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01
ANNUAL REPORT
MINISTER OF MINES
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER,
1912,
BEINO AN ACCOUNT OF
MINING OPERATIONS FOR GOLD, COAL, ETC.,
PROVINCE OF BRITISH] [COLUMBIA.
THE GOVERNMENT OF
THE PROVING*. OF BRITISH COLUMBIA.
PRINTED BY
AUTHORITY OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY.
VICTORIA, B.C. :
Printed by Wn mam II. Cm.i.i.n. Printer to the King's Must Excellent Majesty.
1013.
ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEOil
GEOLOGY anThHIERAMW
6,2, Z
TN
19
10225 •
c
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
MINISTER OF MINES,
1912.
2
To His Honour Thomas \Y. Paterson,
Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of British Columbia.
May it please Your Honour:
The Annual Report of the Provincial Mineralogist upon the Milling Industry of the
Province for the year 1912 is herewith respectfully submitted.
RICHARD McBRIDE,
Minister of Mines.
Minister of Mines' Office,
April 21st, 1913.
4
T
REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES
WILLIAM FLEET ROBERTSON, PROVINCIAL MINERALOGIST.
To the Uonourable Sir Richard MeBride, K.C.M.G.,
Minister of Mines.
Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith my Animal Report on the Mining Industry
of the Province for the year ending December 31st, 1912.
The statistical tables give the total mineral output of the Province to date, anil show in
considerable detail the actual mineral production of the past year, as based on smelter or mill
returns ; also, a summary of the production of each of the last four years, thus illustrating by
comparison the progress made in productive mining during this period.
To facilitate comparison with information previously given, 1 have retained, as closely as
«as possible, the general form already established for such tables and for the Report.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
WILLIAJM FL EET R( >BERTSON,
Provincial Min eralog ist.
Bureau of Mines, Victoria, II. C,
April 21st, WIS.
MINERAL PRODUCTION OP BRITISH COLUMBIA.
METHOD OF COMPUTING PRODUCTION.
In assembling the output of the lode mines in the following tables, the established custom
of this Bureau has been adhered to, viz. : The output of a mine for the year is considered that
amount of ore for which the smelter or mill returns have been received during the year. This
system does not give the exact amount mined during the year, hut rather the amount credited
to the mine on the company's books during such year.
For ore shipped in December the smelter returns are not likely to lie received until
February in the new year, or later, and have, consequently, to be carried over to the credit of
such new year. This plan, however, will be found very approximate for each year, and
ultimately correct, as ore not credited in one year is credited in the next.
In the lode mines tables, the amount of the shipments has been obtained from certified
returns received from the various mines, as provided fur in the ''Inspection of Metalliferous
Mines Act, 1897." In calculating the value of the products, the average prices for the year in
the New York Metal Market have been used as a basis. For silver 95 per cent., for lead 90
per cent., and for zinc 85 per cent, of such market prices have been taken. Treatment and
other charges have not been deducted, except that in copper the amount of metal actually
recovered has been taken, thus covering loss in slags.
TABLE I. — Total Production for all Years up to and including 1912.
Gold, placer $ 72,194,603
Gold, lode 70,859,022
Silver 33,863,940
Lead 27,520,753
I upper 73. 723, 562
Coal and coke 132,871,155
Building-stone, bricks, etc 17,576,084
Other metals, zinc, etc 1 ,528,403
Total $430,137,522
TABLE II. — Production for each Year from 1852 to 1912 (inclusive).
1852 to 1892 (inclusive) $ 81,090,069
1893 3,588,413
1894 4,225,717
1895 5,643,042
1896 7,507,956
1897 10,455,268
1898 10,906,861
1899 12,393,131
1900 16,344,751
1901 20,086,78(1
1902 17,486,550
1903 17,495,954
1004 18,977,359
L905 22.461,325
1906 24,980,546
1007 25,882,560
1908 23,851,277
1900 24,443,025
1910 26,377,066
1911 23,499.072
1912 32,440,800
Total $430, 137,522
K 8
liEI'OItT <'F TI1K MlNISTEK OF Ml.NES.
1913
Table 111. gives a statement in detail of the quantities and value of the different mineral
products for the years 1910, 1911, and 1912. It has been impossible as ye1 to collect complete
statistics regarding building-stone, lime, bricks, tiles, and other miscellaneous products, but
such figures as it has been possible to secure are given in some detail in Table V.
TABLE III.
Qi iNTiTiES and Value or Mineral Products for 1910, 1911, and 1912.
( told, placer
ii lode
Silver
Lead
i opper
Zinc
Coal ....
Coke
Miscellaneous pro
[ducts
( 'ustomarj
Measure.
I lunces
n
Pounds
a ....
Tons.LV.Mii Hi.
1910.
1,'ii.inl II J
iv,:. Tin
2,450,241
34,658,746
38,243,934
1,184,192
2,800,046
218,029
Value.
540
533,
245,
386,
871,
192.
800,
308,
<KKI
380
016
350
512
47:i
H'.l
174
nun
826 377,066
1911.
228,617
1,892,364
26,872,397
36,927,658
2,634,544
2,193,062
66,005
Quantity. Value.
L912.
i 426,
4,725,513
958
1,069,521
4,571,644
129,092
T.tlTo.717
396,030
3,547,262
823,499,072
ntity.
Value.
s
257,496
3,132,108
44,871,454
51,456,537
5,358,280
2, Ill's, sol
264,333
5,322,442
1,810,045
1,805,627
8,408 il3
316,139
00 814
1,58
3,435 722
Mi ',800
• TABLE IV.
Output of Mixekai, I'kudfct.s in I mstkh'ts and Divisions.
Names.
Divisions.
Disi
1910.
1911.
1912.
1910.
1911.
L912.
Cariboo District
.- 21
s 180,000
68,000
Cariboo Mining 1 division
8 218,000
6,000
15,
- 136,000
34,000
10,000
f ISO
80,00(1
s
Omineca ,,
6,121,832
5,088,186
( IaSSIAR 1 lISTRII r . .
293,442
2, i ;
1,343,912
East Kooti sai 1 >istrict
5,723,004
West Kooti sai i iistru i
18,058
845,106
B76.002
2,966,096
82,924
75,768
798,989
2,891,866
68,024
371,760
1,951,315
:.sl. 7i in
45,729
65,255
Sloi 8 1 it V ./
Xels. in „
Trail < Ireek „
21,109
8 - 6,406
Osoyoos, Grand Forks & Green
6,442,063
1,763,817
81 1,386
12,906
7,903,006
7 is,:
64,500
Similkameen, Nicola, Vernon
1.11.1. ET 1 IISTRII C
7,635,890
10,579,086
i lo 1ST 1 Iistrii ft Nanaimo, Alber-
ni, Clayoquot, Quatsino, Vic-
toria, Vancouver)
11,095,556
$26,3.
• '9,072
$32,440 800
3 Geo. 5.
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K 10
Report of the Minister of Mixes.
1913
TABLE VI.— Placer Gold.
Table \ I. contains the yearly production of placer gold to date, as determined by the
returns, sent in bj the banks and express • ipanies, of gold transmitted by them to the
mints, atHl from returns sent in by the Gold Commissioners and Mining Recorders. To these
yearly a lints one-third was added up to the year ls7>: from then to 1895 and from ls'.»^
to 1909, one-fifth ; and since then om tenth, which proportions are considered to represent,
approximately the amouni of i_r ■ • 1 » I sold of which there is qo record. This placer gold contains
from 10 to 25 per cent, silver, bul the silver value lias not been separated from the totals, as
it would be insignificant.
Yiii.n of Placer Gold per Yeah i" Date.
1858 S 705,000
1859 1,615,070
1860 2,228,543
1861 2,666,118
1862 ... 2,651 9
1863 3,913,563
. .. 3,735,850
1865 3,491,205
1866 2,662,106
1867 .... 2,480,868
1868 3,372,972
1869 . . 1,774,978
1S7U 1,336,956
1871 .... 1,799,440
1872 ....$ 1,610,972
1873 ... 1,305,749
1874 .... 1,844,618
1875. .. . 2,474,004
1876 .... 1,786,648
ls77 .... 1,608,182
1878 1,275,204
1879
1880
1881
1883
Iss4
1885
1,290
1,013,827
l,046.7:i7
954,085
794,252
736,165
713,738
1886
IssT
Isss
1889
1890
1891...
1892
1893
1894
1895
1896
1897
L898
3,651
69
616,731
588,923
(90,435
429,811
399,526
356,131
4i 1.5. .5 Hi
181
544,026
513,520
643,346
1900 . . 3 1,278,724
1901 ... 970,100
1902 1,073,140
1,060,420
1904 1,115,300
1905
1906
1907
1908
1909
1910
Hill
1912
1899 ... 1,344
969,300
948,400
828,000
647,000
477,000
540,000
42i;.ihhi
555,500
I ital $72,194,603
TABLE Vll. Production of Lode Mines.*
ps
1 lOLD.
SlI.VEK.
Leah.
COPPKB.
Total
<)/.
Value.
Oz.
Value.
Pounds.
204,800
674,500
165,100
-V.
.Vi7.
808,420
2,135,023
5,662,523
16,475,464
24.199.977
38,841,135
31 69
21,862,436
63,358,621
51,582,906
22,536,381
Is 089,283
36,646,244
56,580,703
52,408,217
47.7
43.195,733
44,3
34,6 •
26,872,397
14,871,454
685,6 -
Value.
>■ 9,216
6.49S
Nil.
Xil.
33,064
78,996
169,875
532,265
721,384
1,390,517
1,077,581
878,870
2,691,887
2,002,733
824,832
689,744
1,421,874
2,399,022
2,667,578
2.291.4.5s
1,632,799
1,709,259
1,386,350
1,069,521
1. si 1.5. 6-27
Pounds.
Value.
Vai
1887
17,690
79,780
53,192
70,427
4,500
77,160
227,000
746,379
1,496,522
3,135,343
.5.472.971
4,292,401
2,939,413
s.i:.-,
5,151,333
3,917,917
2,996,204
3,222,481
3,439,417
2,990,262
2,745,448
2,631,389
2,532,742
2,450,241
1,892,364
3,132,108
59,675
$ 17,331
7.5.1 Hit!
47. s7."
7::. 94s
4,000
66,93.5
195,000
470,219
977,229
2,100,689
3,272,836
2,375,841
1,663,708
2,309,200
2,884,745
1,941,328
1,521,472
1,719,516
1.971. sis
1,897,320
1,70
1,321,483
1,239,270
l,24.5.i m;
1,8
$ 26,547
1 n 1 s | ;-;
54,371
73,948
4 (HK>
Isss
1889
1890
1891
189?
99.999
297,400
1893
1,170
6,252
39,264
62.259
106,141
110,061
138,315
167,153
210,384
236,491
232,831
322 042
238^660
224,027
196,179
255,582
238,224
2H7.7U1
228,617
257,496
3,438,849
1,404
125,014
785,271
1,244,180
2,122,820
2,201,217
2,857,573
3,453,381
4,348,603
4,888,269
1,812,616
1,589,608
4,933,102
4,63
1,055,020
B > SSl 1
4,924,090
5,533,380
4,725,513
5,322,442
1894
1895
1S96
1897
1898
1899
1900
1901
1902
1903
1904
1905
1906
1907
1 91 IS
1909
1910
1911
L912
324,680
952,840
3,818,556
5,32 •
7.271.67s
7,722,591
9.997.1 ism
27,603,746
29,636,057
34,359,921
35,710,128
37. 692.2.51
12,990,488
40,832,720
17,274,614
45,597,245
-
36,927,656
51,456,537
S 11
47.1.42
190,926
-
874,781
1,351.453
1,611 -
4,441
3.446.67:!
4,547,535
4.57-
5,876,222
- --
-...541
6,24
5,918,522
I 871,512
4.571.644
8,408,513
781,342
2,342,397
4.2.57.179
7.11.52.431
6,529,420
1,604
10,01
13,683,044
11,101,102
11,571,367
12,30!
15,130,164
17.4s». lirj
16,2
14.477.411
1.5.791.141
13,03
11.324.971
17,34
Tol
70,859,022
33,81
27. .5JU.7.5.5
73,723,562
■2a5.96T.277
1 In addition to the above, there waa mined in 1910 xinc-on --.ilued at $19-2. ITS— which
makes the tol mol lodemii ! naaminedzii
- i 1912 there
no! lode min 1 the total to.
date «206,«H
3 Geo. 5
Mineral Production.
K 11
TABLE VIII. — Coal and Coke Production per Year to Date.
Coal.
Year. Tons (2,240 lb). Value.
1836-77 965,808 $ 3,278,948
1878 170,846
1879 241,301
1880 267,595
1
1881 228,357.
1882 282,139.
1883 213,299.
1884 394,070.
1885 265,596.
1886 326,636.
1887 413,360.
1888 489,301.
1889 579,830.
1890 678,140.
1891 1,029,097.
1892...' 826,335 2
1893 978,294 2
1894 1,012,953 3
1895 939,654 2
1896 896,222 2
1897
1898
1899
1900
882,854
1,135,865 3,
1,306,324 3
1,439,595 4,
1901 1,460,331 4,
1902 1,397,394 4,
1903 1,168,194 3,
1904 1,253,628 3,
1905 1,384,312 4,
1906 1,517,303 4,
1907 .' 1,800,067 6,
1908 1,677,849 5,
1909 2,006,476 7,
1910 2,800,046 9
1911 2,193,062 7,
1912 2,628,804 9,
512
723
802
685
846
639
L82
796
979
240
467
739
034
087
479
934
038
818
688
648
407
918
318
380.
192
504
760.
152
551
300
872
022.
800.
675,
200
Total 37,250,937 tons.
Coke.
1895-97 19,396
1898 (estimated) 35,000
1899 34,251
1900 85,149
1901 127,081
$118,687
1902.
1903.
1904.
1 905
1906.
128,015.
165,543.
238,428.
271,785.
199,227.
1907 222,913
1908
1909.
1910.
1911.
1912.
247,399.
258,703.
218,029.
66,005.
264,333.
| 96
175
171
425
635
640
827
1,192
1,358
996
1,337
1,484
1,552
1,308
396
1,585
538
903
785
071
417
897
210
788
908
080
903
490
420
291
005
882
859
962
666
562
595
972
785
993
182
582
884
936
909
235
472
666
161
717
814
488
980
000
255
745
405
075
715
140
925
135
478
394
218
174
030
998
Total 2,581,247 tons.
$14,183,667
K 12
Report of the Minister of .Mixes.
1913
TABLE IX. Pi: rcnou in Detail of the
Vr.AR
i ■ . >.
■KR.
Value.
Ounces.
Value.
Ounces.
1
3
*
1909
1910
1912
1910
1911
1912
1909
1911
1912
U.OOo
10,900
6,800
9.000
600
300
1,700
2,500
400
180.000
50.000
8.000
1910
1911
1912
1909
1910
1911
1912
9
4
3-249
11.250
14.500
400
450
2i0,000
8,000
9.00C
Liard, Stiki jlotte,
261
197
4,216
5,868
1,343
4.072
3,391
1909
1910
1911
1912
1911
1912
1911
1912
I
1910
1912
1910
1911
1912
ll'09
1910
1911
1912
1910
1911
1912
1UI0
1911
1912
1909
1910
181 1
1912
1912
1909
1912
1909
1811
1912
115,762
29.910
20.400
97,698
•
671
32.741
■
103.629
36,814
•
52.323
237,656
243870
971
451
1,461,533
1,701,113
1,989.034
12
1.257
443
150
:
100
3,000
2.000
•
376.918
■
243
7,405
217.821
124
4.279
Ainsworth I»i\ ision
198
17,640
17.513
115,153
132 073
89
104.849
3,349
1,468
-
1.653
1,964
4,092
361.994
2,729.949
15,130
1,178
1.840
.
2,167,229
301.755
1.657.105
-
76,774
164.182
■
87.530
43.536
389.341
118,397
174.384
-
490.150
957.641
100
50
£0
1.000
37.142
94.881
39.157
44,630
44,602
50
ICO
225
5U
50
60
50
100
100
100
100
500
350
250
1,000
4.500
1,000
1,000
1.000
2:000
2.000
2.000
50.584
(Grand Porks, Greenwood and <>soyoos
l'i\ isioDS.)
Similkameen, Nicola, and Ver
54,752
25.159
225.000
Vale. Ashcroft and Eamloopa Divisions.
1
174
LiUooet and Clinton Divig
5.000
71
(Nanatmo, Alberni, Clajoquot, Quat-
Victoria 1 'i\ :
212 375
2,057,713
2.688,632
50
1.000
477,000
555.500
6.360
2.497
115,111
51.613
5 328 442
•
98.468
■
3132108
- -
23,934
•
56.905
Totals
1909
23,850
27.775
28! .496
1.239,270
■
1310 045
:? Geo. 5
Production of Metalliferous Mines.
K 13
Met
ALL.FF.ROUS MlNES, ETC., FOR 1909, 1910, 1911, AND 1912.
Lead.
l'ounds.
I '. .11 l.i:
1,695
•238,578
41.512
'■27,004,528
'23,874,562
17,158,069
18,238.238
18,7-24
66,010
2,249.237
10,298,343
2,558,353
289,009 1
4,863.894
4,976,199
6,406,358
6,705,671 i
16,944,811
1,097,069
1,215,844
1,928,836
2,293,000
3,316
6,9461
8,3'lll
11,396
976,601
463,295
614,314
229,366
68
9,495
1,670
1,039,674
964.983
682,891
733,907
721
2,640
90,509
396,486
102,334
11,502
195,723
191,584
256,264
266,882
681,859
42,237
49,834
76,768
92.270
128
278
330
459
37,599
18,532
20,470
9,230
21,667
35,584
29,719
99
1 ,423
1,183
44,396,346
34,058, 74(1
26.872,397
44.871.454
4,291
"19,151
133,360
88,403
186,572
231,936
26.257
3,509,909
3,677,746
3 4*'9 7"2
2,539.900
1,709,259
1,386,360
1,069,521
1.805.627
40,603,042
31,354,985
22,327,359
33,372.199
1,178
162,723
1,160,071
3.078,000
in.'.".'-, VI
15.429.778
45,597, 245
88,348,934
36.927,656
51.453.537
Zisc.
Pounds.
Totals for Divisions.
1909.
657
'2,371
' 17,310
' 14,446
24,21
29,514
4.291
455,686
465,733
424,597
415,045
142,643
2,083,896
220,000
12,000
15,01111
200,730
33,768
1,340,585
8,416
250,000
96,869
2,100,296
2,634,544
5,215,637
150,000
96,614
129,09-2
307,723
1,125
S67.340
218,000
15,000
8,807
1,217,792
318,058
5,270,275
3.993.9H8
2,764,12'
5,453,351
150
18,907
150,577
392,087
1,301,04'.!
2.521.380
5,918,522
4, H7 1,51 2
4.571,644
8.408.513
704,737
584,965
2,875,084
137,633
7,501,046
1.000
4,184,192
2,631,514
5.358.280
2,000
16,676
1,354,462
400,000
192,473
129,092
316.139
15,868,14
136,000
34,000
228,776
39,666
853,122
;,n,70-
'i'otalh m'k
Districts.
1912.
233.000
180,000
50.000
i.000
290.000
32,579
953.728
322.579
1.056.932
103.204
371.760
6,114.277
845,106
876,00'J
2,966,096
82,924
6,442,063
2,155
9,832
1,982,132
798,989
481,266
2,881,366
1,951.315
554.433
3,196,037
58,024
4,746,617
1,01111
21,156
f,40;
1,533,947
15,268,731
11,880,0(13
40.729
7.846.580
2,000
2.000
5.000
2,630.898
7.850,580
5.000
' 2,630.898
18.218 266
18.218.266
K 14
Report of the Minister of Minks.
l'Jirj
TABLE X —Showing Mineral Production of British Columbia.
1891
KM
VS&
1893
lt-rt
IK*
UK
UB7
;..-j
r-j
1300
">"
1502
1KB
.■<■■,
nx
WW
: fl
. i£J
'.<:.
I'jIO
n]
19121
$34,000,000
33,500,000
33,000,000
32,500,000
32,000,000
31,500,000
31,000,000
30,500,000
30,000,000
29,500,000
00,000
28,500,000
28,000,000
27,500,000
27,000,000
26,500,000
26,000,000
25,500,000
25,000,000
24,500,000
24,000,000
23,500,000
23,000,000
'11,000
22,000,000
21.500,000
21,000,000
20,500,000
20,000,000
19,500,000
19,000,000
18,500,000
18,000,000
17,500,000
17,000,000
16,500,000
16,000,000
i '...'lo.ooo
15,000,000
14,500,000
14,000,000
1,000
13,000,000
12,500,000
12,000,000
',000
11,000,000
10,500,000
10,000,000
9,500,000
9,000,000
8,500,000
8,000,000
7,000,000
6,500,000
6,000,000
5,500,000
5,000,000
4,500,000
4,000,000
3,500,000
' 3,000,000
2,500,000
2,000,000
1,500,000
1,000,000
500,000
«
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A-
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T A BLE
SHOWING MINERAL PRODUCTION
OF
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Si?
iisj
UW
1tf1 1863
1863
1864
1865
1866 1 1867
1868
1869
1870
1871
1872
1873
1874
1875
1876
1877
1878
1879
1880
1881
1882
1883
1884
1885
1886
1887
1888
1889
1890
1891
1892
1893
1894
1895
1896
1897
1898
1899
1900
1901
1902
1903
1904 1905 11906 1907
1908 1909 1111 1911
1912
- 4
-j
5
6
/
/ 1
\,
1
I
i
^
u
1 ]
1
r -
I
i
i
1
i
a
i
X
HI
i
u
n
j
T
Li
o
8
i
J
1
1
f
i
i
/
zt
/
/
z]
/
•
/
rj
/
— i —
i
t
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1
r
\
1 •.
/9
t
\
\
ZE
/
X
KV
J
\ u
/
\
/ ■
\
\ I
L\.
/
-1
\ /
=D
te-M-
/
S
\ I
/.
\*
\0
— It—
- J — -
£L
\l
_/_
y
iTv \
1
f~
aT
i-l—
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1 -\ ->-
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sr
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/ y
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Li
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Jm—
9,800,000
9,700,000
9,600,000
9,500,000
9,400,000
9,300,000
g zoo 00c
> "- ■■'-•'-
9.000.000
S JOG DOC
8.800,000
-.COO
8,600.000
8,500,000
8,400,000
8,300.000
8,200,000
8,100,000
8,000,000
7,900,000
7,800,000
7,700,000
7,600,000
- ::,ooo
7.400.000
.000
- : j.OOO
-
7.000.000
6,900.000
6,8oo.OCO
- -?.0OO
r.ooo
-
6,000
5,gw
5,800.000
5 " •
5 .cxx
S ■ 9*
0,000
MM
4.OVV
i
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\
i^"^"
i
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\
zt
\
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1
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f
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1
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1
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1
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1
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/
/
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0/
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i
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-If
—
i
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#
/ /
1;
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\
°
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*i
* i
\
\
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- —
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1/
/.
■'/
jL'
«■*"• r
4feL
\ V
/
^ \
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/
• * \
^;Jo
\ ^/
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rf-
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^<
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/
J
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— «
<*•
n
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^0
^ \/ A
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°if
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4,joo,ooo
4,400,000
4,300,000
4,200,000
^ latvooa
4 mftooo
3,900,000
3,800,000
3,700,000
- Sv DOG
3,500,000
3,400.000
3,300,000
3,200,000
3,100,000
3,000,000
2.900,000
2,800.000
2,700,000
2,600,000
2,500,000
2,400,000
2,300.000
2,200.000
2,100,000
2,000,000
1,900.000
1,800,000
1,700,000
1,600.000
1,500.000
1,400,000
1,300,000
1,200,000
1,100,000
1,000.000
000.000
800,000
700,000
600,000
500.000
400,000
300.000
200,000
100,000
OOO. v\V
3 Ceo. 5
Progress of Mining.
K 15
en
O
M
H
♦J
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o
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PL!
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43
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a
a
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55
3
s
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as
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w
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pq
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43
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K 16
Report of the Minister of Mines.
1913
PROGRESS OF MINING.
The year 1!>1l' has proved exceedingly favourable to mining in the Province, and the
mineral production made therein has Keen the greatest in the history of its mining.
The gross value of the mineral production for 1912 was §32,4 10,800, an increase over that
of the year 1911 of $8,941,728, or aboul 33.3 percent.
The greatest output formerly made was in L910, amounting to $26,377,066, which is
exceeded by the production of 1912 by $6,063,73 I. or 23 per cent., thus showing l>v comparison,
even with what had been the "record year," how much the mineral production has increased
during the past year.
The gradual increase in production during the past twenty-three years, and its fluctuations,
are graphically shown in Table X. on page fourteen of this Report.
The tonnage of ore mined in the lode mines . >t" the Province during the year 1912 "as
also greater than ever before, amounting to 2,688,532 tons, exceeding thi e I tonnage
formerly mined in any year — 1910 — by 4-72,104 tons, equivalent to 21.3 per cent, increase.
As compared with the year 1911, the tonnage mined this year shows an increase of
1*17,777 tons, or about 52 per cent.
The tonnage mined in 1912 was produced by the various districts in about the following
proportions: Boundary. 7 4. HO per cent. ; Rossland. !>.07 per cent. ; The Cos D t] ct, i
percent.; Slocan District, 5.07 percent.; Nelson, 1.94 per cent.; East Kootenay, 1.87 per
cent. : and all other parts of Province combined, 0.02 per cent.
The following table shows the number of mines which shipped ore during the year 1912,
the districts in which they are situated, and the tonnage produced in each district, together
with the number of men employed, both above ground and underground :
Table showing Distribution of Shipping Mines in 1912.
Tons of
Ore
shipped.
No. of
Mines
shipping.
No. of
Mines
shipping
over 100
Tons in
1912.
Men kmployed iv these Mines.
Below.
Above.
Total.
Cassiar :
Ailm, Skeena, Queen Charlotte,
East Khmtkn iv i
3,249
•29,910
20,400
32,741
103
52,323
243,870
451
1,989,084
2
3
1
8
26
15
9
8
11
2
3
1
5
11
11
5
1
9
25
103
14
105
303
186
529
21
635
Is
28
15
59
162
108
173
10
210
43
131
Windermere-Golden
West Kootenai :
Slocan an.i Slocan City
BOI NDAXY :
Grand Forks, Greenwood, and
'J'J
164
46:.
2! '4
702
31
845
Similkaraeen Vernon
212 -
3
446
■
Total
-.532
86
51
2,173
1,229
3.402
3 Geo. 5
Progress of Mixing.
K 17
In explanation of the table it should be said that, in its preparation, a mine employing
twelve men for four months' is credited in the table with four men for twelve mouths, so that
the total given is less than the actual number of individuals who worked in the mines during
the year.
Table showing Non-shippinc Mines and Men employed.
District.
Number of Mines.
Me>
EMPLOYED.
Working.
Idle.
Total.
Below.
Above.
Total.
Coast and Cassiar
5
2
8
18
8
6
8
11
3
4
1
18
51
11
2
iH
29
11
4
1
20
2
64
5
55
96
39
47
1!
20
18
16
Ill
16
75
114
Nelson
55
2
2
45
Boundary
30
11
17
6
135
47
Lillooet
17
Total
96
300
435
STATISTICAL TABLES.
Referring to the preceding tables of the mineral production of the Province, the following
is a summary of their contents : —
Table I. shows the total gross value of each mineral product mined in the Province up
to the end of 1912, aggregating 8430,137,522. From this table it will be seen that coal-
mining has produced more than any other separate class of mining, a total of $132,871,155 ;
followed next in importance this year by copper at $73,723,562, thus relegating to third place,
placer gold at $72,194,603, and lode gold at $70,859,022 to fourth place.
The metal gold, obtained from both placer and lode mining, amounts to a value (if
$143,053,625, the greatest amount derived from any one mineral, the next important being
coal, the total gross value of which, combined with that of coke, is $132,871,155, followed by
copper at $73,723,562, silver at $33,863,940, and lead at $27,520,753.
Table II. shows the value of the total production of the mines of the Province for each
year from 1893 to 1912 (inclusive), during which period the output has increased about
tenfold, and reached a production, for the year 1912, valued at $32,440,800, which is about
three times what it was in 1898. The year 1912 shows a gross production of $8,941,728
greater than the previous year, and $6,063,734, or 23 per cent., greater than the year 1910,
which had previously been the record year. The value of the total products of the mines of
the Province up to the end of 1912 is S 130, 137,522.
Table III. gives the quantities in the customary units of measure, and the values, of the
various metals or minerals which go to make up the total of the mineral production of the
Province, and also, for the purposes of comparison, similar data for the two preceding years.
The table shows that there has been this year an increase in the production of placer gold
of some $129,500, and at the same time an increase in the output of lode gold of $596,929,
making a total increase of $726, 129 in the production of the metal.
K 18 Report of the Minister of Mines. L913
The amount of silver produced this year was 3,132,108 oz., having a gross value of
$1,810,045, an increase in the number of ounces produced of 1,239,744, due to a greatly
increased production in the Slocan, Nelson, and Boundary Districts. The gross value of the
silver product this year shows an increase over that of last year of $851,752, which is partly
ace- ted for by a higher market price of silver during this year.
The table shows an output of lead in 1912 amounting to 14,871,454 tt»., valued al
$1,805,627, which is an increase over the production of the preceding yearof 17,999,057 lb. of
lead.
The production of copper this year was 51,456,537 ft)., valued al $8,408,513, an increase
in amount of 14,528,881 Hi., or about 39 per cent. The value of the producl was greaterthan
thai of the preceding year by $3,836,869 an increase of 82 per cent.
Table IV. Shows the proportions of the total mineral productions made in each of the
various districts into which the Province is di\ ided.
It will be noted thai this year again the Coasl District has the honour of first place on
the list, followed, in order of importance, by the Boundary and Wesl Kootenay Districts.
The Coast and East Kootenay Districts owe a considerable percentage of their output to tin-
coal mines situated within their limits, whereas, in the other district-, thi production is almost
entirely from metal-mining.
The ( 'oast District also derives a ]art;e proportion of its production from misccll.n
products, such as building materials, and due to the larger cities therein: this year this
amounted to $3,010,818, as shown in Table V.
In this table, this year again, the value of zinc has been distributed to the districts
producing it, which has occasioned SOme changes m this table as compared with the l'.IO'.l
Report, thus making it differ from the column in a previous report.
Taiii.i: V. is a new ta hie, introduced last year, and is an endeavour to show in sonic detail
the production of those products, such as building materials, previously summarized under
miscellaneous products. Much difficulty has been found in obtaining reliable figures regarding
these products, and in many eases they have had to be estimated ; hut while the figures are
not as complete as desired, they are at least approximate, ami show what an important branch
of mineral production this has become.
Table VI. gives the statistical record of the placer mines of the Province from L858 to
1912, and shows a total production of $72,194,603. The output for 1912 was $555,500, an
increase, as compared with the previous year, of about 30. 1 per cent.
Tabli VII. relates entirely to the lode mines of the Province, and shows the quantities
and value of the various metals produced each year since the beginning in 1887, of such
mining in the Province. The gross value of the product of these mines to date is $205,967,277,
or, including the zinc production of L910, 1911, and 1912, $206,604,981. The production of
1912, including zinc, was $17,662,766, an increase over the previous year of $6,208,703, or
al ' 54.2 per cent, the reasons for which have already been given.
Table VIII. contains the statistics of production of the coal mines of the l'ro\ ii.ee. The
total amount of coal mined to the end of 1912 is 37,250,937 tons (of 2,240 lb.), worth
$118,687,488. of this, there was produced iii L912 some 2,628,804 tons, valuedal $9,200,81 I.
an increase of 135,742 tons m quantity and of $1,525,097 in value over the preceding year.
In these figures of coal production, the coal used in making coke is not included, as such coal
iccounted for in the figures of output of coke. The amount of coal used iii making coke in
1912 was 396,905 tons, from which was made 264,333 tons of coke, having a value of
$1,585,998, an mi ; i the preceding year of 198,328 tons, or about 300 per cent., with
3 Geo. 5 Progress of Mining. K 19
an increase in value of $1,189,968. While only 264,333 tons of coke was actually made, 267,564
was actually sold ; 3,322 tons being taken from the stocks at the mines, and 91 tons was used
under the company's boilers. The total value of the output of the collieries of the Province
in 1912 was $10,786,812.
The average selling prices taken this year in the calculation of value of product are the
same as those used last year ; that for coal being $3.50 and for coke $6 per ton of 2,240 11).
The prices used in calculations prior to 1907 were $3 and $5 respectively.
More detailed statistics as to the coal production of the Province and of the separate
districts are given elsewhere in this Report.
