The Orchid Gold Mining Company has been, registered under the No Liability Act with a capital of 100,000 pounds in 500,000 shares of 4/- each, all fully paid up, and the operations for developing the mine have now been commenced, provision having been made in the Articles of Association to expend 10,000 in procuring machinery and carrying on the necessary work.

The previous arrangements made for floating a company were not carried out, and all money received was returned to applicants for shares numbering about 25,000. The owners of the mine stipulated that such applicants should have the first opportunity of becoming shareholders, and 25,000 shares were reserved and offered in the first instance at par. viz. 4/- each to such applicants.

Memo. from Messrs. Lindon and Stokes, gives the returns from 47lbs. 80zs. of average stone crushed by them:

The following additional Memo. from Messrs. Lindon and Stokes, gives the return from 136lbs. of ore, treated by Messrs. Smith, Forrester & Co,'s machine:

BRISBANE, Dec. 10th
Weight of ore (from Orchid Mine, Eungella): gross, 180lbs., net, 136lbs.; yield of retorted bullion of gold and silver 12ozs. 18dwts. 0grs., equivalent to a yield of 213ozs. 5dwts. per ton of ore similar to sample.

The following Memo., from the Manager Queensland Smelting Company, Limited, Maryborough, gives the return from a parcel of ore recently treated by them, viz.:

General Manager Queensland Smelting Coy., Ltd.
VICTORIAN METALLURGICAL WORKS
Footscray, .
A . PARKER & Co Proprietors.
Herewith we beg to hand you bullion obtained from parcel of quartz, submitted by you for determination.
PARTICULARS AS UNDER
13 cases marked H.L., containing 26 bags and weighing 22cwt 2qrs. 0lbs. nett. This on treatment gave bullion 118ozs. 5dwts.
(Signed) A. Parker & Co.

 
Extract from "Mackay Mercury" of Nov. 19th by their Special Correspondent.

Emerging from the scrub we descend an open ridge, and here we have the first view of the Broken River, a fine stream of water, and one capable of supplying all the wants of a large goldfield; crossing it at the foot of a ridge we pass over some nice open forest country, consisting of low ranges capped here and there by granite outcrops. A couple of miles brings us to the North Camp, and we notice that the main track runs along the east bank. We continue our weary way, for by this time we have got a bit footsore. Here the river runs nearly due south for about half a mile, it then bends away to the westward for a short distance, and doubles back, when it again continues its course south, and at this point is a small township; the majority of the inhabitants are of the calico order of construction but some, notably the butcher's shop and a square edifice inhabited by Messrs. Walsh and Savory, are quite too superior to their surroundings. Tents dot the hillside for some distance. This camp is the one nearest to the Lady Norman, the Scottish Chief and other reefs lying to the eastward of Broken River; but of these more anon. Pursuing our way down the river for about half a mile we come to the principal camp of the field, which is situated on a spur around the base of which the river runs. This site will undoubtedly be the town of the future as it is situated within a few hundred yards of the celebrated P.C. of the Orchid reef.

