. An assayer, selected by the Chamber of Mines of New Zealand, is expected to arrive in Fiji shortly.

The company’s assaying plant arrived safely by the Monowai.

Assays From Loloma Mine

The mine manager of Loloma Gold Mines N.L. reports the following assays and progress:— July 26: Adit extended to 96ft., from 76ft. to 96ft. average assay 3 oz. 4 dwt. for bulk sample, full width of sft. Main shaft sunk to 51ft., tim bered ,to 27ft.; now erecting head frame. For mation shows in shaft from 30ft. downwards, and is now 6ft. wide; average assay 1)4 dwt. No. 1 shaft only in use for pumping. No. 2 shaft 57ft. to 61ft., assayed 4 oz. 17 dwt.; lode over 6ft. wide. No. 3 shaft 54ft. to 61ft., assayed 7)4 dwt. a ton. Shaft in ore for last 18ft.; still in ore.

No. 4 shaft at 20ft. assayed 4)4 oz. a ton over width sft. No. 5 shaft 27ft. to 33ft., assayed 2)4 oz. a ton full width shaft; neither wall showing.

August 3; Main shaft sunk 55ft., timbered 43ft. Head frame erected. Placing winch in position. Adit extended to 115 ft. Average assay 8 oz. a ton. Xcut started at 94ft. in hanging wall. Extended 7ft., giving average assay of 3)4 oz. a ton from bulk samples. Shafts Nos. 1, 2 and 4: Bailing and pumping only. Shaft No. 3: Sunk 67ft. Average assay 1 oz. 18 dwt. a ton.

Rich ore showing at bottom. Shaft No. 5: Sunk 42ft. Average assay 3 oz. 18 dwt. a ton. Shaft No. 6: Commenced about 400 ft. S.E. of adit. Lode Bft. wide. Obtained good pan prospects.

August 14; The main shaft is being sunk at a point approximately 120 ft. north-east of No. 1 shaft away from the present line of lode. The formation in this shaft, now reported to be ap proximately 6ft. wide, and giving values of 1)4 dwt. a ton, appears to be a new make of ore.

East Reefs Consolidated N.L.

Mr. G. H. McMeeking took over the manage ment of the Fiji operations of East Reefs Con solidated N.L. on July 22. The new lode, pre viously reported, was located just outside the company’s boundary. On being opened, Mr. Mc- Meeking was satisfied that it would make into the company’s lease. An assay of the lode gave a value of l)i oz. a ton. Mining equipment has arrived in Suva, and is being delivered to the field. A message received early in August ad vised that values on the west side of the hill are bearing north-east, according to dish pros pects. No. 1 and 2 crosscuts have been started with 24 men, including natives. The mine man ager states that he is pleased with prospects.

He is of the opinion that the hill will contain “one very big lode.” A progress report is being forwarded by mail. A director sailed from Mel bourne by the Mariposa on August 17, taking an assay plant with him. He will assist in plan ning the policy for the development of the property.

Koroere Gold N.L.

The directors of Koroere Gold N.L., Melbourne, have received the following report from the mine manager at Tavua, Fiji: No. 1 tunnel to 279 ft.

Hard andesite. No values. No. 2 to 202 ft. Mixed formation. Values—at 180 ft., 1 dwt.; 190 ft., 3 dwt.

No. 3 to 236 ft. Andesite. No values. No. 4 to 170 ft. Lode silicified from 150 ft. Values, 4)4 dwt.;

at 160 ft., 3 dwt.; 170 ft., 4 dwt. Cardigan: Prepar ing for erection head frame at main shaft.

South Gordon Gold N.L.

Directors of South Gordon Gold N.L. advise having abandoned the area held at Gordon, Victoria. The directors are negotiating for an option in Fiji, and with this object in view it has been decided to make a call of 3d a share. In the event of nego tiations being completed, and a prospecting licence granted over the area by the Mining Board of Fiji, shareholders will be notified.

Aloha Alluvials N.L.

Having abandoned the alluvials properties on the Waimanu and Waidamu Rivers, Viti Levu, Fiji, over which rights were held, Aloha Alluvials N.L. will wind up forthwith and will return the unexpended funds, amounting to approximately £B5OO, to shareholders. Options over other pro perties in Fiji have been offered to the directors, but as the company was formed for a specific pur pose which has failed, the directors are of opinion the funds should not be diverted to any other ven ture. As soon as outstanding liabilities have been determined and liquidated, the surplus will be re paid to the holders of the shares which were sub scribed for in cash for prospecting. The fully-paid shares issued to Aloha Syndicate G.M. N.L., as part consideration for the transfer of properties, will not participate in the division of the net assets.

Furthermore, Aloha Syndicate G.M. N.L. has de cided to refund the amount of £5OO paid in cash as part consideration for the transfer of the alluvial properties. The syndicate was formed in May with a nominal capital of £25,000 in 5000 shares of £5 each.