Table IX. gives the details of production of the metalliferous mines of the Province for
the years 1909, 1910, 1911, and 1912, and the districts in which such productions were made,
.showing the tonnage of ore mined in each district, with its metallic contents and its market
value.
The total tonnage of ore mined in the Province during the year 1912 was 2,688.532 tons,
having a gross value of $18,218,266.
The following table shows the percentages of such tonnage and values derived from the
various districts of the Province : —
Boundary District 74.00 per cent, of tonnage.
Trail Creek Mining Division . 9.07 n n
Coast District 8.03
Slocan District 5.07 ..
Nelson Mining Division 1.94 i, "
East Kootenay District 1.87 n n
Other Divisions .02 n n
100.00
In reports previous to 1910 there has been included in this table the "miscellaneous
products," and in 1910 these were shown distributed to the various districts; the great increase
of these products in the past few years has rendered it advisable that this table be reserved
exclusively for metalliferous products, and so a new table (No. V.) has been introduced, giving
in some detail the output of the miscellaneous products.
In making comparisons of this table with similar tables in previous reports, the fact that
■''miscellaneous" has been removed will have to lie borne in mind.
Table X. presents in graphic form the facts shown in figures in the tables, and
demonstrates to the eye the rapid growth of lode-mining in the Province, and also the
fluctuations to which it has been subject.
It will be seen that, although coal-mining has been a constantly increasing industry
during this whole period of twenty-three years, lode-mining did not begin, practically, until
L894, since when it has risen with remarkable rapidity, though not without interruption,
until it reached, in 1906, the $17,000,000 line, and the total production in 1910 reached the
§26,000,000 line, and this year it has reached the s32,000,000 line.
Table XI. compares graphically the output of certain mineral products in British
Columbia with that of the combined output of similar products in all the other Provinces of
the Dominion, and shows that in 1912, British Columbia produced, in the minerals shown an
amount equal to over 57 per cent, of all the other Canadian Provinces combined
K 20 Report of THE MINISTER or Minks. 1913
( OAL.
The collieries of the Province made in L912 a gross production of 3,025,709 tons i 2,2 10 ft.)
of coal, an increase over the preceding year of 727,991 tons equivalent to an increase of 31.5
per cent.
While this comparison is true, it must in fairness be stated that the production for 191 i
was much below normal, due to the labour troubles in the Last Kootenay coalfield, whereby
the collieries of that district wen- closed for the last eight months of the year.
It might be better, therefore, to make comparison with the year 1910, in which the coal
production was by far the greatest in the history of coal-mining in the Proi ince, and during
which the gross coal production was 3,139,235 tons, or only 113,526 tons greater than this
Had it not heen for labour troubles in the mines of the Canadian Collieries, on Vancouver
Island, during the latter part of 1912, whereby that company's output "as reduced to a point
150,000 tons lower than the preceding year, there is little doubt but that L912 would have
been the record year to date, instead of occupying, as it does, only second place; but, with the
exception noted, it is greatly in advance of any other year.
The greater part of this production is still mined by three companies the Crow's Nest
Pass Coal Company of Mast Kootenay, the Canadian Collieries and the Western Fuel Company
of Vancouver Island, which mined, collectively, 75 per cent, of the gross output, their respective
production representing 31.5 per cent., 24.5 per cent., and 19 per rent, of such total.
Of the other collieries: In the Coast District, on Vancouver Island, the Pacific Coast
Coal mines. Limited, produced 151,589 tons, and the Vancou\ er Naiiaimo Coal Company
88,253 tons ; and in the Nicola Valley section of the district, the Nicola Valley Coal and Coke
Company mined 142,973 tons, the Inland Coal and Coke I 'ompany 31,300 tons, the Princeton
Coal and Land Company 28,17 I tons, the Dial id Vale < foal Company 3,310 tons, while the
I luted Empire Coal Company made a start, producing some 500 tons of coal.
In the Easl Kootenay District, in addition to tin- Crow's Nest Pass Coal Company, which
produced 950,71 "i tons, the Hosmer Mines. Limited, produced 188,243 tons and the Corbin
Coal and Coke Company 122,263 tons.
In addition to those companies actually shipping, several other c panics have been
installing plant and have approached the shipping stage, mention of which will he made
elsew here in this Report.
The collieries of the Coast District, including the Nicola Valley field, are to he credited
this year with about 58.3 per cent, of the total coal output.
The gross output of the collieries for the past year was. as already stated, 3,025,709 tons,
in addition to which some 17;809 tons of coal was taken from stock, making the l'Ioss amount
il distributed 3,043,518 tons.
< >f this gross amount, there was sold for consumption in Canada. 1,263, l'.'7 tons : sold for
consumption in the United States. 858,981 tons; while 108,157 tons was exported to other
countries, making the total coal sales for the year 2,230,565 tons of 2,240 tt>.
In addition to the coal sold, there was used in the manufacture of coke 396,905 tolls, all
in the Easl Kootenay field ; and used under companies' boilers, etc.. 240,304 tons; while
17">. 7 I I tons was lost in washing and screening.
Then- was no oke made this year in the Coast District, although s.,ine 4,266 tons
was sold from stock, the total coke production having heen made by the Crow's Nest Pass
Coal Company, and Hosmer Mines. Limited, in the East Kootenay Held. when-, from
tons of coal, 264,333 tons of coke was manufactured "' which 91 tons was used under the
companies' boilers.
:3 Geo. 5
Progress of. Mining.
K 21
The coke sales of the Province for the past year amounted to 267,564 tons, of which
3,322 tons was drawn from stock.
The following table indicates the markets in which the coal and coke output of the
Province was sold : —
Coal.
Coast
District.
Crowsnest
Pass District.
Total
for Province.
Sold for consumption in Canada (Tons — 2,240 tt>. )
1,032,351
307,233
108,157
231,076
551,742
1,263,427
858,981
108,157
Cokk.
1,447,747
4,266
782,818
213,041
50,257
2,230,565
217,307
50,257
Total coke sales
4,266
263,298
267,564
Collieries of Coast District.
The Coast collieries mined 1,764,497 tons of coal in 1912, to which was added 16,894 tons
taken from stock, making 1,781,391 tons distributed from these collieries in 1912. This
amount was distributed thus: —
Sold as coal in Canada 1,032,351 tons.
United States 307,239 „
'i other countries 108,157 n
Total sold as coal 1,447,747 tons.
Used under companies' boilers, etc 157,900 n
Used in making coke
Lost in washing 175,744 u
1,781,391
Minus coal taken from stock 16,894 n
Gross output 1,764,497 n
The total coal sales of the Coast collieries for the year show, as compared with the sales
of the previous year, a decrease of 233,695 tons, equivalent to 13.9 per cent.
The consumption of coal in that part of British Columbia served by the Coast collieries —
partly due to the introduction of California oil-fuel — shows this year a decrease of 246,289
tons, or about 19 per cent, from the preceding year ; the amount exported to the United States
was 56,755 tons less, but the amount exported to other countries was increased by 69,349 tons.
Only one company in the Coast District — the Canadian Collieries, Limited — has ever
made coke, and this year the ovens have not been in operation, although the company sold
4,266 tons of coke from stock, and still has 2,370 tons in stock.
The coke sold was entirely for consumption in British Columbia, no export sales having
been made.
On Vancouver Island, four companies produced coal this year — the Canadian Collieries,
Limited, the Western Fuel Company, the Pacific Coast Coal Mines, and the Vancouver-Nanaimo
Coal Company ; the majority of these companies each operate two, or more, collieries. The
combined output of the Island collieries was 1,558,240 tons.
K 22 Report of the .Minister of Minks. lf(i:>
In the Nicola and Princeton valleys of the Coast District, the Nicola Valley Coal and
< loke < lompany produced I 1:2,973 tons of coal; the Princeton Colliery, 28, 174 tons; the In bun I
Coal and Coke Syndicate (formerly Coal llill Syndicate), 31,300 tons; the Diamond Vale
Colliery, 3,310 tons; and the United Empire, 500 tons.
The total output of this portion of the district was 20(i,L'"i7 tons. The Pacific <
Colliery Company of Nicola, ami the Columbia Coal ami Coke Company of Coalmont, on the
Tulameen river, each mined coal in development work, hut have nut as yet entered tin' market
as producers.
East Kootenav Coalfield.
In the East Kootenay coalfield, the "hi agreement as to wages, etc., which had existed
between the operators ami the employees, expired on March .".1st. 1911, ami considerable
difficulty was experienced in arranging a new one, the negotiations occupying nearly eight
months, during "which time the collieries of this section of British Columbia ami also "t the
adjoining portion of Alberta were shut down. The new agreement was. however, eventually
signed, ami holds binding until March, 1915.
Regular work began again about the first of the year, and the mines have been in
operation all of the year 1912.
There were three companies operating in this district the Crow's Nest Pass Coal
Company, operating two separate collieries, the combined output of which was 950,706 tons;
the Corbin Coke and Coal Company, which made an output of 122,263 ton and the Hosmer
Mines, Limited, which produced 188,243 tons of coal, making a gross output tor the district
for 1912 of 1,261,212 tons of coal. This gross output is nearly three times as great as the
output of the previous year, when, however, the mines only worked for four months, and is
within 100,000 tons of tl itput of L910.
In addition to the coal mined, 915 tons was taken from stock, making the amount of coal
distributed from the collieries 1,262,127 tons.
Of this gross tonnage, 396,905 tons was used in the manufacture of coke, of which there
was produced 264,333 tons (2,240 lbs.).
In addition to the coke sold this year and the 91 tons used under the Companies' boilers,
'til tons was added to stock, making the coke production for this year 264,333 ton-, as
compared with 66,005 tons in 1911.
Comparisons of the coal, or coke, output of this district during L912 with the previous
year are, however, misleading, as the mines were only worked for four months of that year.
hut the production is nearly up to that of 1910.
The following table shows the distribution made of the coal of this district :---
Sold as coal in Canada 231,076 tons.
Sold as coal in United States 551,742 "
Total sold as coal 782,818 tons.
(Jsed by the company in making coke 396,905
i ed by the company under boilers S'J. t < ' t •<
1,262,127 tons.
Minus coal taken from stock 915 't
Gross output 1,261,212 tons.
3 Geo. 5 Progress of Mining. K 23
GOLD.
The production of placer gold during the past year was worth about
Placer Gold. $555,500 as nearly as can be ascertained ; great difficulty is found in
obtaining reliable figures, since the work is, in many cases, carried out by
individuals or unorganized groups of men who keep no books, frequently paying wages, or for
supplies, in gold-dust, which, being readily transported, is scattered, and the tax imposed
thereon by law is thus evaded.
The production of 1911 was the lowest recorded in seventeen years, or since 1894, but this
year's output shows a decided improvement — an increase, as compared with 1911, of §129,500 —
and is, in fact, the greatest production of placer gold since 1908.
As was noted in 1911, the water conditions during the latter part of the season were such
as to prevent the usual "clean-ups," and it is probable that much gold, then uncollected, has
been recovered this season, which would partly account for this year's higher production ; all of
which goes to illustrate how dependent the industry is on the weather conditions.
The known and available placer deposits are undoubtedly becoming exhausted, and, until
new camps shall have been discovered, the placer-gold output may be expected to continue
diminishing.
There have been reported discoveries of new placer fields in Cassiar the past season, but
as yet their value has not been tested by actual workings.
Practically all the placer gold was obtained in the Atlin and Cariboo Districts — the former
being credited with a production of 6290,000 and the latter with $238,000, leaving but a small
balance for the remainder of the Province.
The value of the gold produced from lode-mining in the Province during
Gold from Lode- the year 1912 was $5,322,442, an increase, as compared with the previous
mining. year, of 8596,929, or about 12.6 per cent. Increases in lode-gold production
have been made this year in the Boundary, due to an increased tonnage of
ore mined, and in the Rossland camp, due to the higher assay value of the ore treated ; the
Nelson Mining Division about held its own this year, but there has been a decreased production
in the Coast District.
The following are the values of the gold product of the three most important camps :
Rossland, $2,729,949 ; Boundary, $2,167,229 ; and Nelson, $361,994. About 75 per cent, of
the gold production of the Province is obtained from the smelting of copper-bearing ores, the
remainder from stamp-milling.
The only large stamp-mill in operation in the Province is at the Nickel Plate mine at Hedlcy,
in the Osoyoos Mining Division, which, this past year, milled some 70,456 tons of ore having
a value of about $775,000. There are smaller stamp-mills operating at the Poormau, Quean,
Motherlode, and other mines in the Nelson Division.
SILVER.
The total amount of silver produced in the Province during the year 1912 was 3,132, 1 US
oz., valued at $1,810,045, an increase in amount, as compared with the previous year, of
l.i':i9,744 oz., and in value of $851,752.
The year 1911 showed an unduly low production of silver owing to the labour troubles
at the collieries shutting off the coke-supply and so closing down the smelters, so it is fairer
to make a comparison with earlier years. The silver output of 1912 is the greatest we h.n e
had since 1905, and exceeds that of 1910 — a normal year — by 681,867 oz. in quantity and by
$565,029 in value.
K 24 Report of the Minister of Mixes. 1913
A very large proportion of the silver produced in the Province is found associated with
lead-bearing ores, chiefly in the Slocan District, where a few mines are still handicapped by
lack dt' transportation facilities owing to forest fires having destroyed the Kaslo & Slocan
Hallway anil, in some instances, the plants i>t' the mines.
The St. Eugene mine in Hast Kootenay, formerly a large producer of silver and lead, lias
temporarily at least, run out of the ore-shoot, and made a \ cry inucli decreased output, which
was. however, partly compensated tor Ijv the reopening, by the Consolidated (' pany, of the
Sullivan mines.
The Slocan District —including the Ainsworth, Slocan. Slocan City, and Trout Lake
Mining Divisions produced about (il per cent, of the total Provincial output of silver this
year, and the Fort Steele Mining Division al t 12 per cent., all from argentiferous galena.
The remainder is chiefly derived from the smelting of copper ores carrying silver.
LEA I >.
The lead production of the Province for the year 1912 was 14,871,454 lb. of lead, having
a market value of $1,805,627, showing, as c pared with the previous year, an increase in
amount of 17,999,057 Ih Of lead, or 67 per cent., and an increase in \al f *~,'M\, l<l(i, or H* H
per cent.
This amount of lead represents the amount of metallic lead actually Recovered, and paid
for, by the smelters, and tallies very closely with their receipts.
Owing to the large accumulation of stock at the smelter and to certain losses in slags
throughout the year, the lead-refinery during this year only produced 35,252,000 lb. of
finished product.
Instead of taking account of "loss in slags," we have followed, as Ins Keen our habit, the
practice of the smelters of deducting Id per cent, from the market price of the metal, in
calculating the value.
The average market price of this metal for the year 1912 was a little higher than for the
pre\ i. .us year.
The causes militating against the output of silver even more seriously affected the
production ..f lead . hut it is expected that this trouble will he largely remedied by next year.
The lead production is this year, as usual, derived chiefly from the Fort Steele Mining
Division, as is shown in the following table: —
Fort Steele MLD. produced 18,238,238 lb. lead 10.64 per cent, of total
Ainsworth .. 1,863,894 .. 10.83
Slocan ,. 16,944,811 ., 37.75
Nelson „ -J. -J!):?. 000 .. 5.10
Trout Like .. 229,366 .■ 0.50
All others „ 2,302,145 m 5.18
14,871,454 .on
COPPER.
The amount of copper produced in the Province in 1912, smelted during the year, was
51,456,537 lb. fine copper, valued 'at the average New York market price for copper at
Cement- workS) 1'ortlnml Cemcnl nml Construction Co., under Construction tit
I tn inliiTtoii, Sim n it'll \ rm.
Cement- works miilcr < on Nt ruction nt l-Zant Princeton.
:3 Geo. 5 Progress of Mining. K 25
$8,408,513. These figures represent the amount of copper actually recovered, as nearly as it
is possible to ascertain ; the amount of copper really in the ores mined would be approximately
25 per cent, greater.
This is the largest production of copper ever made in the Province, exceeding the
previous "banner year" — 1908 — by 4,181,923 lt>.
As compared with the year 191.1, there is this year an increased production in amount of
14,528,881 It.., or nearly 31 per cent., and in value of $3,836,869, or 84 per cent.
The following table shows the production of the various districts for the years 1909,
1910, 1911, and 1912:—
1909. 1910. 1911. 1912.
Boundary District. .40,603,042 11.. 31,354,985 ft. 22,327,359 ft. 33,372,199 11.. = 64.76 °
Rossland „ . . 3,509,909 „ 3,577,745 ,. 3,429,702 „ 2,539,900 „ 5.03 ,,
Coast & Cassiar „ .. 1,297,722 „ 3,078,090,, 11,017,872,, 15,518,181.. 30.16,,
Yale-Kamloops ,, 1,178 n 152,723 .. ....
Nelson ' „ . . 186,572 „ 231,936 „ 26,257 „ 0.05 „
45,597,245 „ 38,243,934 „ 36,927,656 „ 51,456,537 „ 100.00 .,
The average assays of the copper-ores of the various camps, based upon the copper
recovered, were as follows : —
Boundary, 0.87 per cent.; Coast, 3.625 per cent.; and Rossland, 0.521 per cent.
ZINC.
The total quantity of zinc produced in 1912 was 5,358,280 ft., valued at 1316,139, the
New York price, less 15 per cent., being taken as the basis of valuation.
This comparatively small production was made chiefly by the Lucky Jim mine, in the
Slocan District — the only mine in the Province mining ore primarily for its zinc-contents —
materially assisted by the Van-Roi, Standard, and to a lesser extent by the Noble Five mines,
all in the Slocan, and by the Monarch mine, near Field, in the Golden Mining Division, all of
which produced zinc-concentrates as a by-product from the treatment of silver-lead ores.
This output is considerably less than it was estimated would be produced, which is
accounted for by the fact that a couple of the largest producers did not market, before the
close of the year, more than about half of the product actually made during the year.
The various processes designed to separate the values of the lead-zinc-silver ores of the
Slocan, which have been within the past few years experimented with, have not as yet reached
a stage of commercial application.
OTHER MINERALS.
Although, undoubtedly, there are in the Province numerous iron-
iron-ore. deposits of very considerable size and exceptionally free from injurious
elements, none of these have been utilized, as there is no market for iron-
ore, and consequently little development- work has been done.
In the Coast District the iron-ores are all magnetites, as far as have been developed in
any quantity, and, although these sometimes contain sulphur, as pyrite, they are singularly free
from other impurities.
K 26 Report of the .Minister of Minks. L913
So far as is at present known, then' is no body of hematite or other ore of iron, u
would be desirable to mix with the magnetites for blast furnace smelting.
This fact, together with the present price of coke on the Coast, of from $7 to -~ a ton,
with little likelihood of its being less while the price of coal continues so high, does not seem
to justify the expectation of an jron-smelting industry here until these conditions are altered.
Whether it will be found possible to sum 'It the iron ores of the Coast with anthracite coal
from the recently discovered coalfields of the upper Skeena river, it is too early t<> predict,
until the general character of the fuel is more clearly demonstrated and proper transportation
facilities to the Coast have been provided.
As tn the electro thermic smelting of such iron-ores into commercial pig iron, the pi
has not as yet been sufficiently perfected, although it is looked upon as one of the possibilities
of the future.
Considerable interest lias been manifested during the pa I yi ir in the magnetiti
deposits of Texada and Vancouver islands, as well as other points on the (nasi, with a view-
to their commercial utilization.
There have been reports of the intended installation of an iron-smelting plant on the
( oast, lmt nothing at all conclusive has yet become public.
While platinum is found in many of the alluvial gold-workings "Inn-
Platinum, it i -at i he saved as a by product, the sa\ ing of it, in a small way, is at ten. led
with so much trouble that it has been practically neglected ami no
appreciable production made.
During the past year a great ileal of excitement was created in the Province by reports
of tin finding by A. G. French, of platinum in commercial quantity in certain dykes
near Nelson.
These reports were based upon statements, credited to A.Gordon French, that he had
personally determined platinum, and metals of that group, and found them to exist in
commercial quantities in dykes in the Granite- Poor man mine and other localities adjacent
to Nelson.
Certain local assayers and a Philadelphia firm claimed to have confirmed Mr. French's
statement
The wide publicity given to these statements hy the press, and otherwise, occasioned the
staking of numerous claims on dykes in that vicinity.
The importance of the discovery, if true, was recognized by this Bureau, and steps were
taken to try to confirm it.
In the fall of l'.Ml' the Provincial Mineralogist, assisted by an Inspector of Mines.
sampled a number of these dykes, while samples "f other dykes were obtained from the
i. Minis. These samples were all duly pulped at the Government Laboratory, and identical
samples sent to sonic half do/en of the host know n expert chemists , ,t Canada, the United
States, and England, to he assayed for metals of the Platinum group.
The results received from these chemists, with one exception, have been decidedly negat
and this Bureau is not able to confirm the existence of platinum or any metals of that group
in the \ icinity of Nelson.
The details of investigations made arc given elsewhere in this Report.
3 Geo. 5 Progress of Mining. K 27
BUILDING MATERIALS.
The growth of cities, with the necessity for fireproof building material, has created an
industry that promises to rival any other branch of mineral production.
The past year, although the statistical returns are not as complete as desired, a production
of about $3,435,722 is accounted for, the details of which production are given in Table V.,
on page 9.
Excellent building-stone of various sorts is found in abundance in
Building-stone, almost every part of the Province, but the fact of its widespread distribution
has, however, been somewhat against the establishment of large quarrying
industries, as a sufficient local supply could always be obtained, and, except within reach of
the larger cities, few regularly equipped quarries have been opened.
On the Coast, chiefly between Vancouver Island and the Mainland, there are several
well-equipped quarries taking out granite, sandstone, and andesite, all of excellent quality.
These quarries supply the stone building material of the Coast cities, and also export to the
United States.
A detailed description of the more important quarries was given in the report of this
Bureau for 1904.
In the interior of the Province, the Canadian Marble & Granite
Marble. Company opened a marble-quarry on the line of the Lardo-Trout Lake
Railway, about eight miles from Lardo. This company has, so far, shipped
only the rough blocks of the marble which were elsewhere sawn into slabs, etc., but during
the past year the company lias been engaged in erecting dressing-works, which are not yet in
running order. The product shipped from the quarry has been small.
A coarsely crystalline whitish marble, not suitable for cutting into slabs, has been quarried
on the shore of Kootenay lake, and used for building purposes in Nelson and elsewhere.
The Nootka Marble Quarries, on Nootka sound, on the west coast of Vancouver Island,
that were opened in 1908, have not made any important shipments. The quarry has not
been operated since July, 1909.
The production of red brick during the past year amounts in value to
Red Brick. 8304,500. The demand, however, keeps well ahead of even the supply,
particularly in the Coast cities, so that approximately half the brick used in
Vancouver is imported. The plants in the vicinity of Vancouver, besides being increased in
size, are being equipped with more modern appliances and should be able to meet outside
competition. The price of common brick ranged from $8 to 811 per thousand, according to
quality and demand.
The only company producing firebrick in the Province is the Clayburn
Firebrick. Company, Limited, with a plant at Clayburn, where the beds of clay are of
the age of the coal-measures. This company made approximately 2.S00 M.
firebrick, worth about $56,000, and 4,000 M. front or face brick, worth about $100,000.
Besides this the company made a large number of common brick, tiles, drain-pipes, etc.
The British Columbia Pottery ( lompany at Victoria West manufactures
Pottery, Drain- drain and sewer pipe, chimney-tiles, etc., the chief item in their sales account
pipe, and Tile, being drain and sewer pipe. The output for the year approached $130,000.
The company derives its clay partly from the coal-mines of the Canadian
Collieries, Limited, at Comox, and partly from a shale-quarry recently opened up on tin- west
coast of Vancouver Island.
K 28 Report of the Minister of Mixes. 1913
The manufacture of lime is conducted in a small way at a large
Lime. number of points in the Province, but only on the Coast has any attempl
been made at more extensive operations, [n the neighbourhood of Vicl
on Esquimalt harbour, Raymond & Sons have three kilns in operation, and there are kilns
on Saanicb Arm. <>n Texada Island In addition t<> the old plant at Marble bay a new and
extensive plant has been erected at Blubber haw The limestone being used is of exceptional
purity, hut in s : instances the limestone beds are cul by igneous dykes which have to be
rejected, and this somewhat increases the costs of quarrying.
The only company manufacturing cement in the Province is the
Portland Cement. Vancouver Portland Cement Company, with works a1 Tod inlet, on the
Saanicb arm, about twelve miles from Victoria. The capacity of these
works at present is from 2,000 to 2,500 barrels a day, and this past year the company
manufactured over 520,000 hands of cement, valued in the neighbour!) I of $800,000. The
raw materials, limestone and elav, are quarried on the company's property adjoining the works.
The company has doubled the capacity of the plant, installing electric power to take the place
of, or supplement, the steam plant, ami introducing many labour-saving appliances.
The Portland Cement and Construction Company has been installing a large plant at the
head of the Saanicb arm, but production has not vet been begun.
Another company has elected buildings and is putting in plant at Easi Princeton,
Similkameen,
It is understood that a company has secured land and suitable deposits in the vicinity of
Prince Rupert, and that the construction of a large plant will be begun in the near future.
Concrete construction has become SO extensive on the Coast that
Crushed Rock C panics have been formed to supply suitable material for such work.
and Gravel. Near Vancouver harbour four companies have opened quarries in a
granite rock, and have erected crushing and tzing plants and bins for the
manufacture of crushed rock for concrete-making and for road-making in Vancouver. The
output of these stone quarrying and crushing plants, in the vicinity of Vancouver alone.
amounted last year to $275,000.
Near Vancouver and Victoria, companies have been formed for supplying washed sand
and gravel, properly screened to size : at least some of those companies have installed a system
of mining the gravel by hydraulic streams ami the carrying of the product to the screens by
the water used. The value of the sand and gravel produced for Use in these two cities
amounted during the past year to over $382,310.
3 Geo. 5 Bureau of Mines. K 29
BUREAU OF MINES.
Work of the Year.
The work of the Bureau of Mines increases, of necessity, year by year, and this growing
activity is due to the following causes : The extension of the mining area of the Province,
with the proportional increase in the number of mines; the increasing desire of the outside
public for the free information which the Bureau supplies with regard to the various mining
districts and camps, and the appreciation by the prospector of the fact that he may obtain,
gratis, a determination of any rock or mineral which he may send to the Bureau.
The routine work of the office, and the preparation and publication of the Report for the
year just ended, followed by the examination in the field of as many of the mines and mining
districts as the season would permit, together with the work of the Laboratory and instruction
of students, fully occupied the staff for the year. The staff of the Bureau consists of the
Provincial Mineralogist, the Provincial Assayer, and an assistant in the Laboratory, with a
clerical assistant in the office.
After the report for the preceding year had been issued, the Provincial
Provincial Mineralogist, with assistants, held an examination at Victoriaof candidates
Mineralogist. tor Certificates of Competency as Assayers, which lasted a week, after which
he was fully occupied with necessary office- work until the season was
sufficiently advanced for field-work.
In February, 1912, the Provincial Mineralogist attended, at Vancouver, a meeting of the
Western Branch of the Canadian Mining Institute.
The meeting dealt particularly with the coal resources of the Province, and a number of
valuable papers were read.
An explosion having occurred on March 9th, 1912, at Merritt, in the mine of the Diamond
Vale Colliery Company, the Provincial Mineralogist was instructed by the Honourable the
Minister of Mines to proceed to the scene of the disaster, and, in company with the Chief
Inspector, to make an examination of the mine and to investigate as to the origin of tin-
explosion.
This examination, together with the attendance and giving evidence at the Coroner's
inquest, occupied until March I'.'ird.
The report of the investigation is given later in this Report.
In July the Provincial Mineralogist with a small party proceeded by Canadian Pacific
Railway steamer from Victoria to Wrangel, Alaska, at the mouth of the Stikine river,
where, after some delay, a gasolene-launch was obtained and tile party transported up the
Stikine river to Telegraph Creek, a distance of about 160 miles.
At this point horses were obtained and a trip was made into the Dease Lake district —
the scene of the Cassiar placer-gold excitement of the early 70s — and here the Operating
placer-mining properties on Dease and Hubert creeks were examined.
K 30 Report or the .Minister of .Minks. 1913
Returning to Telegraph Creek, a fresh start was made this time having for its destine
the coalfield surrounding the headwaters of the Skeena, Stikine, and Nass rivers, and known
publicly as the Groundhog coalfield, so called since Groundhog mountain, over which the trail
from Hazelton passes, lies at the southern end of the field.
After a rather hurried examination of the field the party caught a returning pack-train
to Hazelton, which was reached about the middle of September, and a return made to Victoi
by way of Prince Rupert.
Accounts of these trips will be found in the body of this Report.
At the request of the Honourable the Minister of Mine the Provincial Mineralogist, on
October 1st, proceeded to Nelson to investigate the reported finding of metals of the Platinum
group in certain dykes in that vicinity.
A Dumber of samples of these dykes were taken personally, and in addition further
samples were obtained from the owners of properties on which it had been reported these
precious metals were to he found.
The method of assay employed hv Mr. French, and by which he had claimed to ohtain
results showing an appreciable amount of tin platinum metals in these dykes, was obtained
from him, and the actual manipulation of tins method hv Mr. French and assistants, lasting
several days, was witnessed.
Returning to Victoria on October 22nd, the samples obtained at Nelson were very carefully
pulped nndcr the personal supervision of the w titer, when a number of duplicate pulps, together
with copies of the method of assaying employed by Mr. French, were sent to several of the
most reputable and expert chemists in Canada. England, and the United States, for the
determinati »f the platinum group metals in these samples.
The results obtained by these chemists tire given in this Report under the heading of the
Nelson Mining I >i\ ision.
In December the Board of Examiners for Assayers met in the Government Laboratory
and held an examination of candidates for Certificates of Competency .as Assayers
examination occupied a week.
The l'ro\ incial Mineralogist has to record with much regrel the retirement from the public
service of Herberl Carmichael, who resigned on December .'list, 1912, in order to attend
to liis personal affairs.
Mr. Carmichael had occupied the position of ( lovemment Analyst since 1891, of ( }overn-
ineni Assaver since 1 892, and acted for a number of years past as Assistant Mineralogist,
reporting as such, on a number of the mining camps in British Columbia, more particularly
in the ( 'oast I district.
In the retirement of Mr. Carmichael the Bureau of Mines loses the services of a re
than usually expert chemist and assayer, together with a fund ol unwritten data and infor-
mation which it will he very difficult to replace.
ASSAS OFFICE.
The following is a summary of the work of the Assay Office of the Bureau of Mine- for
the year 1912, as reported by the Provincial Assayer. Herberl Carmichael:
During 1911 the Laboratories and Mineral Exhibit Building were moved back to Superior
street, and were opened again for business on January 1st, 1912.
3 Geo. 5 Bureau of Mines. K 31
During the year 1912 there were made bv the staff in the Government Assay Office 1,964-
assays or quantitative determinations ; of these, a large number were for the Bureau of Mines
•or for the other departments, for which no fees were received. The fees collected by the office
were as follows : —
Fees for assaying $970 00
ii melting and assaying gold-dust and bullion 78 00
ii assayer's examinations 255 00
Total cash receipts 81,303 00
Determinations and examinations made for other Government
departments for which no fees were collected 300 00
Value of assaying done $1,603 00
The value of gold melted during the year 1912 was $10,217 in 39 lots, as against $9,853
in 32 lots in 1911.
Considerable time was spent in an investigation of a process for the separation of zinc and
lead in the galena-blend ores of the Slocan Mining Division. This work necessitated a large
number of quantitative determinations and other work. Towards the close of the year the time
of the Laboratory was occupied largely in the investigation of minerals which it was claimed
contained platinum.
The results of these tests (given elsewhere) showed conclusively that little or no platinum
existed in such ores.
Some years ago, in this Province, nickel was erroneously reported from numerous places.
It was found that the assavers let a part of the iron in solution pass through the filter-paper,
then precipitated it and supposed it to be nickel, when if it had been properly precipitated and
filtered off in the first place it would have left nothing to be precipitated later.
In the separation of gold, silver, and platinum, it has been the practice with many local
assayers to dissolve the total metals, get out the gold and silver, and if there was any loss
•call it platinum, or to weigh up part of the gold as platinum. Such methods have cost the
unfortunate investor many thousands of dollars.
In addition to the above quantitative work, a large number of
Free qualitative determinations, or tests, were made in connection with the
Determinations, identification and classification of rocks or minerals sent to the Bureau for
a report ; of these no count was kept, nor were any tees charged, as it is
the established custom of the Bureau to examine and test qualitatively, without charge,
samples of minerals sent in from any part of the Province, and to give a report on the same.
