is gold, 23 oz.  9 dwt. 3 grs. to the ton, and silver, 2 oz. 3 dwt. 18
grs. to the ton, being 91.46 per cwt. gold, and 8.53 per cwt. silver.

THE PERTH STOCK EXCHANGE.

There was no meeting of the members of the Perth Stock Exchange yesterday
morning, and consequently the usual daily list of share quotations was not
issued.

PART II (Zoology).

My visit to these most interesting islands was from May to 23rd December,
1889.  To Messrs. Broadhurst & McNeil I am indebted for passages to and
from different islands, as well as for much open-handed hospitality. while
Mr. F. C. Broadhurst, Mr. G. K. Beddoes, C.E. (manager), and other
employees of the firm have furnished me with many valuable notes gathered
of late years upon the groups, and which were impossible for me to
personally make during my limited sojourn.

Houtman's Abrolhos are certainly the greatest "rookery" for sea-birds in
Australia, and by reason of their geographical position in the sub-
tropics, perhaps afford suitable breeding grounds for a greater number of
species that any other distinct or limited spot in the world.  That the
groups have been resorted to for a untold ages by the birds is evidenced
by the rich deposits of guano — notably upon Rat and Pelsart islands.  Rat
Island may be said to be fairly alive with feathers.  They were birds
breeding upon the bushes, birds breeding under the bushes, and birds
breeding in the ground underneath.  Rat Island approximately contains 350
acres.  Deducting, say 50 acres, for the guano station and cleared ground,
and taking one bird for every square yard (there could not be less,
probably more, when young, and eggs are taken into consideration) the 300
acres would give 1,452,000 birds upon one island alone.  With their
success I took instantaneous photographs of some of the flights, but could
not take the birds when thickest, namely, at early morn and late evening,
the sun being unfavourable for the camera.  Of the wonderful flights of
noddies and sooty terns I need not speak, but could fully substantiate
Gilbert's accurate description as given in Gould.

I shall now proceed to enumerate the various species found upon the
islands, adding notes of interest on facts in their natural economy not
hitherto recorded.  Baron von Mueller, K.C.M.G. most kindly named the
plants for me.  The Rev F. R. M. Wilson identified the lichens, while four
species of lizards are still under the consideration of experts.

MAMMALIA.

* Halmaturus Derbianus, Grey (Derby's wallaby).  Found on the E.  and W.
Wallaby Islands (Northern group) only.

* Eustaria — —?  (seal).  Principally found on Easter and Pelsart groups but
now getting scarce.

* Mus — — (rat).  I was unable to procure a specimen for identification,
which may probably prove to be the common European rat introduced by some
shipwreck.

AVES.

* Haliaetus leucogaster, Gm. (white-bellied sea-eagle).  Not common. Eyries
are established on Wallaby (Pigeon Island) and Pelsart groups.  The noddy
tern constitutes a portion of this eagle's prey.  Breeds beginning
September.  Young do not assume adult plumage until second or third year.

* Pandion leucocephalus, Gould (white headed osprey).  More common than the
preceeding [sic] species.  One day, as the barque Capella was riding at
anchor in Good Friday Bay each of the mast heads was occupied by one of
these noble birds.  In addition to fish the osprey is very partial to the
little white-faced storm petrel and a rough tailed lizard, upon Rat
Island.  Lay in September.

* Hirundo neoxena, Gould (welcome swallow).  Noticed flying over Pelsart
Island.

* Sericornis maculatus, Gould (spotted scrub tit).  Found only on Wallaby
group.

* Zosterops Gouldii, Bp. (Green backed white eye).  Found in pairs
throughout the groups.

* Phaps chalcoptera, Lath (bronzewing pigeon).  Wallaby group.

* Turnix scintillans, Gould (speckled turnix-quail).  Wallaby group.

* Haematopus longirostris, Vieill (white-breasted oyster catcher).  Few
pairs throughout groups.

* Haematopus unicolon, Wagl (sooty oyster catcher).  Seen occasionally.

* Aegialatis ruficapilla, Tenem (red-capped dottrel).  A few always upon the
islands where they breed.

* Tringa albescens, Tenem (little sandpiper).  In small flocks about the
beaches.  Retire inland to rest at evening, when they often co-mingle with
the former species.

* Tringa subarquata, Gmel (curlew sandpaper [sic] ).  Singly or in twos or
threes about the shores.  But none observed in full plumage.

Strepsilas interpres, Linn (turnstone).  This cosmopolitan was observed in
flocks of 6 or 7 about the reefs at low water, but scarcely in adult
plumage.

* Numenius cynopus, Viell (Australian curlew).  Noted at Wallaby group.

* Numenius uropygialis, Gould (wimbrel).  Small flocks seen at the mangrove
swamp, Pelsart Island, 23rd December.

* Demiegretta sacra, Gmel (reef heron).  Both the blue variety and white
found throughout the groups.  Breed November.

* Hypotaenidia Philipensis,  Linn (pectoral rail).  Seen upon Rat and
Pelsart Islands.  Known to breed upon latter.

* Porzana sabuensis, Gmel (Tabuan crake).  Pelsart Island, about the
mangrove swamp.

* Anas castanea, Eyton (Australian teal).  Wallaby group.

* Larus Pacificus, Lath (Pacific gull).  Odd couples breed throughout all
groups.  Laying commences early September.

* Larus Longirostris, Masters (long-billed gull).  Common.  Breeds in
September.  Have been witnessed plundering the noddies of their eggs,
especially if nearly incubated.  The gulls also rob these peaceful birds
of the contents of their stomachs when spread out for their mates or young.

* Sterna Caspia, Pall.  (Caspian tern.) Seemed in small companies about the
reefs or singly diving to fish about the harbour.  Fledglings seen 15th
December, also fresh egg taken same date.  Young in down white underneath,
mottled with black and brown above.

* Sterna Bergii, Licht.  (Common tern.) A few breed upon Pelsart island.
Young in down similar to Caspian tern.

* Sterna Dougalli, Mout.  (Graceful tern.)
Nesting in scores upon the dead coral ridges in the narrowest half of
Pelsart island.  December appears to be the laying month.  Young in down
under surface white, wings white, and rest of upper surface mottled black
and white with slight brownish tinge.  Feet and bill light pink.

* Sterna anaestheta, Scop. (Panayan tern.) In small companies of 10 or 12,
or in pairs, breeding under shelving limestones, sometimes under bushes,
chiefly on isolated rocks.

* Sterna juliginosa, Gm. (Sooty tern.) The "wide-awakes" first appear in the
beginning September upon Rat and Pelsart islands, when they come in vast
numbers for about a fortnight.  When the young are reared all depart about
April.  Their call note sounds like "wide-awake;" hence their vernacular
name.  A long gutteral scream appears to be the alarm note while "squak"
like notes are uttered in anger.  Young in down, underneath parts (except
throat) whitish, all the rest of the surface mottled with black, brown and
white.  Feet and bill dark coloured.