We crossed the river opposite the township and immediately afterwards we commenced the ascent of a ridge. I may here mention that the Orchid reef runs N. 30 points East, and that, so far as it has been proved (in the North numbers at any rate), it is vertical and solid almost from the surface. Ascending the hill from No. 1 South we come to No. 1 shaft on the P.C. This has been sunk to a depth of about 14ft. Here the reef is clearly defined as it is in the lower number between vertical walls of granite and is about 4ft. wide. An examination of the face of the reef opened our eyes considerably, and we were tempted to exclaim in the words of a former visitor: "Can't look at it, disgustingly rich, makes a man envious," for here in every stone Nature had sprinkled, with no niggard hand, gold, and the face of the reef sparkled with the treasures it contained. Mr. Leacocke, who had by this time joined us, invited us to inspect the stone which had been raised, and which was then lying near the mouth of the shaft. It is needless to state, that all stone raised had been carefully scrutinised and that all glaring specimens had been taken away, but gold, gold was visible in every stone we looked at, here it shone, as if sprinkled with a pepper castor, there it lay in a patch of golden hues, every rock, and almost every pebble that lay in the vicinity, contained visibly the precious metal. From the southern boundary of the P.C. to its northern limits, there extends an almost uninterrupted quartz "blow," in other words, between these points the reef had cropped out above the level of the ground. In some places it would appear as if atmospherical action, during the course of ages, had exposed those portions of the reef lying on or near the apex of the ridge, and had decomposed and washed away the granite walls, leaving the quartz, which in course of time became disintegrated, and hence the masses of gold-bearing quartz scattered more particularly over the crest of the ridge. Under Mr. Leacocke's guidance we followed up the reef from No. 1 shaft, and found gold in every boulder; he told me good prospects could be obtained from even the soil; at this I was not surprised; my only wonder is alluvial gold in payable quantities has not been discovered at the foot of this Monte Cristo ridge considering the fact that the matrix is soft, and the gold of a character most easily washed from it. On the cap of the ridge is situated Messrs. Leacocke and M'Caw's house, just above No. 2 shaft, They have a comfortable bark hut, and it is very evident that they have done an enormous amount of work since first the lucky "Orchid" discovered to them the wealth of the then wilderness. In the centre of the ridge the prospectors have sunk No. 2 shaft to a depth of about 10ft., and here, as in No, 1 shaft, gold shows freely everywhere, the reef however, is slightly wider, and more so in No. 3 shaft, which is situated down the hill on the northern slope. In all the shafts sunk on this claim gold in plenty can be seen and the mass of surface stone which covers a large extent of ground on both sides of the reef exhibits gold in liberal quantities. Experienced miners estimate the yield of at not less than 10 ozs. to the ton, and some estimates go up to a hundred. Mr. Leacocke showed me the celebrated Orchid which led indirectly to the discovery of the reef. It grows on a large boulder and is surrounded by a mass of weatherworn quartz scarcely distinguishable from granite. Leacocke was tired and sat down to look at the Orchid which was then in flower, tired of that amusement he glanced at the side of the boulder - he has a wonderfully sharp eye for gold and there he saw a speck, further investigation divulged the fact that the boulder contained masses of gold, and that the hard stones he sat-upon were impregnated with the precious metal, the line of reef was traced, and he and his partner at once pegged out the ground, i.e., pegged out a fortune apiece. A large shaft is being sunk to the Northward of the No. 2, at a short distance from the Orchid plant above mentioned, and here the same class of stone obtains gold, showing freely through the stone wherever they sink; but here the reef widens very considerably, and it would not surprise me to hear, that at a depth of, say, 50ft. it attained huge dimensions.

(Extract from "Mackay Standard" of 2nd Dec 1889.)

We resume our remarks upon the claims at the point at which we had arrived in our last issue and we may say that the importance of the Bobby Dazzler (now called the Orchid) P.C. was such as to demand a place at the head of a column instead of at its end. This claim which is the premier of the field demands more than passing attention. It is owned by the fortunate prospectors, Leacocke and McCaw who in it possess a fortune. It extends for a distance of 600 feet along the line, and in only one respect does it resemble its neighbours in that its value is difficult to determine, but for different reasons from those which operate in other instances, of the numbers north and south one cannot estimate the worth because gold has not been found in any large quantities, whereas, in the Dazzler P.C. the exuberance of the precious metal renders it impossible to judge of its value. It has been said that the richness of the stone is phenomenal, and this is absolutely the case; but what strikes the visitor most is the fact that the shoot of gold visible to the naked eye commences and ends at the boundaries of the claim. The reef outcrops all along the claim, and whenever a piece of rock is broken off gold is exhibited. In some cases the precious metal appears contained in the honey-comb pockets, in masses somewhat resembling chopped coarse hair, in other cases it looks like delicate fern-like fronds, but the most attractive form which it presents to the eye of the expert is that which predominates, namely, in the shape of fine but distinctly visible powder distributed evenly through the stone. The amount of work done in thee claim is comparatively small, not probably more than the law requires to be performed to enable the owners to hold the ground outside of the reward portion, but this is perhaps natural, when it is remembered that the claim is in process of flotation into a large company. At the southern end an excavation in the face of the rising ground has been made, and on the east side of the reef at about the centre of the claim a small amount of stripping of the reef has been done, and towards the north end the reef has been exposed but no shaft has been sunk. The reef may, throughout the claim, be averaged at from four to five feet in width, and since it has been tapped to a depth of about ten feet, and throughout that depth has shown splendid gold our readers may estimate for themselves the value of this really wonderful property. Various calculations have been hazarded as to the amount of gold that may be practically considered to be in sight, but in no single instance, that we are aware of, does the calculation place the value of the property at anything approaching so low a figure as that which is being asked for the property, namely, 100,000 pounds. Whether the gold goes down or not - and we think it is only envious people who question its permanence - there is enough on the surface, and down to ten feet deep, to recoup the investment of the sum of money asked for the mine, while anything found below ten feet deep will be clear profit. The claim is certainly a sight which is unparalleled in the history of gold mining in this colony, and fully justifies the fairy-like tales which have been told concerning it.

- Mackay Standard.

EUNGELLA.

