4 
northward at about 60 degrees. The lode outcrops for about 4 mile. 
From the No. i level a considerable body of ore has been removed, and 
the present workings disclose a strong lode continuing under foot. 
A lower adit is being driven to cut the lode. It has already been 
driven several hundred feet, but as this level is about 290 feet below 
No. 1 level, and the lode dips westerly, and also because the northern 
end of the lode appears to be faulted, accurate surveys are needed to 
locate the point at which the downward continuation of the lode might be 
cut. The lower level would give splendid backs, but it is not in the best 
position for economically conveying the ore to the recovery works. The 
adit should have been made in the same valley as the surface workings 
sc as to cut the lode in the middle, and thus give the cheapest 
transport for the ore from the whole lode. At present, the mine is 
working on a small scale only, but if the lode prove similar in the lower 
level to what it is in the upper one, large quantities of ore could be 
obtained. The ore is of the usual complex character of this district, 
and requires skilful treatment. The height of the lower level is about 
1,800 feet above sea-level. 
Cassilis Mjne. 
This mine is reached by a road that branches off to the west from 
Tongio West. The recovery works are in the valley at about 1,650 feet 
above sea-level. The lodes are on top of the range, and are connected 
with the recovery plant by a self-acting tramway. The top of the tram¬ 
line is about 2,800 feet above sea-level. The cap of the lode on the top 
of the range is about 3,300 feet. Several distinct lodes exist on the 
lease, some of which have not yet been developed. From the eastward 
there are: The Eastern, Morning Star, Crisp, Blacksmith, Snake, New 
Find, and Cassilis lodes, seven altogether. 
The lodes are found in schistose sedimentary country rock, which is 
probably Ordovician altered by the proximity of some granite mass. The 
ores are extremely complex sulphides. A fair recovery of the gold is ob¬ 
tained by cyanide, but it is quite a^question whether this class of ore is not 
more suitable for the furnace. The classified concentrates are sent to 
Dapto, N.S.W., but the transport and other charges are verv heavy. 
Quite a model plant is installed, and the work done is satisfactory, as a 
handsome profit is obtained. 
From the cursory examination made, it appeared that the lodes are 
likely to prove permanent, and that in certain belts, they are numerous 
and fairly close together. The shoots of ore occur irregularly, so that to 
maintain a regular yield, it is essential that the developmental work should 
be pushed very far ahead of present requirements. The ore faces I saw 
were most favorable, and, although the ore is not as a rule very thick, 
it is so heavy that a large tonnage can be obtained from small veins. 
The Cassilis is the pioneer mine of this district, and if it succeeds as it 
promises, the result will be the opening up of many lodes that on the 
surface yielded well, but which could not be worked in the sulphide zone. 
To Mr. Coote, the Manager, I am greatly indebted, as he enabled me 
to see much in a short space of time. 
In the neighbourhood, there were other mines that deserved inspection, 
as some of them, such as the Warden, have produced large quantities 
of gold in the past, but time would not permit their examination. 
\Report sent in 10th March , 7 ^ 05 .] 
