Source TROVE: The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) issue Wednesday 19 June 1901
MADAME BERRY WEST MINE IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS.
ALLENDALE, Tuesday
"The vicissitudes that old mining fields undergo has again been exemplified in the case of the Madame Berry West Company. This company some years ago secured from the old Madame Berry Company the plant standing on their No 2 shaft, and also the right to mine over the area the Madame Berry had previously worked and prospected.
"Operations were then resumed in No 2 shaft by the Madame Berry West. but with little success and they confined their work to their original shaft. Some three months ago the directors dismissed the men, as they believed all the payable ground to be taken out. Overtures were then made to the directors by the men previously in their employ for the right to work the mine on tribute. Terms were arranged, and 62 miners formed a party.
"The tnbuters put in a reef drive due east 470ft , put up two shoots 230ft apart, and opened both shoots into a run of rich wash dirt, which promises to be both extensive and profitable. With six parties for one week 96oz. has been obtained, and the washing this evening yielded 23oz. which includes a nugget weighing 7oz. The face of the main drive, which is now 16ft in the Madame Berry No 1 ground during the day broke into a most promising quartz reef, and is not yet through.
"Excellent opinions are expressed regarding the appearance of the body of fit stone, which is solid and well mineralised. Fresh interest in district mining has been created bv these important developments. The tribute party expects to employ 8O men in the course of a few days in washdirt.