Silver and Lead

[1896]  NOTICE.— I intend to APPLY for a MINERAL LEASE situated at Western River, Kangaroo Island, as defined by posts and trenches. 

FRED TEMPLER. 

[1897]  Western River Silver and Lead Mine. 

—This mining property, which many years ago was worked by the late Mr. Fitzgerald Moore, representing a Melbourne Company, has fallen into the hands of an Adelaide Syndicate, who are determined to do all that is possible to make it a thorough success. The property is situated at the Western River, Kangaroo Island, and about thirteen miles from Cape Borda. Work already done on the mine reveals stone carrying from 50 per cent, to 60 per cent, lead and about 6 oz. silver to the ton. The lode, which has only been opened up by trench, is about 5 ft. wide. On Saturday evening the Directors, accompanied by Mr. James Shaw and Messrs. M. Fitzpatrick and F. Brewer, left the Semaphore by chartered steamer for the purpose of visiting the mine. They arrived on the property on Sunday morning, and after a careful inspection came to the conclusion that there was a good future before the mine, as it had never been properly opened up. It has been fully manned, and the Directors have recommended that the drive should be put in about 300 ft. below the crown of the hill, where the lode was formerly worked upon. It is expected that a permanent and well-defined lode will be picked up within 100 ft. of driving. Should it improve as expected at the lower level the mine will be most vigorously developed. Before floating the concern into a Company sufficient money will be expended to prove its value. The excursionists arrived at the Semaphore on Monday morning after a pleasant trip .

[1907]  . . . The Western River property has bottomed at 300 ft. below the cap of the reef on a rich band of lead, 2 ft. wide, and ranging from 40 to 50 per cent. The original syndicate is now being reorganised and a new company formed with a capital of £25,000. Many of the islanders are interested in the company, and shareholders are very enthusiastic over the show.  . . .

WESTERN RIVER SILVER-LEAD.

Mr James L. Bagley reports that the 50,000 contributing shares offered to existing shareholders in the Western River Silver and Lead Mining Company in the proposed new company, the option of which expired on the 19th inst., were over-applied for by the shareholders, in addition to which 65,000 shares could have been placed outside.

[1908]   Western River Silver and Lead Company closed down 

A half-yearly meeting of the above was held at the Company's office recently. Mr E. Antonie occupied the chair. The balance-sheet and statement of accounts were adopted. The chairman reported that in consequence of the fall in the price of metals shareholders had not responded to the calls made and that 42,500 shares were forfeited, in consequence of which the Board had to dispense with all hands and close down the mine. The Directors wanted to be told what the share holders purposed doing seeing they had failed to provide funds. Negotiations for the sale of the property had been entered into but the fall in lead had stopped matters. The meeting empowered the directors to dispose of the lease and assets of the Company to the best advantage. The debts of the Company amounted to £180 10/.