A correspondent writes: Eungella is situated at the head of the Broken River, and distant about sixty miles from Mackay and, if I mistake not, will be one of the biggest goldfields in the North. The prospectors Messrs. Leacocke and M'Caw, are on a reef about 4ft. in width, showing good gold throughout with big boulders on the surface, sprinkled with gold. The reef can be traced four or five miles north and south of the prospectors. The Warden of Mackay district, Mr. Mowbray, who was here last week, laying out the different lines of reef, was quite electrified at the sight of the specimens on the Orchid Prospecting Claim - Messrs. Leacocke and Co's. No doubt you will have his report by the time you receive this letter.

- The Week.

The Courier Correspondent, under date, 19th Nov., says:

"Descending the ridge to the river, and following it down about 50 chains and crossing, we are on the Orchid property. The Orchid shaft or quarry is on the side of a steep scrubby range, and the first thing one notices is a rough irregular line of stones which, by the way, is the wonderful blow or cap of reef from which the lucky prospectors, Messrs. M'Caw and Leacocke, obtained the golden sight while sniffing at an orchid bloom. A goodly number of sightseers can always be seen round the reef. This reef is composed of a hard white quartz impregnated in places with iron. It averages, I should say, about 6ft. wide, and has an almost imperceptible dip to the east. Where gold is seen in any stone it is very rich, but it must not be imagined that it is a Monte Christo. There is no doubt that some of the stone would assay 3,000oz. to the ton, and the remainder would in all probability carry gold to a payable extent. Gold can be seen in the reef in many places, and no glass is required to see it either. The mineral does not seem to lie in the stone in layers, but, rather, is more as 'part and parcel' of the stone; in fact, under a good glass the mineral is so plentiful (though fine) that the immediate surrounding and intervening stone seems to possess a yellow tinge. The value of the gold seems to be about 2pnds 14s. The mine will be easily worked, for the stone can be quarried and sent in shoots to the machine, as it is but a few chains from the reef to the river. This claim holds about 600ft., it having obtained the reward in consequence of the Lady Norman omitting to conform with some part of official requirements."

EUNGELLA.

Eungella, or as the blacks pronounce it, Yungala, is situated about 34 miles N.W. of Mirani railway station, on the divide between the drainage area of the Bowen waters and Cattle Creek and Pioneer waters. The whole of the valley of Cattle Creek is comprised of the richest soil in the whole district of Mackay. The soil is of a richness unsurpassed anywhere, palm trees standing to full 100 ft. high, beds of moss all round, orchids of all sorts, ferns of many and rare varieties, in fact a beautiful scrub, and one you do not tire of for it is ever varying. This alone is well worth a trip up. The timber on these ranges are really valuable. In the forest country you find large straight trees, ironbark, blue gum, and others, and the scrub contains large quantities of cedar.

After arriving at the diggings we pitched camp for the night and turned in. The next morning at an early hour the Warden, who was on the field commenced to lay off Leacocke and McCaw's P.C. known as the Bobby Dazzler line of reef, but now christened the Orchid. It was here the great interest of all on the diggings was centred. All turned out to have a look at what they had heard so much of, and they were not disappointed in it, for it exceeded the expectations of everyone. It is not too much to say that it was gold here, gold there, in fact, gold everywhere. The proprietors have a shaft down on the south end of their ground about 10ft. sunk on the reef, which shows here from 3ft. 6in. to 4. feet wide On looking closely over the face you find the gold all over, not in a narrow shoot, but all over the full width of the reef. The big blow on the surface you can follow for about a chain, all showing gold freely. You get tired of hearing such exclamations as "look at this," or "look at the gold through the big lump." To sum it up shortly, the verdict of the miners on the field is, that it is the biggest show they have ever seen in their lives.

- Mackay Mercury

Extract from "Charters Towers Times" Report of November 20, 1889.
(BY THEIR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)