This has been done for the purpose of encouraging the search for new or rare minerals and
ores, and to assist prospectors and others in the discovery of new mining districts, by enabling
them to have determined, free of cost, the nature and probable value of any rock they may find.
In making these free determinations, the Bureau asks that the locality from which the sample
was obtained be given by the sender.
EXAMINATION FOB ASSAYEBS.
Report of Herbert Carmichael, Secretary of Board of Examiners.
I have the honour, as Secretary, to submit the Annual Report of the Board of Examiners
for Certificates of Competency and Licence to Practise Assaying in British Columbia, as
established under the "Bureau of Mines Act Amendment Act, 1899."
K 32
Report op the Minister of Minks.
1913
An examination was held at the laboratory of the Trail smelter on February 5th and
following days, at which two candidates came up for examination and one passed.
An examination was also held at Victoria, in the Governmenl Laboratory, on April 29th
and the following days. Three candidates came up for examination and all passed.
Another examination was held at the Government Laboratory, Victoria, on December l.'ith.
Three candidates came up for examination ; two passed and one failed.
Other meetings of the Hoard of Examiners were laid during the year, and tin' Hoard
recommended thai four licences to practise assaying I"- granted without examination under
subsection (2), section 2, of the Act, In accordance with these recommendations, certificates
have been duly issued by the Honourable the Minister of Mines.
List of Assayers not. dim; Provincial Certificates ok Efficiency onder the
•• P.riiEAu of Mines Act Amkniimi.m Act, 1899."
(Only the holders of such, certificates may practise assaying in British Columbia.)
Under section S, subsection ( 1 ).
A}'res, 1). A Movie.
Austin, John W Hazelton.
Backus, Geo. 8 Britannia Beach.
Baker, C. S. H (ireenwood.
Barke, A. C
Belt, Sam'l Krwin
Bernard, Pierre Monte Chrieto, Wash,
Bishop, Walter Grand Forks.
Buchanan, James Trail.
Buehman, A. C Trail.
Campbell, Colin New Denver.
Carniichael, Norman Clifton, Arizona.
Church, George 15
Cobeldick, W. M Scotland.
Collinson, H Stewart.
Comrie, George H
Craufurd, A. J. F Rossland.
Crerar, George
Cruickshank, G Trail.
Day, At heist an Dawson.
Dedolph, Ed Ottawa, (Int.
Doekrill, Walter R. ...... . . Chemainus.
Dunn, ( r. W Rossland.
Farquhar.J. 1'. Vancouver.
Fingland, John .1 Kaslo.
Grosvenor, F. E Vancouver.
Hamilton, Win. J Grand Forks.
Hantiav, W. II Rossland.
Hart. P. E
Hawkins, Francis Silverton.
Hawes, K. B Ladysmith.
Hook, A. Harry Greene 1.
II"' ter, < '. s Prince Rupert.
Irwin, Geo. V. Vancouver.
John, D Haileybury, "hit.
Kiddie, Geo. R. Observatory Inlet.
King, R Greenw I
Kitto, ( reoffrey 1! \ ictoria.
Langley, A. S Crofton.
Lee, Fred. E Trail.
Leo, (ieo. M Grand Forks.
Ley, Richard X Vancouver.
Lindsay, W. W Rossland
Longworth, F. ■! Boyds, Wash.
1. likens, I. F s, .:ltl [e.
Martin, S. J Hazelton.
Marsh, Richard Republic. Wash.
Marshall, 11. .lakes Vancouver.
Marshall, William S Ladysmith.
Miles, Arthur 11
Mitchell, Charles T Copper ClirT, (int.
Mc( 'oi mirk, Alan F Ruth, Nevada.
MacDonald, Alex. C Vancouver.
Nt> 1, oils, Frank .... Norway.
O'Sullivan. John Vancouver.
Parker, Robt. H
Parsenow, W. I. Victoria.
Perkins. Walter G Basin, Montana.
I'irkanl. T. D Vancouver.
Pirrie, Noble W Vancouver,
Kiel i an mi I, Leigh Duncan, B.C.
Robertson, T. R
Rodgers, Ch. U Vancouver.
Rombauer, A. 1! Butte, Mont.
Schroeder, I mi. A
Segsworth, Walter Toronto, Ont.
Sharpe, Beit X
Sun. ( 'harles John England.
Snyder, Blanchard M
Si. \ on, Win. ( lordon
So wo i. .lames W Portland Canal.
Stimmel, B A Trail.
Sundberg, Gustave Mexico city.
Tally, Robert V. Spokane, wash.
Thomas, Percival W
Trethrw a\ . John II
Turner, If. A
Vance, John F. C. I'. Vancouver.
Van A_new . Prank Siberia.
\ lughan-Williams, V. I... .California.
Wales. Roland T
Watson, Win. J Ladysmith.
W i 1' h, -l ' ul hberl Butte, Mont.
Well-., Ben T Lad} smith.
West. Ceo. G Vancouver.
Whittaker, Delbert F. Vii i
WiddowBon, F. Walter Nel
Williams. W. A ( trand Forks.
William^. Eliot H
Wimberly, S. 11 Nevada. C.S A
3 Geo. 5
Bureau of Mines.
K 33
Under section ;?, subsection (S).
Archer, Allan
Brennan, Charles Victor . . . .Bingham, Utah.
Browne, R. J Rossland.
Browne, P. J Nelson.
Bryant, Cecil M •Vancouver.
Blaylock, Selwyn G Trail.
Burwash, N. A
Cartwright, Cosmo T Ottawa.
Cavers, Thomas \V
Clothier, George A Stewart.
Cole, Arthur A Cobalt, Ont.
Cole, G. E Rossland.
Cole, L. Heber Ottawa, Ont.
Conway, E. J
Ccmlthard, R. W Blairmore, Alta.
( li iwans, Frederick
1 lawson, V. E ....... .' Trail.
Dixon, Howard A Toronto, Ont.
Eardlev-U ilniot, V. L Rossland.
Galbraith, M. T
Gilman, Ellis P Vancouver.
i 1 1 aen, J. T. Raoul Blairmore, Alta.
Guess, George A Toronto, Ont.
Gwillim, J. C Kingston, Ontario.
Heal, John H
Hilliarv. G. M Idaho, U.S.A.
Holdich, Augustus H England.
Johnston, William Steele. . . . Lachine, Que.
Kaye, Alexander Vancouver.
Kendall, George Vancouver.
Kilburn. Geo. H
Lathe, Frank E Grand Forks.
Lay, Douglas Silverton.
Lewis, Francis B South Africa.
Merrit, Charles P
Murphy, C. J
Under section
Carmichael, Herbert Victoria.
(Provincial Assayer. )
Harris, Henry Tasmania.
Hedley, Robt. R Vancouver.
Kiddie, Thos Vancouver.
Sutton, \V. J Victoria.
Musgrave, William N Mexico City.
Mussen, Horace W Siberia.
McArthur, Reginald E
McDiarmid, S. S
McGinnis, Win, C Queen Charlotte Islands.
McKay, Robt. B Vancouver.
McLellan, John Queen Charlotte Islands.
MoMurtry, Gordon 0
McNab, J. A Thompson, Nevada.
McPhee, W. B
McVicar, John Edmonton, Alta.
Maclennan, F. W
Newton, W. E Silverton.
Outhett, Christopher Kamloops.
Pemberton, W. P. D Victoria.
Reid, J. A Greenwood.
Ritchie, A. B Nelson.
Rose, J. H
Scott, Oswald Norman
Shannon, S
Sharpe, (LP Midland, Ont.
Shorey, I'. M Trail.
Sloan, David Three Forks.
Stevens, F. G Mexico.
Sullivan, Michael H Trail.
Sutherland, T. Fraser
Swinney, Leslie A. E
Thomson, H. Nellis Anaconda. Montana.
Thomson, Robt. W
Watson, A. A Olalla.
Watson, Henry
Workman, Ch. W
Wright, Richard Rossland.
Wvnne. Lewellyn C
Yuill, H H
g, subsection (3).
McKillop, Alexander Vancouver.
Pellew-Harvey, Wm London, England.
Robertson, Win. F Victoria.
(Provincial Mineralogist. )
Marshall, Dr. T. R ....London, England.
Previously issued under the "Bureau of Mixes Act, 1897," section 12.
Pindcr, W. J Thompson, James B Vancouver.
EXAMINATIONS FOR COAL-MINE OFFICIALS.
The "Coal-mines Regulation Act," as now consolidated and amended, provides that all
officers of a coal-mining company having any direct charge of work underground shall hold
Government Certificates of Competency, which arc to lie obtained only after passing an
examination before a duly qualified Board, appointed for the purpose of holding such
examinations, and known as the Managers' Board.
The certificates granted on the recommendation of such Board and the requirements shall
be as follows : —
" In no case shall a certificate of competency he granted to any candidate until he shall
satisfy the Board of Examiners —
"(a.) If a candidate for a manager, that he is a British subject and has had at least
five years' experience in and about the practical workings of a coal-mine, and is
K :>4 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
at least twenty-five years of age ; or, if he has taken a degree in scientific and
mining training, including a course in coal-mining at a university or mining
school approved liv the Minister of Mines, that he has had a I iur years'
experience in and about the practical working of a coal mine:
"(6.) [f a candidate, for overman, that he has had at least five years' experience in
and about the practical working of a coal mine, and is at least twenty-three
years of age :
"(c.) [f a candidate for shiftboss, fireboss, or shotlighter, that he lias had at least
three years' experience in and aboul the practical working of a coal-mine, is the
holder of a certificate of competency as a coal-miner, and is at least twenty-three
rears of age :
••(</.) A candidate for a certificate of competency as manager, overman, shifi
fireboss, or shotlighter shall produce a certificate from a duly qualified medical
practitioner or St. John's or other recognized ambulance society, showing that
he has taken a course in ambulance work fitting him, the said candidate, to give
first aid to men injured in coaJ mining operations.
" For the purposes of this section the experience demanded by such section shall !»• of
such character as the Board shall consider of practical value in qualifying the candidate for
the position to which such class of certificate app
■■ Experience had in a mine outside of the Province may be accepted should the Board
consider such of equal value."
Any certificate is considered as including that of any lower class.
EXAMINATION FOE MINERS
[n addition to the examinations and certificates already specified as coming under the
Managers' Board, the Act further provides that every coal-miner shall l>e the holder of a
certificate of competency as such. By "miner" is meant "a person employed underground in
any coal mine to Cut, shear, break, Or loosen eoal from the solid, whether by hand or
machinery."
Examinations for a miners' certificate are held each month at each colliery by a Board of
Examiners, known as the Miners' Hoard, and consisting of an examiner appointed by the
o\\ ners, an examiner elected by the miners ,,f that colliery, and an examiner a]. pointed by the
i nment.
BOARD OF EXAMINERS FOB ("\I.MI\T. OFFICIAL
First-, Second-, am> Third-class Certificates.
Report of Secretary of Board, I'ully Boy<
I beg t.i submit th.' Annual Report covering the transactions, of the above Board for the
year ending December 31st, 1912.
The hoard consists of Thos. I!. Stockett, of Nanaimo, Chairman; George Williams, of
Nanaimo. Vice Chairman : Tully Boyce, of Nanaimo, Secretary ; Thomas Graham, of Victoria,
Chief [nsp ctoi • Mine- : Andrew Bryden, of Merritt ; and David G. Wilson, of Hosmer.
3 Geo. 5
Bureau of Mines.
K 35
The meetings are held in the office of the Board at Nanainio. Examinations were held
for First-, Second-, and Third-class Certificates at Nanainio, Cumberland, Merritt, and Fernie*
on May 7th, 8th, and 9th, 1912.
The total number of candidates at this examination was 95, as follows: For first-class,
18, of whom 4 passed, 14 failed ; for second-class there were 20, of whom 14 passed, 6 failed ;
for third-class, 57, of whom 31 passed, 26 failed.
Another examination for First-, Second-, and Third-class Certificates was held at
Nanaimo, Cumberland, Merritt, and Ferine, on October 29th, 30th, and 31st, 1912.
At this examination the total number of candidates was 47, as follows: For first-class
there were 9 candidates, of whom 6 passed, 3 failed; for second-class there were 14
candidates, of whom 9 passed, 5 failed; for third-class there were 24, of whom 21 passed, 3
failed.
The fullest information as to the standard of efficiency required and copies of previous
questions in printed form may be had by applying to the Secretary at Nanaimo.
1 append hereto a list of the candidates who successfully passed the examinations in the
various classes, and have taken out their certificates.
The following persons have only partly complied with the requirements of the Act, and
are consequently not as yet entitled to Certificates of Competency : —
Fhst-c/ass Candidates.
Name.
Date.
No.
November, 1912
Second-class Candidates
Name.
John B. Wyllie
Daniel Russell ....
John Gardner. . . .
Watkin Williams .
John H. Brownrigg
Date.
August, 1905
November, 1907
July, 190N
September, 1910
June, 1911
No.
Third-class Candidates.
Henry McMillan
Jabez Ashman
E. 0. Saville
Thomas Brown
Frank J. 0. Dollimere .
Eddy Limb
Robert Walker
Thomas Eeeleston
Peter Carr
Name.
Date.
May,
1905
February,
1907
October,
19(17
July,
1908
May,
19(19
191 1
1912
„
1912
November,
1912
No.
K 36
Kl POET OF THE MINISTER OF MlNES.
L913
List of Candidates to whom Certificates were isscf.d at the Examinations held
on IIav 7th, 8th, \m> 9th, lnd on October 29th, 30th, and .'(1st, 1912,
at Nanaimo, Cumberland, Merritt, and Fernie.
First cl iss • ' vndid vtes.
Name.
John Howard Cunningham
Ernest Miard
Henry Leighton
William Sliaw
Edward Willey
Andrew Anderson Millar
James I lickson
Francis i Hover
William John Mazey
Second-class i didati
May 9th, 1912
October 31st, 1912
No.
X IME.
Date.
No
May 9th, L912
er 31st, 1912
tr
It
"
it
B iH
i; i 13
1) in
I: : 15
l: l 16
B 1 IT
B14JI
1 1 1 5 1
i; 152
1! 153
B 154
B 155
B !56
l; 157
B 158
B 159
B161
B H, j
B 163
Third i i kss ' ujdi d
Name
1)
ITK.
No.
. ■ H 1 ■ m i : 1 1 - -
May 9th,
it
1912
James Steele . .
i 162
i i>;i
i (65
( 166
C 467
I -4I.N
1 4'.'l
C 170
3 Geo. 5
Bureau of Mines.
K 37
Third-class Candidates. — Concluded.
Name.
Date.
No.
May 9th, 1912
October 31st, 1912
C471
C 472
C 473
C474
C 475
C 476
John Bell
C 477
C 478
Walter Pattison Clark
C479
C 480
C481
C 483
C 484
C 485
C 486
Wallace Starr
William Shaw Rankin
Alexander McFagen
Thomas James Wood
C488
C4S9
C 490
C491
C 492
Edward McMillan
C 493
C 494
C 495
C 496
Robert Oakes
James White
C498
C 499
Alexander Rowan
( ' ,"i(i(i
James Maltman
C 501
C 50"'
Robert Potter
C 503
James Wardrop
C 504
James Gemmell
C 505
Edward Royle
( ' 5116
( ' ;,i 17
Edward Griffoth
C 508
John Thompson
C 509
C 510
George Elmes
C 511
K :;s
Repobt of the Minister of Mines.
I'M:;
Registered List of Holders of Certificates of Competency as
Coal-mine Officials.
First-class Certificates.- Service Certificates issued under Section 39, "Coal
Minds Regulation A< t, 1877."
John Bryden, Victoria. Archibald Dick, Government [nspector of Mines.
Edward <i. I'rior. .lames Dunsmuir, Victoria.
Tl as A. Buckley. .lames Cairns, Comox, Parmer.
First-class Certificates of Competence issued onder "Coal Mines
Regulation Act, L897.
Name.
Shepherd, Francis H . . .
Honobin, William
Little, Francis 1)
Martell, Joshua
( 'handler, William
Priest, Elijah
Mel Iregor, James
Handle. Joseph
Matthews, John
Norton, Richard Henry
Bryden, Andrew
Russell, Thomas
Sharp, Alexander
Kef ley, John
Wall," William H
:i. Tli as
Wilson, David
Smith, Frank B
Ilrad-haw, < leorge B . . .
Simps William <I . . . .
I [argreaves, -lames
I M'linian, Robert < ■ . . . .
Browitl . Benjamin
Stockett . Tl ias, Jr .
in, Ri iberl
Cunliffe, John
Evans, Daniel
MoEvoy, .lames
W il on, \. II
Simister, • Iharles
Bud e, Thomas
Mills, Thomas
Pallida, Alexander
Richards, James A . ...
Mel. ran. Donald
Wilkinson, ( Seo
\\ right, II. B
I 01 ill I, II. W
Koaf, .1. Richardson . . .
John, John
Manley, II. I
Date.
March
May
December
January
I
April
( ictober
March
May
June
February
August
January
5th,
1st.
I-',
1st,
21st,
Jlst,
18th,
Isth,
Nth.
26th,
30th,
20th,
27th,
4th,
noil,.
Until,
unth .
30th,
12th,
12th,
5th,
."ah,
3rd,
3rd,
3rd,
17th,
17th.
17th.
17th.
17th,
17th.
17th,
21st,
21st,
■Jlst.
21st,
•Jlst.
2Ht,
|ss|
ISS-J
1883
isss
lss!l
1891
I sil-
ls', ii ;
I si 111
1IKH
1902
1905
3 Geo. 5
Bureau of Mines.
K 39
First-class Ckrtificates issued under "Coal Mines Regulation Act Further
Amendment Act, 1904."
Name.
H
July
May
June
May
November
May
June
May
October
November
Tune
Baxter, Andrew
Biggs, J. G
Bonar, Robert . . ,
Bridge, Edward
Caufield, B
Church, James A
Crowder, James
Cunningham, John Howard
Derbyshire, James
Davidson, W. A
Davies, David
Devlin, Henry
Dixon, James
Elliott, Daniel
Emmerson, Joseph
Evans, Evan
Fairfoull, Robert
Foy, Joseph
France, Thos
Fraser, Norman
Freeman, H. N
I ialloway, C. F. J
< Hover, Francis
( ; ra ham , Charles
Graham, Thomas
Gray, James
Heathcote, Elijah
Henderson, Robert
Holden, James May 1st,
Howells, Nathaniel October 28th,
June 10th,
November 9th,
July 22nd,
November 0th,
Date.
June 10th,
July 22nd,
October 28th,
22nd,
1st,
10th,
10th,
9th,
9th,
1st,
10th,
1st,
31st,
9th,
9th,
9th,
10th,
10th,
November 22nd,
March 4th,
May 1st,
July 22nd,
October 31st,
November 14th,
9th,
27th,
March 4th,
November 27th,
Humphries, Clifford
Jackson, Thos. R
James, William. .
Keith, Thomas
Kelloek, George jjune 10th
Kinsman, A. D September 10th
July
May
Knox, T. K
Lancaster, W
Leighton, Henry
Lockhart, Wm
Macauley, D. A
McCulloch, J
Mci ruickie, Thomas
McMillan, J. H
McVicar, Samuel
Ma/.ey, William John...
Miard Henrv Ernest ....
Millar, John K
Miller, Andrew Anderson
Montgomery, John W . . .
Mordy, Thomas
Musgrave. J. T , Octobe
Newton, John July
Peacock, Frank David
Powell, J. W
Saville, Luther
Shanks, John
Shaw, Alex
Shaw, William
Shenton, T. J
Shone, Samuel
Sloan, Hugh
Smith, A. E . .
Smith, Joseph
27 th,
22nd,
9th,
1st,
June 10th,
September 10th,
July 22nd,
September 10th,
May 1st,
October 31st,
May 9th,
November 22nd .
October 31st,
May 1st,
September 10th,
28th,
22nd,
28th,
10th,
22nd,
1st,
Spicer, J. E lOctobe
October
June
July
May
November 14th,
May 9th,
September 10th,
May 1st,
November 27th,
October 28th,
July 22nd,
1911
1908
1911
I ill IS
1909
1911
1912
I :n 17
1909
1911
1909
1912
1907
28th,
1911
1906
1905
1909
1908
1912
1905
1907
1909
1905
1909
1911
1907
1908
1907
1911
1910
1909
1908
1912
1909
1911
1910
1908
1910
1909
1912
1906
1912
1909
1910
1911
1908
1911
1908
1909
1905
1912
1910
1909
1911
Mills
1911
K 40
Report of the Minister ok Minis.
L913
First-class Certificates issued under "Coal Mines Ki.i.i i.viha A. i l'i either
Amendment Act, L904." Concluded.
Name.
Sprustoa, T. A . . .
Stevens, L. C . . . .
Sli-M ill , I!. T. . . .
Straohan, Robert .
Si rang, James
Thomas, J. D
Thome, B. L
Wallbank, J
Willey, Edward
Williams, Thos. U
Wylie, John
1 1 i
November 27th,
,, 27th,
March 1th,
June 10th,
Si pi ember 10th,
,r lOth,
Hill,.
31st,
November 22nd,
July 22nd,
1909
1910
1905
1911
[910
1912
190S
Second class Ceri ifu \n:s of Si
X ami;.
( lorkhill, Thomas
Morton, T. R
Lee, John S
Millar, J. K
McClimenl , .John
.Martin. David
Hunt, John .
Walker, David
Short, Richard
Powell, William Baden
Sharp, James
Bryden, Alexander. . .
1 1 i i i
March 4th,
4th.
4th,
4th,
4th.
4th.
4th,
n 4th,
111,.
„ 4th,
,, 18th,
„ 4th.
1905.
, . . . No.
B 7
B 8
b a
i; in
B 11
11 12
B 13
B 14
B 15
B 16
i; it
B is
Second-class Certificates of Competence issi i.n dnder "< oai Mines Regi lation
A,!' Further Amendment Act, IS
Namk.
Adamson, Robert . .
Anderson, Robert . .
Barclay, indrew
Bastian, John
Bevis, Nathaniel . . .
Biggs, J
Biggs, John (i
lii i Thomas
Bridge, Edward . . .
Ih'ow ii. 1 tavid
Brown, James L. . .
Brown, John I '
Brown, John Todd
Brown, R. J
Bushell, J. I'
( 'ai roll, Henry . . . .
Cautield, Bernard .
( 'aw t horn,'. I
( ihurchill, -i
("on, l, ions, Win . . .
Cook, Joseph
Courtney, A. W. . . .
inher
July
November
September
\1 ,.,
N ilior
mber
1 1, tober
\|.,y
May
July
i Ictober
May
July
September
July
i Ictober
10th,
10tl .
29th,
2nd,
Kith.
1st,
2nd,
27th,
23rd,
loth.
-'Ml,.
23rd,
nth,
28th,
1st,
22nd,
23rd,
1-t.
2-2nd,
lnth.
22nd,
28th,
1910
I'.m.-,
H.H'7
1910
L909
I in i7
Hum
1908
1910
1911
1906
mi'.'
inn
9
[908
1906
1909
I90H
1910
1908
1911
Cei No
I: 120
B 119
i; i'.-.
B 42
r. 123
i: hi
B HI
l; 96
B 33
B Ion
B 136
i; 39
li 1.-1(1
B 134
I'. s.
It
li
B
i:
62
30
93
65
B li.".
B 64
B 138
3 Geo. 5
Bureau of Mines.
K 41
Second-class Certificates op Competency issued under "Coal Mines Regulation
Act Further Amendment Act, 1904." — Continued.
Name.
Cox, Richard
Crawford, David
Cunlifi'e, T
Daniels, David
Derbyshire, James
Davies, Stephen
Devlin, Henry
Dewar, Alexander
Dunsmuir, John
Dykes, J. \V
Eccleston, Wm
Evans, Evan
Fairfoull, R
Finlayson, James
Foster, W. R
France, Thos
Francis, Enoch
Francis, James
Freeman, Henry N
Garbett, Richard
Garman, Morris Wilbur . .
Gillespie, Hugh
Gillespie, John
Gillespie, John M
Graham, Chas
Gray, David
Henderson, Robert
Horrocks, Abner G
Howells, N
Hudson, George
Hughes, John C
Hutton, John
Jackson, Thos. R
James, David
Jarrett, Fred
Javnes, Frank
John, Howell
-.Johnson, Moses
Jones, William
Jones, William T
Jordon, Thos
Kirkwood, John Robertson
Knowles, James E
Lancaster, William
Lane, Joseph
Lee, Robert John .........
Littler, Matthew
Lockhart, William
Lvuk, George
Manifold, Albert
Massey, H
Mather, Thomas
Mattishaw, S. K
Matusky, A
Mayer, Ralph Waldo
Mazay, W.J
Merry field, William
Miard, Hy. E
Middleton, Robert
Monks, James
Morgan, John
Morris, John
Morton, Robert W
Mnsgrave, J
Myers, Peter
May
November
October
September
November
October
November
May
'/
March
May
July
November
May
July
November
October
July
( Ictober
June
March
May
July
June
November
September
May
March
November
May
September
May
July
November
Oct ober
November
May
September
October
June
May
November
June
October
May
November
July
September
July
November
July
n
May
0th,
1st,
1st,
2nd,
23rd,
1 0th,
2nd,
31st,
14th,
1st,
1st,
11th,
1st,
29th,
27th,
14th,
1st,
22nd,
2nd,
31st,
31st,
29th,
23rd,
10th,
4th,
1st,
22nd,
lllth,
27th,
10th,
10th,
9th,
4th,
2nd,
1st,
10th,
10th,
1st,
Q9th,
22nd,
27th,
31st,
28th,
2nd,
9th,
10th,
31st,
23rd,
10th,
9th,
27th,
10th,
28th,
1st,
9th,
27 th,
22nd,
loth,
22nd,
2nd,
2nd,
22nd,
22nd,
1st,
9th,
1912
1909
1907
1906
1910
1907
1912
1905
1909
1905
1909
1905
1909
1905
1909
1908
1907
1912
1905
1901)
1911
1905
1909
1 90S
1911
1909
1910
1912
1905
19(17
I9H9
1910
1909
1905
1908
1909
1912
1911
1907
1912
1910
1912
1906
1911
1912
1909
1911
1909
1912
1909
1908
1910
1908
1907
1908
1909
1912
Cer. No.
B 143
B 88
B 78
B 53
B 32
B 113
B 44
B 162
B 26
B
B
B
B
B
77
87
2
83
21
B 102
B 27
B 86
B 63
B 45
B 161
B 155
B 24
B 36
B 126
B I
B 76
B 60
B 130
B 97
B 121
B 109
B 154
B 5
B 58
B 84
B 1 1 1
B 122
B 75
B 20
B 66
B 104
B 160
B 137
B 50
B 142
B 110
B 157
B 34
B 128
B 145
B 99
B 127
B 135
B 91
B 144
11 101
B 61
B 107
B 72
55
43
67
59
90
B 149
K 42
Report of the Minister of Mines.
1913
Second-class Certificates op Competency issues onder "Coax Minks Regulation
Act Fuhtheb Amendment Act, 1904." — Concluded.
Name.
Me] lonald, J. A
McFegan W
M :< • u vev, Martin . . .
Mc( iuckie, Thomas M .
MoKelvie, J
McKendrick, And
McKinnell, David
McMillan. 1)
MiXav, Carmichae] . . .
MePhei >n, Ja Dies E
Neen, Joseph
Nellist, I lavid
Newton, John
New ton, Win
'i Bi ien, ( !harles
< i'I'.i ien, George
' K ingti >n, John
Parkinson, T
Parnham, ( lharles. . - .
Quinn, John
Rankin, Geo
Raynes, M. T
Reid, Thomas
ll.nl. Win
Renny, .lames.
Richards, Thomas . . .
el . . . .
• I"ll!l
3, Ebenezer . . . .
Robinson, William. . .
Rogei ,George
Raper, William
Russell, John
Saville, Luther
Shanks. David
Shaw. Alex
Somerville, Alex
Spruston, Thus. A
rd, Matthew
i. .1 \1
October Jstli,
November 27th,
October 31 si.
23rd,
May 1st,
September loth,
her 23rd.
June
May
July
June
March
October
lmh.
22nd,
LOth,
4th.
23rd,
mber 10th,
May
9th,
1st,
1st.
2nd,
9th,
November
May
May
mber 27th,
October 28th,
July 29th,
•
mber 2nd,
Mav
July 29th,
10th,
July 22nd,
Mav
9th,
November 2nd,
2nd,
■ •
July
March
.'ilst.
29th,
4th.
November 2nd,
irt, Jacob . .
Stockwell, William
Thomas
Thomas, J. B
Thomas, Joseph D .
Thompson, J
Touhej . Jan
I
Vanhulli
10th,
1st,
2nd,
31st,
27th,
23rd,
J
Watson, Adam < ■
Webber, John Prank
\\ esnedge, W
White. John
Whitebouse, William.
Wilson, Thomas . ...
Wilson, W
w : hington, -loseph
June
May
\ ember
November
ber
mber 10th,
Mav 9th,
July 22nd,
•:il>er 2nd,
1st,
November 14th,
March 4th,
rnlicr 27th.
2nd,
July
May
31s(
22...1.
22nd,
1st,
Cer. No.
inn
1909
1912
19(16
1909
1910
1906
1911
1912
1908
1911
1905
1906
mho
1912
1909
1907
1909
1907
1912
1909
1911
1905
1911
1912
1905
1910
1908
1909
1912
1907
1912
1905
1907
1911
1909
1912
1907
1912
1909
1906
1910
1912
1908
1907
1909
1909
1907
1912
1908
1909
li 133
B 106
B 156
B 35
B 92
B 112
B 37
B 125
B 151
B 73
B 129
B 6
B 31
B 116
B 148
B 82
B 52
B so
B 49
B i 16
B 103
1! 139
B 23
B 132
B 14ii
B r.7
B 152
B 29
B 117
B 79
B 141
B 47
.M
159
19
4
46
B 131
B 95
B 153
B 56
B 158
B I".",
B 38
II 114
B 147
l: 71
B
K
B
B
I:
B
i:
B
II
II
B
S9
28
3
IS
is
II 163
II 74
B 70
f; B5
3 Geo. 5
Bureau of Mines.
K 43
Third-class Certificates issued under "Coal Mines Regulation Act Furtheb
Amendment Act, 1904."
Name.
Adanison, Robert .
Aleen, Alexander..
Almond, Alex
Almond, W
Anderson, John . . .
Archibald, Thomas
Bann, Thomas
Baggaley, .1
May
October
Barker, Robert
Barlow. B. R
Barnes, B. J
Bauld, VVm
Baxter, Robert
Beeton, D. H
Bell, John
Bennie, John ...
Beveridge, Wm
Biggs, John
Biggs, Thomas
Birchell, Richard
Blair, James
Blewett, Ernest
Bradley, William
Bridge, Edward
Briscoe, F
Brown, David
Brown, James
Brown, James
Brown, John
Brown, Robert
Brown, Robert I)
Brown, Robert S
Browni igg, .1. H
Bullen, Thomas
Bushell, Jas. P
Cairnes, Andrew
Calverly, Joseph
Camamile, Hollis .
Catchpole, Charles
Caufield, J
Challoncr, Arthur
Cheethani, Ben
< Ihester, John
Clark, Lewis
Clark, Walter Pattison
Clarkstone, Win. W . . .
Cleaves, Walter
Clifford, William
Commons, William
Cooke, Joseph
Coulthard, James
Crawford, David
Cunningham, G. F
CunlirTe, Thos
Dando, John
Davidson, Hugh
Davies, Evan Thomas . .
Davis, WTilliam
Derbyshire, A
Dewar, Alex
Devlin, Edward
Dingsdale, Oeo
Doherty, J.J
Done}', John
Donnaehie, John
July
October
July
June
May
June
October
May
June
1st,
28th,
1st,
22nd,
28th,
28th,
31st,
22nd,
10th,
1st,
1st,
10th,
28th,
1st,
9bh
Kith,
10th,
4th,
28th,
1st,
31st,
22nd,
22nd,
29th,
22nd,
November 1st,
September 10th,
June 10th,
September 10th,
October 28th,
June lOLh,
10th,
July 22nd,
September Kith,
October 1st,
June loth,
September 10th,
October 28th,
July 29th,
May 1st.
March
October
July
October
July
I li-tober
June
May
October
May
July
March
June
March
November
October
May
M ay
lune
28th
22nd,
28th,
10th,
9th,
28th,
9th,
22nd,
22nd,
4th,
10th,
4th,
11th,
1st,
9th,
9th,
9th,
1st,
loth,
September 10th,
October
May
March
June
23rd,
28th,
1st,
4th,
10th,
Cer. No.