* Sternula nereis, Gould.  (Little tern.) A few couples found breeding upon
dead coral on Pelsart island in close proximity to the graceful terns.
Young in down dull or yellowish white.  Bill and feet light yellow.

* Sternula inconspicua, Masters.  A pair noticed in company with little and
Caspian terns near Rat island.  A skin was obtained, which appears to
correspond with Masters' description, although some authorities believe it
to be a different stage of plumage of the little tern.  But this can
hardly be, seeing the young of the little tern from the time they are
hatched possess yellowish-white bill and feet, whereas Masters' tern has
dark coloured bill and feet.

* Anores stolidus, Leim.  (Noddy tern.) Records kept upon Rat island showed
that these birds first appeared for the breeding season August 14, 1888,
and August 16, 1889, respectively.  They are usually first heard at night
and then appear gradually for a few days before they arrive in great
crowds.  The earliest eggs are deposited about the beginning of October,
but laying continues for the two or three following months.  About the
breakup of the weather in April all the noddies with their young depart.
Not a solitary bird remains.  A week or two prior to the first exodus the
birds leave the island daily, but return at night.  This may be a method
of exercising the young before the last great flight.  There is a curious
incident of all these birds having suddenly left Rat island for about a
fortnight during the month of October when cold rain set in, leaving eggs
and young to perish.  Upon slight showers of rain falling, the birds clear
out to the shoals upon the reefs, and skim over the water in a remarkable
manner, as if fishing.  The call note of the noddy is a coarse, gull-like
bark.  Young in down vary in colour from light to dark sooty brown, with
the upper portion of the head mouldy white.  Bill and feet black.

* Amores longirostris, Tenem.  (Lesser noddy.) As its name implies, it is
similar in appearance but smaller than the noddy, yet in one or two points
of its natural history differs much.  Unlike the noddy, which nests upon
low bushes or upon the ground, the lesser noddy seeks mangrove trees, and
then only upon one island (Pelsart) out of all the groups although
mangroves exist elsewhere.  Then, again, the lesser noddy remains
throughout the year, whereas the noddies' visits are periodical.  The
first eggs may be observed the beginning September, but the climax of the
breeding season is not reached till December.  Young in down sooty black,
upper part of head mouldy white.  Bill and feet black.

Now that a successful guano depot has been established upon Pelsart
island, no doubt in time the limited supply of mangrove trees will be used
for fuel.  What, then, will become of the extraordinary flights of the
lesser noddies as they go to and from their fishing grounds?  I trust the
photographs I took may not soon be the "light of other days."

* Puffinus nugax (?) Sol.  (Allied petrel.) I am not quite satisfied about
the identity of this petrel although it closely resembles P. nugax.
Professor McCoy, to whom I submitted a skin, shares my doubt.  If it be P.
nugaax then it has never been reported from the Western side of Australia,
nor has it been recorded nocturnal as the Abrolhos bird certainly is.  I
took my specimen flying about Rat Island the midnight of 9th December.
They have also been known, attracted by the light to fall into the fires
of persons camping upon the islands.  They breed in underground burrows in
July and appear to rear their young and depart in time to accommodate the
following species.

* Puffinus sphenurus, Gould (wedge tailed petrel).  I have the pleasure of
announcing this petrel also nocturnal in its habits.  It is somewhat
extraordinary that such a peculiar trait in the bird's character should
have escaped Gilbert's notice.  About half an hour after sundown they
commence moaning and get uneasy in their burrows and shortly afterwards
birds may be seen swiftly cutting the air in many directions.  The moaning
and cat like cries of the wage-tailed petrel are a curious experience.
After a ramble, one quiet night, I noted in my pocket book next morning
that "the whole island seemed groaning and travailling in pain with the
noise of mutton birds."  Sometimes the roofs of the guano station struck
with terrible force by the birds during flight.  About half an hour before
sunrise they disappear underground, when all is quite as far as they are
concerned.  The attitude of this petrel upon ground resembles a duck upon
water, a squatting posture.  When walking they are assisted by their wings
which give the bird a waddling or lame gait.  The burrows generally extend
2 or 3 feet in an oblique direction, rarely more than 5 feet.  Sometimes
they deposit their single eggs in holes or fissures of rock, while more
than once eggs have been taken from under bushes.  The eggs, like those of
the noddies and other birds, are excellent eating, not all fishy in
flavour as may be supposed.

* Procellaria fregata, Linn (white-faced storm petrel).  December 15, found
young about 10 days old in burrows upon Beacon Rock near Rat Island.  They
were clothed cash in long blueish-grey down with dark naked head and bill,
feet also dark coloured with legs yellowish white.  After death an amber
coloured oil exudes freely from the beak.

* Phaëton candidus, Briss (white tailed tropic bird).  An occasional visitor.

* Phaëton rubricanda, Bodd (red-tailed tropic bird).  Seen occasionally on
Rat Island during calm weather.

* Graculus varius, Gm.  (pied cormorant).  Frequent the bays and breed in
numbers upon isolated rocks.

* Pelecanus conspicillatus, Tenem.  (Australian Pelican).  Have been known
to breed upon Pigeon Island (Wallaby group) chewing September.

REPTILIA.

* Morelia variegata (?) (carpet snake).  Found only on Wallaby group.  Said
to be a darker variety than that found on the mainland and not so lively
in movements.  Maximum length about 9 feet.  Supposed to be non-venomous.

1.  Lizard, 17 inches long, of a dark mottled green.  Underneath parts
dull greenish white.  During the season these reptiles devour many of the
eggs and young of the noddy and sooty terns, when their skin assumes a
darker hue, but whether this be from the change of food or merely a summer
coat has yet to be proved.

2.  Lizard, about 8 inches long with stumpy rough tail.  Colour, Brown
with seven or eight indistinct or irregular transverse rose of yellowish
white spots.

3.  Lizard, about 9 inches, striped laterally with alternate lines of
brown and dirty white.  Run with amazing rapidity.

4.  Lizard, small without feet, about 4 inches long.  Yellowish colour
with brown lateral stripes.  Underneath parts white.

PLANTS.

Acacia —? Avicennia Officinalis, Linné (Mangrove); Spinifex logifolius, R.
Brown; Plantago varia, R. Brown; Nitraria Schoberi, Linné;
Mesembrtianthemum aequilaterale, Howarth (Pig-face weed); Malva
rotundifolia, Linné; Frankenia laevis, Linné; Spergularia rubra, Persoon;
Setaria —? Solanaceolus —? Bromus arenarius, Labilt; Senecio lautus,
Forster; Chenapodioum murale, Linné; Atriplex cinereum, Poiret (Salt-
bush); Therlkeldia diffusa, R. Brown; Salicornia arbuscula, R. Brown;
Euchylaena tomentosa, R. Brown.  Lichens Lecidea —? Theloschistes
parietmus: Verrucaria —? Physcia picta.