In my letter, yesterday, I stated that the Orchid P.C., the claim owned by the prospectors, Leacocke and M'Caw, was 600ft. along the line of reef and 400ft. across. The discovery was made on the 17th of August and reported, and on the 16th of October, Warden T. Mowbray, brother of the Warden of Charters Towers, marked off the ground and registered the "reward." I must confess that Warden Mowbray took no small amount of trouble to make himself thoroughly acquainted with the line, which is known from top to bottom as the Orchid, all the numbers bearing that name. In his report to the Minister, Mr. Mowbray displayed more than ordinary judgment, and it gives me pleasure to confirm the several conclusions he arrived at. In every particular his data is scrupulously accurate, and as he has taken the best of care to indulge in no language other than common sense his report is of considerable value. When in Mackay Mr. Mowbray handed me a copy of it, the following being the only paragraph which departs from detail: - "A few hands would at present find employment but as some time must elapse before crushing machinery will be supplied to the field anything approaching a rush is to be deprecated. One of the shareholders of the Orchid P.C. intends to proceed to Maryborough shortly with a few tons of stone, and will have the parcel treated there; judging by appearances the returns should be exceedingly high, for I venture to say that never in the early days of Gympie or Charters Towers have I seen so much gold-bearing quartz on the surface of a claim as on the Orchid P.C." Although the paragraph appears somewhat venturesome it bears the impress of fact. Having had greater facilities to examine the lode and see more practical work done on the line than the Warden, I am in a position to pass an opinion upon the contentions raised in the paragraph quoted, and I unhesitatingly endorse every word written by Mr. Mowbray concerning the value of the Orchid P.C. on the surface. I might here state that during my stay in Mackay, Mr. Mowbray placed every facility in my way to acquire information, and I have to thank him accordingly. I found that Messrs. Leacocke and M'Caw have sunk three shafts, or rather trial holes on the reef. No. 1 was down 16 feet at the time of my visit, the reef maintaining a uniform thickness to the bottom. Lowering myself to the bottom I made a careful examination of the face of the reef, the wall, and formation. The country is granite, the formation true and the quartz kind. The probability of mundic coming in at a depth is not remote, in fact the presence of mundic is apparent. The reef dips vertically and strong, not a solitary break being noticeable. This trial hole is some yards from the boundary, so that on the southern side the gold has been proved. Closely examining the face I saw plenty of the precious metal adhering to the stone. In places it is in patches and should crush well. From this shaft fifteen tons have been raised to the surface, but the specimens have been bagged and placed in secure quarters on the claim. Leaving No. 1 I followed the cap which, by the way, is very wide south as well as north, and continuing my way to No. 2 I noticed that the ground rises in the form of a whale's back. The highest point is in the centre, and then the fall is in the centre going off at a much longer slope on the latter side. At No. 2 the reef is very large. Apart from the true reef gold-bearing quartz is scattered over the surface, and in my opinion it would pay to crush the stuff in sight for a distance of thirty feet in width. In fact there are blocks of stone scattered here and there which are astonishingly rich. At the part of the claim under notice I was shown the place where the Orchid bloom was found, and I had also the pleasure of handling a huge lump of quartz which was found thereabouts and containing dozens of ounces of gold. When I first glanced at it I could not tell which would form the larger part, the stone or the gold. The richest specimens have, so far, been found in the vicinity of No. 2, while in No. 3 the prospects are simply grand. A bench of stone has been left standing at a depth of 6 feet from the highest point of the surface at the edge, but a few more feet have been sunk on the eastern side to serve the double purpose of breaking down and proving its existence at a greater depth. At the bottom, the reef is over three feet thick, with gold showing in the stone. The site for the main shaft has not yet been fixed, but this will be decided in due course. The necessity to hurry does not exist, as some time must elapse before a battery is placed on the field. The owners of the Orchid P.C. have secured a water right below the eastern boundary of the property, with a frontage to the river. They can never run short of water and the quartz can be sent down to the stampers at little or no cost or inconvenience. Apart from the lode, the stone scattered on the surface would make a paddock of fifteen hundred tons, a very nice parcel to start a battery on. Having spent a considerable portion of my time in examining prospecting claim I accepted the invitation of the contractors to rest awhile within there residence. Inside the structure I had another opportunity of satisfying myself as to the worth of the claim. Along two sides of the room a number of bags filled with golden quartz have been stacked. From these several samples of the stone have been procured, and I need scarcely say I was pleased at their appearance. Many of them are more than rich. Although the gold is very fine it is abundant, and when the quartz is reduced the result will astonish those who have not been so lucky as myself as to handle and test it. To finish up with the Orchid P.C. I am constrained to admit that I never before saw such a show of gold on the surface. I doubt if a richer deposit, taking area and surface stone into consideration, has ever been discovered in Australia.

The following report by Warden Mowbray on the Eungella Goldfield has been read by the Under Secretary for Mines:

As instructed by your telegram of the 5th October, I have the honour to report that I left Mackay for Eungella on the 14th October, arriving at the recently discovered reefs on the 16th, having been detained on the road by heavy rains, which rendered the ascent of the range impracticable. The mines are situated on the Broken River, seven miles north from the boundary of Mount Britten gold reserve, and the same distance east from the B Creek field, reported on in June last, which is now practically deserted.

The holders of five protection areas had given notice of having found payable reefs, and inspecting the claims in the order reported, I first visited the area held by Messrs. Leacocke and McCaw. This is located on a steep granite ridge, the ground held covering the crown of the rise and the greater portion of the slopes. By the outcrop a reef is easily traced through the claim, quartz in large blocks being plentifully scattered over the surface. At the southern end of the ground, where the outcrop is slight, a trench has been sunk to the depth of 10 feet exposing a vertical reef 4 feet wide, throughout the face gold shows freely in the stone. All the numerous samples of surface quartz examined were extremely rich; over a ton and a half of specimens have been bagged and placed in the hut; these were obtained by breaking up the stone lying at hand, and the quantity that has so far been handled forms a small proportion of the material remaining available for this treatment.

