Gold

1886 Captain Crocombe, of the Kohinoor Gold Mine, Kangaroo Island, has come over to Adelaide, and reports the prospects of the mine to be very encouraging. The shaft is sunk to a depth of 68 feet, and a fine strong leader of good-looking quartz 9 inches thick is in the bottom, with a good dropper coming into it. The stone shows gold in what if believed to be payable quantities.

MINING. (1886, April 17). The South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1858 - 1889), p. 7. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36326688

The Koh-i-noor Gold Mining Company was floated yesterday, and operations will be commenced on Kangaroo Island at an early date.

GENERAL NEWS. (1886, October 16). The Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 - 1922), p. 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article208495010
GOLD ON KANGAROO ISLAND. (1904, September 28). The Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 - 1922), p. 4 (4 O'CLOCK EDITION.). http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article210538624

The Kohinoor Mine.

MATTERS in connection with the above are moving rapidly and it seems quite reasonable to assume, as we did in our last issue, that " before the end of February the battery will be heard at work on the Kohinoor Mine." It is evident that the people, in this instance as in others, are waking up to a realisation of the great resources— mineral and otherwise—of our "tight little isle." In this case they are, as will be seen by reports of meetings held from time to time, "taking the bull by the horns" and intend running the Kohinoor almost exclusively "on their own." This will probably come as a surprise to a number of main-landers and, no doubt there will be a rush for shares when it is seen that Island residents have such confidence in their own resources. The "Courier" does not propose to " play the flute" for K.I. unless there is sufficient grounds for doing so, but we firmly believe that, in the Kohinoor, there is something good and tangible. Time will prove whether we are right or wrong. In any case there are a number of shrewd, hard-headed men (who have proved their aptitude for business before to-day) who are identified with the present forward movement and what is good enough for these men should be well worth watching.

The Kohinoor Mine. (1907, December 21). The Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), p. 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191635667

Meeting of Shareholders.

A meeting of shareholders in the Kohinoor Gold Mining Company, No Liability, will be held at the Company's office, Dauncey St, Kingscote, on Friday evening next, for the purpose of formally adopting Memorandum and Articles of Association.

The Kohinoor Gold Mining Coy.

A meeting of the applicants for shares in the above was held on Saturday evening last at Anderson's Queenscliffe Hotel, Kingscote. There were about 20 present and Mr V. H. F. Cook J.P. occupied the chair. A long discussion took place regarding the question of re-forming the Company. It was proposed by Mr R. Chapman, and seconded, that the application money already subscribed be applied to forming a syndicate to start operations, but the proposition was not put to the meeting. Several other suggestions were made and, eventually, with the consent of the vendor, Mr H. W. L. Tucker proposed and Mr John Dewar seconded that the capital of the Company be reduced to £4,000 in 16,000 shares at five shillings each. Carried. A committee was formed to revise the prospectus, the following being appointed :— Messrs Arthur Daw, John Dewar, J. N. Davis, H. W. L. Tucker, H. G. Taylor and Alfred E. Warren (secretary.) The meeting was then adjourned until Monday evening, Dec. 16, at 8 p.m., at the Ozone Hotel. Since the above meeting the committee appointed have revised the prospectus, copies of which are available. During the general meeting great enthusiasm was shown and a large number of shares were taken up by present applicants over and above what they have already applied for. More than half the shares to declare the company formed have been applied for and it is hoped that before the end of February the battery will be heard at work on the Kohinoor mine.

The Kohinoor Gold Mining Coy. (1907, December 14). The Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), p. 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191637276
Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), Saturday 1 February 1908, page 4

A Kangaroo Island Mining Movement.

AT last the first definite note in connection with the working of the Kohinoor Gold Mine has been struck and at an enthusiastic meeting of shareholders on Monday last 'The Kohinoor Gold Mining Company, No Liability,' was formed.

The property is situated 16 miles south-west from Kingscote, and was taken up by Mr H. G. Taylor some four years ago and carefully exploited by him. Mr Taylor (who has been appointed manager of the mine) is, although not by any means an oldster, a veteran in mining matters, and a man who possesses a remarkably varied and accurate knowledge of known minerals. As for his perseverance and determination the fact that he has held firmly to his faith in the mine for four years past with a bulldog tenacity in the face of many difficulties and a goodly proportion of adverse criticism, speaks for itself.

But persistence sometimes meets with its reward and there are very few sceptics on Kangaroo Island at the present time so far as the Kohinoor Gold Mine is concerned. The samples of stone which have come to light from the mine have convinced the un-believers in a very practical way, and now we have before us the unique example, of a district with a population of under 2,000 running a mine almost "on its own" — an achievement worthy of a whole State. The mine has never been under offer to any outside individual. It was offered to the people of Kangaroo Island and they have shown their confidence in it by carrying the matter to its present issue and floating a company amongst themselves unless one excepts a few personal friends on the mainland.

