Intact mullock heap and tailings dump; substantially intact quartz heap and remnants of a sand dump. Rubble filled shaft, rubble remains of winder, pump and steam engine beds, also rubble remains of boiler house and evidence of tramway path.
Heritage Inventory Significance: State. Recorded by: J. Harrington Date Recorded: 00SEP1994
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The Argus Newspaper, Tuesday 21 May 1901
THE WEST BERRY CONSOLS MINE.
ALLENDALE, Monday.
Mining investors are now paying much attention to this mine, as it has reached a stage when some estimate can be made as to its future prospects and possibilities. Its operations are being conducted on the Australasian gutter which for years past had been practically an abandoned field, until the vigorous prospecting policy adopted by the Madame Berry West Company in cross cutting the country lying west of the famous Berry lead opened up the Australasian channel, and proved a large area of payable alluvial.
As a proof of the confidence assured, the Madame Berry West Company have.sunk their No 3 shaft upon the channel a mile due north from the West Berry Consols, and are now drilling two main drives to touch the wash. The directors of the West Berry Consols are reputed and experienced mining investors the acting chairman being Mr. William Maughan, late manager of the the Madame Berry Company, and the mining manager is R. B. Squaire. The mine is equipped with a splendid plant, and much attention has been given to steam condensation, a matter of much consideration with engineering experts as it assures a maximum of economy in fuel consumption.
In the course of an inspection of the underground workings much is to be seen to impress the visitor with the difficulties that are being overcome, and the slow and arduous task in opening up this extensive mine. The main east drive extends 3,500ft, before the workings are reached and the road has been constructed and ballasted to allow of horses being employed at an early date to undertake the truck haulage on the level. In the eastern end of this drive a large basaltic formation settles down through the alluvial into the bedrock. This was found to be a source of much trouble when the wash was approached, and the management have since abandoned driving this eastern course.
The drives are now being extended southwest, west and north from this formation, in wash dirt which is showing much improvement as they proceed. the progress made is very slow, as some of the leading drives are very wet and re-quire to be closely boarded in the face; but as they advance the water is easing and when thoroughly drained, will permit of the bottom being got over much more expeditiously and profitably. The wash dirt is rough and well water won with large boulders lying on a nice soft pipe clay reef, and has a promising appearance.
The back of the drives being very firm and free of drift, and there is a noticeable absence of the hungry, cement gravel in et with in the earlier stages. Eight parties are at work below but of these there are only five that are working on a full stope of wash, while two are driving very wet and troublesome ground, and taking about 6in to 12in of gravel and a third is driving the new main south west level, and they are making excellent progress.
The ventillation of the mine has been attended to on the most improved principle, and the atmospheric conditions below are extremely pleasant. As the various drives advance, regular prospects are taken out as tests, but, while these vary, they maintain a fair average, and they go to prove that the gold will be found in payable runs. The calls of late have been heavy, but this was unavoidable. as the plant had to be fully completed, the mine properly opened, up and the winter supply of fuel provided and which is now nearly all on the ground. The weekly yields are gradually increasing and the management speak with confidence of the future of the mine.
Note: Park on opposite side of the road for safety