11109
1911
1907
1908
1911
1912
1908
1911
1909
1911
1909
1912
1911
1905
1911
1907
1912
1908
1905
1908
1909
1910
1911
1910
1911
190S
1910
1907!
191 11
1910
1911
1 905
1909
1911
19118
191]
1912
1911
1912
1908
1905
1911
1905
1907
1912
1912
1909
1911
19IO
1900
1911
1909
1905
1911
C 323
(J 430
C 252
C286
C437
C454
C494
C300
C415
<J 337
( ! 346
0 422
(J 450
C 338
C477
C411
C396
C210
C449
C266
C502
C298
(' 291
C223
(' 309
C 348
('.'{114
(.' 412
C 392
C 451
( ' 423
(' HIS
( ! 276
C 379
C 204
( ' 420
C 375
C443
C 227
C321
C 433
C311
C 440
( ' 41 15
C480
C431
C 475
C313
(' 304
('209
C407
(' 208
C229
( ' 265
(' 105
( ! 404
( ' 403
( ' 339
(' 401
( ' 309
('241
(' 459
( ' 340
C2J1
C 425
K 41
Report of the Minister of Mines
1913
Third class Certificates issued under "Com, .Minks Regulation Am Further
Amendment Am, 1904." — Continued.
N 1MB.
I>\ i
1**11
1906
urn
1907
1912
1908
1910
1911
1912
1907
1905
1909
1910
1912
1011
1912
1908
I'll 2
1908
lull
1912
1910
1912
1910
1910
1911
1012
1908
1910
1905
1911
1909
10i is
1911
1905
1912
1911
1907
1908
1905
1910
10- is
10ii7
1912
1905
1012
1909
1910
loll
1909
1906
lon7
1909
1910
1905
Oer. No.
1 > 1 nil. Hubert
Douglas, 1). 1!
i Ictober
June
t Ictober
.July
i Ictober
Novembet
July
Septembe
May
July
May
July
Septembei
May
Septembei
23rd,
llllll.
1st,
31st,
22nd,
10th,
28th,
28th,
28th,
31st,
l-t.
1 4th,
■27th.
•Jl'.hI.
10th,
:;ut.
-
9th,
9th,
•22nd.
31st,
9th,
1st,
22nd,
31st,
10th,
9th,
1st,
10th,
Mill,.
9th,
22nd,
Huh.
4th,
10th,
1st,
22nd,
Kith,
14th.
27th.
31st,
1st,
22nd,
4th,
10th,
22nd,
let,
9th,
4th,
27th.
Huh.
loth,
27th.
23rd,
l-t.
1st,
loth,
29th,
C 155
t mo
C248
(' .".11
1 374
Kitzpatrick, T. .1
i 152
Kuril, All. n
. 145
Fowler, Robert
i 195
Freeman, II. G
t ■ 282
i ::77
C 474
c 292
| 167
. -,. is
C 460
t 343
. 307
Hamilton, John
1411
Harwood, Fred
•
i ' 320
Henney, Jonathan
Septembei
June
May
July
Septembei
March
June
M i\
July
May
June
November
October
June
i Ictober
July
Septembei
July
i Ictobi i
May
March
May
Novembei
Septembei
June
N"uvenil>er
October
"
\1 IV
Septembei
Julv
1 ' 424
Hem \ , James
C 171
Hilley, Fred. .".
c 290
Hilton, a. G
Hodson, R. 11
C 376
(' 216
c inc.
Horrocks, \. <i
( ' 324
c :-; l -2
BCowells, Nathaniel
C 316
(' 394
Hut. Ins. in, Ben
(' 232
Hutchison, F
•
. John
c 507
[rvine, David
C 4l:i
Jarretl , Fred. -1
0 -'77
Jenkins, John
i • :;. is
Johnston, Roberl
Jones, W. T
(' 221
Joyce, W
i 361
hTJrkeberg, 11 s
i 243
C 254
1 iewis, Benj. J
-
-
3 Geo. .5
Bureau of Mines.
K 45
Third-class Certificates issued under "Uoal Mines Regulation Act Further
Amendment Act, 1904." — Continued.
Name.
Littler, John
Littler, Matthew . .
Littler. Robert
Livingstone, Alex
Loxton, George
Loxtoti, John
Lynch, Stewart
Mjtekie. John
Makin, J. Win
Mat. ne, Patrick
Maltman, .lames .
Mansfield, A
Manson, T. H
Marsh, John
Martin, .lames
Mason, .1
Massey, Henry
Mather. Thomas
Mattishaw, Samuel K -
Matusky, Andrew.
Mawson, J. T
Meek. Matthew
Merrifield, Georg« . . . .
Merrifield, William . . .
Miles, John
Millar. Peter
Mitchell, O
Mitchell, Henry
M< inks, James
Moore, < leorge
Moore, J
Moreland, Thomas...,
Morgan, John
Morris, I lavid
Myers, Peter
Me Alpine, John
McBroom, Al
McCulloch; James
McDonald, John
McKagen, Alexander .
McFegan, VV
McGarry, M
Met oirkii-, Thomas. . .
McKelvie, J
McKcllzle, Peter, . . ,
MeKinley, John
McLaughlin, James . .
McLaehlan, Alex
McLean, M. 1)
McLellan, William . . .
McLeod, James ...
McMillan, I)
McMillan, Edward . . .
McNay, Oarmichael. . .
McNeill, Adam T.. .
McNeill, Robert
Neen, Joseph
Nelson, Horatio
Neilson, William ....
Nicholson. James ....
Ninimo, James
Oakes, Robert
O'Brien, ( ,'harles
Orr, Alexander
Oswald, (leo. L
June
( ). tober
June
October
June
September
( Ictober
May
July
October
June
July
Max
July
October
November
May
October
it
June
September
May
September
November
October
May
July
May
October
March
July
May
i lei ober
May
July
n
June
October
May
June
September
March
July
September
October
July
September
November
October
May
October
November
October
Septembei
loth
10th
10th
28th
10th
10th
28th
loth
loth
1st
31st
1st
22nd
1st
10th
22nd
1st,
22nd
23rd
1st
27th
9th
2:ir,l
23rd
loth
loth
1st
10th
14th
23rd
1st
22nd
211th
!lth
2Mb
4th
2nd
1st,
28th
9th
1st
1st
29th
22nd
10th
28th
9th
loth
10th
4th
22nd
10th,
.'{1st
22nd
•22nd
loth
27th
1st
9th
ilth
9th
31st
27th
28th
loth
1911
P.MO
1907
1012
1909
lllos
1007
1911
loos
1000
PHIS
19(10
1907
1000
1912
1900
1911
1910
P. 100
1910
1905
1906
1909
PUIS
1905
1012
Pill
Pin,",
loos
p. 100
ion
1912
Pino
loo:,
P. II IS
PHI
11112
1910
1905
Pills
linn
I II 1 2
1903
1910
1000
1907
1012
1012
10011
1911
1010
Cer. No.
0 410
(J 417
(J 418
C 436
( ! 42S
C416
C 432
C 121
( ' 385
C 247
1 ' .-,1 I I
C :«(>
C2S0
('270
C 398
0 297
C317
(.' 293
( ' 237
( ' 259
( 1 359
C 4S4
C 239
( ' 2: Hi
C 414
( ! :;ss
( ! 322
C 366
I ' 2:; t
( ' 242
C U.S.".
(' 2011
( : 224
0 472
0 140
("217
( ' 2N7
C 315-
(' 44S
C 41 Ml
0 319
C 326
C 226
( 1 285
I ' 427
C 442
c is:,
(' 4 111
( ' 389
C219
( ' 2110
( 1 363
( • 493
C306.
C 2s 1
( ' :>S7
C 352
O 263
C48I
(' Hill
O 4111
(' 41IS
(•.•{40
(' 4:0
C 370-
K 40
Report of the Minister of Minks.
1913
Third-class Certificates issued under "Coal Mines Regulation Act Further
Amendmeni Ait, 1 90+." — Continued.
Name.
Owen, T
Parker, L
Parkinson, T
Pearson, Jonathan
Perry, .Tames
Philips.'!'
Pickup, A
Piot W
Plank, Samuel
Potter, Robert
Price, Walter
Puckey, Wm. I:
Quinn, .lames
Quinn, John
I ' (ill Mil. |I
Rankin, George
Rankin, Wm. Shaw
Ratclifte, Tl las
Raynor, Fred
Reid, Robert
Reid, Wm
Reilly, Thomas
Renny, Jas
Mull. mis. James
Richards, Samuel
Richardson, J. II
Rigby, John
Roberts, E
Robinson, M. .
K >per, William
Kowan, Alexander
Rowbottom, Thomas
Royle, Edward
Russell. Robert
Rntledge, Edwin
Scott, Henry
Shanks, David
Sharp, Janiea
Sharpies, J. T
Shearer, L
Shenfield, W
Shipley. John W
Sim. iter. Joseph
Slioitlnali, .1
Simister, J. II
Simistei , W
Skelton, Thos
Smith, A. E
.Smith, Joseph
Smith, Thos. .1
Smith. Thomas
Spark , Edward (C 314 issued in lieu of 0 255 destroyed by Fernie fire) .
Spencer, < '•
Sprusten, I! L
Spruston, Thomas A . .
Stafford, \l
U allace
Steele, .lames
Steele, Waller
Stewart, .lanes \l .
Stockwell, William
I
St fane. Win
Suik, i ieorge
Taylor, I lharlea M
t !er. No.
M.n
July
May
Mai eh
Noven
July
May
N< rt ember
i Ictober
September
1 1. tobei
July
May
*
September
. lulv
No\ ember
July
Max
July
July
September
\la\
Bepti
May
November
i October
M.i\
v . ember
\la\
.*
mber
March
( Ictober
May
i Ictober
May
v ember
March
September
May
June
May
March
I •
l-i.
22nd,
9th,
4th.
27th,
22nd,
I
14th.
3 I 9t .
1 0th,
1 0th,
28th,
28th,
22nd,
22ud,
9th,
1st,
1st,
Kith.
10th,
22nd,
27th.
1st.
28th,
29th,
1st.
1st.
22nd,
.'list.
:;ist.
31st,
27th.
22nd,
22nd,
Knh.
1st,
10th,
1st.
27th.
28th,
1st.
1st,
27th,
1st,
1st,
10th,
4th.
1st.
9th,
1st.
1st,
27th.
4th.
10th,
9th,
9th,
28t i,
23rd,
23rd,
Kith,
Kith,
1st.
4Ui,
1909
I in IS
1912
1905
1909
1908
1909
I I n 15
1912
1910
1911
I III is
1912
1907
1910
Kill
I'.lus
1909
1907
1906
Kill
1905
l:i is
1912
1909
1908
1910
1910
1909
Kill
1907
1909
1910
1905
1907
1912
1907
1909
1905
1910
1912
KIM
KMKi
1911
1909
1905
C 347
('.•{41
i ' 289
( ' 47..
C215
( ' 356
(' 310
0 333
i 233
t ' ;,i 13
(' 371
i 368
('441
1 429
< ' 279
( ' 275
c 489
( ' 253
( 257
' s :
C 103
i 354
( ' 249
C244
i 158
( ' 225
C327
t 332
C274
i 5
C 192
(' 506
C351
(' 302
C294
( 372
( ' 325
( 330
i 357
C 156
i '•Jill
< 334
C344
i 207
C271
t 486
( ' 255
(' 355
C -Jin;
•
C iss
( ' 4112
i ' 439
C240
t ' 238
c 4tm
( ' 395
C318
C213
3 Geo. 5
Bureau of Mines.
K 47
Third-class Certificates issued under "Coal Mines Regulation Act Further
Amendment Act, 1904." — Concluded.
N wn:.
Taylor, J. T
Taylor, Leroy
Thomas, Thomas
Thomas, John B
Thomas, Joseph
Thomas, Warriett
Thompson, Thomas
Thompson, John
Thompson, Joseph
Thomson, Duncan
Tully, Thomas
Tune, Elijah
Walker, Jas. Alexander
Wallace, Fred .
Warburton, Ernest Leonard.
Wardrop, James
Walkins. William
Watson, Adam G
Watson, George
Watson, William
Webb, Herbert
Weeks, John
White James
While, John
Whitehouse, Wm
Wilcoek, J
Wilkinson. Edward
Williams, John 8am
Williams, Watkin
Wilson, Robinson
Wilson, Thomas
Wilson, William
Winstanley, H
Wintle. Thomas A
Wood, Thos. James
Worthington, J
October
September
November
March
October
March
May
October
June
October
May
March
July
October
March
October
June
July
October
June
October
July
October
July
28th,
loth,
10th,
1411,,
4th,
1st.
1st,
31st,
1st,
4th.
'.Illi.
0th,
31st,
1st,
loth.
31st,
llth,
4th,
22nd,
22nd,
28th,
4th,
31st,
22nd,
loth.
22nd,
2sth,
10th,
22nd,
loth.
1st.
1st.
22nd,
29 th,
31st,
22nd,
Cer. No.
191]
C447
1910
C 381
„
C 365
1905
C 231
„
0 220
1907
C 273
„
C 2117
1912
C 509
1907
C 209
L905
C218
1912
C 168
„
(' 470
„
C490
1907
C 200
1911
C 399
1912
C504
„
( ' 4 S3
lOOo
(.'212
190S
( ' 288
1! II 111
C246
1911
t ' 457
1905
C214
1912
( ' 499
1906
I ' 245
1911
(' 402
1908
C 308
1911
( ' 438
„
C404
190S
C 301
1911
C397
1907
I ' 272
„
(.' 202
1908
C283
1905
C 222
1912
0 491
190S
C295
K 48
Report of the Minister of Mines.
L913
COAL-MINES OFFICIALS.
Third-class Certificates issued under "Coal Mines Regulation Act Farther Amendment Act,
1904-," sec. 38, subsec. (2), in exchange for Certificate's issued under the "Coal Mines
Regulation Act Amendment Act, 1901."
Name.
Adam, Robert
Addison, Thos
Aii ken, James
Alexander, Win . . . .
Allsop, Hum
An jlnii\ ole, Alex . . -
Barclay, Andrew . . .
Barclaj . .lames
Barclay, John
Berr Jami
Bickle, Tho
Bi Henrj .'
Black, John S
1 Sow ie, James
I Iriscoe, Edward. . . .
i lampbell, Han
i larr, Jos. E
I ',h ii.ll. Harry
i !larks< in, Alexa ndei
Colli ihaw , John . . . .
i li imb, John
i ier, Win
i i urtnej , A. W. . . .
i i a a ford, Prank . . .
Daniels, I >:> \ i.l
I i.n idson, David. . . .
1 1 1 \ idson, John . . . .
De\ 1 1 1 1. I [enry
Dobbie, John
y , James
I >ll II. I II . 'I'll, illi 1
Dunlap, Henry
1 luiiii. Geo
Dunsmuir, John . . . .
Eccleston, Wm
IS, ['. \ an
Evans, W. 11
1 in, David
Farmer, Bernard . . .
Farquharson, John. .
l-'unlli \ s< in, James . .
Fulton, Hugh T .
G Bdw rd . . . .
< iilchrist, Wm
1 ■ lespii Hugh ... .
( HUespie, John
i id, Alfred
( liven. Francis
Han Hen, Jas ....
Il.ii mis, ni. Wm
Hawort h, • leo
Hi cott, John
Hutchison, Archie . .
John, Da\ i'l
Johns ' leo
Johnson, Wm. R . . .
Kerr, Wm
Lander, Frank
I. in, Hi mi . Hei
I .'V. is, I 1 1"
Lockhart, Wm . . . .
Malpass, James
Date.
Oct.
Dec.
Oct.
Feb.
Oct.
March
April
April
April
Feb.
\|n il
April
May
Oct.
Oct.
March
April
Feb.
Ma i i'Ii
March
Nov.
April
April
April
\l .ii , h
Oct.
Nov.
March
Aug.
X ov.
Dei .
March
March
March
March
Api il
Jan.
\]n i!
June
\ ,n il
.\la\
March
April
April
April
June
Mar ih
Jan.
Nov.
May
March
March
Jan.
Jan.
Oct.
Jan.
Nov.
1904
1904
1904
1905
1904
1905
I III 14
HUM
L905
1905
I in 1 1
1905
1905
1905
1906
1905
1 in 1 1
1905
1904
1905
I IH 14
1905
1904
1904
I III 14
L905
l in i.i
1904
1905
1905
1906
1904
1904
1905
1905
1905
1905
1905
1905
1904
1904
1905
1905
1905
1904
I III 14
1906
I '.Ii 14
I '|| 1 1
1905
1905
1905
1905
1 in 1 1
1904
1905
1905
L905
1904
1905
reo4
Certifi
rate NO.
42
52
ll
72
i 34
(' Ml
(' 111
< ' 21 1
cm
C 7ii
C 37
C llll
C His
(' 116
i 129
C 93
C
r
r
C
C
c
('
C 7
C 12
C 106
C s;
C 41
(' 126
( • 111
i 128
C 51
C 56
mi
si I
7s
711
C 109
I' 17
(' 25
en 15
C Ms
C 85
C 8
c .",
(' 112
C 38
C 122
c 65
(' ss
i 62
«' 123
( m
C 124
C 7.'.
C in
C ill
i 63
Name
35
C 113
M.ii -ilin, John
ill, Howard . .
Mai I Inv. I . I lias
Miard, Harry E ....
Mi. 1. 11. -inn. I:
M " Thos
Miller, Tho . K . .
McKenzie, John B. .
McKinnell, David . .
McKinnon, Arch'd .
McMillai i
McMurtrie, John . . .
Moore, Wm. 11 .
M " ris, John
Myl 'A Itei
\;i ii. [saac
Win
H.lMll
Nelson, James
. John
Jas. P
, Geo
Pengi ll\ . Hi
Perry, .lames
Price -1 i
Win
I'.ei.l. 'I'll. is
Reid, James
Reid, Wm
I-, Thos
Etc John
B
Ryan, John
Sandi re, John W. . .
Shenton, Th.
Shepherd, Henry . . .
Smii li, Ralph
Smith. Geo
Somen ille, Alex. . . .
i has. F
Jas
stewari. Duncan H.
Stewart, John
- ■ ■ D .1 W. .
[dart, Jacob
St radian, Root
James
i John .. ..
Tunstall, James
Vans, Robl
Vater, i lharles
Walkem, Tho
Webber, < lhas
Webber, Charles F. .
Wli . . .
Wilson, Austin. . . .
Wilson, Thos
Yarrow, Geo
May
April
March
Feb.
Feb.
April .'(,
March 29,
March 29,
June 17,
April
June
Oct.
Apnl
April
Oct
April
Feb.
March 15,
June 13,
Oct. 16,
Nov. s,
March 29,
Nov. :!,
March 23,
3,
6,
27,
3,
U,
in.
21,
1-',
15,
27,
3,
30,
28,
25,
13,
Dec.
April
Api il
Jan.
April
July
June
March
March I'll.
Man 1. -I.
Feb. 9,
March 29,
March 28,
April 3,
May
Feb.
April
April
June 15,
April
Dec.
May
Feb. 7.
April -27.
I - '
Nov. 3,
16,
21,
12,
6,
Hi.
13,
13,
29,
1904
1905
1904
I Hi 15
1905
1904
1905
L904
1905
1905
1905
I III 14
1905
I in 14
1904
nun
1904
I in 1 1
1905
1905
1904
1905
llll 14
1905
1904
1905
1804
1904
1904
1904
1905
ll" i7
1904
1905
1904
1 '.H 14
1905
I in 15
llll 14
1905
1905
I'.HM
1904
1904
1905
1IH14
1904
1905
1904
1904
1904
1904
1904
1!HM
1905
1 91 15
1 in 1 1
1905
11KJ4
Hi. No.
C 21
C 127
i 9
76
71
31
74
I in
C 99
i 102
C 96
i | pi
C 100
C 120
C 4:i
C in
C .'in
i 103
c 66
C s|
C 27
(' 125
C 50
95
17
1
i 54
I 14
(' llll
(' Kin
i 59
i 107
i 30
C 26
C 77
' s|
3
C if-'
| i
(' H>4
i 23
C 7.i
(' 15
(' 10
C '.'7
(' 121
C 66
C 55
c 32
c 33
C 117
i 67
i 11
i n. tine »»*' a ra ml Trunk Pncifle It > . — a( •* .":s Mile."
.
mWt
< i
B.C. Bureau. of
1'iiNi'i' River — »i " ."»:*» MM** " of (inunl Trunk I'm-i li<*.
3 Geo. 5 Cariboo District. K 49
CARIBOO DISTRICT.
CARIBOO MINING DIVISION.
Report by C. W. Grain, Gold Commissioner.
I have the honour to submit herewith my report on the progress of the mining industry
in -the Cariboo Mining Division for the year ending December 31st, 191 "2.
The conditions in this district remain very much the same as they have been for the last
three or four years ; not exactly at a standstill, yet not progressing. This is owing, I think,
solely to the transportation problem. Outside capitalists will not invest as long as freight
charges are so high on machinery and merchandise. The district is still anxiously awaiting
the coming of railways, on the arrival of which I confidently look for a renewal of the
investment of capital in Cariboo.
Although there has not been any extensive development in this Division, there has been
a considerable amount of work performed, both by companies and by individuals ; but on the
whole there has not been as much activity as I had expected, on account of investors waiting to
see in what direction proposed railways are going before they really open out on any large scale.
As regards weather conditions, the last two seasons have been very dry (for this country)
and comparatively small snowfalls, which, consequently, made a shortage in the water-supply,
and a shortage of water is disastrous to the really successful working of our hydraulic mines ;
hydi-aulicking being the method by which the greater part of the gold yield of this district is
at present produced. The output of all the working properties depends solely on the amount
of gravel moved, and a dry season makes an appreciable difference in the amount of the
output — in fact, regulates it. The last two winters have been poor as regards the snowfall,
and when the snow did start to melt, it went very fast. The summers having been exception-
ally dry, the piping seasons have been short, and, consequently, the output small.
This year, as near as I can gather, the Division has produced in the neighbourhood of
$200,000, somewhat better than last year, and though it may be said that the district is not
progressing very much in the way of output, it evidently appears as a good investment to a
considerable number, as the actual mining receipts show an increase over those of last year by
nearly $3,000, and the records of placer claims and placer leases issued also show an increase.
In this district there are now 390 placer leases in good standing and thirty-two record placer
claims, of which there have been taken up this year fifty-four leases and twelve record claims.
Williams Creek and Tributaries.
The only mines really working on this celebrated old creek and its tributaries are the
mines worked and owned by John Hopp, namely : The Forest Rose on Williams creek, the
Mucho Oro and Wyoming claims on Stouts gulch, and the Lowhee mine on Lowhee creek.
At the Forest Hose the piping season was spent in hydraulic-king out a channel for the
new sluice-flume, and setting the same, as the work progressed, with a view to running oil' the
upper gravels directly into Williams creek, thus saving what remains of the old dump for the
lower gravels. As most of this new channel was made through old workings, very little
pay-gravel was encountered ; therefore, one may say that last season's work was chiefly
const ruction- work.
4
K 50 Report oe the Minister of Mimes. 191-3
Considering the shortness of the season, good work was put in on the M-ucho Oro on
Stouts gulch. In places very rich gravel was struck, clearly proving that this claim is in no
way worked nut, and that it only requires abundant water to make a very good showing;
every year.
On the Lowhee property work was carried on as in other years, and a large quantity of
gravel moved with very good results. The Lowhee dam proved very satisfactory and of great
benefit, the extra amount of water thus obtained for ground-sluicing purposes being found a
great help.
At Mosquito creek a very satisfactory season's work was put in on the -I'nAama claim.
Owing to rearrangement of the plant, this claim was worked with a considerably smaller force
of men, hut the gravel struck was as i_r> •• •< 1 as in former years. This claim gave a very g.»wl
account of itself.
The West Canadian Deep Leads, Limited, continued its work on the three compartment
shaft to reach hed rock, presumably at a depth of 260 feet. All last summer this company
had considerable difficulty with the pumps, and as water was encountered in large quantities,
the result was that a great deal of time was lost. L understand that this winter it is the
intention of tin- management to get in considerable new machinery during the sleighing season j
there is a] 0 talk of putting in a large drain-tunnel. It is hoped that the company will work
again next spring, and finally get some return for the very large amount of money it has
expended.
Lightning Creek and Tributaries.
On the property of the Lightning Creek Gold Gravels and Drainage Company, Limited,
at Wingdam, lam pleased to be able to state that work has been resumed ami that some
twenty-five or thirty men are now employed. It will he remembered that this company is
sinking shafts with the object of working out the hed-roek gravels which in the early days
were found to be very rich.
The Lightning Creek Hydraulic- Mining Company continued work on the Lightning
1 ' property near the old town of Van Winkle, which ground was formerly known as the
South Wales ground. The company employed a large force all summer, and, although troubled
with lack of dump, managed to move a considerable amount of graveL It was, however, not
looking for big results this year, as considerable old-time workings had to Ik- removed before
pay-gravel could 1m- reached.
The Venture Company on Peters creek did not work this year owing to failure to procure
the necessary additional capital required to install a plant for the economical working of the
property.
The Wormwold Creek Mining Company and the Four Leaf Closer Mining Company did
little except COnstruction-work on their properties.
On the Ogden Gold Mining Company's property on Lightning creek, which consisl
four leases, 1 understand several test shafts have been sunk at an expenditure I - 0 or
$6,000, with satisfactory results.
On Summit creek very little work was done this past season, but 1 understand from the
manager of the Summit Creek Hydraulic Mining Company, which owns several leases on the
creek, that work will be carried on next year and a considerable amount of money spent on
development-work.
On Sugar creek the Cooper Creek Mining Company did satisfactory work, but the season
was short and quite a time was spent in road-work and getting in the pipe.
3 Geo. 5 Cariboo District. K 51
On Mustang creek a number of leases have been staked, and I look for a good amount of
capital being spent there during the next season.
Hydraulicking operations were carried on on China creek, Nugget gulch, and on the old
Waverly property, with practically the same results as in past years, but on all. these properties
the season was short.
LoDE-MINING.
With regard to mineral or lode mining, really very little has been done in this district
during the past year, the owners of mineral claims doing little more than the necessary
assessment-work, some with very good results, but, naturally, none of them care to spend more
than what is absolutely necessary to hold their claims until the transportation problem is
solved.
The old B.C. Quartz Mine was baled out, R. R. Hedley superintending the work.
Dredging.
With reference to dredging, this has not, as yet, been a commercial success in this
district, but I would state that several leases have been taken up on the Fraser and Quesnel
rivers. So far I have not heard of work having been started.
On Pleasant valley, T. Dickson, late superintendent of the Alder Creek (U.S.A.)
Dredging Company, spent considerable time and money testing ground with a boring-machine,
with the idea, if the ground proved suitable, of installing a dredging outfit on the ground, and
I gather that he obtained very encouraging results.
Office Statistics — Cariboo Mining Division.
Free miners' certificates issued to individuals 403
ii ii companies 9
Placer claims recorded 12
ii re-recorded 22
Miners' leave of absence 22
Certificates of work issued 110
Mining leases issued 54
Water licences issued 14
Conveyances and other documents recorded 81
General Revenue Receipts.
Free miners' certificates $ 2,882 20
Mining receipts, general 1 2,790 90
Leaves of absence 52 50
Land sales 104,534 69
Land revenue 548 00
Water revenue 1,343 27
Revenue tax 828 00
Real-property tax 3,325 43
Personal-property tax 1,264 86
Wild-land tax 100,102 06
Income-tax 93 93
Licences, marriage 70 00
liquor 1,955 00
trade 552 00
game 100 00
Law-stamps 105 80
J.P. Court fines 552 50
Miscellaneous receipts 557 04
Mineral-tax 814 00
Total §232,472 18
K 52 Report ok the Minister of Mines. 1913
CARIBOO MINING DIVISION.
NOTES ON THE MICA CLAIMS IX THE VICINITY OF TETE JAUNB I ACHE, B.C.
By Herbert Carmichael, Provincial Assayer.
Before leaving Victoria very little reliable information could be obtained as to the -
location of the mica properties, but it was certain that the easiest way to reach Tete Jaune
Cache was via the Canadian Pacific Railway to Edmonton, and from that point westward over
the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway.
Regular trains were running from Edmonton to Fitzhugh, near the eastern boundary of
British Columbia, and from then- to Mile 53 on the Grand Trunk Pacific survey, more or
less regular work-trains wen- conveying the contractors, workmen, and supplies.
The starting-point of the railway survey is at the boundary between the Provinces of
British Columbia and Alberta, the mile mileage reading westward.
\t the time this section of the country was visited September 27th, 1912 Mile 53
was the contractors' headquarters, rail-head being about half a mile farther west. From
information obtained at Mile 53, it was found that all the important mica claims were then far
above snow-line, the majority of them being at an altitude of over 8,000 feet. It was snowing
on the mountain-tops and no one could be secured to act as guide to the claims, and, even if
they could have been reached, they would have been Covered with two or more feet of snow
and nothing could have been seen.
Some information was obtained at Mile 53 from parties who had been over the mica
properties, and it is believed to be fairly reliable.
A small creek named Sand creek flows from the west and empties into the Fraser river,
one mile west of Tete Jaune Cache. This creek was visited and the sand was found to be
exceedingly micaceous; in fact, all the surface wash of this section is highly impregnated with
mica. Ascending Sand creek in a southwesterly direction, it was found that the creek had
cut deeply through the surface wash, leaving precipitous banks, and. at seven miles from the
Fraser river, flows through a rocky canyon, with the McLennan range and Mica mountain to
tli' south.
At about 1,000 feet elevation above the creek, on the south side, some claims have been
staked, hut the mica is reported to he of poor quality.
Rising abruptly from Sand creek is the McLennan range, which is a high mountain-ridge
running south-west and north-east, having peaks 8,500 feet high, or o,.r>00 feet above the
Fraser riser; a continuation of this range to the east is called Mica mountain. Some of the
best mica show bags are reported to be on this mountain at an altitude of 8,300 feet.
The claims have been located on a series of pegmatite dykes, from 1" to ."." feet wide, in
which mica has been formed in small pockets. The Sand Creek ami Smith groups of claims
have been staked on these dykes and opened up by a fe\f shots. Mica sheets 8 \ in inches
square hai e been taken out.
Southeast of the McLennan range and one mile and a half distant i~ \ __ Head
mountain, where twelve mica claims have been taken up on a pegmatite dyke, 30 feet wide
and fairly well exposed by a series of open-cuts ; plates 8 \ 1" \ ■"> inches of clear muscovite
mica are reported to have been obtained. The altitude of the claim is over 8,000 I
A few miles southeast of Nigger Head mountain is Cranberry lake, in which Canoe
river takes its rise, (lowing south-east to the Columbia river. Occurrences of mica are
reported from the headwaters of Canoe river.
3 Geo. 5 Cariboo District. K 53
Opposite the McLennan range and three miles north of Sand creek on a range of
mountains, the Kelly group of mica claims has been recorded, but no information could be
obtained about them.
It would appear that the pegmatite dykes referred to occur over a fairly wide area in
this section of the Province, and now that the building of the Grand Trunk Pacific and
Canadian Northern Railways has removed the most serious of the transportation problems,
it is likely that an impetus will be given to prospecting for mica and that shipping mines will
be recorded in the near future.
QUESNEL MINING DIVISION.
Report by E. C. Lunn, Mixing Recorder.
I have the honour to submit herewith my report on mining operations in the Quesnel
Mining Division of the Cariboo District for the year ending December 31st, 1912.
The revenue derived from mining shows a slight increase over that of last year, but, owing
to most of the properties being in a state of development, there has been no large output.
Referring to the Quesnel Hydraulic Gold Mining Company, I notice that the report on
this property has already been supplied by the Provincial Mineralogist in last year's Report,
and, as it is a very full one, I am unable to add anything thereto.
The Morehead Mining Company, located on Morehead creek, with S. M. Pletch as
manager, and Andrew Nesbitt as engineer, is putting in an hydraulic plant that will handle
4.000 yards of gravel a day. During the past season a tunnel has been run in on the channel
with satisfactory results, allowing the installation of the above-mentioned plant. Material
and supplies for the work of the coming season are now on the road, and operations will begin
about April 15th. The Morehead Mining Company has its head office in Calgary, and the head
office for the Province is at Quesnel Forks. Building will commence early in the year, and
probably a crew of from twenty to thirty men will be employed for the entire season.
I am indebted to Thomas Graham for the following details of the Keithley Creek and
Quesnel Forks section : —
The past year has witnessed a most encouraging revival of the mining industry. On the
Quesnel river at Seven-mile creek the Water Tight Dipper Dredge and Mining Company,
erected a camp and put in a sawmill, the first steps in the construction of the big dredge, and
from information received I understand a considerable amount of work will be done this
season.