The directors (who have had a busy week) have already ordered the necessary machinery from Melbourne, and this will be despatched to the Island at the earliest possible date, so that, in all probability, in the course of a few weeks the first battery ever heard on Kangaroo Island will invade the silence of the bush. It goes without saying that all who are interested feel confident of success.

In a report to Mr W. H. Matthews (Chief Inspector of Mines) made last year, Mr Henry Jones (Inspector of Mines) says : —

" I visited and inspected the Kohinoor Gold Mine on September 7th, '07. This property is situated 16 miles south-west from Kingscote township, and contains one 40-acre lease. Three small parallel quartz lodes traverse the property, strike north and south, dips 35 deg. west, and are from 8inn. to 6in. thick, and consists of quartz and iron carry ing rich gold in places. The country rock consists of slate, striking east and west, and as the reefs arc crossing the country rock at right angles to their bedding, little displacement in the course of the lodes is caused in places, and at these points the rich gold is found, both in the reefs and for some distance in the cleavage of the slates on each side of the reefs, making it necessary to work little country rock with the reef to secure all the gold. An effort should be made to prospect this property to a greater depth, where there is every chance of these various veins making bigger and more compact. A considerable amount of work has been done on the property in the sinking and driving to test the value of the reefs at various points, and about 10 tons of the ore was sent away for treatment, which gave an average return of 2½ozs. of gold per ton. The manager informed me that they don't intend sending any more ore away, but are going to erect a treatment plant on the mine as soon as possible. When at the mine I took two samples of the ore, from the 72ft. level, which were assayed at the School of Mines, and gave the following return :—No. 1, from quartz and iron vein 6in. thick, 4oz. 14dwt. gold per ton ; No. 2. from the face of the drive where the formation is 3ft. wide, consisting of slates and small veins of quartz and iron, 8oz. 4dwts, gold per ton."

This report makes very satisfactory reading. The facilities for the economic working of the mine — such as a plentiful supply of water for crushing purposes and timber for fuel etc. close at hand — are exceedingly favorable and it would appear as though Dame Nature had been doing all she could to help man in his search for gold on this favored spot. We do not carry any brief for the Kohinoor people but we are simply making a plain statement of facts, and will go a step further by stating our firm belief that there is something good and tangible in the present venture. Kangaroo Island, which appears to have been under a cloud until recently, is emerging from behind that cloud with a brilliancy and rapidity which is taking the mainland by storm. As a shrewd, level-headed man remarked recently to the writer in speaking of the Kohinoor mine : — " The floating of the company and the impending start of operations is only the thin end of the wedge — the first link in the chain of mining developments which Kangaroosters have, at the present time, up their sleeves." And with this statement we fully concur.

A Kangaroo Island Mining Movement. (1908, February 1). The Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), p. 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191630194
(1908, February 1). The Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), p. 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191630192Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), Saturday 24 October 1908, page 5

The Koh-i-noor Gold Mining Co.

MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS.

In response to an advertisement; convening same an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders in the above Company was held at the Ozone Hotel, Kingscote, on Monday last for the purpose of considering and dealing with the allotment of the unissued shares on a preferential basis, to be submitted by a resolution of the directors, and to conserve the Company's interests in the tenure of leaseholds. There was a fair and representative attendance, Mr John Dewar (Chairman of Directors) presiding.

The chairman having explained the objects of the gathering, the minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed on the motion of Mr F. C. Addison [Frank Claxton Addison, Union Bank Manager], seconded by Mr Richard Chapman. The chairman remarked that those present would recollect that at the last meeting of shareholders every one in the room, to a man, promised to take up a quota. He regretted, however, to have to say that a number appeared to be rather slow in 'toeing the mark.' This might probably be due to a feeling outside that ''fresh money paid into the company would he used in the paying off of back debts. He could assure those who had this impression that such was not the case. Every penny would be put into the work of developing the mine. He might say, although he was not prepared at present to go any further into the matter, that the directors were considering a proposal involving the discharge of all old debts. As they were aware, at a recent impromptu meeting of shareholders the resolution come to by the directors to allot the 3,000 unissued shares on a preferential basis (said shares to carry a dividend of 2/ per share out of the first profits of the Company before the ordinary shares participate) was discussed and it was unanimously agreed that the action of the directors was in the very best interests of the company. A letter which appeared in the columns of the K.I. Courier had had an important bearing on the matter in hand. It was thought to be only a matter of common justice that those who came in now "to give the ship a shove along" should receive some preference.