[Note, — All these plants with the exception of Acacia were gathered on
Easter & Pelsart Groups.]

in the year 1527, when he touched on the west coast and gave the name of
Abrolhos to a group of islets which lie off Champion Bay.  So runs the
Year Book.  Then Australia was known only 35 years after Columbus
discovered America.

In the year 1598 Frederick Houtman, a Dutchman who projected the Dutch
East India Company, coming upon the Abrolhos, bestowed his own name upon
them instead of that of the brave Portuguese who discovered them.

In 1629 Francis Pelsart and his company were shipwrecked upon Houtman's
Abrolhos.  Of this historic and may I add romantic wreck a few words may
be said in passing.  The East India Company, animated by the return of
five ships richly laden, under Carpenter, caused to be equipped for a
similar voyage eleven other vessels, which sailed out of Texel on the 28th
October, 1628, Captain Pelsart in command.  His vessel, the Batavia,
carried about 250 souls, of them about 150 were intending colonists, the
rest sailors, soldiers, &c. On the 21st May following, when in the South
Indian Ocean, a great storm overtook the fleet.  The Batavia alone
survived.  The other ten vessels disappeared and were never heard of more.
 Pelsart pursued his lonely course till the Batavia, the night between the
4th and 5th June, struck heavily on a coral reef near the South extremity
of a long islet in the Southern groups of the Abrolhos.  This particular
islet now bears Pelsart's name, likewise the group in which it is
situated.  With one or two exceptions the wrecked company all reached
land.  

At the earnest request of the people, Pelsart fitted up a boat and
went in search of water.  On the 9th June he reached the mainland, but not
obtaining the needed element he coasted northward.  After 100 miles had
been placed between himself and the scene of the wreck and still without
the necessary supply of water, Pelsart deemed it advisable to push on to
Java for relief, and reached that island about the end of the month
(June).  The Governor gave Pelsart command of the Saardam.  He departed on
the 15th July to rescue the survivors of the ill-fated Batavia, if happily
any remained alive.  During Pelsart's enforced absence, the scenes of
bloodshed and treachery which were enacted amongst the castaways upon the
Abrolhos whereof the most revolting nature and beyond description.  The
supercargo — one Jerome Cornelis — turned out to be an arch-fiend
incarnate.  He was on convert to hear wreck about nine weeks before it
finally broke up, and eventually came ashore after floating about two days
upon a spar.  Cornelis determined to capture any relief vessel that might
arrive, convert her into a privateer and decamp with the Batavia's
treasure of silver.  In the first place, by clever scheming, he was
elected "Captain General" of the island and created laws to suit his own
ends.  

One Weybhays, with 45 men, was sent out to look for water, which
was found on Middle Island by digging two wells.  On his return he found
that Cornelis had butchered between 30 and 40 of his opponents, while
others had despersed themselves to the adjacent islands.  Cornelis on his
bloody career determined to follow the fugitives, and then to attack
Weybhays, who had taken up a position on Square Island.  On the nearest
island (probably a portion of Pelsart, because there are evidences of it
having been divided in those days) all the weakest were killed except five
women (retained as mistresses for Cornelis and his officers) and seven
children.  The total murdered now numbered about 125, one scoundrel, John
Bremen, having slaughtered, or assisted to slaughter, no less than twenty-
seven persons.  After several futile attacks upon Weybhays’s (?) position
(?), Cornelis was himself captured and made prisoner.  

When Cornelis's followers were about to make a final swoop upon Weybhays to rescue their "Captain General," the Saardam, with Pelsart on board, arrived.  Weybhays, with some of his party unobserved by the mutineers was the first on board, and informed his master of the dreadful state of affairs.  The mutineers, supposing to surprise the ship, followed armed to the teeth, and dressed
in splendid red uniforms broached from the Batavia's cargo.  But when they recognized Pelsart's voice commanding them to throw their arms overboard, they obeyed, fear-stricken, and were soon court marshalled and strung up at the yard-arm with the rest of the traitors that remained on the island, including "Captain-General" Jerome Cornelis.  The loyal survivors were then rescued, and after recovering jewels and fishing from the wreck five out of the six chests of silver, Pelsart finally quitted the Abrolhos on the 28th September, 1629.

Captain Daniel, in the London, of the Honourable the British East India
Company, reported he saw the Abrolhos shoals June, 1681, while eleven
years subsequently the celebrated British navigator, Captain William
Dampier, on his second voyage to new Holland, in a vessel called the
Roebuck, struck a reef on the northern group.

Then about 1727 the Dutch man-of-war Zeewyck came to grief at a spot not
far from the scene of Pelsart's disaster.  The crew repaired to a small
island, where they were able to build a boat from the fragments of the
wreck, whereby they reached Java in safety.  The small island was
subsequently called Gun Island, on account of Captain Wickham, R.N., when
surveying, having found a small brass four-pounder thereon as well as
other articles of Dutch manufacture.  At the Perth museum, I saw some old-
fashioned dark green schnapps bottles supposed to be from the same
historic wreck.  They resembled squat hock bottles, but are of irregular
shape and much sand-blown after their exposure for over 150 years.  The
Hon John Forrest, C.M.G., the President of the Anthropological section of
the current Congress of this Association, on visiting Gun Island in 1882,
found two coins bearing dates 1720 and 1722 respectively.

Captain Wickham, R.N., in H.M.S. Beagle, surveyed Houtman’s Abrolhos in
1840, having on board Gilbert, the naturalist and able coadjutor of Gould.

The following epitaph is the only record of a wreck that took place in the
early "fifties": — "Here lieth the body of John Williams, who died April,
1851, on the wreck of the schooner Venus, aged 41," which is nearly
illegible now, and inscribed on a rough board upon Middle Island, Pelsart
Group.

Again the islands remained undisturbed, except by occasional hunting
parties from Champion Bay and the wreck (without loss of life) of the
Benledi, an iron barque, bound from Melbourne to Calcutta about 1879, till
1880, when the enterprising firm of Messrs. Broadhurst & McNeil determined
to test the quality and quantity of their guano deposits.  They planted
their depot on Rat Island, in the central group, and, since, and other
upon Pelsart Island.  The results of the last four seasons' export in
phosphatic guano, of excellent commercial quality, is no less than 24 ship
loads, or 18,000 tons, valued at about £80,000, and upon which the West
Australian Government has reached the handsome royalty of £7500, and, like
the Peruvians of old, with the expenditure of little or no revenue.

I shall now, as briefly as possible, describe Houtman's Abrolhos, with
occasional reference to Captain Wickham, Admiralty surveyor, and others.

The Abrolhos are separated from the mainland by the Geelvink channel, from
30 to 45 miles wide.  There are naturally three distinct groups of islets,
rocks, etc., extending N.N.W.and S.S.E. about 50 miles, varying from 10 to
13 miles across.  