On Spanish creek, a tributary of the North fork of the Quesnel river, John Hopp equipped
a property formerly held by the Guggenheims, and hydraulicked with a crew of twenty men ;
it was late in the season before operations commenced, but the results were most encouraging.
There serins to be a strong probability that this property will yield handsomely in the future.
On Snow shoe creek the Luce hydraulic was operated with a crew of eight men with satisfactory
results.
On Barr creek Mr. Hebson hydraulicked with a small crew.
On Marten creek Mr. Smith operated with a No. 2 Giant.
On Keithlev, Goose, and Four-mile creeks considerable prospecting-work in gravels was
accomplished.
K 54 Report of the Minister of Mines. 191:}
Tho country drained by Keithley creek and its tributaries lias not vet attracted the
attention of capitalists. The gravels in this section are undoubtedly richer than those of the
Quesnel River district, and should attract the attention of large operators when transportation
is rendered easier.
Lode-mining.
Interest in quartz-mining is being aroused. On Yanks ledge, on Snowshoe creek, Mr.
llelisnn and associates have a tunnel in 10 feet : this ledge averages in width i) feet, and yields
gold freely by panning.
Frank Cannon has driven 90 feet on his copper ledge on the Quesnel river, near Twenty-
mile creek, and is reported to have an excellent showing of copper ore in the face of the tunnel.
At the head of Quesnel lake some prospecting work has been done on the Big Galena
ledge, seventeen claims have been staked on this ledge; most of these have been bonded to
the representatives of Chicago capitalists. One of the owners reports that one prospect-shaft
"discloses a width of 20 feet of solid galena" (the writer feels some doubt as to the accuracy
of this report, although it «iis made most emphatically). There is no doubt that the Quesnel
Lake and Cariboo Lake regions are well worth the attention of the quartz, prospector.
The Horsefly River Cold Dredge and Mining Company, head office in Vancouver, was
liydraulicking at Harpers Camp for a short time at the close of the season, but the work
was, to a great extent preparatory, so no great result was looked for. In all probability the
coining season will see a considerable amount of work in this camp. From the foregoing facts
it will readily be seen that, with the transportation facilities which are assured in the near
future, the Quesnel Mining Division has great opportunities for the prospector.
Office Statistics — Quesnel Mining Division.
Free miners' certificates 117
ii ir (company) 1
'i ii (special) 2
Certificates of work 2
Placer claims recorded L9
Mineral claims recorded 57
Bills of sale, transfers, etc 70
3 Geo. 5 Cassiar District. K 55
CASSIAR DISTRICT.
ATLIN MINING DIVISION.
Report of J. A. Fhaser, Gold Commissioner.
I have the honour to submit my report on mining operations in the Atlin Mining Division
of Cassiar District for the year ending December 31st, 1912.
Although there were not quite as many people in the district as during the season of
1911, and the scarcity of water was even more marked than during that season, I am pleased
to be able to report an increased output as well as an increase in the aggregate revenue
collected throughout the district during the year 1912.
Had the water-supply been at all fair, or nearly adequate, there would undoubtedly have
been a considerably greater increase in the amount of gold recovered, but the light snowfall
of the previous year and the meagre rainfall during the summer left even such a reservoir as
.Surprise lake inadequate to supply the quantity required by the operators dependent upon it.
and other sources of supply were in like manner found wanting.
Nothing was done this year towards increasing the water-supply by storage, or the
diversion of outlying streams, and each dry season will doubtless provide its share of similarly
disappointing experiences until some method of conservation, whereby increased supply can be
assured, is adopted or provided.
McKee Creek.
On this creek the Pittsburg-British Gold Company, under the management of George
Adams, commenced operations on May 18th, and, with a force varying from four to eighteen
men (an average of thirteen), continued hydraulicking until October 20th, when the absolute
failure of the water-supply compelled them to close down.
This company was handicapped by the great shortage of water and by repeated " sloughs
from high banks, of somewhat peculiar formation ; but, notwithstanding all these, nearly
5,000 square yards of bed-rock was uncovered and a satisfactory amount of gold recovered
therefrom: sufficient, at any rate, to show a more substantial balance of receipts over
expenditure than had hitherto been shown, and to encourage the owners to expect greater and
better returns next season.
Some prospecting was done on outlying portions of this company's holdings with a
Keystone driller, but the results apparently did not disclose any new pay-streaks.
There were no individual mining operations on the creek.
Pine Creek.
On Pine creek the North Columbia Gold Mining Company, under the management of
J. M. Ruffher, operated hvdraulically, as in the past two years, upon its own leasehold
properties, and upon those of the Atlin Consolidated Mining Company adjacent on the north
bank of the creek. With a force varying from forty-five to sixty-five men (an average of
fifty-five), a large area of bed-rock, over 50,000 square yards, was uncovered with gratifying
results, particularly on the north side, where the best returns ever realized here from this
method of operations were obtained.
K 56 REPOET OF THE MINISTER OF Mikes. 1913
The general shortage of water affected even these operations, for, although Surprise lake.
with its superficial area of nearly seventeen square miles, was the supply reservoir, it did not
supply sufficient water to enable them to flush ou1 the channel of Pine creek, and so dispose
of a portion of the " tailings," as in former years ; and still they closed down earlier than in
previous seasons, practically for want of water. The period of operation extended over six
i 'lis. and from twelve to fourteen large-sized monitors were used throughout the season.
A sad casualty occurred in connection with these operations in midsummer, when Al. <
Radford, cue of the foremen, was caught by a falling hank of gravel, ami s,, seriously injured
that he diiil a te« days later. This accident was the more regrettable, because it appeal
have been entirely due to Ins own temerity in continuing to pipe up against the hank after he
hail Keen warned to leave, and all the other men in the pit had dune SO.
The following is a statement of work dune on these properties received from the mar
Mr. Etuffner: —
"In response to your request tor information tor your annual report, 1 beg to submit the
following : —
'•The North Columbia Gold Mining Company operated, as usual, its own ground through
No. 1 pit, where two lines of pipe are installed, each being .'ID inches in diameter at the upper
i nil and tapering to i' 1 inches. There are five No. •) monitors in the pit. each usually with a
7-inch nozzle: and on the dump, usually a No. 6 and a No. 1 machine. Here also is used a
5-foot flume and block riffles ; the average amount of water, including the 'bank-head,' used
was about 4. 000 miners' inches. A small Sullivan air-compressor is very successfully utilized
for operating three hand-stopping drills for drilling the largest boulders and the great amount
of glacial clay encountered in this pit; this clay is in large 'slabs' and has to be reduced
before being run through the sluices ; these drills save a great amount of powder, which is an
important item to be considered in mining in the Atlin District, as the White Pass and Yukon
Railway Company's freight rate is excessive, not considering the original cost of the powder
and the 1,000-mile ocean haul. The amount of material moved was 310,000 cubic yards and
16,525 square yards of bed-rock stripped: average depth of hanks. Ill feet 6 inches. The
possible running-time was L85 day- and actual running-time was lot days.
" A'o. 2 or -I.C I'll. The same company operates this pit under Lease iv the Pine
Creek Power Company, Limited, of it- ' lay ' agreement with the Atlin Consolidated Mining
• lompany, a Guggenheim interest. < Operations are carried on through two main lines of pipe.
•"><> and 28 inches respectively at their upper ends and tapering to 24 incites at pit. Usually
four No. li and three No. I monitors are operated in the pit. anil one No. 6 ami two No. I
machines are used stacking tailings and keeping open the tail-race. A ».'. f..,,t flume with
angle-iron riffles is used. Owing to the unusually ' flat ' bed-rock many of the boulders have
to be reduced, requiring a heavy consumption of 75-pei>cent. dynamite. The amounl
material moved during the season was 197,600 cubic yards: square yards -nipped. 30,805, or
6.36 acre-; average depth of hanks, l!i feet ■"■ inches. Total production was $72,440.95;
average value per cubic yard, 36.7 cents: and per square yard of bed-rock, $2.35. About
3,800 miners' inches of water was used. The possible running-time was 178 days and actual
time 139 day-. Both pits arc equipped with a generator for lighting.
"Operations were considerably hampered by a general shortage in the water-supply. At
no time during the season did the supply afford a flushing-head for the clearing of tailings
from the creek bed. This considerably reduced the duty of the miner-' inch of water Used in
each pit.
Town <i 1' Tclegrn pit < ircek on Stfkine River*
\ l>n iiili.iinl T«H II llf CtlCIHiril SHI. Iim> lllviT.
3 Geo. 5 Cassiar District. K 57
" The height of the water above the sill at the Surprise Lake dam at the close of the
season of 1911 was 4 feet 10 inches, giving us this reserve amount with which to start
operations this season, together with the small winter accumulation. At the close of this
season it was 1 foot 11 inches. This will not afford us sufficient water with which to operate
in both pits at the commencement of next season unless a winter thaw or early spring rains
augment the supply.
" The number of men employed during the season ranged from forty-five to sixty-five,
averaging about fifty-five."
The Pine Creek Flume Company, Limited, under the management of C. L. Queen,
operated with a small force of men upon its lease holdings, adjacent to those operated by Mr.
Rutfher on the north bank of Pine creek. He reports having erected nearly 1,200 feet of
flume, built about 1,850 feet of ditch, and a dam 180 feet long, together with other dead-work.
He operated a small hydraulic plant and moved about 6,000 cubic yards of gravel, securing
the water therefor from Moose lake and some small lakes adjacent thereto.
Several individual miners operated on Pine creek, principally resluicing old " tailings," and,
while they did not report results, I have reason to believe they were quite satisfactory. About
seventy men all told were engaged in mining operations on this creek.
Spruce Creek.
On this creek about eighty men were engaged in mining during the season, with very
good results.
The Spruce Creek Power Company, Limited, pursuing the policy adopted last year, did
not operate this season, so that there was no hydraulic mining on this creek this year.
On the Gladstone lease James McCloskey pursued his drifting operations, with very
satisfactory results. During the winter months a dump was put out, although open sluicing
was carried on throughout the greater part of the winter as well. The average force employed
comprised about twenty men, working day and night during the summer months. Over
l'_',000 cubic yards of gravel was thus removed and sluiced, from which over $60,000 in gold
was recovered. Considerable new plant was installed during the season, including 800 feet of
water-supply flume, steel rails, cars, etc. Operations were suspended towards the end of
October, and it is his intention to resume about May 1st, 1913.
On the Poker lease Isaac Matthews had a number of men employed on "lays," and the
returns reported were very good indeed, considering the amount of dead-work which had to be
performed before " pay " was encountered. A few men are working on this property this
winter.
On the Peterboro lease drifting operations are being prosecuted by Messrs. Gould, Morse,
et a/., but only dead- work has been done up to date ; good results are confidently anticipated.
Individual mining was being carried on at various points along the creek, with indifferenl
results. A number of claims and one lease were relocated in the vicinity of Blue canyon,
and an effort will be made next season to relocate the pay-streak which was being followed in
the early days by the miners then on the creek.
J. M. Ruffher, by means of an Empire drill, disclosed the existence of a deep channel in
the neighbourhood of the Columbia canyon, but his appliance did not enable him at that time
to go deep enough to find bed-rock and ascertain what values, if any, are therein.
From thirty to forty men are drifting on this creek this winter.
K 58 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
Birch Creek.
About the same number of men was engaged in mining on this creek this season as
last — viz., from fourteen to seventeen and with even better results than formerly while the
water supply lasted ; but, unfortunately, the shortage, so keenly felt throughout the district,
was apparent on tins creek also, and was primarily responsible f< >r a slightly decreased output.
During the early part of the season the plant, flumes, etc., were reinstalled, and by the middle
of June were in very efficient working order, and a banner output was confidently expected ;
but the season, which is reported as "the divest on record" on the creek, prevented the
expected and desirable consummation.
As it was, however, over 52,000 square feel of bed-rock was cleaned by the hydraulic
operations, and the yield therefrom was quite up to the best in past seasons.
The above operations were conducted as in former years, under the management of
II. Peploe Fearse.
The individual operations on the upper portion of the creek did very well indeed while
tiic water lasted, and had a successful season notwithstanding all handicaps.
There is nothing doing on this creek tins winter.
Boi LDEH < iREEK.
(Ill this creek oiilv about ten men were operating during the open season, and with
possibly one exception they appeared satisfied with results.
The Societe Miniere de la Columbie Britannique does not appear to have recovered from
the confusion created by the sudden death last year of its manager, T. Obalski. Iii any event,
no one appears to have been appointed to succeed him.
There are at least seven men mining on this creek this winter.
Rubv Cheek.
The Placer Gold Mines Company, under the management of T. M. Daulton, continued
the development-work commenced three years ago, which consisted principally in hydraulicking
an open-cut or channel up-stream until bed-rock should he met on a working grade. * Operations
were commenced this season on April 8th, and continued with a force of from thirteen to
seventeen men (an average of fourteen) until October 5th, during which period the open-cut
was extended up-stream about 340 feet, with a width of to feet and an average depth
of !•"> feet until bed-rock (and "pay") was encountered. About 65,000 cubit- yards of
gravel was handled, but were it not for the shortage of water, which was experienced through
the w hole season, the amount of material removed would doubtless have been much greater
and the results correspondingly better.
As it was. the amount of gold recovered during the last two weeks' operation appears to
have been very satisfactory anil was an earnest of what may 1 \pected from now on. The
ground is undoubtedly rich, and this company can hardly fail to realize the reward due its
perseverance and outlay.
Wright Creek.
From four to seven men were mining on this creek from Ma\ 3rd to October 10th, but
owing to the scarcity of water not more than four men were working during tile latter part of
the season. ( 'onsiderahle dead work was done and a bed rock flume 960 feet long was installed.
but the amount of gravel moved was not as great as in former vears. nor were the returns
encouraging. Still, with a persistence worthy of much better results and compensation, the
owners intend pursuing the evanescent pay-streak which they confidently believe to !»• there.
somewhere, during the coming season, and it is surely to be hoped they may find it.
3 Geo. 5 Cassiar District. K 59
Otter Creek.
On the upper portion of this creek J. E. Moran, with a force of four men, commenced
operations on April 25th, but owing to the scarcity of water only three men were working
during the latter part of the season. The returns were about the same as in former seasons
in proportion to the amount of gravel moved, and over $1 per square yard of bed-rock
uncovered was secured. The banks were about 30 feet deep. Operations were closed down
October 28th.
On the lower part of Otter creek the Maluin Syndicate, under the management of W. H.
Brethour, continued the development-work commenced two years ago, and, with a considerable
force, running from ten to thirty men, was engaged throughout the season installing pipe-lines
and hydraulicking out a foundation for ditch and pipe-line and to reach bed-rock. During
the season nearly 6,000 feet of new hydraulic pipe, running from 16 to 32 inches diameter,
was installed at a cost of nearly $16,000, and, altogether, an expenditure of about .$35,000
was reported in addition to that reported for previous seasons. This installation, when
completed will be extensive and well equipped, and will doubtless give a good account of itself
when mining is once more permanently undertaken.
Wilson Creek.
Only a small number of men operated on this creek during the season, but, although the
number was less than last season, the output was a little larger, indicating better returns for
the labour expended. There does not appear to be anything doing on that creek this winter
O'Donnell River.
On this stream Robert McKee, as manager for the Canadian- Alaska Exploration Company,
continued sinking the shaft commenced last season, but, finding the inflow of water still
greater than his pumps could cope with, notwithstanding the installation of larger pumps than
were used last year, he abandoned that method and procured the use of a Keystone driller,
with which he struck bed-rock at a depth of 94 feet from the surface and reported finding
good values thereon.
As the depth to bed-rock was thus found to be much greater than was anticipated,
operations were suspended early in the season to enable the manager to consult with his
principals as to the best method of operation to be pursued under the altered conditions.
Considerable excitement was occasioned in the fall and early winter by the reputed discovery
on this stream of a rich pay-streak, situated on a bench at a height of from 30 to 50 feet above
stream-level ; but, although there were several stampedes to the place and considerable ground
has been located, no new discovery of " pay," nor even a continuance of the original pay -streak,
has been reported up to the date of this writing, so that it is difficult to determine what
importance, if any, to attach to the matter.
I may say that some of the prospecting already done seems to have demonstrated the
existence of two or three old channels (so called), which appear to contain " wash-gravel " and
some gold, but whether in paying quantities or not has not yet been determined.
There are several small outfits prospecting in that vicinity this winter, and probably
about twenty men are so engaged either on O'Donnell or its tributaries.
Lincoln Creek.
The parties holding the leases on this creek (under bond) commenced operations on April
1 3th with a force of seven men, and operated until July 30th, when, owing to the difficulty
experienced in reaching bed-rock, it was determined to close down and to procure a Keystone
K 60 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
driller with which to continue prospecting next season, it being almost impracticable to
transport such a piece of machinery to the creek economically except during winter, when it
can lie taken in over the snow and ice.
During the period of operation considerable engineering-work was performed in the way
ot procuring levels and water grades, cutting trails, and establishing good camp buildings.
A dan i was also built and the .reel, diverted through a channel excavated 250 x 6 \ 3 feet,
and a tunnel was driven 120 t'eet upstream and well timbered.
In .(line an Empire drill was procured, with which two holes were sunk, one til! feet and
the other 28 feet. In the former, although bed-rock was not reached, gold was "panned"
from the last twelve feet. In the latter a stratum of clay was encountered through which the
drill would not penetrate, hence the determination to procure a Keystone driller.
Davenport Creek.
On this creek which flows into Gladys Lake and through that system to Teslin lake, two
or three men have been prospecting for over a year, and. while they have done a good deal of
work tunnelling and sinking without striking bed rock, they have found good coarse gold in
considerable quantities, and are encouraged to continue. There appears to he a fair supply of
water in the creek and g 1 sluicing grades.
Burdette Creek.
This is a tributary of O'Donnell river lying to the west of Wilson creek and running
parallel with it. About midsummer a "discovery" was claimed and allowed on this creek,
and a number of claims wen- located above and below " discovery," on some of which work
was carried on until the end of September.
I have not learned that any phenomenal values were secured : next season better results
may he hoped for. In October "discoveries" were claimed by and allowed to some Indians
on four creeks, locally known as Silver, Trout, Johnson, and Moosehorn creeks, which lie to
the south of and empty into White Swan river, which in turn empties into Teslin lake at its
extreme southerly end.
The discoverers claim to have found gold from th.' " grass-roots " down, but do not
pretend to have done much prospecting. Quite a number of Indians have located claims on
those creeks, and apparently have done a fairly profitable business locating for and transferring
to whites. A. number of miners from Atlin ami vicinity have gone out there, hut at present
writing no reports have been received from them.*
Some desultory prospecting was done on other streams throughout the district during the
season, hut nothing of importance has been reported, hut a new impetus has been given to
prospecting and further discoveries may he reported at any time.
Mini r vi. Claims.
Still another season has passed without much active development having been done on
mineral locations throughout the district, except upon the Engineer and /.'.■;< M'Chree groups,
situated on Taku arm. More attention is being paid to procuring Crown grants for claims
than formerly, which in itself is an evidence of confidence and progress.
Note by Provincial Mineralogist. A private letter received from a prospectoi who had gone in
to tliis "new find" from Telegraph Creek confirms the report a- given to the Gold Commissioner — in that
the Indians piu.lu.vd coarse gold which they claimed to have ohtained here : that the Indians have stake. 1
on nearly every creek, and are holding their stakings for sale rather than to work them. This prospector
ling in himself again in the spring, hat says there is no Ltement other than the Indians' — to
justify any excitement, or, guarantee that there is gold in paying quantities. It would he well
i i await this sea <on's prospecting vv oi k before forming any definite estimate of \ .due of the Indians' stories.
3 Geo. 5 Cassiar District. K (il
On the Engineer group a force of about thirty men was employed during the summer by
Captain James Alexander in surface prospecting, the results of which seem to prove the
existence of a much larger area of richly mineralized ground than was formerly suspected, and,
although I have not learned that much was done to prove values by sinking on the ledges, it
was very apparent that the owners were much encouraged by the results obtained.
The small stamp-mill which is located on the property was kept in operation during the
season also, and very good returns secured. I understand a shipment of high-grade ore was
shipped to one of the Coast smelters, but I have not learned what the returns were.
On the Ben M'Chree group a force of from ten to nineteen men (an average of 16) was
employed from April 15th to October 8th building roads and trails, erecting buildings,
preparing the ground, and procuring the necessary timber for the installation of an aerial
tramway, the machinery for which was landed at the mine early in the season.
A crew of men was also engaged throughout the season stripping and breaking out rock
for sacking and shipping purposes, and it is claimed that a large quantity of very promising
rock is thus ready for shipment as soon as the installation of the tramway is completed.
The above-mentioned operations were conducted under the general superintendence of
O. H. Partridge, who, with the Hon. Maurice Egerton, represents the owners of the property.
Should the values prove up to expectation, the quantity of rock in sight appears to
indicate the possession by these operators of a property capable of being developed into a
mine.
Those gentlemen have also acquired title to a large number of claims on White Moose
mountain, and have intimated that they intend prosecuting the active development of same
this coming season.
Whilst those operators are actively prosecuting development, which entails heavy expense,
they complain bitterly of the excessive cost of transportation of all kinds of supplies and
material into the camp, stating that, whilst they were promised a reduction of 10 per cent.
upon former rates by the White Pass it Yukon route, they have actually been charged an
advance of 10 per cent, or more over last season's rates, which in themselves were considered
almost prohibitory.
Klehini — Rainy Hollow.
I regret to report another season having passed without any material development or
change in the situation in this part of the district, owing to the failure of the parties who
were endeavouring to exploit it to accomplish anything material or satisfactory. Such
development-work as was necessary to protect the titles was performed, but not much else ;
this applies to the quartz generally throughout the district. Much attention, however, has
been directed to the Rainy Hollow section by would-be investors, and some better results may
lie hoped for in the near future, although, as stated in previous reports, no material change
need be expected until some sort of rail communication with tide-water is provided.*
General. — Nothing has been done during the year towards developing the deposits of coal
and hydo-magnesite located in the district.
*Note bY Provincial Mineralogist. — A description of the Rainy Hollow camp, written by Mr.
Bryant, a mining engineer, and formerly in charge of Tyee Copper Company mines on Vancouver Island.
appeared in a recent issue of the Mining Magazine, published in London.
K 62 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
Office Statistics— Atl in Minim; Division.
Free miners' certificates (individual) .">■_'.".
n ii (companies) 7
ii M (special) 2
Placer records 177
n re-records (representing 290 claims) 279
Leaves of absence (representing 222 claims) 82
Groupings 10
Permissions ■>
Bills of sale (placer) 160
ii (hydraulic) 47
ii (mineral) 38
Mineral records 138
Certificates of work 130
Filings 11
Certificates of improvements 14
( Yo« n grants issued 15
Certificates of improvements (advertised, not yet issued) 2
Gold reported (companies)— 10,507 oz. Value $163, 108 00
(individuals) 5,701 „ 90,999 00
Totals 16,208 .1 5254,407 00
Royalty paid by companies 3,017 10
ii ii individuals 1,579 20
Totals §4,596 30
Revenue collected during 1912.
Land sales 8 10 00
Water revenue (annual rentals) v;| ]i>
Free miners' certificates (individuals) 2,283 50
ii ii (companies) 700 00
(special) 30 00
Mining receipts (lease rentals) 5,840 00
n (lease deposits) , 1,240 00
ii (other sources) 3.107 20
Leaves of absence 555 00
Licences (liquor) 655 00
(trade) 165 00
Fines and forfeitures 1,289 05
Etegisl IV fees I i ii I
Law stamps 8 20
Revenue tax 669 00
" Taxation Act " —
le al property tax 3,155
Personal property tax 16 45
Wild land tax. .' 23 55
Income tax L1 1 55
Mineral-tax 4,596 30
Tax on imworked Crown-granted mineral claims 969 00
1 merest 75
Total $26,20 -
3 Geo. 5 Cassiar District. K 63
STIKINE AND LIARD MINING DIVISIONS.
Report of J. Cartmel, Gold Commissioner.
I have the honour to submit the annual report on mining operations in the Stikine
and Liard Mining Divisions of Cassiar District for the year ending December 31st, 1912.
There were more men employed in mining this season than last, and while, with the
exception of the hydraulic on Thibert creek, no gold was reported as having been recovered
from any of the operations, I believe some small amounts were obtained.
Quite a number of placer leases have been staked and applied for during the season,
however, and, judging from the preparations which are being made to develop these, I consider
the outlook for the coming season rather favourable.
Placer.
On Thibert creek the Boulder Creek Mining Company constructed one and one-half miles
of flume, 30 x 30 inches, connecting with their old flume from Berry creek of about the same
length. This flume is calculated to carry 1,000 inches of water, and at the pressure-box gives
a head of about 285 vertical feet. They commenced piping July 21st, and in spite of being
hampered for a considerable time by lack of room while opening up the new pit, succeeded in
moving a considerable quantity of gravel before ceasing operations about the middle of
October. Notwithstanding the comparative shallowness of the ground, they were unfortunate
in encountering a slide of mud and gravel (to which this ground seems peculiarly subject),
which at the last moment partly filled the pit and covered one of the pipe-lines, forcing them
to remove this pipe and the monitor it served, which was also endangered. This circumstance,
happening just as they were about to clean up a large portion of the bed-rock which had taken
considerable time to uncover, caused the temporary loss of all the gold thereon, and in
consequence the season's output was much less than was expected. The results that were
secured, however, were such as to warrant the prediction that barring accidents, this property
will next season make far and away the best showing in its history. The conditions obtaining
are practically ideal, the ground containing very few boulders and being easy to sluice, water
plentiful, pressure adequate, and dump all that could be desired, the bed-rock of the old
channel at the new workings being over 100 feet above the present creek-bed, and, if the
precaution is taken to pipe off the overburden of loose material in the early part of the season,
I see no necessity for any further trouble from the heretofore inevitable mud-slides.
A series of assays of the black sand concentrates, made on the ground by a competent
assayer, showed good values in platinum, averaging, I believe, about 2 oz. of that metal per
ton of concentrates, and if adequate measures are taken for saving the black sand a substantial
addition to the output from this source would doubtless result.
On Little Deloire creek, a tributary of Thibert, no mining was done until late in the fall,
when several leases were staked, and at least seven men are engaged in drifting there this
winter.
On Mosquito creek, another tributaiy of Thibert, two men worked all summer with a
"shooter "or automatic gate, but so far have been unable to reach bed-rock. They have,
however, secured very encouraging prospects in the gravel, and if bed-rock proves to be
proportionately richer, this creek should become an important producer.
On Dease creek a little desultory mining was done during the summer, and in some
instances, I learn, good results, in proportion to the amount of work done, were obtained. On
the White Horse lease, at the mouth (if this creek, no work was done during the summer, as it
K G4 Report ok the Minister of Mixes. 1 f ) 1 :>
was proved last winter to lie impossible to prospecl the ground by mean- of shafts ami pumps,
owing to its proximity to and slighl elevation above Dease lake. Negotiations were therefore
entered into by the owner with s - Eastern mining-men with a view to having the ground
tested with a drill, and 1 am pleased to state that, as a result of these negotiations, an Empire
drill was brought tip the Stikine river late in the fall in charge of \V. M. Ogilvie, who ha
had considerable experience with dredges in the Yukon. This drilling outfit has been taken
in to Dease lake by dog-team, and, if the results of the operations justify it (which it is
confidently expeeted they will), a large electric dredge will he installed on this ground in the
near future.
Several creek and bench leases have also heen staked near the mouth of 1 lease .reek by
J. A. Doffelmyer, who also came up the Stikine late in the season, and who states that the
prospects he litis been able to secure on the ground warrant his advocating to his principals
the installation of a complete hydraulic plant on the property as soon as may he possible.
At this point it seems to me pertinent to point out the tact that unless some sort of road,
at least Suitable for V\ inter use, is constructed from Telegraph < 'reek to the- head of 1 lease lake.
it will he almost an insuperable, or tit least an excessively expensive, undertaking to transport
heavy machinery of the kind above referred to in to Dease lake: and until some such road is
Constructed I feel constrained to say that in my opinion the known rich placer deposits of the
I >ease Lake and McDame Creek Sections, and, in fact, the whole Ulterior portion of the
district, will receive hut scant attention from capital.
On McDame creek very little work was done this season, and there are not more than
live white men wintering there. Nothing, 1 regret to say, litis heen don i the Radford
group of leases, owing to the untimely death of Mr. Radford List summer tit Atlin. However,
several new leases have heen staked on the creek, and one at least of these new stakers has
expressed Ins intention to bring in machinery next spring to work his ground.
Mineral.
Quite a number more mineral claims have heen located this year than last. Imt \cry little
work has heen recorded.
The lskut Mining Company had its thirteen claims surveyed, which surveys wen- recorded
i certificate of work, and the nine claims will doubtless now be Crown-granted, as they are
entitled to he.
Coal.
Coal claims continue to he staked in that portion of the Groundhog section lying within
this district, hut. tis there is practically no duct communication between Telegraph Creek
and Groundhog, I am unable to say what developments are transpiring there. In any event,
this will doubtless he fully covered by the report of the Provincial Mineralogist, who last
summer visited that section, going in by way of Telegraph Creek.
Offici Statistics -Stikine and Liabd Mining Divis
lh \ enue collected from free miners' certificates % 178 75
" mining receipts, general 2,384 40
" 11 other sources L.' . 7 * 1 7 'i'.'
Total - ;:, 84
C'ninii of Moulder Creek Mining Co. — Thiliert Creek.
Opening Hydraulic I'll, Iluiililer (reck Mining Co.
3 Geo. 5 Cassiar District. K 65
NOTES ON A TRIP TO DEASE LAKE AND TO THE GROUNDHOG COALFIELD.
By Wm. Fleet Robertson, Provincial Mineralogist.
During the past year various reports had been received as to the existence of a very
extensive coalfield lying immediately to the north of Groundhog mountain and occupying the
height of land around the headwaters of the Skeena, Stikine, and Nass rivers.
The particulars of this coalfield, as far as they could be obtained from the preliminary
reports of the locators and others, were fully set out in the Report of this Department for the
year 1911.
The importance of a coalfield such as was predicted by these reports was of such moment
to the development of the Province that the Provincial Mineralogist was instructed to visit
the field during the summer of 1912 and to report upon the results actually obtained by
development.
The route which had so far been used into the field was from Hazelton, but, as it was
almost impossible, in July, to obtain horses at this point, it was decided that it was best to go
in by way of Telegraph Creek, on the Stikine river, a supply-point about equally distant from
the scene of operations.
The Provincial Mineralogist and party left Victoria on July 5th, travelling northward on
the C.P.R. steamer "Princess Sophia," and arrived at Wrangell, Alaska, on the 9th.
Wrangell is a small town located on an island a few miles off the mouth of the Stikine
river, and it is from here that all river-boats start to run up the river, which is navigable for
this class of boat as far up as Telegraph Creek, a distance of approximately 180 miles.
The Stikine river is a very swift stream and rather difficult of navigation, except at
certain limited periods of the season, when the depth of water is most favourable.
In addition to the difficulties met with on the river proper, the entrance into the river
from the sea is greatly hindered by shoal water and a shifting channel, as, at the mouth, the
river has formed a large delta, through which the water finds its way into the sea by various
channels ; these constantly shift their location over an area several miles in extent, and no
one of the streams can be permanently used as the boat-channel.
It has been the custom of the Hudson Bay Company for years past to take each season,
one of its river-steamers from the Skeena river while that river was in high water and to send
it up to the Stikine to make a few trips to Telegraph Creek — usually in June — with possibly
a couple of additional trips in the fall, for the convenience of big-game hunters going into the
northern country.
The spasmodic trips of these steamers were the only means of transportation — except by
canoe — afforded the northern country for many years past, and has undoubtedly been one
reason for the retarded development of the district.
The conditions were so intolerable that, a couple of years ago, private parties in Wrangell
and Telegraph Creek put on a small boat, run by a gasolene-engine, to carry freight and
passengers.
In 1912 this small boat was replaced by a larger one propelled by twin tunnel-screws,
driven by a pair of gasolene-engines. This boat, the " Nahlin," made a few trips in the early
part of the season of 1912, but by July something happened to the engines and the boat was
unable to get up as far as Telegraph Creek, although it made two trips as far up the river
as the mouth of the Clearwater, where the cargoes were cached.