The ground is heavily timbered, and it has required a considerable amount of labour to remove trees before work could proceed. A main shaft has been commenced in the centre of the claim. On the lower ground the adjoining numbers have had no difficulty in finding the lode, the size being from 4 feet to 5 feet, but very little gold has been struck outside the prospectors' boundary. The refusal of Messrs. Leacocke and McCaw to part with an interest at the rate of 8000 pounds for their mine is fair proof of the value of this property, and the confidence the owners have e in this new find. This line of reef is named the "Orchid," a name which is appropriate, for whilst passing over the hill with the intention of proceeding elsewhere one of the prospectors stopped to examine the bloom of an orchid growing on a sapling; his mate while waiting chipped off a piece of quartz from a block beneath the tree. This contained gold, and hence the discovery. I granted a reward claim to this area, and proclaimed a provisional goldfield.

The lady Norman p.c. is two miles distant from the Orchid. The reef in this claim is about 2 feet wide, carrying gold, and prospects well. The main shaft is down 20 feet. One ton of stone sent south for reduction yielded over 60 ounces of gold. I considered this claim payable, and granted the reward area to which the holders were entitled. There are several numbers on this line. This was the first reef opened, the finders, Messrs. Baker and Walsh being the prospectors who discovered the field. I visited many other protection areas, but I did not grant reward claims to any excepting those already mentioned. The lodes are well defined and all those examined, except in one instance, were almost vertical, and all carry gold. No payable alluvial has yet been found. There are over seventy miners on the field, and this number is daily increasing. A few hands would at present find employment, but as some time must elapse before crushing machinery will be supplied to the field anything approaching a rush to the locality is to be deprecated. One of the shareholders of the Orchid p.c. intends to proceed to Maryborough shortly with a few tons of stone, and will have the parcel treated there; judging by appearances the returns should be exceedingly high for I venture to state that never in the early days of Gympie or Charters Towers have I seen so much gold-bearing quartz on the surface of a claim as on the Orchid p.c. This reef would have been sunk on to a greater depth ere this, but the proprietors were reluctant to commence any permanent work before the ground was laid off by the warden. I have just received information that since I left the field, the main shaft, commenced immediately the area was marked out, now reveals an area 8 feet wide. The distance of the field from Mackay I estimate at sixty- two miles by Florr's track, the best crossing, according to public opinion, that has as yet been opened over the range. The latter portion of the journey is rough and tedious, and has to be partly performed on foot. The ascent of the range occupies some hours.

Heavy loading, and all wheeled traffic, must, for many a day, reach the field via Mount Britten or Bowen.

The mines are in a healthy position, and a copious supply of water is furnished by the Broken River. Timber of the best description is abundant.

I remained two days and a half on the field, being busily engaged during the whole time in marking off and visiting claims, and in settling disputes.

Rain was constantly falling on the road, and at Eungella, I returned to Mackay on the 20th October.

I shall forward separately a sketch of the area I recommend should be proclaimed a goldfield.

The following wire appeared in the "Courier" of 3rd December, 1889, from their own correspondent at Mackay:

MACKAY, December 2nd.
"One pound of stone from the Orchid Claim, which only showed faintly a small quantity of gold, was this morning crushed, washed and amalgamated, and retorted, and produced over 3dwts. of gold, which is equal to 360 ozs. to the ton. This stone was not from the main reef, but taken from near the surface below the reef. Another sample of about 5oz. weight, from a depth of 16ft. on the Orchid reef proper, gave the magnificent return of fully 500 oz, to the ton. The sample was taken at hazard from the last lot of stone broken down. Picked specimens can be obtained in quantities which would yield 1,000oz, to 2,000oz. to the ton. "

- Brisbane Courier

The following report by Mr.Duff has been furnished;

Mr Duff is a practical mining expert, having had large experience in the management of claims in this Colony and Victoria, and is highly recommended to the Provisional Directors.