1st — Wallaby Group, so named on account of a species of
marsupial being found on the two largest islands.  Zoologically and
botanically, perhaps, the Wallaby Group is the most interesting.  I
regretted I was unable to visit it.  The existence of Wallaby, which are
numerous, is very curious.  Large snakes of the carpet variety, and
therefore non-venemous, are equally plentiful.  The highest part of the
islands is on East Wallaby, about 50 feet above sea level.  Upon this
island Messrs. Broadhurst and MacNeil [sic] turned out several goats in
1888.  

2nd, Easter Group, this is the most central, being separated on
the north from Middle Channel, 9 miles wide, and on the south from Pelsart
by Zeewyek Channel, four miles across in narrowest part.  Rat Isle, ¾ mile
long by 1/3 broad, the largest of the Easter Group, is a place of close
limestone formation with a summit of only 13 feet.  Its surface descends
to overhanging cream-coloured limestone cliff, 6 or 7 feet high.  The soil
is wholly composed of phosphatic guano which sustains saltbush (Atriplex),
Nitraria, &c.  The usual coral reef surrounds that isle, together with
other islets and rocks near, notably Wooded Island with a small lagoon and
mangroves.  The harbour at Rat Isle is Good Friday Bay.  According to the
Admiralty guide, Good Friday Bay (the guano station) "is a secure harbour
affording anchorage for a large number of vessels of any draught," while
all captains of vessels who have loaded there report most favourably of
the port.  

3rd, Pelsart Group is something like Easter.  Pelsart or Long
Island is a narrow ridge of coral and limestone, about 200 yards to half-a-
mile broad extending between 11 and 12 miles in length.  About midway are
swamps sustaining clumps of mangroves in some places 15 feet high.  Upon
this island there are recent evidences of silting up, especially of the
dead coral ridges, and as previously mentioned no doubt the land was
divided in Pelsart's day — over two and a half centuries ago.
 
W. J. Gordon's pleasant story of the "Captain General," and more matter-of-fact
accounts of the wreck point to the fact in Over-the-Way Island.  Square
Island, where Weybhays held out, is six miles from the nearest part of
Pelsart.  The next two largest islands of this group our Gun and Middle
Islets, about 2 1/2 miles in extent each.  Drinkable water from Wells is
obtainable upon the latter.  At the guano depot, at the southern end of
Pelsart Island, a jarrah pier is in course of construction in a secure and
splendid day, however, yet unnamed.  Charles Edward Harbour, now recorded
for the first time, has been suggested.  The name is very appropriate,
being the Christian names of an early pioneer of Victoria and senior
partner of the firm of Messrs. Broadhurst & McNeil.  The name, of course
will be submitted to the Admiralty and to be charted.

Generally speaking, the basis of all the islands, rocks and reefs of
Houtman's Abrolhos is formed of limestone, chiefly consisting of coral and
shells, all the islands on the east side of Easter and Pelsart being
merely ridges of the dead coral and shells, some of which present the
curious effect, when in the shining sun, of appearing like a limb of a
moon rising above the horizon, while the islets on the west side are flat
blocks of limestone, pushing themselves, like great mushrooms, about five
feet above the sea level and sustaining stunted and scant vegetation.
These islets, in turn, are protected by the outer or an extended barrier
reef over whose flat surface foaming spray-crested billows chase each
other in rapid succession with thundering roar in calm or tempestuous
weather.  No wonder such a terrific spectacle struck terror into the
hearts of mariners, especially if they found themselves on the weather
side.  When upon the serene islet at the guano station, often did I watch
the great orb of day sink into the Indian Ocean behind the long silvery
horizon of surf, and with the distant, sullen roar of the breakers
sounding in my ears, I found myself almost in an idolatrous mood,
repeating Billeter’s beautiful part song: —

"Farewell, oh Sun! thou goest in glory to repose;
And, gazing at thy splendour, my wistful eyes I close."  —

instead of lifting up my mind to Him who made the sun to rule by day and
the moon by night.  At such a time too curious thoughts crowded upon my
senses while contemplating the reality that I stood actually upon or near
to the earliest discovered heart of our great Austral heritage, and I
thought of those who had been here — the brave Menezes, 1527; the
egotistical Houtman, 1597; Francis Pelsart, 1629; the great, but badly-
treated Dampier, 1699; and the lamented naturalist, Gilbert, 1840.

Hope's Hill (con.) sellers 1s 3d, buyers 71/2 d;
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Investment Stocks.  —
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BANKS. 
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A NEW PROCESS OF GOLD EXTRACTION.

(BY J.B. AUSTIN, M.E.)

A newly invented process for extracting gold from pyrites, or other
refractory matrices, and treating other metallic ores, has just being
brought out in South Australia, and extensively patented.  It is the
invention of Mr Francis Hylton Molesworth, late lecturer at the Adelaide
School of Mines.  The process consists in calcining the pyrites in a
furnace at a low degree of heat, the process being expedited by the
introduction of a jet of gas, containing an excess of oxygen, into the
hollow cylinder in which the ore is being roasted.  The cylinder revolves
in the centre of the furnace at a slight inclination from the horizontal,
so that as it turns slowly round, the pulverised ore find its way
gradually from the upper to the lower end.  Within the cylinder are a
number of small flanges for the purpose of raising and carrying round the
ore, which by this means falls clear from the top to the bottom of the
cylinder, being thus exposed to the full force of the jet of gas blown in
at the lower end, which is entirely open.  Although very moderate heat (is
dull red) is maintained, the effect of the jet of oxygen on the particles
of pyrites is to produce bright corruscations.  The ore is fed into the
cylinder through a hopper at the upper end.  On the crown of the furnace
is an iron retort, charged with crude nitric of soda, which, being
moistened with acid, gives off oxygen gas, and this passes down through a
bent tube into the cylinder below.  As by-products the following acids are
obtained during the process: nitric and hydrochloric acids; and sulphuric
derived from the pyrites which are being treated.  These are conveyed in
the gaseous form into a close tank made for the purpose, where they are
condensed in water, collected and utilised during the latter part of the
process.  In the working model constructor by Messrs. May Bros., Gawler,
the cylinder made 40 revolutions in the hour, during which time 140 lbs.
of pyrites were completely desulphurised.  The dimensions of the furnace
were 6 ft. in height by the same in length, and 3 ft. in width, outside
measure.  The cylinder is 5 ft. in length by 12 inches diameter.  It is
estimated that with the cylinder 15 ft. in length by 2 ft. diameter, and a
furnace in proportion, 100 tons of ore per week could be treated, and a
complete plant could be erected, including a small engine, for less than
£300.  The entire cost of the process, including interest on the plant, is
said not to exceed 4s. per ton, while 3s. 6d would probably cover it.  The
time occupied in calcining a charge of pyrites, from the time it entered
the cylinder, until it dropped out at the lower end, was under 12 minutes,
and it has been done in less than half that time.  The next part of the
process is transferred the calcined ore to a bath of nitric and
hydrochloric acid (aqua regia) which dissolves the gold; a certain
proportion of sulphuric acid is also added.  After remaining in the acid
bath for from 15 to 30 minutes, the liquid is filtered through charcoal
which retains the gold, and the charcoal being put into a smelting furnace
the pure metal is recovered.  Mr Molesworth claims that his process will
save 95 per cent of the gold contained in pyrites.  Hitherto by most of
the ordinary processes it has been difficult to extract more than 50 or 60
per cent of the gold from pyrites, so that if the new process saves only
90 per cent it will be 30 or 40 per cent better than the best of the old
methods.  Not only is its advantage seen in saving 15 dwts. where only 10
were got before, but also in the lower cost of the operation so that 1
dwt. of gold would about cover the cost of extracting the 15 dwts.,
whereas 2 dwts. would be required under the old process to extract only 10
dwts. of gold.  Mr Molesworth claims, as a part of his patent, the right
to use any peroxides in treating ores, and to adapt the process to other
metals besides gold.  He is about to experiment on the zinc ores which
abound in the silver mines at and around Broken Hill, and is sanguine of
being able to separate the zinc, which, though valuable, is at present
lost for the most part.  He considers the same principle to be applicable
to the treatment of copper pyrites also.  The experiments have proved so
successful that Mr Molesworth and his friends have gone to great expense
in taking out patents for the invention in all the gold producing
countries of the world.  It is intended shortly to erected works in or
near Adelaide to treat 100 tons per week.  