5
K 66 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
When the Provincial Mineralogist reached Wrangell, it was found that the Hudson's Bay
steamer was off for the season, and that the gasolene-boat, the " Nahlin." had inet with Bome
mishap on the river, so that it was uncertain when she could be expected to return to
Telegraph Creek. It was, consequently, found necessary to hire a locally owned gasolene-
launch to make the trip. The launch engaged was the "Black Fox," a flat bottomed boat
about 30 feet long, propelled by a tunnel screw, driven by a gasolene-engine. The boat was
"h ■ -made," designed after the model of the river-boats used for poling by hand- a model
that proved to be extremely good for the service intended, in swift water, and having a speed
of fifteen miles an hour.
Enough provisions were taken on at Wrangell to carry the party to Telegraph Creek, on
which small amount of food the Canadian Customs collected duty, although it was impossible
to buy food at any place, en route, in Canada.
July 11th. The party left Wrangell at 12 noon on .Tidy 11th, arriving at the " Alaska —
British Columbia Boundary" at 7..'!0 p.m., and here the night had to be spent and the
Customs regulations complied with.
The boat was too small to provide sleeping accomodations aboard and a camp ashore
would have had to be made, but, through the courtesy of the Customs officer, the party was
allowed to sleep on the floor of the Customs house. The river SO far traversed Bowed smoothly
by a number of channels, through a narrow valley bordered by steeply rising mountains th i'
were covered by glaciers extending down to the river-level, producing wonderfully fine scenery,
but no land fit for cultivation and very little timber of any importance.
The R.N.W. Mounted Police had al one time established a post a1 this boundary, and
had built the several log buildings still standing and in use. This post had been supplied with
horses, although there was no possibility of building trails leading anywhere ; the horses had
to be brought there and taken away by boat.
July 12th. At 6 a.m. Captain Kalkins had the party aboard and the boat under way,
keeping up continuous travel until 8 p.m., some fourteen hours, in which time the river was
ascended a distance of fifty two miles, when camp was made at Kalkins s cabin, near the fool
of Flood glacier. All meals were cooked cm board over an oil-stove, while in motion. The
boat averaged a speed through the water of at least twelve miles an hour, and the' progress
up-stream was a little less than four mile's an hour, indicating a velocity of stream current of
at least eight miles an hour.
A large river (the Iskut) enters the Stikine from the east at a point a few miles above
the boundary its source being one1 hundred miles or so to the north-east, near the headwaters
of the N'ass.
For a number of years a good deal of prospecting has been going on on the watershed of
the [skut, from winch very promising samples of copper and lead ores, carrying fair values in
precious metals, have been obtained.
A number of these claims, held by Mr. Busby, of Canadian Customs. Mr. Bronson, of
Wrangell, and associates, have had considerable work done on them and were, this past season,
Surveyed, preparatory to applications being made for Crow n grants.
iparl from the mineral possibilities, the district passed through presents little of value;
the river valley is narrow, the mountains bare and precipitous and covered with glaciers which
reach down in many places to the river-level, leaving little or, sometimes, no bottom land.
There are a few small patches containing fair-sized timber, but the total area is unimportant.
3 Geo. 5 Cassiar District. K 67
Saturday, July 13th. After a night spent on the ground under a shed, the swarms of
mosquitoes rendered an early start the next morning highly desirable, and the " Black Fox "
was again under way at 4.10 a m., headed up against the swift current, arriving at the mouth
of the Scud river at 5.30 a.m., where a stop of some twenty minutes was made preparatory to
entering a particularly swift part of the river.
On the east side of the river at this point, almost covered by a sandbar, lies the wreck of
the Hudson Bay Company's steamer " Beaver," one of the numerous vessels plying on the
Stikine in the days of the Cassiar gold excitement. Here the gasolene-power boat, the
" Nahlin," passed down the river on her way to Wrangell, having been able to ascend the river
only as far as the mouth of the Clearwater, where she had been obliged to cache her cargo.
.At noon the "Little Canyon" was reached, through which the " Black Fox " made her
way in the short time of twenty-five minutes. The canyon is a cleft in the granite rocks, in
places not over 50 feet wide, with perpendicular walls towering from 100 to 300 feet above
the water-level, most of the way, a distance of three-quarters of a mile.
Through this " sluiceway " the water rushes furiously, a deep stream and fortunately free
from rocks or boulders. The current is so swift as to be quite unnavigable if it were not that
a skilful pilot can take advantage of the various eddies and boils formed by the whirlpools
that occur most of the way, rendering it extremely dangerous for canoes, as huge drift-logs
are often sucked under in one place to come bobbing up again, on end, some distance below.
When several steamers navigated the river it was found necessary to maintain a signalman
and semaphore near the middle of the canyon, so that two boats should not be in the canyon
at the same time, as there is no room to pass.
The difficulties of ascending this canyon in a rowboat or canoe seemed unsurmountable,
as the current is too swift for paddling, too deep for poling, while the perpendicular rock
cliffs render tracking out of the question ; yet it is frequently accomplished at all seasons by
using boat-hooks and holding on by the fissures in the cliffs, which requires great skill and
strength. Above the canyon for some miles the water is smooth, and possibly a little less
swift than the average for the river.
The Kloochman canyon and Grand rapids were surmounted during the afternoon without
much difficulty, thanks to the great power and seaworthy qualities of our little boat, the
" Black Fox."
At about 8 p.m., nearly sixteen hours after starting from Kalkins's cabin, of which time
about fourteen hours were occupied in continuous travel, Kirk's ranch on the east side of the
river was reached. The distance travelled that day was about fifty-seven miles, which would
indicate an adverse current of about nine miles an hour.
Kirk's ranch is about thirty-five miles below Telegraph Creek, and it was only a couple
of miles below this point that any land suitable for agriculture was seen. The main river-valley
had, until this point was reached, been flanked by strep rocky hills, leaving little bottom land ;
such land as there was being gravel-deposits with little surface soil.
Kirk has, however, a flat, estimated at 100 acres of very good silt soil, of which he has
some 4 or 5 acres under cultivation, and grows, most successfully, potatoes, beets, turnips, and
other root-crops, also cabbages, rhubarb, lettuce, etc., while hay, grain, and small fruits seem
to do very well — the best evidence possible as to the suitability of the climate for agriculture.
Here the mountains of the Coast range were left behind and the interior plateau entered.
K 08 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
July 14th. By 5.15 the tent, which had to be put up the previous night, »a^ down and
the dunnage aboard the "Black Fox," and a start made for the remaining run of thirtj
miles to Telegraph Creek.
All. .in |n ...I,,, the deserted town of Glenora was reached, where fifteen or twenty houses
marked the spot which had been for a time about 1898 the head of navigation and
administrative centre of the district, and from which point it had hern expected the Cassiar
Central Railway would start for the Northern Interior. A few miles of partly completed
railway grade marks the beginning of the work, which was, however, never continued.
A short distance below tl Id town is an old Hudson Bay Company's Post and the
Cassiar Central Railway Company's storehouses, all of which were abandoned when the
railway was discontinued, and at present there is not a single ml abitant in the old town, the
portion of the population remaining in the country having moved up to Telegraph Creek, some
twelve miles farther upstream and at the present head of navigation.
Just above Glenora there are a couple of troublesome rapids, shallow and swift, which
necessitated the party walking around, a distance of about three miles.
A wagon-road exists from Glenora to Telegraph Creek, a distance of twelve miles; this
road does not follow the river, hut had to be constructed s e distance hack to avoid the
gulches and cliffs along the river-front.
Telegraph Creek \vi bed at 2. '■'<<* p.m. on the 11th. after a trip of 1 To miles from
Wrangell, occupying a little over three day-.' expired time, or forty-eight hours absolute
running-time — a very Creditable run for a boat of amateur home manufacture, and much
fa ter than has been act plished by any other than the large stern-wheel steamers. The
round trip consumed about 250 gallons of gasolene, from which item alone it may he calcul
that the trip is expensive. The asual fare up the river on the regular steamer is $20 a head.
Telegraph ( Ireek is a small tow n, although important in the district, consisting of a double
row of lions, s and stores straggling along the river-front, built on a steep side hill which has
to be terraced for both roads and houses.
The resident white population will probably not exceed fifty persons, with about double
as many civilized Indians and half-breeds, for the most part engaged, directly or indirectly.
with the Indian trading of the Interior, carried on from this point by the Hudson Bay
Company and EEyland & Belfry. Each of these firms has a store here, as well as a number of
iding-posts on I >ease lake and down the l.iard river : there is also a small independent Store
run by an e\ Hudson Bay officer.
The town also contains two hotels, one run by each of the large trading firms with only
one liquor licence a post office, telegraph otlire. church, and a cottage hospital, and is the
seat of the Provincial Government Agent and Cold Commissioner.
[n addition to Indian trading, the town is the suppbj point for the few placer-mining
operations in existence at the lower end of Dease lake, and it is the supply and starting point
for hunting parties in quest of big game, for which the Cassiai District is world famed.
\ is the fate of all placer-gold mining camps, its glory soon fades, and in a short time
its past history outshines its present performance. Such b the fate of the < assiar
District. Early finds of placer gold caused a rush into the country in the early '70's, hut
within a few years the richer placers seem t,, have 1 n'eii worked out, until to-day there are only
one c pany anil some half dozen individuals, or partnerships, carrying on active operations.
3 Geo. 5 Cassiar District. K 69
The intervening period of forty years has so obscured the knowledge of these early
discoveries that it seems desirable to reproduce from the early reports of this Department
some of the authoritative statements then made.
The Provincial Department of Mines was established under the " Minister of Mines Act,
1874," and the first report issued was for that year.
In July, 1874, the Gold Commissioner, Mr. Sullivan, reported from Laketon, where he
was then already established, that " the present estimate of the mining population of this
section is about 1,000 men" ; and on October 14th of that year, he writes as to the "proper
estimate of the amount of gold taken out of the Cassiar mines this year, I think the general
computation to be about 81,000,000 in value." From this it is evident the excitement was
then well under way in 1874.
As to the date and origin of the discovery of gold in this district, the following may be
quoted from the 1875 Report : —
" Fair prospects of gold had been from time to time discovered on the banks and bars
of the Stikine river, and several parties had been formed for the purpose of visiting and
endeavouring to establish that part of the Province as a goldfield. But no definite results
followed the endeavours made in this direction from the seaboard ; it was reserved for an
explorer entering British Columbia through the portals of the Rocky mountains to discover
this important tract of country, and it is to the intrepidity and perseverance of Mr. Thibert
that attention is now called.
" Leaving Minnesota in June, 1869, with one companion and a small supply of necessaries,
chiefly consisting of ammunition, Mr. Thibert started on a long and perilous journey, intending
to pass two or three winters in trapping in the North-west Territory, and finally to penetrate
through the Rocky mountains and British Columbia to the Pacific. They passed their first
winter at Great Slave lake; during 1870 they resumed hunting and prospecting, and passed
the winter about seventy-five miles up the Mackenzie river.
"During 1871 they passed through the Rocky mountains and wintered on the Ure or
Deloire river at an old Hudson Bay fort ; by this time their supplies had run very short, only
a small supply of ammunition and tobacco remaining. In this dreary, solitary, and inhospit-
able region, they suffered tremendous hardships, being entirely dependent on their guns for the
means of living.
" In the course of this year they met with another intrepid traveller, the well-known
McCullough, who wintered with them. Up to this time they had heard or knew nothing
about Dease river. By following the course of the Deloire river during 1872 they reached
Dease Lake, where they parted with Mr. McCullough. The first gold struck by the party
was in a place known as Devil's Portage, where the river crosses the Rocky mountains. On
reaching Dease lake in 1872, they passed three weeks in fishing and hunting, and then proceeded
down to the Stikine as far as Buck's Bar, McCullough proceeding to Victoria, while they
wintered there ; being the fourth year they had wintered alone, far from the habitation of
man. On the 14th of February, 1873, they started for Dease lake, prospecting the creeks that
empty into it, and shortly struck rich prospects, as much as 2 oz. of rough gold a day, on
Thibert's creek, at a depth of from 1 to 3 feet, working with a rocker; the gold was found on
slate bed-rock, in what in mining parlance is known as ' black rock.' Here they remained
and worked three claims during the season. In July some more men, thirteen in all, arrived.
"Toward the fall some twenty men arrived, all wintering on Thibert's creek.
K 70 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
" Having left on a prospecting tour, they discovered paying ground on Dease creek, and
William Moore stalled work there at Mr. Thibert's instance.
" Thibert's creek, as will be seen from the sketch map of Cassiar accompanying this Report,
enters the lake close to the exit of 1 tease river. It is from twenty-five to thirty miles in length,
and almost 50 feel wide, with occasional ilats covered with deciduous trees.
••The must Important work has been done on Rath's Bar or flat, about 1 .', miles up the
creek.
"Tunnels have been started in the hillsides, and are being worked on the head of Thibert's
creek, the results of which are not yet apparent.
"During the years 1874-5, prospecting «as carried on in the vicinity of Dease creek in
every direction, and up the Deloire river, resulting in the discovery of McDame's creek, Trout
creek, Quartz creek, and Sayyea creek, all of which have keen more or less successfully worked.
" During these years over 1,000 men have visited this locality ; and although the season
is very short, the estimate of gold produced is a little short of two millions of dollars.
"The area of the goldfield of Cassiar, thus far developed, comprises a tract of country of
at least 300 miles square.
" It is almost impossible to forego the conclusion that for the discovery of this most
important gold region the Province is almost entirely indehted to the intrepidity and persever-
ance of Mr. Thibert."
The following tabic shows, in detail, the output of the district to date, as taken from the
tal tula tod statistics contained in the reports of the Department, as being the an its estimated
by the Gold Commissioner as recovered during each year. From these figures it appears that
the district has produced some 84,S'J0,73O, or, in round figures, So.OOO.OOO of ■;< ,ld to date
In looking through the old reports, it was noted that the tabulated statements used in
compilation of these figures vary, in a number of cases — between the years IS 75 and 1S80 — from
the output of that year as given by the Gold Commissioner in the body of his report, which
latter figures were quoted by Dr. Dawson in the Canadian Geological Survey Report, 1887,
p. 78b, which accounts for the difference in these two summaries.
The total difference in amount — up to the year 1887 — shows the figures in the bodies of
the reports to be $569,774 higher than in the tabulated statistics: which is the nearer correct
cannot be determined, but both are only estimates.
3 Geo. 5
Cassur District.
K 71
The following table illustrates the sudden rise and the gradual decadence of the gold
yield of Cassiar : —
Output op Cassiar Placer-gold Fields From Early Reports.
Year.
Dease Creek.
Thibert Creek.
McDanie Creek.
Miscellaneous.
Total.
j (1,000,000
1874 .
1875
1876
$350,000
160,300
81,300
62,800
56,000
60,900
37,500
29,000
14,000
10,000
12,350
21,500
18,430
13,600
11,200
$150,000
139,720
173,700
65,600
71,000
57,900
28.100
39,600
29,000
30,000
12,600
14,200
10,000
6,725
10,800
$300,000
163,700
92,130
101,320
113,200
120,000
100,000
72,700
65.000
53,600
19,000
22,200
23,775
19,000
28,410
$ 31,920
75,000
165,000
15,000
33,300
41,500
11,000
8,000
6,650
5,800
3,000
4,000
4,500
831,920
463,720
1877 . .
347,130
1878 ...
304,720
1879 . . .
343,200
1880
1881
253,800
198,900
1882
182,800
1883
119,000
1884 .. .
101,600
1885
50,600
1886
1887
63,700
55,205
1888
43,325
1889
54,910
1891 .
20,000
8,000
5,900
8,000
8,050
20,000
5,900
3,809
3,700
3,700
40,000
1892
8,500
8,776
8,750
9,650
6,550
4,450
2,250
1,175
28,950
1893 . . .
22,935
1894 . . .
22,700
1895
22,575
21,000
37,060
32,300
19,380
15,000
1901 .
22,800
16,000
1903 .
35,000
1 1 ,500
1905 ..
25,000
1906 .
44,000
1907 .
25,000
9,000
1909
9,000
1910
8,000
1911 .
6,000
9,000
$4,896,730
*No returns were received for this year
Of late years the output has been made chiefly by the hydraulic companies working on
Thibert creek, with a few individuals on Thibert and Dease creeks, very little work having
been done of late in the McDame Creek section of the district. Even the Chinese, who had
maintained a small production, have left, the last — some very old men — having been brought
out this year by their countrymen on the Coast.
Arriving at Telegraph Creek on Sunday, July 14th, the 15th was spent in the purchase
and packing of supplies and the arranging of camp outfit, preparatory to starting for the
Dease Lake district.
July 16th was spent in Telegraph Creek waiting for the pack-train which had been
delayed a day on the trail by wet weather.
July 17th the party left Telegraph Creek at 11 a.m. with nine horses and an Indian
packer, camping that night at the bridge across the Tahltan river, near its junction with the
Stikine and a mile above the Indian village of Tahltan, which is the headquarters for most of
the Indians in the district.
K 72 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
Prom Telegraph Creek, at an altitude of 540 feet, the trail rises by a series of switchbacks
to a bench some 300 feet higher, composed of glacial gravel, flanked to the north-wesl by
hills of volcanic rocks— basalts, lava, etc. — which formation is in evidence as far as the Tuva
river, forming the Great Canyon of tlieStikine fiver, which renders the river quite unna\ igable
and forces the trail on to the hillsides, among precipitous cliffs, at an elevation of about l.oon
feet.
In this volcanic formation there is no area that could be used for agriculture, save a few
depressions and isolated patches near the river where some soil has been deposited ; oo timber
of commercial value was seen along the line of the trail.
The basalt cliffs forming the sides of the canyon are — at the mouth of the Tahltan from
200 to 300 feet high — perpendicular inmost places and evidencing successive flows of lava,
apparently coming from an easterly direction, frequently overlying beds of gravel, apparently
of [ire-glacial age, in the channels of old rivers. Photographs of these basalt flows accompany
this report, and reproductions have been made from l>r. <:. M. 1 'arson's sketches of them, as
given in the Geological Survey Report, 1SS7 S, p. 71b.
The following are Dr. Dawson's geological nods along the trail from Telegraph Creek to
Dease lake, from the same report : —
"Respecting the older rocks which characterize the greater part of the country between
Telegraph Creek and Dease lake, few details were noted, and no approach to a general section
was obtained, as they arc not usually exposed except along the bases of the mountains, which
are, as a rule, at some distance from the route of travel. They may be described as consisting
of grey and greenish-grey quartzites and grauwackes, with a large proportion of altered
volcanic materials, generally feldspathic, hut passing into diabases and becoming in some cases
more or less schistose. Hocks originally of volcanic origin notably preponderate in the \ icinitv
of Telegraph Creek, while near Dease lake they are less abundant, and at about two miles
from the lake, on the trail, massive grey fine-grained limestone occurs, in exposures which are
nearly continuous for about a mile. None of'the mountains in sight on either side of the
valley are distinctly granitic, and rocks of this character were observed only in one locality,
when- they occupy a relatively small area.
" At about two miles along the trail to the south-west of the Tahltan. a dark, blackish green,
highly crystalline hornblende rock occurs in considerable mass, and is much broken and shattered
by a grey porphyritic and hornblendic granite, which appears to be of later date, and which
may have a width of about two miles on the trail. In the bed of the Tooya river, rocks
differing in appearance from any seen elsewhere on this trail were found. They are reddish
and purplish in colour, fine-grained, and in some beds slightly porphyritic, and appear to be
chiefly feldspathic in < iposition. One of these is identical with a rock met within the
lower pari of the bedded series, a short distance above 'Grand Rapid,' on the Stikine. No
fossils were found in the limestones above alluded to, and the rocks, as a whole, ean at pi ■
only be classed as Paleozoic, though showing many points in common with those of the Cache
Creek group of southern British Columbia, which is believed to be, in great part at lea
( larboniferous age
"The pre-glacial age of the basaltic rocks is shown, as already noted, by their relation to
the terraces of the valley, and also by the occurrence upon them of large granitic boulders, the
transport of which musl be attributed to glacial action. This is seen particularly in some
places between Telegraph Creek and the Tahltan. The basaltic rocks, at the period of their
eruption, have tilled the old river-valley, and may very probably have at one time dom
continuously from below Glenora to the Tooya. or perhaps considerably farther. There is no
.In ii cti on of Stikine :■ ml Tali I tan Rivers.
Swimming Pack-train acrou Stikine at Telegraph Creel
3 Geo. 5
Cassiar District.
K 73
reason to suppose that the basalts were erupted from a single volcanic centre, and indeed the
existence of basaltic dykes cutting the older rocks at Telegraph Creek would appear to lead to an
opposite conclusion. Subsequent to the period of basaltic eruption, the river, still flowing in
the same great valley, has cut down through the basalts in several places, exposing sections of
the gravel-deposits of the ancient river. The new channel thus formed is not, however,
i7n?ir.';'i'i:,l,iiiivi)ii'!itij1i^ii|'.';;ii'i-l
FIOi 3, — SECTION SHOWING OLD RIVER-CHANNEL CAPPED BY BASALTS. EAST BANK
8TIKINE RIVER BELOW TAHL-TAN.
.M*
//>
Si ^
!f/mtLi.
A
FIG. 4. — SECTI0.N" snOWIN'G OLD RIVEK-CIIANNEL FILLED WITH BASALT. MOUTH
OF TAHL-TAN.
I'
g?M'lhV|i.fir.
'I'll 'ii#.;;^Lli, III
MT(V'>S.:'.'rfr|i""1i,
I1 n ii'ilH
JJiiiiiiii!
FIG. 5. — SECTION SHOWING RELATIONS OF BASALTS AND GRAVELS. STIK1NE RIVER,
EAST BANK, ABOVE TAHL-TAN.
a. Old basal rocks.
b. Old gravels.
c. Superposed basalt flows.
d. Basaltic filling of a later gorge.
K 74 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
coincident with the old, but cuts across it at several points, and above Telegraph Creek the
excavation of the new bed has been carried to a depth estimated at from |u to 70 feet below
the earlier one.
"A few miles below (ilenora. where the basalt filling of the old v ; s 1 1 • ■ \- has been CUl
across, it seems, however, that the old river-bed is beluw the present water-level, indicating, ill
connection with the previous observation, that the grade of the original river was greater than
that of the present.
" Direct lv opposite the mouth of the Tahltan river, On the left bank of the Stikine, a good
section of the old river bed i i *- posed, in the truncated end of a point which forms a spin- of
the plateau to the south, the basalts filling it like a threat Lngoi and resting, at the bottom,
on the old gravels, at the sides, directly on the rocky banks of the old channel.
" The angle between the Tahltan and the Stikine, on the upper side, has already been
referred to in connection n ith the peculiarly disturbed character of the basalt layer bv « Inch
it is capped. Beneath the basalt at this place is a great thickness (apparently not much less
than 100 feet) of well-rounded gravel and boulders. It is probable that this deposit does not
reach to the water-level, but its disintegrated material has formed a slope which conceals any
basis of old rocks which may be beneath it. The eruption of basalt has, moreover, not been
confined to a single period, hut must have occurred at several different times separated by
rather wide intervals. The occurrence in some places of three or more superposed Mows shows
this to have been the case, but a still more striking proof .if the same fact is found in a section
observed from a distance, on the left bank of the Stikine above tin Tahltan. At this place a
thick and apparently extensive deposit of gravels has been covered bv three superposed basaltic
Mows. Through these, a narrow vertical sided canyon has been cut bv some tributary stream,
which has even excavated a portion of the gravels beneath the lowest basalt. A fourth
basaltic flow hits then occurred, which has completely tilled the canyon and partly overflowed
on the surface of the highest of the three earlier basaltic layers.
"Though the basalts of Tertiary age actually seen by me an- confined to the Stikine
valley, it is highly probable that further explorations will prove their iurrence in other
valleys, and possibly also the existence of similar rocks, in the form of plateaux of some si/e.
in the region east of the Coast ranges.
" The basaltic formation of tin- part of the Stikine lias been described in some detail,
on account of the importance which it possesses in respect to the distribution of gold. The
gold along the Stikine was said by the miners to be 'spotted,' or irregular, in its occurrence,
but the greater part of the 'heavy' gold was found just along that portion of the stream now
characterized bv tin' basalts, and it appears even possible to trace a connection between the
richer bars which have been worked and those places in which the present river has cut
through or followed the old basalt -protected channel. This bein^' the case, it seems very
desirable that the old channel should be fully prospected, which 1 cannot learn has ever
been attempted. If gold should be found in it in paying quantity, it might easily be worked,
and would give rise to a considerable renewal of activity in mining. It is not known to what
extent similar conditions may occur up the Tahltan valley, where also remunerative l>ars were
worked some years ago."
At the mouth of the Tahltan quite a number of Indians were found drying salmon; these
fish apparently come up the Stikine in large numbers; the greater part of the run is reported
to go up the Scud tributary, but a large number get up to the mouth of the Tahltan. and
farther up the Stikine, as far as the mouth <<i the Tuva ; further progress is. however, blocked
by falls, etc., in these rivers.
3 Geo. 5 Cassiar District. K 75
July 18th, From the Tahltan bridge the trail mounts rapidly to the top of a basalt
bench, 400 feet high, between the Tahltan and the Stikine rivers, along which it was followei 1
for a couple of miles over the bare basalt blocks, dropping again to the level of the river at
Ward's, a ranch on a piece of interval land on the bank of the Stikine.
At Ward's a considerable acreage was under cultivation, very successfully, good crops of
hay, oats, and the ordinary vegetables being seen ; irrigation is, however, required, the water
being obtained from a small creek.
From Ward's the trail climbs to a plateau, about 1,000 feet higher, along which it runs
for about five miles, on very even ground well suited for agriculture, only to drop 1,000 feet
again, by a steep zigzag trail, into the valley of the Tuya river, which was crossed on a
bridge — now very much in need of renewal — when another climb of 1,000 feet had to be made
by another zigzag trail cut out of a clay hillside — quite safe in dry weather, but impossible for
horses in wet weather.
About three miles after crossing the Tuya, Wilson's ranch was reached, a piece of wild
hay meadow, from which a crop of hay is obtained without any assistance to nature.
At Wilson's the main trail was left, an Indian branch trail, or switch trail, being followed
to a small lake to the south, where feed for the horses was found, no feed being obtainable on
this part of the main trail.
The distance travelled this day was only ten miles, but the effort caused by the Ward and
Tuya hills, combined with exceptionally hot weather, constituted a full day's work for horses
and men, while the clouds of mosquitoes at the camping-place did not make for rest or sleep.
Coal has been found in thick seams on the Tuya river about 25 miles up from its mouth,
according to the report of R. D. Featherstonhaugh (published in the Report of this Depart-
ment for 1904, p.p. 97, 98), from which it appears that the coal is a lignite, but, from the
analyses of samples submitted to this Department, it is a lignite of exceedingly good quality,
and may eventually be found of commercial importance to the district.
July 19th proved to be a fine morning and an early start was attempted, to be frustrated
by a couple of the pack-horses which had strayed from the bunch. The pack-train was,
however, in motion by 7.30, and at 1.30 Caribou camp was reached, after travelling for
seventeen miles along a plateau, at an elevation of 2,000 feet, on a trail good enough for a
wagon-road, but the day was so hot that man and beast nearly collapsed.
July 20th. In anticipation of another hot day, the camp was broken up by 4 a.m., and
the pack-train on the way by 6.20, arriving at Beaver camp, on the Tanzilla river, some twenty
miles from Dease lake, at 12.15, after travelling seventeen miles over a very good and
comparatively even trail, which, at a very small cost, could be made into a wagon-road.
The extremely hot weather of the previous day proved to be the precursor of a heavy
thunderstorm which broke at 9 a.m. and lasted for an hour, rendering travel much more pleasant.
July 21st. — Camp was moved from Beaver camp to eight miles from Dease lake, a
distance of twelve miles.
July 22nd. The writer's pack-train arrived at Dease lake about 11 a.m., where Mr.
Smith, Hyland <fe Belfry's agent at Porter's Landing, was found awaiting the party with a
30-foot scow manned by an Indian and a Chinaman ; but, as the pack-train with cargo for the
lower posts had not arrived, the scow could not start. It took until 4 p.m. to get this freight
on board, and during this time a headwind had sprung up, so that three hours' hard rowing
only propelled the scow down the lake about three miles, when camp had to be made on the
east shore of the lake. The pack-train was left at the head of the lake in charge of the cook,
John McDonald, and the Indian packer, Lewdecker.
K 76 Report of the Minister of Mines. I!»i:»
The length of the trail was estimated, as stated, at about seventy-seven miles. A party
ut' surveyors under I'". Casey was at work mi tin- trail, surveying its length fur the Provincial
Government I'm' the purpose of laying out a wagon-road, or rather, of so altering the trail
Location (hat it might eventually be converted into a wagon-road. By this actual survey the
amended road would he 75.2 miles in length, and quite feasible to build at a reasonable cost.
The necessity of this road is urged to open up the district and to admit of supplies for the
existing mining operations and for prospecting of really promising localities, being 1 ight in
at rates which would not be nearly as prohibitive as at present.
It is of interest to read the late Dr. G. M. Dawson's description of the route of tin-
proposed wagon-road, as given by him in the 1887 Report of the Geological Survey, as the
conditions and requirements do not seem to have changed in the intervening twenty five years.
The following is Dr. Dawson's description : —
" 1 >oase lake is the central point of theCassiar District, and though, as shown by statistics
subsequently quoted, the yield of gold has greatly fallen oft' since the palmy days of its first
discovery, it is very probable that further placer mines of value may vet be found in this
region (of which a great part still remains to be carefully prospected), and there is every reason
to believe thai quartz-mining and other industries will before long he developed on a consider
able scale. Even at the present moment this district is more easily accessible than thai of
Cariboo, and when a wagon-road shall have been built from the head of navigation on the
Stikine to Dease lake, it should be easy to lay down g Is at tin: latter point at very
reasonable rates.
"The construction of a wagon-road, with moderately favourable grades, between Telegraph
Creek and Dease lake would not be very difficult or expensive. The first ascent from Telegraph
('reek is steep, hut might easily be overcome. Between eight and ten mile- from Telegraph
('reek, or for a distance of about two miles, the road would have to follow a rough hillside,
above the canyon, where some blasting and grading would be required. The descent to the
Tahltan would entail some heavy side hill cutting iii rock and earth and a bridge would be
necessary. The ascent and crossing of the 'lava bed' would entail about a mile of rough work
on the opposite side of the Tahltan, and should the line of the present trail he followed, a loiej
and steep ascent, with grading in gravel and clay, would be required at Ward's, and again in
descending to and ascending from the Tooya valley, hut no rock work would be necessary. It
Seems quite probable, however, that a better route might be found for a load, at a lower level,
from Ward's to the mouth of the Tooya, m following along the side of the main valley. In
either case a good bridge would be required at the Tooya. Beyond this, all the way to Dease
lake, no further serious obstacle is met with. Portions of the route are clayey and swampy,
and to render t hese easily passal ile, from eight to ten miles , ,f corduroy in all would be required,
for which suitable material could be obtained near by in all cases.
" Should the construction of a railway be contemplated, the difficulties to be surmounted
would he greater in proportion, particularly between Telegraph Creek and the Tahltan, where
the line would have to follow the side i it' the canyon, which is wry rough and rocky. Beyond
this point, so far as the valley could he seen from the trail, it presents no very serious impedi
inetits. Below Telegraph Creek, to Glenora, or a little farther, a railway would involve some
moderately Ilea \ \ side hill work ; but farther down the Stikine, to the sea. it might follow the
river flats at a nearly uniform Level. The greatest difficulty to be apprehended on this part of
the hue would he that likely to arise in winter ti . mi the very heavy snowfall on that pari of
the river below the Lit! le < lanyon.
3 Geo. 5 Cassiar District. K 77
"It may be pointed out in this connection that the survey of the Stikine and of the valley-
leading by the Tanzilla to Dease lake shows that the route is an exceedingly direct one to
Dease lake, and that, taken in conjunction with the valleys of the Dease and Liard livers, it
affords almost an air-line from the Pacific coast to the great Mackenzie river.
" The present rates for goods from Wrangell to Dease lake are about as follows : Wrangell
to Telegraph Creek by steamer, 2^ cents per pound ; thence to Dease lake by pack animals,
6 cents ; thence by lake to Laketon, f to 1 cent.: total, about 9 -J cents per pound, or $195 per
ton. The result of such high prices is to discourage prospecting in the district and seriously
to retard its further development."
The time at present occupied by a pack-train from Telegraph Creek to Dease lake is ten
days for the round trip — six days going in loaded and four days returning light ; the packing
season is from June to October.