ORCHID P.C., Eungella,

January 22nd, 1890.
The reef is situated on the side of a steep ridge on the Broken River, which runs through the Eungella Ranges. The cap of the reef is about 200 feet above the river bed, and runs nearly north and south for miles. There are three large lodes running parallel through the property, showing on the surface. The property covers an area of 535 feet by 400 feet. The eastern reef is the one that carries the good gold, and is about four feet wide, and is nearly vertical. The reef is composed of white, red, and blue quartz, impregnated with iron, and is running through a granite formation. The reef is well-defined with a nice soft dig on the eastern wall showing in the shafts that have been started. No. 1 is at the south end of the-property, and is sunk about 12 feet with good gold on the bottom going down. The prospects to be got in and about this shaft are very rich. No. 2 - a large one - more like a cutting, is sunk 8 feet, and carries some splendid gold on to the bottom. No. 3. shaft, or Orchid, as it is called, is a side cutting, it is sunk 8 feet from the cap. Rich gold can be seen in the stone all about the cap at this cutting. The distance between the Orchid and No. 1 shaft, is 250 feet, showing gold in places for that distance. According to the prospects, and what I can see, I estimate the stone at 10 ozs. to the ton. The quantity of stone that can be taken from the cap of the reef, I estimate at about 1000 tons. There is a large quantity of stone scattered about the surface. I can get prospects in the loam from 2grs. to ½ dwt. to the dish (of free gold) for ½ a chain down the ridge in places. I estimate the quantity of this stuff at about 1000 tons. Re the opening-up of the mine, I recommend that a tunnel be driven in the face of the ridge, on a level with the top of' the receiving shoot, at the back of the battery. The length of the tunnel would be about 300 feet, which would give about 135 feet of backs. To estimate the reef at 4 feet wide, the quantity of stone in the backs would be an enormous quantity, over 20,000 tons. A tunnel would drain all surface water down to that level. The stone at the cap of reef could be taken out 10 or 13 feet down, without danger to mine, when sinking is carried below the level of the tunnel. I would recommend sinking two shafts on the reef, one on each side of the tunnel to act as wings. In time a straight shaft could be sunk to work the lode below the level of the tunnel. I recommend the laying down of a tramway parallel with the reef along the face of the ledge, about half a chain below the cap of the reef, to carry loam, and quartz to the shoot. This loam, and a quartz from cap, can be got out ready for the battery while the dead work is being done. By the look of the country on the surface, I am of opinion that the tunnel can be driven for about 2 pounds per foot, and the shafts sunk for about 3 pounds per foot. I have suggested to Messrs. Leacocke and McCaw that the tunnel is the first work that should be started; and the shafts as soon as possible, so as to get the dead work done in good time. I estimate this work can be done in about eighteen weeks, if no hard ground is met with in the tunnel, or water in the sinking. Iron rails, for the tunnel and trams; also trucks and flat sheets, will be wanted to carry on the work. I have mentioned above, the shoot from the mine to the battery can be made of two-inch timber. I estimate this work can be done for about 175 pounds. I enclose a rough sketch of the work I have recommended to be carried out. There is any quantity of timber for building and mining purposes on and around the property. There are some good trees on the machine site, that will come in for bed logs. There is a large water-hole in the river on the site. The battery can be placed about 300 feet from the cap of the reef; the quartz can be sent down a shoot, or by laying down a tram. I recommend a ten-head stamp battery, the stamps to be 7½ or 8 cwt. each. The cam-shaft should be long enough with coupling, so as to allow of more stamps being added. I recommend a 20 h.p. semi-portable engine, with all the latest appliances in the shape of pans for treating mundic stone. I am of the opinion that mundic stone will be met with at no great distance from the surface. I also recommend that a stone breaker should be got, and make the battery a self-feeder. To carry out this work - excavating foundation for battery, erecting battery, making roads, and other work, also getting a supply of firewood for the battery (which wants to be cut for some time to allow it to dry, the timber here being very wet), a good horse will be wanted to draw timber about - I estimate that 3000 pounds, at the least, will be wanted here, to carry out the works. I am, yours truly,
P. S. DUFF

 
"Brisbane Courier,"
July 17th, 1890.

Owing to the continued wet weather operations at tile Orchid p.c., Eungella, near Mackay have been considerably interfered with, but a start has now been made to thoroughly develop the property. It was recently reported that an eighth share in the mine had been disposed of for 5,000 pounds cash, and a company has since been formed to take over the whole property. The Orchid Gold Mining Company has been registered under the No Liability Act, with a capital of 100,000 pounds, in 500,000 Shares of 4s. each all fully paid up, and in the Articles of Association provision has been made to expend 10,000 pounds in procuring machinery and carrying on the necessary work. In view of the erection of machinery, a parcel of 10 tons of stone is being sent to the Aldershot works at Maryborough for treatment, so that the best means of obtaining the gold may be ascertained. The original holders of the mine receive 5,000 pounds in cash, making with the 5,000 pounds previously paid to them 10,000 pounds in cash, and accept the balance of payment in shares, and they have undertaken not to dispose of any of the shares until the mine is developed. Mr. P. S. Duff estimates that there are 1000 tons of stone in sight equal to, at the lowest estimate 10oz. per ton. In order to drain the mine and to test it at the lower level a drive is now in 150 feet, and it is expected the reef will be cut in 150 feet more. If the reef should carry gold at that distance the mine will be proved one of the richest in Australia. It is satisfactory to note that the mine is to be properly worked. Mr. W. Bulcock has been appointed secretary to the company, and arrangements have been made for regular reports from the manager.