Amongst other advantages by this process are:-
 

• the saving in crushing the stone, as screens of 48holes to the square inch are quite fine enough, the desulphurising or calcining process causing the ore to pulverise easily in the acid bath.
• In treating sulphide ores an excess of liquor is produced, and is available for the treatment of other stone containing "flour gold," which by this means is readily saved. 
• The entire removal of the sulphur is not necessary so long as the pyrites are decomposed.  
• It is impossible for the ore to slag as it must come out perfectly oxidised.

We often hear a new inventions which promise to do wonders in the
extraction of gold, but very few of them have been brought into practical
use in the colonies.  We have been patiently waiting for the introduction
of the "Pollok Patent," which was invented nearly three years ago.  Now we
have one of South Australian invention, cheaper, more rapid, and at least
as effective, and which can be set to work as soon as the plant is
erected.  In the words a gentleman who witnessed Mr Molesworth's process,
"We can give Pollok's Patent a long start and win hands down."  The office
of the syndicates is at Melvin Chambers, King William Street, Adelaide,
where full information can be obtained from Mr Charles Ballard, Secretary.
Adelaide, Sept 3.

THE CENTRAL G.M. COMPANY.

Last week, the annual meeting of the Central Gold-Mining Company was held
in the Mechanics' Institute, Perth, Mr A. Forrest, Chairman of Directors,
presiding.  There was a large attendance of shareholders.  The chairman
presented the balance sheet as follows; —
Dr.—
To paid up capital account —
9520 shares of £1 each issued, paid up to 1s, — £476;
17 calls on above 9520 shares, making total paid up 11s 9d, £5117, total £5593;
sundry credtors [sic], £646 19s 2d; outstanding orders, £299 17s 5d;
National Bank of Australasia, £2076 0s 6d;
Machinery account, amount received for purchase, £2000; total, £10,615 17s 1d.  
Cr. —
By Central Area Purchase account, £476;
machinery account (cost up to date) £2489 13s 8d;
property, £692 2s 10d; office furniture, £9 19s 6d;
Gold in transitu [sic], £1571 10s;
Profit and loss account (balance) £5076 11s 1d;
Total — £10,715 17s 1d.
 
The profit and loss account started on the 31st Aug. 1889, with a debit account balance of £1922 11s 6d.  The expenditure during the year amounted to £5895 4s 11d, making total of £7817 16s 5d.  Against this was set the gold account of £2441 5s 4d, leaving the debit balance of £5376 11s 1d, referred to in the balance sheet.

The mine manager's report of the work done on the claim since he took
charge last January, was laid before the shareholders.  The directors'
report was as follows: —

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF THE CENTRAL GOLD MINING COMPANY, LIMITED.

GENTLEMEN, — Your directors beg to submit their second annual report,
together with balance-sheet and profit and loss account.

As you are aware there are 9520 shares in the company, which were issued
paid-up to 1s., these have since been paid-up to 11s 9d, this means a call
of 6s. 6d. per share during the past 12 months.

During the past year the quantity of stone crushed is 1070 tons, realising
771 oz. 9 dwt., worth about £3 12s. 6d. per oz. = £2795.

A report from the mine manager will be laid on the table.

The directors have ordered Berdan pans, but owing to the strike they have
not yet arrived.  This is considered necessary as by the various assays
the loss of gold is very great, from 3 dwt. to 28 dwt.

Your directors consider is advisable to move the machinery, and to effect
further improvements, also to make some change in the management, so as to
reduce the expenses.

A call will be absolutely necessary during the months of October and
November, of not less than 1s. each; this is owing to the small quantity
of stone crushed, and small results from same.

Your directors have every confidence in the mine, but owing to various
causes over which they have no control, the prospects are not such as were
expected, but still before next meeting they hope to be able to report
more favourably.

In accordance with Rule 2, two directors retire, Messrs. Park and Lacey,
both of whom are however eligible for re-election.

The auditors, Messrs., Thomas Sherwood and Ishmael Rogers also retire and
are eligible for re-election .
ALEX. FORREST, Chairman
SAM. JNO. ROWE,
E. G. LACEY,
GEO. PARK.

Messrs. Park and Lacey, retiring directors, were re-elected, and the
auditors, Messrs. Thomas Sherwood and Ishmael Rogers, were also re-elected.

Votes of thanks to the directors, brought the meeting to a close.

LEGISLATION FOR THE MINERAL INDUSTRY.

TO THE EDITOR.