July 23rd. It was hoped, by making an early start, to get the scow down the lake
before the wind of the daytime should sgring up, so camp was broken and the party under way
by 6 a.m., but after two hours' hard work, of both crew and passengers, only about two miles
was made, and it became necessary to wait behind a sheltering point of land until the wind
subsided. At 8 p.m. the headwind having slackened, a start was again made, and at 2 a.m.,
after six hours' steady rowing, the old townsite of Laketon was reached, and the party camped
in an old warehouse, a relic of the palmy days long past.
July 24th. The morning was spent at Laketon, leaving in the afternoon for Porter's
Landing, at the lower end of the lake, which was reached about 5 p.m. At 7 p.m. the writer and
his assistant started to walk the eight miles to the camp of the Boulder Creek Mining Company,
on Thibert creek, where the manager, Warburton Pike, hospitably provided for the party.
The Boulder Creek Mining Company is the natural successor of the
Boulder Creek Thibert Creek Mining Company, and later of the Berry Creek Mining
Mining Company. Company, having succeeded to the leases and water rights of these companies.
The active operations of the Thibert Creek Mining Company were begun in
1900, under the charge of Alexander Hamfield, practically the whole of that season being
spent in getting the hydraulic plant on the ground and making ready to start the next season.
In 1901 two pits were opened on the high, or old river, channel of Thibert creek, at the
mouth of Berry creek. This old channel is traceable for some miles above, and also below,
Berry creek, on the. right bank of Thibert, at a height of from 50 to 100 feet above the present
river-channel.
The equipment and history of the operation of this plant are given in the Reports of this
Department for 1901, 1902, and 1903. By 1904 it had become apparent that, under the
conditions of working, although a fair amount of gold was recovered — somewhere about
$80,000 — the plant could not be run at a profit with the amount of water available, about
450 miners' inches, consequently, in the early part of 1904, Mr. Hamfield, originally the
manager and later the lessor of the Thibert Creek Company's properties, with certain associates,
formed a new company, the Berry Creek Mining Company, to take over the Thibert Creek
Company's leases and rights.
Under this reorganization, it was arranged to increase the water-supply to 1,000 miners'
inches, which was done, the water being eventually gathered from upper Dease and French
creeks and turned into Berry creek to augment the supply from that creek.
The operations of this Company were continued during the years 1901, 1905, 1906, and
1907, during which time the ground was found to run from 10 to 20 cents a cubic yard, and
good profits from the operations seemed certain each year, only to be wiped out by mud slides,
which repeatedly buried the hydraulic pit.
K 78 Report of the Minister of Minks. 1913
This old pit has now been abandoned ow ing to these slides. It was opened up for a length
of about 1,100 net along Thibert creek, with a width in places of 250 feet, the dirt face being,
at the highest point, about 200 feet above the pit, from the top of which the hill continued to
rise for man} hundreds of feet higher, at a slope of about l'o degrees, being chiefly composed
.it' clay, with no solid rim-rock in sight ; it was really the repeated sliding of this hillside
into the pit that necessitated its final abandonment. The bed-rock is a shale or slate on edge,
cut by a number of soft white dykes. The deposit next to the bed-rock is a coarse gravel,
e posed of granite, greenstone, jasper, porphyry, and a dark-blue rock, with very tew large
boulders.
The gold is fairly coarse and Hat and is valued at about S16 an ounce. The dump vva-
into Thibert creek, about 30 feet lower than the bed rock of the hydraulic pit.
The water-supply is from Berry creek augmented as previously described and is brought
in from a ] ling reservoir, formed by a small dam on the creek, by one and a half mill
flume to the pressure-box of the old pit.
Thepresent holder of the property is the Boulder Creek Mining Company, an Rnglish
c pany, which has leased the property for four years with an option of purchase.
This c pany has taken over the whole of the ten leases ami plant, and was engaged
during the summer of 1912 in opening up a new pit, 1,000 feet below the mouth of Boulder
Creek and about one and a half miles below the old pit, on the same side of the river, to which
point the flume has been extended. The water was turned through it by tin- middle of June.
Work was immediately begun on opening tip a pit on the same old, or high, channel
previously worked, and where in the early days of the camp successful surface operations had
been carried on.
This pit is about 75 feet above Thibert creek, with fragments of "hat appears to he rim
rock bet ween it and the creek, while to the inner side there i- also outcropping a ridjje of what
appears to be the other rim-rock, and which, if such proves to be the ease, should effectively
guard this new pit from such troubles as were encountered in the old pit.
The. s up work was being carried on with one o inch monitor under a hydraulic
head of 300 feet. By the end of July the work had only hesjun to yet into proper shape, and
it is doubtful if it will have advanced far enough to permit of any satisfactory '-clean up" this
year.
A mining engineer, who was on the ground for an English company during the opening
up of the pit, is reported by the manager to have taken a sectional sample down the fa
the bank, amounting to 100 cubic yards of gravel, which was subsequently hand-sluiced and
yielded $68 in gold, equivalent to 68 cents a cubic yard. While it is not expected that the
whole deposit will be up to this sample, the result was certainly very encouraging.
As has been mentioned in the former reports, crude platinum is found associated with
the gold in this deposit, and as soon a- matters can be adjusted an arrangement will be
ilished for tin- commercial separation of platinum as a by-product.
From the results obtained in former years in the 'working of this same high channel at
the old pit, it would seem that the new pit. offering as it does, so many features tending to
cheaper and safer working, has every prospect of turning out a commercial success.
As has already been noticed, the high channel of the creek is traceable
Other Companies for some distance above ami below the holdings of the Boulder Creek
on Thibert Creek. Company. This channel at some distance above Berry creek, appear- to
cut into the hill, coming out on Berry creek just above it- junction with
3 Geo. 5 Cassiar District. K 79
Thibert creek ; where the channel leaves Thibert creek it has recently been prospected by
several drifts, in which results are reported to have been obtained, which justify more extended
operations. During the 1912 season no work was done here.
On Little Deloire creek, a tributary of Thibert, entering it from the south, about two and
a half miles up from Dease lake, the Mitchell Bros, have been at work for some years, and
have made at least a partially successful season.
They formerly had sunk a shaft 28 feet in the rim-rock and then drifted out into the
channel, where they report to have found good gold values ; they had difficulty, however, in
holding the roof and were eventually flooded out.
In 1912 they were engaged in "booming" the old bed of the creek by accumulating the
water in a reservoir, from which, by a most ingenious device, it was automatically discharged
in a rush whenever the reservoir became full. About 1,700 feet of the creek had been sluiced,
but it was not learned how much gold had been cleaned up.
It was reported that a miner named Bush had been at work a mile higher up the creek,
and another named Dickson two miles up, at the end of the canyon, and that they had both
struck coarse gold. Neither of these men were, however, at work when the creek was visited
The output of gold formerly made from Dease, and other creeks, has already been given
in tabular form and from this it will be seen that the mining operations in the early
days were both extensive and profitable.
According to the old records, the bed of Thibert creek paid, before it was worked out,
for a distance of about 6 miles from its mouth, yielding, when at its best, from s?<S to 850 a
day to the hand.
McDame Cheek District.
At the present time it could not be learned that any one is mining in the McDame Creek
section, even the Chinese having left.
The operations of the Bosella Mining Company on Rosella creek came to a halt upon the
sudden death some years ago of J. H. Haskins, the then manager and moving spirit in the
company, since when nothing has been done with the hydraulic plant which has been brought
on to the ground but never erected.
July 28th was spent at Porter's Landing, to which a return had been made the previous
evening, no boat being available that day to go up the lake.
Porter's Lmding now consists of a Hudson Bay Company's store and one run by Hyland
it Belfry, each in charge of a white man, who, with the addition of a few Indians and half-
breeds, constitute the resident population of the once rather lively town. Its present
importance is chiefly as the supply-point for the Hydraulic Company on Thibert creek, and the
starting-point and headquarters for the scows and crews of Indians engaged in summer in
transporting supplies for the two trading companies to their posts on the Liard river.
July 29th. The writer and a number of others left Porter's Landing at 10 a.m. on
Sunday for the upper end of the lake in Hyland & Belfry's scow. A couple of hours were
spent in Laketon, and the upper end of the lake was eventually reached at 9 a.m. July 30th.
The old town of Laketon is now deserted, its sole resident population consisting of an
Indian packer and his family, with one white prospector, who uses one of the old Government
buildings as his headquarters, and a couple of miners who have cabins a short distance up
Dease creek.
K 80 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
Dease Cheek.
According to l>r. G. M. Dawson, who visited the creek in 1887, the lied of Dease creek
was then nearly worked out, having been gone over several times; it paid well, from .-'s i...-'..n
a dav to the hand, for a distance of six miles up from the flats, with a few good isolated
claims higher up.
In 1912 there were two men working on the creek : I'yan was working a claim on the
north side of the creek immediately above the canyon at the head of the tlats and about half a
mile from the lake, where he was running a tunnel from the creek level into what appears to
be a slide from the hillside at a point where the ..Id, or high, channel cuts into the hill, coming
out on the flats lying to the north of the present creek.
The tunnel-workings exhibit quite a number of large rounded boulders, with some gravel
wash, hut there is also a large percentage of angular rock fragments, not water-worn and clay.
A sample of the iron-sulphides obtained liv Ryan in his sluice boxes was taken for assay,
and was found to contain t.8 oz. of gold — about $96 to the ton. The sample was
afterwards tested for platinum, but none could be detected, although this metal is known to
exist in the next creek — Thibert creek.
Ryan was making wages, although probably not very much more; the gold was fairly
coarse and flat.
A miner named Johnson was said to be working in a small way some six miles up
the creek, but as it was reported that he was not having any great success, lii claim were not
visited.
On tlie flats about a quarter of a mile from the lake and immediately below the gorge by
which the creek enters the flats. Messrs. llvland and Fowler have a lease on which they have
sunk a shaft down to a depth of :_".i feet, without reaching bed rock. The property was worked
in L91 1, and an attempt was made to handle the water with an old steam plant, but without
success, and they were forced to abandon this shaft, and are preparing to sink another whin
it is expected that the flow of water will not be so gnat.
Tt is reported that gold in fair quantity was found at IS feet down, but no work was
done on that streak other than the sinking of the shaft through it. The wash from this shaft
also contained much slide-matter a ng the gravel and a few large bould
It seemed to the Writer as if the old high channel, which had been found on side or
other of the creek coming (low u the valley, had. at the i-uivmi referred to, cut into the hillside
to tlie north of the present creek and continued towards the lake through the low bench land
King to the north of the flats, and that it is quite possible that these benches mav still be
found to be worth prospecting.
The present stream had cut through the rim lock to the smith, forming the canyon and
emptying over the flats into the lake, which probably then stood at a much higher level than
at present.
July 30th. The seen with the party aboard arrived at the head of the lake about '.' a.m.:
the pack train had to ]„■ gathered together, •■mil the return by trail to Telegraph Creek started
at 2.30 p.m., fifteen miles being travelled before camp was made. Telegraph Creek was reached
on August 2nd.
August 3rd to 5th was spent at Telegraph Creek waiting till the llvland pack-train
returned with the additional horses and men required for the long jonrnev to the GrOUD.db.Og
coalfield.
l:.-i ki-ioii — on Deasc Lake — I. i aril >1 ining Division.
Uy nn's — Placer Drlft-mln< — Deawe Creek, nea p Laketon.
3 Geo. 5 Cassiar District. K 81
Quartz-mining.
With the exception of the claims already mentioned which are being prospected on the
Iskut river, there is no " quartz-mining " being done in the district ; in fact, with the present
lack of transportation facilities there is no incentive to prospect for lode mines.
In the days of the Cassiar Central Railway's explorations, about 1897, a number of
mineral claims were located near the Dea.se river, but these were never developed. Various
parties have brought in samples of copper-ore and argentiferous galena of such character as
to give hope that prospecting would develop these minerals in such quantities as might justify
mining when railway facilities are provided, but so far no definite information is available.
TRIP FROM TELEGRAPH CREEK TO GROUNDHOG.
It was found that it would be impracticable to take horses from Telegraph Creek through
the Groundhog to Hazelton and ensure their return to the former place before winter set in,
the round trip being some 600 miles, with high summits to pass. So it was arranged that the
Telegraph Creek pack-train should take the writer and party as far as Groundhog mountain,
returning light to Telegraph Creek. After looking over the coalfield the Provincial Mineralogist
would be taken out to Hazelton by a Hazelton pack-train that was bringing in supplies to the
coalfield and returning light to Hazelton.
August 6th. The party left Telegraph Creek on the afternoon of August 6th, the horses
having been swum across the Stikine river in the morning, there being no bridge or ferry,
one of which is sadly needed, as the river is very dangerous in high water ; all supplies and
pack-train equipment had to be taken across in canoes.
The trail leaves the Stikine valley a short distance below Telegraph Creek, mounting
rapidly to an elevation of about 2,750 feet, and soon descending into the valley of the
Mestua (or 1st South fork), which is here a deep canyon.
Camp was made at the first available feed for horses, about seven miles from the Stikine.
The hills and benches passed over from the Stikine valley are composed of volcanic ash-beds
and basalts, the valleys being covered with their residual matter, chiefly sand, not suited to
agriculture. The hills are sparsely covered with grass, which affords summer feed for horses.
August 7th. The pack-train was in motion from 7.30 until 2 p.m., during which time
si 'me fifteen miles were travelled in an easterly direction, and camp finally made at the upper end
of Bulkley lake, or Destline lake, which empties into the 2nd South fork (or Klastline river)
of the Stikine river. Bulkley lake is about three and one-half miles long by about a mile
wide, unimportant in itself, but, at both ends, particularly at the easterly end or outlet,
there are great areas of fine wild hay meadows ; to this point the Telegraph Creek pack-trains
are annually driven after the packing season, to be turned out to feed until about January 1st,
after which they are taken to the home ranch to be fed on cut hay for the remainder of the
winter. The plateau in which the lake is situated is at an elevation of about 2,900 feet, and
contains quite a number of square miles suitable for raising hay and possibly oats. The soil
is a very fair sandy loam, but the elevation is against its settlement for general farming. To
the south-east of the line of travel this day there lies a range of hills of volcanic origin, several
showing distinctly that they are c posed of successive volcanic flows. These hills are locally
called the "Craters," and they are credited with being the point of origin of the basalt and
lava Bows which have filled up the valleys of the Stikine and its tributaries near that point,
a suppositi.ii i which certainly seems quite probable.
G
K 82 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
Augusl -ili. The trail followed was along the northern side of Bulkley !;ik» (or Destline
lake, as it is called by the Indians) to its outlet. From this point the Government trail
follows down the left bank of Destline creek to the 2nd South fork, or Klastlim here
the Governmenl has built a bridge), then up the right bank of the latter.
This Government trail from the lake is little used either by the Indians or whites, except
when the river is in such high water as to render it utnfordable some miles higher up at
the ford.
The writer's party crossed Destline creek a mile or so below the lake, circling the
meadows at the outlet, and bearing off to the south-easl to strike the Klastline some ten or
twelve miles above the bridge. This trail leads along a number of swamps and meadows until.
as it nears the river, it rises on to the " Lava Beds," a hue plateau some miles wide covered
with sheets and hlocks of lava ami devoid of vegetation except tor a tew small trees growing
in the cracks of the lava.
After crossing tl Lava Beds"the trail plunges quickly down into the valley of the
Klastline at an elevation of 2,300 feet, following it up for a distance of two miles to the ford.
a crossing in use since early days.
Here a canoe is kept for the convenience of travellers in more than ordinarily high water ;
the canoe belongs to an old Indian woman in Tahltan, and it is cust ary with all travellers
who use it to pay to the Indian Agent at Telegraph Creek, for her. a certain sum of money.
from -1 i" -•', for the us,- of the canoe, and it is creditable to the men travelling in the
country to say that this payment is seldom evaded, and to the Indians that they keep the
canoe in repair, a form of practical charity thai might, with profit, be emulated by more
ci\ ilized districts.
A siu'n on a blazed tree at this camp, marked " R.N.W.M.P.," stated that the "distance
from Edmonton 1,350 miles" by the route taken by the Mounted Police.
August 9th. It had rained incessantly all night and continued so hard in the i ning
that camp would not ordinarily have been moved, but the river began to rise raj. idly, and it
was seen that if the river was to he forded it would have to he crossed at once, so the horses
were rounded up and a start made at 1 p.m. and the crossing safely made.
A prospector named Watson, travelling in the same direction, packing his supplies on
two dogs, was picked up here and helped across the river.
The north side of the ri\ er was followed up for some nine miles, when camp was made in
a "brule°' that afforded some slight teed for the horses. After fording the river the Government
trail was again picked up and followed. It was very had. badly located and badly made
indicating little effort or time to make even a passable pretense at trail-building. In extenua-
tion, however, it must lie said that the length of trails expected to he looked after by the
trail-gang is absurdly great for the force employed, and so remote from headquarters that the
time is taken up in simply clearing out trails, without any attempt at improvement.
August 10th was spent in camp. Tt rained without ceasing all day. so hard that a
had to he rigged over the cooking-fire to prevent its being quenched.
August llth. The rain of the day before continued, but feed for 1 el to
he had. Camp was broken in the rain at noon and a march of nine miles made up to the si
of the Klastline and to tin' divide, at an elevation of 'J, '.mil feet, between the waters of this
stream and a fork of the Iskut which heads here.
3 Geo. 5 Cassiar District. K 8.3
The Klastline heads in a couple of small lakes in a deep canyon, the sides of which are of
basalt, as is the whole country in this vicinity.
Around the headwaters of the Iskut there is considerable land suitable for summer
grazing, but at an elevation of 2,900 feet.
Camp was made on the rocky edge of a beaver meadow, the first possible food obtainable
for the horses.
August 12th. An early start was frustrated by "lost horses " and the pack-train was
only in motion by 9.30. The trail led over a plateau at an elevation of about 2,900 feet,
grass-covered for the most part, bordered by small timber and composed of gravel-wash, formed
in rounded hillocks, and pot-holes, indicating glacial action and quite obscuring any rock in
place.
About noon descent was made to a fork of the Iskut river flowing easterly, which was
followed down to its junction with another fork flowing westerly; this latter fork was followed
up to its source on a large plateau, or watershed, between this fork and the Klappan river.
This plateau is known locally as the " Klappan summit " of the trail, and is a favourite
rendezvous for big-game hunters and for the Indians in the hunting season. It is at an
elevation of about 4,000 feet, above which the mountains rise for about from 1,000 to 2,000
feet higher. Level table-lands on the summits extend for some miles to the north, but drop
off to the south more quickly to a couple of large lakes on the headwaters of the Iskut river.
August 13th. Camp was not moved this day, as feed for the horses was very good, and
they needed it. It was also desirable to allow the Klappan river, which had to be crossed on
next day's march, to subside after the heavy rains.
August 14th. After travelling for a couple of miles across this flat summit-land at an
elevation of 4,000 feet, the trail was followed down a gravel-covered side-hill to the Klappan
river at an elevation of 2,700 feet, arriving there at noon after travelling about nine miles.
The river was found to be high and swift, so the horses had to be swum across first, and
the party and equipment taken across in a small canoe which is kept there for ferrying
purposes. The crossing of the river occupied over two hours, after which camp was made on
the right 1 ank of the river at the ford.
August 1 5th. On the right bank of the Klappan river a part of the old Ashcroft trail
was found. This old trail was used in the old days of the Cassiar excitement to bring cattle
to Dease lake. The stakes and cutting of an old survey-line were also found ; this was a
survey from Dease lake to Hazelton made by John S. O'Dwyer in 1899 for the Department of
Railways and Canals of the Dominion Government.
It was noted that the wash in the creeks flowing from the north contained a good deal of
slate rock, indicating that a formation of sedimentary rocks, probably the Cretaceous coal-
bearing formation, existed at no very great distance to the north, although the formation in the
vicinity of the trail was of volcanic origin.
After travelling for 12 miles, camp was made a few miles below the mouth of the Little
Klappan, an easterly fork of the main Klappan, which heads with the »Spatsizi and Skeena
rivers : whereas the southerly fork, or main Klappan, heads with a fork of the Nass river.
The valley of the main Klappan, travelled through, is about a mile wide, and contains a
considerable area of land suited to agriculture, while the side-hills are covered with spruce and
hemlock of fair size,
K 84 Report of the Minister of Minks. L913
August 16th. The trail followed the main Klappan up to the mouth of the Little Klappan,
where if branched off to the left, with rather an obscure turnout, and followed up the latter
fork through a valley almost half a mile wide with some good hottom laud, hut with mount
rising steeply on either side ; the source of the Klappan is about thirty-five mile- from this fork.
After seven hours' travelling, in which only fourteen miles were covered, camp was made
at the forks of the Little Klappan some eight miles up from tin- main stream, on the site of
O'Dwyer's old camp No. 21.
August 17th. The old trail from this point follows up the righl bank of the Little
Klappan, crossing the stream somewhere below, hut the Indians guiding the party, for some
reason, considered it host to follow up the branch to its source on a summit at an elevation of
+,900 feet, after which a very rapid descent had to be made to the Little Klappan, striking it
again about fifteen miles above the folks where it had been left. A reason given for this change
of route was better feed for the horses, hut it is suspected that the presence of innumerable
ground-hogs (hoary marmots), to which as food the Indians are very partial and of which they
killed a number on the summit referred to. had something to do with the choice of route.
The distance from the folks of the river to the summit at the source of the fork (Tsertia
creek) wasaboul fourteen miles and occupied seven anda half hours over a very indistinct trail,
climbing to a height entirely unnecessary. To any one following this route the trail up tin-
Little Klappan is recommended as better.
Camp was made on this summit, from which the snow had hut lately incited, and.
consequently, where it was difficult to find a dry place to set up the tents and have firewood
w ilhin reach.
The formation of the mountains here consisted of shales, conglomerates, and sandstone
very much broken and disturbed with oumerous igneous intrusions, and of an average elevation
of 7. ni III feet, the whole indicating thai the coal formation had been entered this day, hut that
it was in too broken a slate to here give hope for workable coal. No coal could be seen in tin-
wash of any of t lie creeks.
August 18th. A couple of hours' journey brought the part] from the summit by a very
steep trail down to the valley of the Little Klappan, fifteen miles above when- it had been left
the previous morning, and at an elevatii f 3,900 feet.
This valley was followed up some eleven miles, when camp was made on a knoll (elevation
I. .".oil feet i. where the river takes a sharp turn to the south, about sixteen miles having been
lied since morning.
This camping-ground is a famou rendezvous for the Indians bunting in the district, and
is known as tin- " Indian < Irav ova id.'' from the fact that a number of Indians have been buried
there; the Indians keep a lot of whip -a wed lumber here to make coffins in case ucy.
The fugitive Indian Gun-a-noot uses this as a headquarters, and buried one of the w en of
his family here last season.
As soon as this part of (he valley of the Little Klappan was entered it was noted to be
in the coal formal ion. an exposure of over I'.onn feet thickness of shale, etc.. being seen. The
valley appears to be a denuded anticlinal, from which the measures dip east and west with
i emingly much regularity.
Coal was observed On Eaglenest creek some distance up. and Boat found in the creek,
but no exposure of a seam could be found in the creek complete enough to permit of any
i : urements,
3 Geo. 5
Cassiar District.
K
The samples of coal taken from here must be regarded more as specimens, since it cannot
be stated what thickness or character of seam they are from. The following (A) is an analysis
of the coal — a piece selected by the writer — not a general sample ; while B (Mallock's Sample
No. 9) is on a " picked sample " from the same locality : —
Sample.
Moisture.
Vol. Comb. M.
Fixed Carbon.
Ash.
Total.
A
B
5.00
4.14
9.00
8.43
79.40
80.27
6.60
7.16
100.00
100.00
In the vicinity of the Graveyard a number of coal-stakings were observed which bore
on the posts the name of R. K. Lindsay, of Vancouver. It has since been learned that
his Lot No. 20 covers the ground the Indian graves are on, and that he has staked here about
100 square miles of land, which, it has been reported, has since been turned over to Alvo von
Alvensleben and associates.
As will be seen from the itinerary given, this part of the field is within ten easy drives
of a pack-train from Telegraph Creek, from which point it seems probable that supplies will in
the future be drawn.
At the " Indian Graveyard " the Little Klappan river, which below this point had flowed
in a general north-west direction, takes an abrupt bend and flows in a north-east course
between high hills, but the valley of the lower part of the river continues in a south-east
direction, opening into a great, nearly flat, swampy plateau, several miles wide, flanked with
gradually rising hills, which extends through to the Spatsizi river, and in which Trail creek, a
tributary of the last-mentioned river, takes its rise, a couple of miles to the eastward of the
Graveyard. This wide, low summit is at an elevation of about 4,200 feet above sea-level and
forms a natural pass over on to the watershed of the Spatsizi river, which in turn heads in a
similar flat summit meadow with the Kluakaz, or West fork of the Skeena, upon which most
of the first of the coal claims were staked, thus forming a continuous and easy route for
subsequent railway connection between the separate portions of the field.
The country all about here is distinctly in the coal-bearing formation ; the portion lying
under the plateau mentioned, at the head of Trail creek, and both to the north and south
seems less disturbed and broken than do many other parts, giving hope that the coal-
measures here may be found in more workable condition.
From the nature of the formation, however, it was not to be expected that coal-outcrops
would be easily found, and prospecting here will have to be done by sinking or boring.
On the hill lying to the south-east of the Little Klappan, above the Graveyard and to the
south-west of the plateau, or valley of Trail creek, the stakes of a group of claims, staked by
Messrs. Pike, Bond, Beauclerk, and Simpson, were found.
There here appears to have been a fault, down-throwing to the west, in which is exposed
a section of the measures at an elevation of 5,000 feet.
The strata, as exposed, show a heavy bed of sandstone underlain by a bed of
conglomerate from 2 to 4 feet thick, again underlain by a bed of 25 feet of clay-shale
showing fossil leaves; below this is a bed of shale carrying coal, samples of which gave
analyses similar to those just quoted.
K 86 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
The disintegration of the measures here prevented the size or nature of the seam from
being seen, as no work had been (loin- on n. so thai 11 can only be reported that coal of fair
quality exists here. The measures hare a strike of north east and south west, with a dip of
ahout 15 degrees to the south-east.
As far as could be ohserved without an actual survey, the same ground appears to be
covered by the stakings of both Messrs. Pike and Lindsay. Other stakes in the one vicinity
bear the names of (1. I!. Hughes and <!. I!. Griffiths.
August 20th. Leaving the Graveyard al 8.20 a.m., a very indistinct trail was followed
eastward along the marshy plateau — which was crossed with some difficulty — to the hill lying
to the south-east, when Trail creek was followed up to its source on this hill. Towards its
top, at an elevation of 5,400 feet, the hill is bare and seemed to be composed of shales and
sandstones lying at low angles. The wash and debris showed numerous fragments of coal, but
at no place could any coal exposures be seen, nor could any workings be found.
The summit of this hill is a great elevated plateau, at about ."..huh feel elevation,
extending for some miles to the south; the measures here showing little disturbance,
although farther south the strata seemed to be broken by numerous faults, the peaks presenting
sharp escarpments.
This undisturbed ground appeared to extend towards thi- west, nearly as far as the Little
Klappan. beyond which the formation is broken and irregular.
To the eastward it extends well towards the Spatsizi River valley, which valley seems to
have followed a line of fracture along the crest of an anticlinal fold in the measures.
Crossing this elevated plateau for four or five miles, the trail leads down Tenas, or llankin,
creels to the Spatsizi river. The river at this part was at an altitude of 1.1IIU feet and
flowing northerly in a valley three-quarters of a mile wide.
The hills to the north-west appeared to be less broken than those to the southeast.
although deeply cut by transverse valleys. < >n both sides of the valley the measures seemed to
dip away from it, at angles of about 50 degrees, the strike of the measures being approximately
parallel with the valley.
The lulls to the north-west rise to a height of about I'.oOO feet above the valley, the
highest measures visible being two or three heavy beds of conglomerate with beds of reddish
shale, the lower portion of the hills being masked by slide matter.
After travelling fifteen miles from the Graveyard, camp was made on the wide, tlat divide
forming the watershed between the Spatsizi. Sowing northerly, and at Kluakaz. Bowing
south-easterly.
August L'lst. The valley of the Kluakaz was followed down this day for about thirteen
miles farther, and it presented a very similar appearance to the portion passed through the
previous day. The strata, as exhibited in tin- hills to the west, continued to l>e regular,
perhaps even flatter than seen the day before : the hills to the eastward had become less steep,
so much SO thai the lay of the strata was not visible from the valley.
August 22nd. After following the same valley down some eight miles
B.C. Anthracite farther, the first evidence of prospecting-work was encountered ; this proved
Coal Synd. to be the workings of the B.C. Anthracite Coal Syndicate, known as the
Campbell-Johnston camp, at Biernes creek. The camp had not been
occupied during the season of 1912, and there was no one who could point out all tin-
openings made, so it is quite possible some may have been overlooked.
3 Geo. 5 Cassiar District. K 87
Biernes creek is a large stream flowing from the west in a narrow valley ; the washing of
the stream had exposed in its banks two or three coal-seams, all dipping at moderate angles to
the east or under the valley of the Kluakaz.
On the left bank of the creek three tunnels were found which had been driven in on as
many seams of coal, and, apparently, from one of these, an incline had been sunk for some
distance on the seam. Unfortunately, the timbering of these openings had been insufficient,
so that all had, more or less, caved in, preventing a full view of any of the seams, which were,
however, estimated to be about 6 feet thick.
Where the coal could be seen in place in the seam, it was found to be in thin layers, with
partings of shale or dirt, the seam as a whole being too " dirty " to be worked commercially.
As the tunnels had been driven in on the coal-seams, the dumps may be assumed to
represent a fair sample of the seam as it would have to be mined. The dumps, it is true, had
lain exposed to the weather, for at least a year, partly accounting for the condition of their
contents, which had gone to powder, the coal being in grains and the shale partings into clay.
No lumps of coal could be found in the dumps, except such as contained an undue proportion
of iron-sulphide, and were therefore valueless.
On the right-hand side of the creek, a little farther up, another tunnel was found, the
approach to which consisted of an open-cut made in the surface clay, and, as the sides of this
had been unsupported by timber, they had slid in to such an extent as to form a dam which
backed the water up into the tunnel to a depth of over 3 feet, thus rendering access to the
interior of the tunnel impracticable. The coal from this seam had evidently been kept on a
separate dump and was found to have disintegrated, as did that on the dumps on the opposite
side of the creek.
Another tunnel had been driven in on a seam outcropping on the bank of the river at
the camp, apparently an overlying seam ; the timbering of this also had given way and it was
inaccessible. There was a pile of coal on this dump which had likewise disintegrated, with
the exception of a few lumps, and these were full of quartz stringers. No satisfactory samples
could be obtained of the coal in place, and no general samples of the dump were taken, as an
assay was not required to show it was too dirty for commercial use, even had its physical
conditions permitted.
The trip from Biernes creek to McEvoy flats, a distance of about twelve miles, was made
during the afternoon ; the trail was found to be almost impassable, but fortunately it has since
received attention from the Government road-gang.
Camp was made on the north edge of the McEvoy flats — a large flat, usually affording
very good horse-feed for even a large pack-train ; at this season it was about eaten off by
the numerous pack-trains from Hazelton, which usually rested here a few days before starting
on their return trip.
August 23rd. The pack-train which had brought the party from Telegraph Creek was
here turned back, and, it was subsequently learned, made its way back to Telegraph Creek in
nine days.
It was found that the B.C. Anthracite Coal Company had established a camp on the
south side of the flats, below Courrier creek, as headquarters for the exploration parties in the
Held. This camp was in charge of H. F. Glassey, who kindly volunteered his services to
guide the writer to the various prospecting workings in the vicinity, which offer was gladly
accepted and proved of great assistance.
K 88 Report of the Minister of Mixes. 1918
McEvoy Hats, a1 t be mouth of Courrier creek, was the headquarters of
Western Develop- the Western Development Company in the field, from which point all the
ment Company, prospecting of the various properties was done. This company has acquired
sixteen claims of one mile square each, and all of these have been duly sur-
veyed. Theseclaims were the first staked in thefield — in 1903 and 1904 — and havenaturally been
better explored than some of the more recent stakings; the company, however, was quite
unrepresented in the field during the season of 1912. The geology of this pari of the held has
been described in the printed rep.. its .,t' (i. S. Mallock, of the Geological Survey; of .las.
McEvoy, etc., and need not be entered into hen, attention being routine. 1 to the result- of
the development work done.
A great deal of the prospecting development work done by the company ..insisted of
Open-strippingS and trenches to expose the coal seams, and, as these had been standing for two
years at least, they were all found to have now so caved in as to give no indication of what
had been found ; consequently, the effective development was confined to the tunnels, which,
fortunately, had been sufficiently timbered and were found to be standing.