JANE STREET, WEST END,

BRISBANE, 31st July, 1890.
THE DIRECTORS
ORCHID P.C. GOLD MINING CO.
NO LIABILITY.
CREEK ST., BRISBANE..

2. Situate on the side of a steep hill the Orchid Prospecting Claim measures about 600 feet on the base line by 400 feet. The reef crops out of the surface from peg to peg, fully four (4) feet thick, carrying coarse gold all through the stone; outside the reef altogether there is a large quantity of crushing stuff which would pay well to put through the mill. At the north-eastern end of the mine there is an open cutting about ten (10) feet deep, from which a big heap of quartz has been taken and stacked on the lower side, and coarse gold shows in the big blocks of stone. I broke off several pieces from this heap which accompany this and which speak for themselves. At the southwestern end there is a shaft sunk about ten (10) feet, from which rich stone has been taken, and still going down. Besides these heaps taken from the reef there is a considerable quantity of good payable stuff all along the lower side of the reef. One dish of the surface rubble washed, gave several small specimens and some free gold. This stuff can be taken out of a face and passed down a box shoot to the machine. Owing to the large quantity of stone in sight and so easily obtained, Mr. Duff discontinued raising stone, feeling sure that several ounces had been taken from the heaps in specimens by visitors, and started a tunnel at about fifty (50) feet above the river level, which, by survey, should cut the reef about one hundred and thirty five (135) feet from the cap, and which would give an enormous quantity of stone to that level.

This tunnel is driven one hundred and twenty one (121) feet into the hill. leaving about one hundred and forty-four (144) feet to intersect the reef. This tunnel will drain all the ground overhead, having a gentle rise from starting point and is seven (7) feet high by 3 feet 6 inches wide; well secured with sole piece props and cap piece, slabbed on the top and sides where required.

At present there is an iron truck run on wooden rails, which will be replaced by iron rails in the near future, and when the reef is cut it will be an easy and inexpensive matter to truck and shoot the quartz to the Rock-breaker, and thence into the stamper boxes, thus obviating the expense of carting.

The natural advantages on the surface are greater than I ever before met on a Goldfield, timber especially, cedar and gum being good and plentiful (so that firewood may be obtained at a small cost) while immediately below the mine is a never failing supply of the purest water. A mill site of five (5) acres is secured on the river bank. There are three shifts working in the tunnel and four men working on the surface, road making and getting ready for the machinery. The manager hopes to have the reef opened out at the end of the tunnel so that the mill will be continually crushing. I would recommend a light ten (10) head battery say eight (8) cwt. stamps, and a rock-cracker to reduce the stone and save labour, also, a long blanket table and not less than 3 or 4 berdan pans to grind the blanketings. A 16 horse power portable engine would be sufficient for all purposes. Great care should be exercised in selecting the machinery.

The cost of carting and crushing will be very small, and the returns should leave a large margin of profit for the lucky shareholders.

3. Various estimates' have been made as to the value of the stone in sight but only an approximate can be formed. By assay and crushing it has gone as high as 500 ounces to the ton and more. Of the reef proper, not counting the loose stone and rubble, which it is impossible to estimate without further work, there are already disclosed about 1000 tons, which at a low average should far more than repay the capital at which the Company is set down,viz:- 100,000 pounds in 500,000 of 4s. each.

No one can tell, but my opinion after careful consideration and inspection, is that the reef will be struck in the tunnel and go down far below it; if so, the mine would be very greatly increased in value, and yield large returns for many years.

I am, Sirs,
Yours obediently,
(signed) S.A BEATIE

FROM AGREEMENT FOR SALE OF PROPERTY TO THE COMPANY.
The agreement, dated 17th June, 1890, between the Vendors (Henry Leacocke, Alexander McCaw, and Andrew Bogle) and the 'Company' referred to in the Articles of Association provides that-

The Capital of the Company shall be 100,000 pounds, divided into 500,000 shares of 4s. each, all fully paid up.

The Company purchase the prospecting claim or area known as the "Orchid," and the tunneling area and machine site adjoining thereto, both situated on the Eungella gold field, near Mackay, with all tools and stone at grass.

As part consideration for the said sale, the said William Bulcock shall - from and out of the proceeds of the sale of the shares to be allotted to him as hereinafter provided, and if and so far as the same shall extend after providing for the first sum of 5,000 pounds for machinery and working expenses - pay to the said Henry Leacocke and Alexander McCaw the sum of 5,000 pounds.