SIR, — As the people of this colony are about to assume a constitutional
form of government, their representatives to the first Parliament will
enjoy the enviable honour of framing the legislative enactments governing
the future internal and external operations of the State.  I shall
therefore take the liberty of calling attention to the necessity for
expansive legislation on behalf of the mineral industry of Western
Australia.  As I have had a varied experience with the mineral belts of
North America, ranging from Mexico to Alaska, I may justly claim the
privileges of an expert; therefore I shall assert that the quartz mining
of this colony is handicapped by the Goldfields Act.  In support thereof I
have only to quote from section 54, page 62: "The extent allowed for each
miner in any ordinary quartz claim shall be fifty feet along the supposed
line of reef by a width of (400) four hundred feet."  As few, very few,
lodes average over 10 feet in width, the proportions of such claims are,
to say the least, ridiculous.  No matter how rich the surface prospect
might be, the size of such a claim would necessarily prevent the
enlistment of capital.  Necessarily the enactment holds out no incentive
for the prospector.  The size of a quartz claim should be not only large
enough to encourage the industrious and intelligent prospector, but also
to readily justify the investment of all the capital necessary for its
development.  Pernicious legislation retards the progress of any people.
No miner, except through purchase, should be allowed more ground than that
contained within the dimensions of his claim, and therefore the Government
should not have the power to lease mining ground to any one.  It would be
greatly in favour of the industry if the size of mineral claims were made
to conform to the requirements of the mineral code of the United States of
America.  Again, no man, or company of men, should be allowed to locate
more than one claim on and along the same lode vein and reef.  In
connection therewith, I shall quote from section 15, page 50: "A miner may
himself, or by his agent, take up and hold any number of claims," &c., &c.
 This would seem to clash with section 54, page 62; but, as it does not,
it is no doubt the result of a job.

As I merely wish to direct attention to the subject matter, I shall most
respectfully suggest that that portion of the Mineral Act of British
Columbia covering quartz-mining operations be adopted by legislative
enactment, and which I herewith enclose for publication.
Yours, &c.
JOHN McCAFFERTY.

The following are the extracts from the British Columbian Mining Act,
referred to by Mr McCafferty: —

74.  In defining the size of claims they shall be measured horizontally,
irrespective of inequalities on the surface of the ground.  1884, c. 10,
s. 59.

75.  Any free miner desiring to acquire a right to mine any lands for
minerals, as hereinbefore defined, shall, subject to the provisions of
this is Act with respect to land which may be used for mining, enter upon
the same and locate a plot of ground 1500 feet long by 600 feet wide, in
the form of rectangular parallelogram; such plot of land shall be
described and recorded as a mineral claim, and all the provisions of this
Act relating to ordinary mining claims shall, when the same are
applicable, apply to mineral claims.  1886, c. 14, s. 6; 1888, c. 34, s. 16.

77.  The lawful holders of mineral claims shall have the exclusive right
and possession of all the surface included within the lines of their
locations, and of all veins, lodes, and ledges throughout their entire
depth the top or apex of which lies inside of such surface lines extended
downward vertically, although such veins, lodes, or ledges may so far
depart from a perpendicular in their course downwards as to extend outside
the vertical side lines of such surface locations; but their right of
possession to such outside parts of such veins or ledges shall be confined
to such portions thereof as lie between vertical planes drawn downwards as
above described, through the end lines of their locations so continued in
their own direction that such planes will intersect such exterior parts of
such veins or ledges; and nothing in this section shall authorise the
locator or possessor of a vein or lode which extends in its downward
course beyond the vertical lines of his claim to enter upon the surface of
a claim owned or possessed by another.  1884,c. 10, s. 64.

78.  Where two or more veins intersect or cross each other, priority of
title shall govern, and such prior location shall be entitled to all ore
or mineral contained within the space of intersection: Provided however,
that the subsequent location shall have the right of way through the said
space of intersection for the purpose of the convenient working of the
said mine; and provided, also, that where two or more veins unite, the
oldest or prior location shall take the vein below the point of union,
including all the space of intersection.  1884, c. 10, s. 65.

79.  Where a tunnel is run for the development of a vein or hole the owner
of such tunnel shall, in addition to any mineral claim legally held by
him, have the right to all veins or lodes discovered in such tunnel:
Provided that the ground containing such veins or lodes be marked out by
him as a mineral claim within three days after such discovery, and be duly
recorded; and provided further, that such lodes or veins are not included
in any existing mineral claim.  Any money or labour expended in
constructing a tunnel to develop a lode or vein shall be deemed to have
been expended on such lode or vein.  1884, c. 10, s. 66.

85.  Any free miner having duly recorded and located a mineral claim shall
be entitled to hold the same for the period of one year from the recording
of the same, provided that within the first six months from such recording
he shall have expended upon the claim itself money or labour to the amount
or value of one hundred dollars, and shall have satisfied the Gold
Commissioner or Mining Recorder of such expenditure by a detailed and
attested description of the work performed (but in case continuous work is
being prosecuted upon any claim, it shall not be necessary to obtain a
certificate of expenditure), and obtained from him, and recorded within
such six months a certificate of such expenditure.  If the certificate
shall not be so obtained and recorded the claims shall be deemed vacant
and abandoned; and in like manner as to each succeeding year the holder of
the mineral claim shall be entitled to hold the same for one year from the
re-recording of the same, if he shall expend within the first six months
from such re-recording money or labour upon the claim to the amount or
value of one hundred dollars, to the satisfaction of the Gold
Commissioner, and shall have obtained and recorded within such six months
a certificate of such expenditure.  1886, c. 14, s. 8: 1887, c. 22, ss. 3
and 5; 1888, c. 34, s. 18.

oz. 10 dwts. This handsome cake is the result of a trial crushing of about
16 tons of stone, taken from the bottom of the shaft and crushed as it
first came to hand.  The gold has been deposited in the local branch of
the Union Bank, and is to be on exhibition there for some days.  News has
been received of the successful floating of the company in Sydney, and
also of machinery being now on its way from that city.  The success of
this claim ought to stimulate capitalists to put their money into the
other claims at Mallina, and hope to see a few more companies floated
before very long.

The only serious drawback is the lack of fuel, the country around Mallina
being very bare; but this difficulty could be overcome very easily, as the
country around is very level and well suited for laying tram rails.

PILBARRA.

The latest news from this place is that there are about 40 men still
there, and that all are doing well; the majority are getting half an ounce
per day each.

NULLAGINE.

No news has been received from this spot for the last few days.  Mr
Armitage, a gentleman who arrived in Sydney a few months back, and went
out to this field, returned last week, and thinks a great deal of the
Nullagine, and is now on his way back to Sydney to bring machinery to work
at this field.  The result of Mr Haaben's application for a mining lease
at the Nullagine is anxiously looked forward to.  It granted, Mr Haaben
intends to shift his valuable machinery, which is now lying idle at
Pilbarra.

SHAW FALLS.

A large nugget weighing 39 oz. 8 dwts. was brought into town last week
from the Shaw Falls, (the scene of the finding of the "Little Hero" nugget
of 333 oz. 8 dwts.) by a man named Mouson, who had only been there a week.
 This is the third large nugget unearthed at this spot, besides the
hundreds of ounces found since its discovery.  Everything points to the
success of this find, but water will have to be procured first.

ASHBURTON.