Fiji Mining Corporation

The management of the Fiji Mining Corporation, Melbourne, have received advices from their party in Fiji, as follows: — July 22: Tavua, Fiji.—P.L. 214: West crosscut extended to -36 ft. in country. North-west crosscut extended to 25ft., colours. Started north drive

parallel with lode and extended 12ft. Withdrawn from Yako area.

July 29.—N.W. xcut to 35ft., last 13ft. show colours gold. N. drive parallel with lode extended to 25ft., colours. Will xcut later.

Aloha Gold Mining Group

Mr. F. W. Gilder has resigned as legal manager

of Aloha Syrldicate G.M. N.L. and Aloha Central G.M. N.L., and Mr. H. Richmond has resigned as legal manager of Aloha Alluvial N.L. Mr. J. H.

Roxburgh, member of the firm of Smith, Johnson and Co., chartered accountants, has been appointed legal manager of the three companies. The regis tered office has been changed from 349 Collins Street, Melbourne, to 394 Collins Street, Mel bourne.

Mr. G. Baiker, mine manager of Aloha Central G.M. N.L., Tavua, Fiji, reports; No. 2 tunnel; S. drive, width 4ft. Average value for 14ft., 23 dwt.

No. 1 shaft: Lode 17ft. Average value, 14 dwt.

Other workings, traces. The following assay re sults have been forwarded by Mr. Barker by mail: No. 2 shaft, W. xcut, 25ft. from shaft: Face sample of hanging wall of main lode, 19 dwt., fine gold. No. 2 tunnel: Face sample, 83ft. from en trance, 6 dwt., fine gold. Trench on hill ovet creek from camp, seam of stone, 6in. wide, 30ft. from W. end, 4 dwt. fine gold. No. 5 shaft, 10 to 15ft., deep dark and yellow andesite (oxidised), 12 dwt. fine gold. No. 6 shaft, 5 to 10ft., dark ande site, 4 dwt. fine gold. No. 1 shaft from bottom of shaft, 30ft. deep, 6 dwt. fine gold. No. 2 tunnel, 68ft. to 73ft. trom entrance in lode, S. end of drive, 1 oz. 4 dwt. fine gold. No. 2 tunnel, 73ft. to 78ft. from entrance, in lode, S. side of drive, 1 oz. 2 dwt. fine gold. No. 2 tunnel, 78ft. to 83ft. from entrance, in lode, S. side of drive, 1 oz. 4 dwt. fine gold. No. 2 tunnel, 83ft. to 88ft. from entrance, in lode, S. side of drive, 1 oz. fine gold. No. 1 shaft: Resumed sinking No. 1A shaft to 31ft.

Value, 5 dwt. No. IB shaft; W. xcut to 10ft.

Value, 6 dwt. No. 1 tunnel to 167 ft. No. 2 tun nel: S. drive to 50ft. Value, 6dwt. Learning N. of creek. Cut leader, carrying gold. Not yet

assayed.

Totola Syndicate Ltd.

Company has closed with an option on a property

situated in Vitu Levu (Fiji), comprising 500 acres of new auriferous ground. For the purpose of prospecting and developmental work, the reserve shares will now be issued preferentially in the proportion of two for each three held by existing shareholders. Last report from manager stated: No. 1 level, sloping, section 1 north, bulk assay s)4dwt. width 20in.; section 7 south, bulk assay 9dwt, width 36in; sections 8 and 9 south, bulk assay 6)4dwt, width 40in. Development: Section 1 north, winze sunk 7ft to 77ft, bulk assay KMwt, width 48in. No 2 level: Section 1 north, overhead sloping, assays 18dwt, width 72in. Section 1 south: Assays width 36in. Redemption Lease: Section 11, sloping, bulk assay 9dwt.

Gold Mines Of Fiji N.L.

Directors of Gold Mines of Fiji N.L. have re ceived a preliminary report from Dr. Loftus Hills on Flemons, Chalmers, Goodsirs, Halls and Fyfe’s areas, in which he states that the blocks possess promising features, warranting active exploration by adits and shafts. He has recommended a ces sation of expenditure on Nasiv Ali’s block, as it is of no immediate interest. Work on the areas is now confined, under his instructions, to specific lodes, which will dovetail with a systematic struc tural geological survey under his direction. He has recommended that a diamond drilling plant be obtained at once for future exploration. He states that Flemons’ area is an important position, with attractive possibilities, and that the areas are well placed, technically explored, efficient, and satisfac tory results will follow. The assayer has arrived in Suva, and will begin assaying at once.

Sir Henry Scott, solicitor in Fiji to the company, has advised the management that all requirements of the Mining Board have been complied with. The five prospecting licences had been approved in the name of the company, and the titles were secure.