As a further consideration for such sale, the Company shall, on or before the 1st day of August next, allot to the Vendors and to the said William Bulcock 500,000 shares of 4s. each in the following proportions:-

Henry Leacocke 187,500 shares
Alexander McCaw 62,500
Andrew Bogle 150,000
William Bulcock 100,000
All fully paid up.
The shares allotted to the Vendors shall be their own absolute property subject to the provisions herein.

The said 100,000 shares allotted to the said William Bulcock shall be disposed of under the direction of the Directors, and should the proceeds of the sale of the said 100,000 shares or, any of them be more than sufficient to realise the sum of 15,000 pounds and provide for the expenses of brokerage the said William Bulcock shall, as a further consideration for the said sale pay any surplus proceeds and transfer any unsold shares to the said Henry Leacocke, Alexander McCaw and Andrew Bogle in equal proportions.

The company shall and will deliver the said 500,000 shares to the said William Bulcock and he hereby agrees to retain in his possession, or under his control, the scrip for the said shares to be allotted to the Vendors - until he shall receive from the Manager of the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney, Brisbane, an intimation in writing: that a total sum of 10,000 pounds or upwards has been from time to time placed to the credit of the Company, and that a total sum of 5,000 pounds has from time to time been placed by the said William Bulcock to the credit of Leacocke and McCaw, or a receipt for the said 5,000 pounds duly signed by said Leacocke and McCaw has been produced to him.

Upon receipt of said intimation he shall and hereby undertakes to deliver to the said Henry: Leacocke, Alexander McCaw, and Andrew Bogle respectively the shares or scrip certificates for the said shares so allotted to them, and delivered to him as aforesaid.

The 15,000 pounds to be realised by the sale of shares to be disposed of as follows:-
The 1st 5,000 pounds to go to credit of the company for machinery and working expenses.
The 2nd 5,000 pounds to go to credit of Leacocke and McCaw.
The 3rd 5,000 pounds to go to credit of Company for machinery and working expense's.

On the 1st day of January next, the above amount of 15,000 pounds having been provided, all unsold shares of the 100,000 are to be divided equally between, Henry Leacocke, Alexander McCaw, and Andrew Bogle.

a letter from the archives of the C.B.C. Bank

(discovered many years later whilst doing a little digging - apparently someone was telling a few porkies)

Inspectors Department

The Chief Inspector 9th September '95.

Sydney,

Dear Sir

Leacocke McCaw & Bogle
In reply to your letter of 5 last, Mr A. McCaw is not entitled to any sympathy or leniency on the part of the Bank. Both he and Leacocke cleared out with their money when they found there was likely to be a claim on them, Leacocke successfully. McCaw retired to a quiet place in Tasmania and when found made declaration of no effects or that effect, but from information obtained we found he had money which was locked up in the Bank of Van Diemens Land - £650 - we got judgement and served notice upon the liquidator who acknowledged it and we felt certain that the impounded money would come to us. Later, when a dividend was declared, we were informed that a previous assignment of the money had been lodged with the liquidator prior to our notice of judgement, which was overlooked when our notice was received. I have my doubts as to the bona fides of the transaction but of course we would not contest it. If McCaw has no money the trouble and worry he would suffer from the outstanding judgement are imaginary. It is likely he has some pounds and fears our judgement will be put in force. In the former case there is no need to give a release, in the latter the Bank should certainly not compromise. The very fact of McCaws making overtures for a release establishes to my mind the certainty of his having means. is Mr Wilson who interviewed you the proprietor of 'St Albans' ? If so the very fact of his interesting himself seems to favour the view that McCaw has something to lose. If 10/- in the £. were offered I would be inclined to consider it.

Do you think Leacocke is the mover in the matter ? He may be uneasy lest we follow him.

The Advance was made on 9th July 1890 when Leacocke & McCaw had £8,000 in the London Chartered and A.J.S. Banks, according to the information given to me. The amount was £5,000 and repayments to £1,525.12.7 were made but interest £271.15.6 and costs £96.2.3 brought ut the balance to £1,063.1.5. We obtained judgement against McCaw for £1,525.12.7. S.W.K

(We understand that Mr. A. Wilson of St Albans was recently in Western Australia and it is possible McCaw has a good interest or prospect at "Coolgardie".)

taken on a boiling hot late November afternoon (2000) out on the gibber plain at Marengo.

These poverty shacks at Marengo (dating to the Depression years) took a long time finding. I had begun to think that poverty shacks might have been a myth but right near the end of my survey (MRGS2000) I came across these.

constructed from small sheets of iron large enough to pack into remote locations poverty shacks like these were a feature of life in the remoter parts of Qld during the depression years

The grazier could remember them as a child, and he was in his seventies.

the poor stamper had been attacked with a hacksaw to remove a part of one stem

it was a lonely desolate place. only machinery and lost dreams