Latest reports are very satisfactory.  There are about 500 men at the last
found spot, which is about 20 miles from the "Top Find," and good gold is
being obtained.  A digger told me that a friend of his had been lucky
enough to secure two large nuggets, one of 50 oz. and the other 60 oz.,
and had written to him to proceed to the field without delay.  Very few
diggers are returning from the Ashburton, although the news of the
discovery of the "Little Hero" nugget must have reached there some time
back, which fact is another good sign, showing that the diggers are quite
satisfied with what they are on now.

Mr Greene, of Cook Greene & Co., and an old digger, considers there are
plenty of reefs but the men are so busy they cannot trouble about
prospecting for them.  A few specimens have been received in town, which
carry an enormous amount of gold.

The Bank is giving the highest price for this gold , as the assays proved
very satisfactory.

NICKOL.

About a dozen men are always to be found at this find, and gold in small
but payable quantities can always be had by deep sinking.

Rumours of a gold discovery place to Roebourne have been spread lately,
the latest place stated being near the Flying Foam, about 20 miles
distant, but no reliable news has been received yet.

As far as I can gather about 200 ozs. of gold have been brought into town
from the different finds within the last few days.  A great deal of the
Ashburton gold is taken away by the diggers without passing through
Roebourne at all, going straight from Onslow.

THE COLLIE COAL COMPANY.

There is every probability, states the Southern Times, of the 22nd inst.,
of the Collie Company's operations being vigorously prosecuted at an early
date, thanks to the great interest taken in the progress of the district
by our Resident Magistrate, Colonel Angelo having placed himself in
communication with some representative gentleman occupying influential
positions in the coal mining industries of the world, and to have been
favourably impressed with the indications, reports, and analysis of the
Company's coal, and from whom very satisfactory replies have been
received.  Colonel Arthur, of London, writes referring to the Company's
property, "I have not been idle in respect to it, and he shall hear from
me at length in a mail or so.  I have seen several people and put others
on the plant."  Lieutenant General Gordon, writes from the United Service
Club, Pall Mall, London.  "I have read Colonel Angelo's papers with
interest.  I was this morning in the City and saw the Secretary of the
Metropolitan Coal Co. of Sydney.  He has to do with other collieries in
New Zealand.  He says Sir John Coode has lately been writing of the great
want of coal in Western Australia, so I told him all about the Collie
Commercial Coal Co. and its views as set forth in the printed prospectus.
He is much interested.  Mr McArthur is one of his directors and I
suggested that Colonel Arthur might see him and Mr Harroway at College
Hall Chambers, the Offices of the Coal Companies, and perhaps he would
find he could promote the Company's wishes."

hon. gentleman.  Now, from what I saw myself, after visiting most of the
claims, I should esteem it a favour, if he would allow me space to draw
attention to the facts of the case.  The Commissioner says: — "From my own
observations I have no hesitation in saying that we have a gold field at
Yilgarn, and I feel confident that having regard to the large area of gold
bearing country in the early future, this field will be largely developed,
and it behoves the Government to encourage and assist by every means in
its power this development."

After coming to this conclusion, let us look at what the hon. gentleman
advises.  First the water supply as of the greatest importance, as at the
present all the fields have to depend upon is three small tanks and a few
mud holes.  What they require is to large tanks, say, of 50,000 yard each,
one at Parker's Range and one at the Cross, placed at convenient distances
from the town, not eight miles away as at present.  The cost of putting
down two such tanks by contract would be about £12,000.  This would settle
the water question once and for all.  What the hon. gentleman suggests is,
to spend £500 at Parker's, which would give them another mud hole of no
use in a dry season, and at the Cross condenser at a cost of about £1000,
which would be another folly equal to the borer, as the mining companies
experience with the salt water goes to prove, that condensing is anything
but profitable employment; and it is planned in working order and continue
the output of 3000 gallons, would tax even Mr Raeside's ingenuity, when it
has been proved that one third of the total bulk is saline matter and the
other two-thirds water.  In fact, anyone would infer from Mr Forrest's
report that the Government's first care is to provide easy and lucrative
employment for Mr Raeside, and secondly to provide a water supply for the
fields.  With respect to the present water supply, leaving out Sayer's
Tank, the others are little better than pig holes, and to think that so
many people are depending upon this miserable provision, is not very
creditable to any one concerned.  At Strawbery Rocks we find a large
natural basin in the rock.  When discovered it was full of soil; now in
the middle of this a circular tank has been dug and carefully stoned up,
when by removing the whole of the soil and dispensing with the stone,
double the capacity at far less cost would have been attained.  At the
Fourteen Mile Rocks this work is again to be seen in exactly the same
form.  Let all future work be done by contract under the supervision of
the Warden.  Of the cost of the present work we know very little, but by
the look of things I should say it was something considerable.  It would
be interesting to know the present cost per yard.  There are men now in
the colony who would be glad of such work at from 2s 3d to 2s 6d per yard.

With regard to the main road, that is urgently wanted.  The telegraph
could be very well dispensed with for the present.  It may benefit a few
scrip dealers in Perth, who have been already a curse to the field.  There
is nothing to warrant this expenditure when the fields are languishing for
want of capital, and starving for water, and every road in the district is
next to impassable.  As for the land, is it not very extraordinary that Mr
Forrest should think it would grow hay, when he can see it a foot high on
any camping ground.  I must say the land is the best Western Australia can
show, but private enterprise must stand by until the Commissioner sets
apart a special area, as the Land Regulations shut the whole thing up.
The rainfall is quite as good as that in any part of the south east, where
we grow hay and corn.  In most seasons, if I could get a block on
reasonable terms, I should be very glad to save the Government the trouble
of leading the way.  Of the result I should have no fear.  I think it a
great pity that even Mr Forrest, should throw doubt and discredit upon our
much abused land.  Throw the land open for selection on easy terms, and
the Government need not trouble themselves further about the matter.  Why
should it be a special area?  We are not short of land around the field.
In fact, what the field wants is a fair show to produce their own fodder,
a permanent water supply, good roads, and the public crusher at Parker's
Range, and last but not least, the repeal of the No-Liability Act, which
is no more than a direct license to swindle, suitable only for exchange
mining.  Capital seems to have lost all confidence in our mines, and to
restore that confidence should be the aim of the Government.  A public
crusher would do more towards developing Parker's Range than anything
else, and would pay for its own upkeep and a good percentage on the
capital; besides the cost of the plant would not exceed £5,000 including
water.  I am sure the vote of the fields would be more for a crusher
rather than a telegraph line, and the bars of gold going into Perth would
pay for more than a waggon [sic] load of telegrams.
Yours &c.
A VISITOR
August 20....