Alter some discussion Mr E. F. Lockyer [Edward Francis Lockyer] moved ' That the directors be empowered to conserve the best interests of the Company as regards tenure of leaseholds, and that the 3,000 unissued shares be issued on a preferential basis, viz., 1/ per share on allotment and the balance of 3/ per share in calls of not exceeding 6d per month, such shares to carry a preferential dividend of 2/ per share to be paid out of the first profits of the company before the present ordinary shares participate in any dividend.' Seconded by Mr Addison and carried.

Mr Richard Chapman asked if it was possible to learn some details of the scheme for wiping off the back debts and which was referred to by the chairman in his remarks. To put the matter briefly it was then explained that there were a number of gentlemen who were so confident of the ultimate success of the mine that they were willing to wipe off all existing debts on a small interest charge. The scheme was practically an established fact, al though not quite completed yet. The idea was to resume operations with a clean sheet.

Mr M. B. Chapman [Marsden Blyth Chapman] : I am very pleased to hear this. I had come prepared to ask a number of questions, but now the atmosphere seems clear after these explanations. As the chairman stated there was a feeling outside that fresh money put in would be uged for the wiping off of old debts. The chairman expressed himself as pleased with the evident satisfaction which the explanation of the scheme had produced. The period of exemption, would shortly expire and this was no time for dilly-dallying or hanging back.

Before his departure for the mainland Mr Burton had stated "If everything is fixed up I shall return by the 2nd or 3rd of next month." Mr Burton (a practical man with many years experience) had stated that, by the end of six months, the shareholders would know whether they had a first-class mine or not: he had also stated that, from indications seen, if the mine did not give sensational results he would be surprised. He might add that, during his recent visit here Mr Burton had "seized time by the forelock" and, giving his engineering services and time free, had supervised the building up and strengthening of the dam which, before his departure, had risen 14 inches. As a last word he (the speaker) would distinctly reiterate (for the benefit of those who were hanging back) that the shareholders would get the full benefit of the money paid in for the 3,000 unissued shares; it would be all utilised for development work, not for paying off back debts. After a little further discussion proceedings closed.

The Koh-i-noor Gold Mining Co. (1908, October 24). The Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), p. 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191631224

MINING MATTERS.—In the course of a brief chat recently Mr Tassie O'Connor stated that in connection with the Western River Mine that at shaft let on contract 150ft west of present workings it was expected that a lode would be cut within four weeks. When cutting it will show 350ft. of backs for stoping. Mr O'Connor added that he had secured an option over Bainbridge's, Murray's and Waller's gold shows. He considered the area embraced the biggest surface show he had ever seen; he intended putting it into a development syndicate at once.

Local Rifle Notes. (1907, November 9). The Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), p. 4. Retrieved August 3, 2019, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191636959

The Kohinoor Mine.

MATTERS in connection with the above are moving rapidly and it seems quite reasonable to assume, as we did in our last issue, that " before the end of February the battery will be heard at work on the Kohinoor Mine." It is evident that the people, in this in-stance as in others, are waking up to a realisation of the great resources— mineral and otherwise—of our "tight little isle." In this case they are, as will be seen by reports of meetings held from time to time, "taking the bull by the horns" and intend running the Kohinoor almost exclusively "on their own." This will probably come as a surprise to a number of main-landers and, no doubt there will be a rush for shares when it is seen that Island residents have such confidence in their own resources. The "Courier" does not propose to " play the flute" for K.I. unless there is sufficient grounds for doing so, but we firmly believe that, in the Kohinoor, there is something good and tangible. Time will prove whether we are right or wrong. In any case there are a number of shrewd, hard-headed men (who have proved their aptitude for business before to-day) who are identified with the present forward movement and what is good enough for these men should be well worth watching.

The Kohinoor Mine. (1907, December 21). The Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), p. 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191635667
Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), Saturday 15 February 1908, page 5

THE KOH-I-NOOR MINE.

Mr Melvin, managing director of the above, is expected to arrive at Kingscote from Melbourne, per s.s. Karatta, to-night. His visit will be in the interests of the Koh-i-Noor Mine. It is anticipated that he will take a run out to the mine and select a site for the battery.

THE KOH-I-NOOR MINE. (1908, February 15). The Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), p. 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191636107

Many years ago the Kohinoor mine was discovered. It was again worked about 20 years ago. A crusher was erected and a small quantity of stone put through, which returned 1 oz. 3 dwts to the ton. Unfortunately the quartz formation is only a few inches wide, and the cost of getting a ton of stone out, was considerably more than the gold it contained was worth and the mine closed down. There are several other places which have been worked, but the quantity of gold contained in the stone did not pay for the work done. Still, there may be payable gold near by. We would like to know if the Cygnet Valley has been prospected for alluvial gold.

Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), Saturday 7 February 1931, page 3