following under date.  Got the quartz tram finished the week before last,
and the battery started on the 20th ult., crushing continuously up till
Saturday night, 28th.  Started again on the afternoon of the 30th, and
intend to keep on till the 12 inst., before cleaning up.  I account for
the loss in this way; before getting the two settling pits finished, the
water on a few occasions was much thicker than it should be, especially
for saving fine gold; also the battery shoes being made of very bad iron,
which causes an annual amount of the iron worn fine to lay on the copper
plates, which is very much against the saving of gold, especially fine;
also necessitating the cleaning of the plates much more often than should
be done otherwise.

I did not approve of cleaning the plates too often if running clear and
free from iron; better the amalgam left on for gold saving.  With clear
water and the steel stamp shoes to work with, which I hope will arrive
here soon, I expect to reduce the loss very materially.

Of course for the better saving, their weekends required in due time.  For
the fort-night ending 28th ult., No. 1 South level driven 14 feet.; total
40 ft. South of shaft, I am breaking the usual amount of stone from this
level; lode 11 ft. wide showing gold.  I intend to continue the cross cut
further on, so as cut the hanging wall.  Drove the intermediate level 15
ft.; total 51 ft.; lode 10 ft. wide carrying gold.

(Signed) HENRY RYAN,
Mine Manager.