The following report from the directors was presented: —

Your directors beg to hand you their second half-yearly report and balance
sheet.  At the close of last half-year the machinery for the mine had just
been shipped to Fremantle, but owing to the prevailing drought at that
time it was found impossible to transport same to the mine.  To enable the
Company to meet the heavy cost of transporting the machinery, the
directors declared a call of sixpence per share in April, but the call was
so poorly responded to by the shareholders that when in the month of May
abundant rains fell and opened up the roads, the directors were unable to
have the machinery transported for lack of funds.  The directors were
further obliged for the same reason to apply for exemption from the labor
[sic] conditions of the lease, which was granted, and work ceased on the
15th May until 29th August, when work was again resumed.  Notwithstanding
the financial position the directors retained the highest opinion of the
value of the property, and the mine manager having assured the board that
payable stone was available if the machinery had been on the mine, your
board determined to further test the mine by crushing a quantity of the
stone.  The mine manager accordingly arranged to have 100 tons crushed by
the Exchange Company's Huntingdon mill. [sic] with the very satisfactory
result of 206 oz. 13 dwt. The shares forfeited for non-payment of the
first call were sold by auction, but the price obtained was
unsatisfactory.  On the result of the crushing being ascertained the board
determined to resume work and erect machinery, and to enable this to be
done declared a second call in August.  A contract has been entered into
for the transport of the machinery from York to the mine, and the whole
must be delivered within three months under a heavy penalty.  It is
expected that the machinery will be delivered before that time, and be at
work before the close of the year.  The Government of Western Australia
have sanctioned the construction of a new road to the field, and the work
is now in progress.  When completed this road will very materially reduced
the cost of cartage to the field.  Captain Oats has, with the consent of
the board, assume the management of Fraser's gold mine while retaining his
position with this Company.  This arrangement will, it is believed, be in
no way adverse to the interests of this Company.  On the contrary, Captain
Oats believes that the information gained in the working of Fraser's mine
will supply valuable data for the working of this property.  Captain Oats'
report for the half-year is attached hereto."[sic – no opening quotes]

The report of Captain Oats was an epitome of the reports furnished by him,
from time to time, during the previous half-year, of work done at the
mine, the more salient portions of which have already appeared in these
columns.  In concluding his report, the mining manager says: "I wish here
to remark that the water and other difficulties are not greater than might
be expected on a new field, and with care and perseverance can be
overcome.  I have no hesitation in saying (after nearly a year's residence
on the field) that with proper machinery half an ounce of gold to the ton
should pay the working cost.  I have always had a high opinion of the
mine, which only requires a sufficient outlay judiciously spent in
development to give good returns, and, supported by you, I will do my best
to bring about this condition."

The balance sheet for the year ended September 8th showed on the Dr. side
and capital account of £65,811 10s 11d, after making certain deductions on
account of uncalled capital, unpaid calls, and loss on forfeited shares;
and an item of "sundry creditors £404 16s 11d, bringing up the total to
£66,216 7s 10d.  On the Cr. side were £62,000 for mine purchase and bonus
to applicants for subscribing shares; £998 13s. 9d. machinery; £731 5s.
estimated value of gold lodged in bank; £418 5s. 6d. bank balance; £2065
3s. 7d. profit and loss; making the total £66,216 7s. 10d.  The profit and
loss account showed an expenditure of £2799 8s. 7d.,for working the mine
and other expenses of management, against which was set the ...

[Note — clipping finishes at this point.  The remainder appears to have been torn
off and is missing]

respected Australian firms, ought to be of interest: — "I have the
pleasure to hand you the following report upon the samples of Australian
mica you left with me.  I find the quality to be exceedingly fine and only
slightly stained or spotted; uncut or natural plates, slabs or sheets of
this quality would vary in price is from about 6d a lb to as high as 8s or
10s a lb.  The small sizes that would answer to ship would be about 3 by 4
inches: this size, if spotted or stained, would be worth about 6d, rising
gradually in value as the plates were larger; if about 3 or 4 inches wide
by 8 inches long, would be worth say 3s a lb, and if from 6 inches wide by
10 to 14 inches long would be worth from 8s to 10s a lb.  Of course,
between 3 by 4 inches and 6 by 14 inches there would be many intermediate
sizes and values too numerous to specify in this letter.  In the event of
your shipping any absolutely clean and free from spots, I could value same
from 1s to 15s a lb.  I could also give you a higher valuation in clear
quality for sizes cut into squares and rectangles, according to the
demands for various trades, for which I have orders to the extent of
several hundred thousand pounds, but I would not at present advise you
trying your hands at cutting it up until you have shipped a few tons in
its natural state, so that I could examine same and advise you what would
be most profitable to your interests.  Labour in India for mica cutting
does not exceed 3d a day, and I doubt if labour in Australia would be
under 10s a day, in addition to your requiring special tools and
machinery.  As prices in London might be considerably affected by the open
receipt of supplies from Australia, I would strongly advise your shipping
this article as quartz or minerals, not openly as mica, or ship the same
to Liverpool or some other port, when it could be easily brought to London
and not affect the market.  To commence with, I would advise shipments to
be made in its natural state as mined or found, taking care not to send
any rubbish, quartz or rock with it, but as far as possible sound blocks
of mica, and the larger the better.  On arrival in London I would be
pleased to instruct the Dock Company or warehouse keepers as to sorting it
and preparing it for market, when you must be prepared for a heavy loss in
weight, but I feel convinced this course will be better than having the
work done in Australia, at all events for a commencement ."  Mr Richard
Baker further advises a few tons as a trial shipment, and that no box
shall exceed 100lbs in weight.  It is understood that large quantities of
mica are arriving in London from Australia, consigned to various houses,
described as "minerals."

and good gold has been found.  About a hundred ounces have been brought in
since Friday.  Many of the miners have come in for a spell, as water is
very scarce on the field.

THE CENTRAL G.M. COMPANY.

A GOOD CRUSHING.

Mr W. E. Clifton, legal manager of the above Company, has handed us the
following report, dated Southern Cross, 7th October: — Yours of the 1st
inst. to hand.  I have now to inform you that I finished cleaning up at
the Battery yesterday morning.  Yield 128 ounces from 125 tons stone, and
have handed over the management of the mine to Mr Cohn.  No. 2 underlie
shaft sunk 17 feet; total 31 feet from the surface.

GOLD MINING IN THE MALAY PENINSULA.

A Singapore correspondent, writing to a friend in Perth, under date Sept
20, refers to the Raub gold mine, which has attracted a good deal of
notice in Australia from time to time, and is situated in Pahang, one of
the States of the Malay Peninsula.  He says: "Mr Bibby, the manager of the
Raub mine, has come down from Pahang this week, bringing with him the
first gold, and there is a good deal of excitement about it.  It does not
seem much to boast of, but it is wonderful how excited people get about
it.  And yet it is quite uncertain whether Raub will be a paying concern,
and as the capital of the Company is £1,000,000 in £1 shares paid up to
17s 9d, it will have to be a rich mine to pay a good dividend.  At present
the shares of £1 each are only worth in Singapore about 1 1/2 dollars, and
possibly people who buy at that price might make 5 per cent. on their
money.  As a matter of fact, however, nobody holds shares as an
investment, but only on the chance of a boom."