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This article is from the Australian Town and Country Journal, 30th April 1870, p. 17:
“THE QUARTZ REEFS. - Notwithstanding the apprehensions that had been engendered, all doubts as to the permanency and richness of the Cargo quartz reefs have been dispelled by the results of the last few days’ work, in spite of every drawback in the crushing department. The principal difficulty has been the increasing gold in pyrites which largely abounds in the district, and in consequence of this obstacle to success many old residents left their claims for other fields. Some of these, however, were disappointed, and have returned. The more energetic and practical miners held on like grim death, and as a consequence signs of improvement are gradually exhibited. reef after reef is being developed, and the number of claims now at work attests the soundness of the principle on which the capitalists and miners are conducting affairs at Cargo. The number of claims, &c., now raising stone averaging from 1oz. to 5oz. per ton, are as follows : - The Ironclad reef, Carey’s claim, ten acres, and the Sydney company’s property. Where the reef is six feet thick, and increasing by depth both in thickness and richness. In comparison with the labour expended upon it, this property appears likely to become one of the most valuable properties in Australia. It is rumoured that the company is about to erect a crushing plant, second to none in New South Wales. It will have twenty stamp-heads, have circular pans, Chilian basins, with rollers each one ton; also large roasting furnace to treat the ore on the most approved method, and it is estimated that the stone which yields at the rate of 10dwt. per ton, will average considerably over one ounce by treatment on the approved method. Adjoining the ten-acre south is the Alpine Reef, under lease by Messrs. Wall and Church. This is also a very valuable property; the vein runs through the ten acres. The vein of Carey’s reef also runs through their ground, but at present the two parties are working on different reefs, proving the value of each others’ properties. The Rise and Shine Reef is also becoming valuable. Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 5 north are looked to be as likely to become of large ultimate value. These four claims are under lease of seven acres, and belong to the Sydney Company, who have also a nine-acre lot close to Mobb’s Reef, and are expected to become equal to any in Cargo. I have just received information, but cannot vouch for its truth, that a share has been bought in the Ironclad for the sum of L5000.
“SONS OF TEMPERANCE. - A meeting took palce on the evening of the 19th instant, to establish a division of the Sons of Temperance. Mr. C.N. Carey said he had convened the meeting to ascertain from his fellow miners whether they would concur with him, and assist faithfully by signing the document laid upon the table to pledge themselves against the drinking of intoxicating liquors. By so doing the formation of the society could be effected in less than a month. He had been totally ignorant of the numerous advantages in health and pocket to be gained by joining such an organization, until he had to visit Grenfell, where friends had pointed out the valuable results that might be obtained. After the address, a large number signed the pledge, and a provisional committee was appointed, and the division was constituted, and appointed Mr. C.N. Carey secretary and treasurer pro tem, with instructions to call a meeting as soon as convenient. The meeting then closed.
“The rain has been pouring down in torrents for three successive days, and considerable damage has been done. Most of the shafts have caved in, and others are filled up with water. It will take at least three weeks’ hard labour and expense to tide over the difficulties. Last night many of the claimholders were up working in the rain, striving to save their under-workings, but their efforts were fruitless. The main shaft of the Sydney Company was well secured, but the pressure of the water from an old shaft, about thirty feet distant, forced its way through, and it was suddenly flooded. Hitherto, this part has only experienced light showers, and the miners have been perfectly dry. The under-workings have now been secured to prevent caving by pressure, and to guard against leakage, as the process of puddling back is very expensive, and hitherto was not needed.
“24th April.”
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