Trail Creek 7V?m«/.— The first workings found were on Trail creek, a quarter of a mile
up from its junction with Courrier creek. About 30 feet above the level of the creek a tunnel
has been driven in on a coal-seam for a distance of about 50 feet in a general X. tiO K. direction.
The strike of the seam was about south-east and north-west, with a very moderate dip to the
measures — about 15 degrees. The tunnel was Tx" feet, run in entirely on the seam. Coal
still showed in the roof, so the full thickness of the top coal was n..t easily measured, but it is
about •_' I inches.
The following is a section of the seam as exposed in the tunnel : Ft. In.
Top coal about 2 0
1 hrt-parting 0 '■'•
Dirty coal. 0 10
Dirt-parting 0 3
Coal 0 +
Dirt-parting n -'
Coal, hard. 1 0
.. soft 0 8
I hit parting 0 3
Coal 2 0
i
9
A general Sample of the seam was taken down the face exposed at the inner end of the
tunnel : from this sample was excluded, as far as possible, all partings of Over 1 inch ; all the
smaller partings were included. This sample gave upon analysis the following: —
Moisture 2.5 per cent.
Vol. matter 6. 1 •■
I .1 carbon 42.6
Ash 48.8 i,
100.00 ..
The coal was much shattered, w ith a large number of small seamlets of quartz showing in
the fracture planes ; the seam also contained some Sulphur-balls.
The coal dump made from this tunnel had been exposed to the weather for probably two
years, and was found to have crumbled to sand : the few solid lumps still remaining contained
a \ isible amount of iron-sulpl
<<»nl formation ell Offing in Mountains oti I pper Skeena,
^■^ii-rtffV
.«■»
Spatslsl Hirer — near Trail Creek — looking North.
3 Geo. 5
Cassiar District.
K 89
Another tunnel was found on Abraham creek, in a draw about three-quarters of a mile to
the north-west of Courrier creek ; this tunnel had been driven in for about 20 feet on a coal-
seam 6 feet thick, having a strike of about east and west, dipping to north at an angle of cS
degrees, and with a fairly good roof of sandy shale or sandstone.
The following is a section of the seam in the tunnel : —
Roof — sandstone. Ft. In.
Dirty coal 0 6
Shattered coal 2 0
Dirt-parting 0 3
Hard coal 1 6
Shattered coal 1 9
6 0
Two general samples of the coal-face of this seam were obtained — the first (A) sampled by
the writer, leaving out all partings over 1 inch ; the other (B) taken some days later by a
visiting engineer, in the presence of the writer, and in which all partings over § inch were
excluded.
Analyses.
Sample.
Moisture.
Vol. Matter.
Fixed Carbon.
Ash.
Total.
A
B
2.5
3.0
8.1
6.6
62.3
66.0
27.1
24.4
100.0
100.0
The dirt-partings in these seams were not, as then exposed, a hard shale, but soft clay and
sand ; whether they were hard when first exposed to the air could not be learned.
The appearance of the coal in this tunnel was the best seen in the camp by the writer,
but, nevertheless, the coal on the dump had disintegrated, under the influence of the weather,
to a sand, not even a lump of clean hard coal being obtainable as a specimen.
It had been reported that there were a couple of tunnels on Discovery creek, but none of
the men in the camp had ever seen these, and the writer could not find them ; as no employee
of the company was in the field, the search had to be abandoned.
These tunnels were afterwards found by G. W. Evans, an engineer employed by another
company, who said he found them some miles up the creek while examining the field at a later
date, and that the coal in these was cleaner and firmer than in the other tunnels and did not
disintegrate as badly, much of it being still in good condition.
The following analysis is given by G. S. Mallock, of the Geological Survey : —
Sample.
Moisture.
Vol. Comb. M.
Fixed Carbon.
Ash.
Total.
No. 1 Lower tunnel Dis-
covery creek
2.88
7.64
78.84
10.64
100.00
This company owns a large number of coal-areas in the field, and has
B.C. Anthracite this past summer been earnestly and legitimately engaged, at a very heavy
Coal Company, expense, in determining by substantial development-work and expert
examination just what value the various properties have.
K 90
Report of the Minister of Minks.
I'M:;
The heart iest development-work lias been carried on at what is known as •'.Jackson's camp,1
situated on the northern flank of Groundhog mountain, on Trail creek, a small stream flowing
into Courrier creek.
At this poinl the company had elected two substantial log buildings a cook-house and
bunk-house and lias established a force of four coal-miners, as well as some outside men.
under the charge of Arthur Challoner, a certificated mine foreman.
This force was expected to be kept at work developing at a depth the coal seams described
later, and the results of this deeper developmenl will be looked for with much interest.
No. I or Godfrey Tunnel. — This tunnel is located on Trail creek, about three-quarters of a
mile from its mouth and at an elevation of 3,250 feet. The tunnel had been driven in for 12
feet from the portal, but at this distance was just getting 0u1 of the wash and into the solid
coal seam, so that the cual face could nut be expected thus t<> be as good as it would probably
prove farther in.
As it was seen, the cual in the face consisted of layers of coal with dirt-partingS, the latter
so frequent that the seam at this point was scarcely up to an economic fuel.
Two samples were taken of the coal seam as exposed in this tunnel, viz. A. a genera]
ample of the face of the tunnel, and B, a sample of the lump coal free from all partings. The
following are the analyses : —
Sample.
Moisture.
Vol. Comb. M.
Fixed Carbon.
Ash.
Total.
A
B
2.7
2.3.
5.6
5.1
53.4
71.1
38.3
21.5
WO. u
100.0
The coal from these tunnels had but recently been mined, and showed a fair percentage
of lumps on the dump ; as it had not been exposed to the winter's action, it cannot be stated
whether it would withstand the action of weather any better than that on the dumps of the
i it her properties.
These coal-seams all show extreme pressure and the coal is much shattered, containing
numerous small veinlets of quartz, which doubtless account partly tor the high ash content of
the samples.
No. .' Tunnel is. near the bunk-house, and had been driven in for L20 feet on the strike
of a coal seam dipping at about JO decrees : the level course of the tunnel had brought it very
near the surface of the ground ill a small draw, so the work had been Stopped.
The seam exposed is about 7 feet thick, with some very fair-looking firm coal, but contains
a number of dirt-partings throughout the scam, which would render the coal as mined very
dirty.
No general sample of the coal-face was taken, hut one obtained of the lump coal from the
tunnel assayed as follows : —
Moisture.
imb. Main r.
Fixed Carbon.
Ash.
Total.
3.4
5.4
70.8
21 1. 4
100.0
3 Geo. 5 Cassiar District K 91
No. S Tunnel has been driven in for about 160 feet and appears to be on a seam which
overlies No. 2 seam, and which also dips on an angle of about 20 degrees, with shale roof.
The coal-seam is from 6 to 7 feet thick, but towards the inner end of the tunnel it pinches to
about 2 feet thick, although at the face the roof was rising, so that probably the normal
thickness would soon return.
No sample was taken of this seam, which appeared very similar to the two others sampled.
Besides these tunnels sampled and described at Jackson camp, the company had done
other work partly as follows : —
Head of Jackson creek, at the timber-line, there had been two tunnels driven in, each for
about 20 feet — the first on an 8i-foot seam dipping at an angle of 85 degrees, and the second
on"a 5-foot seam dipping at 20 degrees.
The coal is reported as of the same character as that in Jackson camp, and carried the
usual sulphur-balls and dirt-partings.
On Brewer creek, the first left-hand branch of Courrier creek, about two and a half miles
up from McEvoy flats, two tunnels had been driven in a short distance on two seams, about
i\ feet thick, and dipping respectively at 20 and 75 degrees. The coal here was of about the
same character as in the other workings.
The company had also developed a couple of coal-seams on the 2nd fork of Courrier creek,
each about 4J feet thick, dipping respectively at 20 degrees and nearly flat.
Telfer Creek.
On Telfer creek the B.C. Anthracite Coal Company was found to have done an amount
of preliminary development with a force of men under Seth Godfrey.
This work consisted in opening up the outcrops of the various seams, and the running of
short tunnels on them ; this work was done primarily to render the seams visible for the
inspection of G. W. Evans, a coal-mining geologist who was engaged in making a report on
the properties of the company.
Here within the distance of 400 yards, and a vertical height of 200 feet, some six
coal-seams have been exposed in the left side of the creek.
No. 1 Tunnel. — The lowest or No. 1 tunnel is at an altitude of about 3,825 feet, and
has been run in for three sets of timbers on a coal-seam, but had not been driven far enough
to strike solid coal ; that showing was very much crushed and shattered and, as exposed, very
dirty. The thickness of this seam was not demonstrated exactly, but it was of a workable
thickness. The dip of all these seams is into the hill in a N. 65° E. direction, at angles
approximating 25 degrees.
No. 2 Tunnel is some 200 yards farther up the hill, and has to be driven in for about 20
feet, disclosing a 5-foot coal-seam, which was very much shattered and quite " dirty."
No. 8 Tunnel, still higher up, has touched a coal-seam, but has to be driven farther to
show what the seam amounted to.
No. 4 Tunnel had been driven in for 15 feet, and had disclosed a coal-seam 6 feet thick,
in which the coal appeared more hard and compact than in the other seams, but in which the
small dirt-partings were so prevalent as to make the seam dirty. The coal already on the
dump showed the same tendency to disintegrate as in the camp generally.
No. 5 Tunnel has only been driven in for 10 feet, and shows a 5-foot coal seam, of which
about 18 inches was fairly clean, but the remainder was quite dirty.
K 92 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
X<i. >'i Tiinml was not through the slide-matter, bul the indications were that it would
disclose a coal seam.
Langlois Creek.
The B.C. Anthracite Coal Company had also a party of men working at the head of
Langlois creek, on the flank of Table mountain, at an altitude of AMun feet tar alxjvi-
timber-line. This work was more of an exploratory nature than to develop any known scam.
The formation on the surface on the top of the mountain was locally so broken as to give
little idea of where the COaJ seams, lure exposed, might he found at a level where it was
possible to work.
A tunnel had been run for about 1 '2 feet on a seam dipping to the south east at about
.'iO degrees, which showed 20 inches of fairly hard coal ; the remainder of the seam is very
soft and dirty.
Another opening at the same elevation showed about 4 feet of fairly hard coal, about the
same in character as the i mi een elsewhere.
Another seam — at an altitude of 5,200 feet- which is claimed to be a 17-foot seam.
showed in present development about •"> feet of fairly hard coal ; the work had not progressed
far enough to show up the whole seam. This coal was fairly hard and solid, hut very dirty.
SUMMARY.
The coal hearing formation, as far as at present indicated by prospecting, covers an area
extending ahout seventy-five miles in a north-west and south-east direction, witli a width of
about forty miles. This area includes the headwaters of branches of the Skeena, Stikine, and
Nass rivers, which here head together at an altitude above sea-level of ahout 3,800 feet, above
which the mountains, also composed of the coal measures, rise from 1,000 to 3,000 feet higher.
The presence of coal seams has heen indicated by prospecting over a large proportion of
this area, hut Only in the southern end of tin' field, where the earlier discoveries were made,
had there heen any serious attempt made to prove by development the nature and extl I
the seams.
Speaking generally, the only important development-work done, as tar as I was able to
ibserve or learn, has heen on the Skeena watershed in the vicinity of Biernes, Courtier, and
Trail creeks.
I would estimate- the total area of the coal lands already as in the vicinity of 2,000 square
miles, hut I am not at present able to submil figures other than an estimate. Of this |
area. I would further estimate that about 20 per cent, of it lies on the Nass watershed, ahout
It* per cent, on the Stikine. and Id per cent, on the Skeena watershed.
The whole coalfield appears to have heen subjected to a severe geological thrust, acting in
uth-west and northeast direction, which crumpled and folded the coal-measures, thereby
developing a series of roughly parallel mountain ranges, with intervening valleys, running in a
north-west and south-east direction.
Where this folding happened to break the strata most severely, the greatest amoui
subsequent denudation and disintegration would naturally occur, and, since it is largely to this
denudation that the exposures of the coal seams arc due, it is altogether probable that the
exposures and developments so far made are in the /ones of greatest disturbance, so that,
consequently, it may reasonably be hoped that a more detailed study and examination of the
field will result in the discovery of beds of coal which have not heen subjected to such great
strains, and where the coal will he found more compact than in the localities so far developed.
3 Geo. 5 Cassiar District. K 93
It was on the Skeena watershed that the earlier stakings were made, and here, as might
he expected, has systematic prospecting first taken place. Here the numerous locations have
been gradually segregated into large holdings, the owners of which appear to have adopted the
wise plan of so far pooling their interests as to form a joint development syndicate — The B.C.
Amalgamated Anthracite Coal Company — (on what financial basis I am not fully informed) for
the purpose of having the whole area of their holdings jointly examined and reported upon by
competent coal-mining engineers.
The syndicate operations in the field were under the management of Amos Godfrey, who,
with a considerable force of men, with the necessary pack animals, was busily engaged all
season in uncovering and bringing to view coal exposures and outcrops on the various properties,
and. preparing them for the inspection of two parties of coal experts respectively under the
leadership of G. W. Evans, of Seattle, and G. Grossman, of Vancouver.
This expert examination and the preparing for it occupied the syndicate's attention all
season, to the exclusion of any very extensive development operations, and upon the reports < if
these experts largely will depend the future activities in this part of the coalfield.
Outside the work just mentioned, the only other important development-work being done
in the field this past season was at Jackson camp on Trail creek, on the northern slope of
Groundhog mountain, where, under the charge of competent coal-mine officials, the owners have
established a permanent camp, and have kept a force of fiom four to eight men employed all
season driving in a series of adit tunnels on the coal-seams outcropping some 400 to 500 feet
above the level of the Skeena valley at this point.
In September arrangements were completed and sufficient supplies in to keep a force of
from six to eight men employed here all winter in doing more extended and deeper development-
work under the charge of Arthur Challoner.
On the mountain to the east of the Skeena river, opposite the mouth of Courrier creek,
another winter camp was being constructed, where another party of about four men under the
charge of Seth Godfrey will be similarly occupied all winter.
With the exception of a party from the Geological Survey of Canada under G. S. Mallock,
and a Provincial Government survey party under J. H. Taylor, B.C.L.S., these were the only
parties at work in the field this past season.
The property of the Western Development Company, known as the McEvoy locations,
was not represented in the field this year by any one, and it was with great difficulty that their
various development tunnels, made in previous years, were found. Some of these tunnels had
caved in, while the various test-pits and trenchings were invariably found partly filled with
earth, so that little could be learned from them.
The B.C. Anthracite Coal Syndicate properties near Biernes creek, forming what is locally
known as "Johnston's camp," were also unrepresented this season.
A number of tunnels driven, in a previous year on coal-croppings, were examined, but
in every instance it was found that, owing to insufficient timbering, these tunnels were so
Completely caved in as to render entrance into them impossible, SO that the results obtained
therein had to be gauged by the contents of the dump.
At the two properties last mentioned, the dumps have lain outside for one or two winters,
and it was found that the coal and shah; taken from the tunnels, and forming the dumps, had
to such an extent disintegrated as to render the coal unmarketable.
K 94 Report of the Minister of Mines. 191 .')
The scams vary in thickness from .'! to 8 feet, w ith some possibly thicker, and arc com] i
of alternating layers of coal with bands of what probably would be found, when under sufficient
cover, to be shale, but which, as exposed to the atmosphere, have disintegrated into an earthy
sandy clay. These layers of coal each have a thickness of from <> to 18 inches, and possibly •_' 1
inches, while the "shale" partings vary from J to 3 or I inches in thickness.
The coal, so far developed, is found to be very much shattered, and the cleavage planes
are filled with foreign matter, such as quartz, calcite, etc., brought in in solution.
A number of the seams exhibit the presence of a large amount of iron, occurring as
sulphides, probably arsenical, judging from the white efflorescence left on the faces of the coal.
The seams as exposed, speaking generally, are decidedly "dirty" and will run high in
ash ; how far this can he corrected by washing can only he determined hv experiment. This
washing process has frequently to be resorted to with anthracite coals.
Perhaps, for the reasons already stated, that the developments so far have hecn in the
zones of greatest movement, the coal as exposed was found to be too friable and subject to
disintegration to have a high commercial value.
That these conditions may change when greater depth is obtained and in more favourable
localities is the present hope, which the work in hand for this coming winter will go a long way
towards settling, and without which it is not advisable to pass any final judgment on the
character of the coal, for the outcrop of even the best-proved seam is never very attractive.
The value of the field from a commercial \ iow point will not lie determined until the result
of this winter's work is known, and possibly it may he necessary to do some extensive boring
in the flatter-lying and more undisturbed localities before final results are obtained.
Up to the present time till access to the held litis hecn from Hazclton, following the
" Telegraph Trail " to between the 5th and 6th Cabins; thence following the old Ashcroft
trail, used in the '70's, up Slowmaldo creek to its source and over Groundhog mountain, at an
altitude of 5,700 feet, dropping again to the valley of the Skeena at an altitude of :i,ono feet.
The contract rate for packing over this trail this past season was 20 cents a pound, but
owing to the character .and condition of the trail the packers did not make wages, even at this
rate. A new trail, along a better route, which might be gradually converted into a wagon-road,
is urgently needed.
OTHER REPORTS ON THE FIELD IN 1912.
The Report for 1 'Jli1 of (!. 8. Mallock, of t \n Canadian Geological Survey, who has spent
the past two seasons in the Groundhog coalfield, has not yet hecn issued, but the following
is from the " Press Bulletin" issued by the Geological Survey in February, 1913, a summary
of the work done during the season of 1912 :
"G. S. Mallock continued his examination of the Groundhog mountain coalfield and
determined the southern, eastern, and northern boundaries of the area in w Inch coal he.iritc_'
strata occur. The southern boundary is situated near latitude 56 50', the eastern follows the
Duti fork of the Skeena to Shawni Lake, thence to the valley of the Kluatantan, from which
it passes over a flat divide to the Kluayetz fork of the Stikine, and thence over another divide
i" the Little Klappan river. The northern boundary i^ approximately latitude 57
Information given by prospectors leads one to believe tint the western boundary runs up the
East fork of the Nass river and over a divide to the main fork of the Klappan. The dimensions
.3 Geo. 5
Cassiar District.
K 95
of the field are thereby roughly forty -five miles by thirty, but in parts of this area the coal-
bearing rocks have been removed by erosion. While many new outcrops of coal were discovered
this year, no marked improvement in quality was noted, quartz or calcite veinlets being present
in nearly all the seams, and nigger-heads and numerous thin bands of bone occurring in many
of them. A closer examination of the structure proved the existence of many more faults than
were recognized last year.
" Following is a report of the proximate analyses made in the laboratory of the Mines
Branch, by fast coking, of nine samples of fuel from the undermentioned localities in the
Groundhog mountain coal-field, and one (No. 10) from the Sustut basin, B.C. Collected by
G. S. Mallock, Geological Survey : —
""No. 1 — Lower tunnel, Discovery creek.
" No. 2 — Top showing on Anthracite creek.
"No. 3 — Two miles north-east of Groundhog summit ; seam 6 feet.
" No. 4 — Summit of Jackson mountain ; seam 3 feet.
" No. 5 — Little Klappan river ; seam 9 J feet.
" No. 6 — McDonald creek ; seam 6 feet.
" No. 7 — Creek north of McDonald creek (Blume creek) ; seam 9 feet.
"No. 8 — Picked sample from seam on the Kluakaz branch of the Skeena river, above
Langlois creek.
" No. 9 — Picked sample from a 3-foot seam on mountain north of Indian Graveyard camp,
on Little Klappan river.
" No. 10 — Mountain north of junction of Bear and Sustut rivers, Sustut basin. Latitude
56° 15', longitude 126° approx.
''Proximate Analyses of Samples of Coal from Groundhog Basin.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
2.88
7.64
78.84
10.64
6.09
13.70
65.52
14.69
10.52
22.15
40.81
26.52
10.16
23.73
45.79
20.32
4.48
9.98
63.48
22.06
5.02
6.38
66.95
21.65
6.85
13.76
58.08
21.31
3.24
7.67
68.92
20.17
4.14
8.43
80.27
7.16
5.40
Vol. combustible
Ash
23.32
57.48
13.80
100.00
100.00
1IKI.IMI
100. 00
100.00
100.00
II HI. 1)11
100.00
100. 00
100 . 00
G. W. EVANS'S REPORT.
Geo. Watkins Evans, of Seattle, was one of the two coal-mining engineers engaged by the
B.C. Anthracite Coal Mining Company to examine a portion of the coal-field, the southern
portion being covered by his examination.
The reports made were, of course, private ;rnd the property of the employers, who have
not seen fit to supply the Department with copies, so that the results of these examina
tions cannot be given.
Mr. Evans, however, read a paper before the Canadian Mining Institute at a meeting held
in Nanaimo in March of this year, entitled " Some Notes on the Groundhog Coalfield, " from
which the following extracts have been made : —
K 96 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
"Topography.
" The elevations in the field range from aboul 3,000 to 7,200 feel above Bea leveL To the
cast of the field proper is a range of rugged mountains made up of a series of thickly bedded
conglomerates, and cm the west another range of rugged peaks of sandstone and shales with
some beds of conglomerates.
" In places the lulls show the effects of glacial erosion ami are considerably rounded,
while in other places there are many sharp clifEs the scars of fault-planes.
" From a. railroad point of view the topography is not severe, tor railroads can he huilt to
almost any point without any insurmountable difficulty. From a scenic point of ri&* thi
district is beautiful.
" Geology.
" The geological age of this Held is Lower Cretaceous, and is of the same age as the
anthracite field of AJberta and the bituminous coalfield of eastern British Columbia at the
Crowsnest pass. The Groundhog field is hounded on the cast by the Palaeozoic metamorphics
and on the w est hv the Post Cambrian intrusives.
" In my examination of the held I separated the geological column into four subdivisions
and have called them the Conglomerate, Trail Creek. Teller, and Table Mountain series. The
( longlomerate being the lowermost and the Table Mountain -erics the uppermost.
" The subdivision is arbitrary so far as the Trail Creek and Telfer series are concerned,
and I have endeavoured to separate the coal hearing strata int.. the DOn-COmmerciaJ and
i mercial classifications respectively, I must necessarily refrain from discussing tl ,- positions
of these scries, for it is of interest only to those for whom I examined the field.
"These data are confidential ami for that reason I will omit details. All you Care to know-
is something of the character of the coal and the probable extent of the known commercial
area : \'ou arc not interested in knowing where it occurs.
" As stated above, [have separated the geological column into four parts, and thi
describe briefly below.
"Beginning with 'he Lower or Conglomerate series, we tin, I that this series is made up
of many beds of conglomerate, some of the beds being from 150 to 200 feet thick, and the
particles are the size of hen's r;^.
"The next scries upward in the column is the Trail Creek series. I have Selected the
lower 2,800 feel of the coal-bearing strata as representing this series. It is made up of beds
of sandstone, shale, and coal, and bony beds, with several beds of carbonaceous shale.
'• There are many outcrops of coal in the area in which this series outcrops, hut nearly all
are too high in ash to he of much commercial value. Samples had previously been made of
coal taken from some of these beds, hut surely they did not represent the product as it would
he in actual mining operations, hut were, ill all probability, picked samples.
" In the samples ti,-,t | selected, 1 took what in my judgment would go into the mine-car
in the event that any of these beds ari' mined. The sampling was fail' and made in the most
approved manner, but the resulting analyses showed that most of the beds were too Inch in
ash to be considered commercially valuable, in view of other better beds known to exist in
other parts of the field. Had sonic of the outcrops contained coal sufficiently clean, the
crushed condition of the coal ami the highly disturbed strata would he a severe handicap for
the economic working of great portions of the area. The area has not been entirely pros],,
and it is not impossible that later he, Is of economic value might hi' found.
*t/&
i of Minra
'•«' "ii>'c < ...i t n. i ii — viio.ii i» - ( 'on lor I tons of st rata.
ii ron mill OS < 0:1 i (..- i.i — snow! nu hi* inline Of Itleasu re«.
3 Geo. 5 Cassiar District. K 97
"The Telfer series, which overlies the Trail Creek series and which represents the upper
1,150 feet of the coal-bearing strata, is made up of beds of sandstone, shale, coal, and bony
beds.
•' As stated above, this series represents what in my judgment should be regarded as the.
commercially valuable portion of the coal bearing series. There are two or more beds in this
series that are indeed very promising. The following analyses were made from a fair sample
taken from one of these outcrops : Moisture, 2.62 ; volatile matter, 6.96 ; fixed carbon, 84.49 :
ash, 5.9.3 ; sulphur, 5.75 ; and 13,814 B.T.U.
"The coal in this bed at the outcrop is firm and bright and will produce a very large
percentage of lump coal. The coal will stand handling, and taken as a whole the bed promises
to be a most excellent one. The walls are firm and will make splendid bottom and roof for
actual mining operations. The coal in the bed is 5 feet 4 inches thick, with but one parting.
"In the properties I examined, an area of probably twenty-five square miles is underlain
with this series ; and it is highly probable that the series extends to the northwestward out of
the area I examined.
" The Table mountain series overlies the Telfer series, I believe unconformably. This
series is over 1,500 feet thick. The only effect it will have on the underlying strata is where
it becomes so. thick that it will be too great an overburden for practical operations of some of
the lower beds in the Telfer series.
" Geological Structure.
"The entire region is thrown into a series of folds, with their axes lying in a north-west,
Mjuth-east direction. The courses of the streams are controlled more or less by the directions
of the folds.
"The axes of the folds plunge to the north- west from a point near the mouth of the
Klua-tan-tan (Moss) river, and it appears that they plunge to the south-east from a point
north-west of the mouth of Bierne creek. In this event the Groundhog field occupies, as it
were, a huge elongated basin, which is made up of a series of synclines and anticlines, with
the former predominating and thus forming a synclinorium. The series is eroded in many
places, leaving only the synclines, and the resulting field represents the remainder of a very
much larger area of coal-bearing strata.
"The folding and faulting are much more severe in the Conglomerate series and become
less severe as the top of the column is reached. In the lower beds there is evidence of severe
compression, and in many instances slaty cleavage has developed.
" Even though coal-beds commercially clean be later found in the Trail Creek series, the
severe compression, with its resulting folding and faulting, will be troublesome and expensive ;
in fact, too expensive to be able to compete with the less folded areas.
"Many of the folds I observed, and in fact nearly all of them, were overturned, with their
axes dipping to the south-west.
"Tonnage.
"I have seen from time to time tonnage estimates of this field. I have seen no
explanation as to how these estimates have been arrived at, and so far have seen nothing
better than a wild guess. Personally, 1 have calculated tonnage of portions of the field where
1 have been able to work nut tin- geology with some degree of accuracy, but these are little
better than good guesses : to my mind, to calculate a tonnage estimate for the entire field
is a waste of time and misleading.
K 98
Report of the Minister of Minks.
191.S
" Metamorphism to Anthracite.
"The coal-beds of this district arc of the same age as the bituminous beds of thet Srowsnest
Pass field. The change from bituminous to anthracite has been caused by the extreme
c pression accompanied by highly heated waters. These were the agents thai caused the
change in this field. Evidence of the extreme pressure is ti> be found in the numerous and
c implex folds now to be seen, and the pres ince of hen d water is to be had in the numerous
stringers of quartz and calcite now seen in many of the coal beds, and also in most of the
joint planes of the rocks.
"Summarizing, we have about the following: There an- some coal-beds in the Groundhog
coal-field that contain excellent coal ; in fact, so far as I have seen, the best domestic coal to
be found on the Coast. Such a coal will find a market for a reasonable yearly tonnage.
Mining i Iitions in portions of the field «ill hi' such thai coal can he mined at a reasonable
cost, while iii other parts the cost will he prohibitive. Transportation to the tidewater can
lie provided along feasible routes, and transportation charges will probably he within reason,
considering this grade of coal. It is reasonable to believe that within tic- Skeena, Klappan,
and Nass watersheds there will he found a sufficient amount of high grade coal which can be
mined at a reasonable profit to warrant building a railroad into this part of the country.
" In conclusion, I might add that, in my judgment, ibis field will not compare with the
Pennsylvania field, either in quantity of coal or in mining costs, and I take this opportunity
to make this statement for the reason that my name was coupled with an article recently
which made this statement. However, I do regard the field as a valuable asset to the
Province of British Columbia, and one that should be exploited along sane lines, with
prudence, and not by wild and extravagant statements which never do any good, but only
pave the way for a great deal of harm. The thing to do is to get at the facts and stick to
them.
"Awi.VSKS ok SdMli of Till'. (llilil'XIlllui; CoAL-HKI>S.
Number.
Moisture.
Vol. CM.
Fixed Carbon.
Ash.
Sulphur.
B.T.U.
1
4.42
6.58
58.96
30 ot
1.61
9 930
2
4 el
13.08
:,7 71
25.20
2 42
9,600
3
2.71
>; 09
07.42
23.78
3.05
12,650
4
2.97
5 , 59
65.60
25 S4
1.90
11,520
5
2.45
,-( si;
63.96
29.73
1 93
10,280
li
3 . 55
4 02
;o 68
21.75
o 99
11,980
7
3.75
5 71
li.",. 13
34.36
1 57
9,600
8
4 .".li
0 25
47.7:t
11 52
o 99
7.SIMI
9
:i.77
t 27
57 . 7.".
::i 21
o 60
9.580
in
5 95
13.32
40.67
:u.06
o II
9,360
11
3.20
7.02
49 43
40.35
0.99
7 860
12
1.17
(i or,
76.20
16 58
o 72
12.215
13
1 el
1.17
9 39
0.54
07.89
s:i . :i7
22 lis
s 92
1 i
o 71
13,2 -
15
2.39
4.12
:, 95
7.90
7 43
s on
78 . 54
82 60
82 on
10.18
-
i n:,
O Hi
0 10
Hi
17
is
2 62
6.96
si 49
5 75
13,814
19
5.75
1 15
1.40
7.34
s 75
6.06
75.26
7'.i 25
To lis
1 1 115
7 . 55
21.86
20
21
1.60
H,7ss
3 Geo. 5 Skeena District. K 99
SKEENA DISTRICT.
SKEENA AND BELLA COOLA MINING DIVISIONS.
Report by J. McMullin, Gold Commissioner.
I have the honour to submit herewith my annual report as Gold Commissioner for the
Skeena and Bella Coola Mining Divisions for the year ending December 31st, 1912.
Observatory Inlet.
At Granby bay the Granby Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company has under
(hi ist ruction a large smelter, which will be well on the way towards completion by the end of
1913. The confidence of this company in the mineral resources of the surrounding country is
shown by its extensive investments. This has acted as a stimulus to others interested in
mining, with the result that the country at the head of Alice arm was prospected over, and
has been most favourably reported upon. There are several groups of claims in this locality
upon which from two to five years' assessment-work has been done, and the results have been
eminently satisfactory. With better access to these properties, increased shipping facilities,
and a smelter close at hand, it should be but a short time until they become shipping mines.
Coast.
Considerable prospecting has taken place during the past season on the coast and the
islands adjacent thereto. Several deposits of iron have been located, and assessment-work has
been done on a number of claims in the vicinity of Kumeoleon inlet. In the neighbourhood of
Swanson bay, Kiekane inlet, and Khutze inlet, more interest has been shown than in any
previous season, some very fine samples of bornite having been taken out.
Messrs. Martin it Shannon, who have large holdings in this locality, have done extensive
development^work, which has warranted them in Crown-granting over thirty of their claims.
During the past season, operations on Princess Royal island have resulted encouragingly,
.and it is the intention of the companies operating there to do more extensive work next season.
Office Statistics — Skeena and Bella Coola Mining Divisions.
Free miners' certificates 445
Mining claims recorded 303
Certificates of work 3(3 1
Bills of sale and agreements 98
Certificates of improvements 22
Revenue.
Free miners' certificates $2,348 25
Mining receipts 4,360 75
$6,709 00
K 100 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
SKEENA MINING DIVISION.
MINERAL CLAIMS ON PRINCESS ROYAL ISLAND, B.C.
Retort by H. Carmichael, Provincial Assayer.
Princess Royal island lies on the coast of British Columbia, 180 miles Qorth of Vancouver
Island. The island is of considerable size, being sixty miles long by twenty miles wide. It
is very mountainous, lint is intersected by lakes and numerous channels which afford good
waterways.
One of the fiords, called Surf inlet, runs twelve miles in from the 1'acitic ocean, forming
a safe channel for sea going vessels : at the head of the inlet Cougar lake empties with a fall of
.'50 feet into the sea.
Cougar lake is one of a chain of lakes which, with short portages, gives easy access to a
large section of the island.
The mining claims visited were the D.L.S. group and the Princess Royal group. These
claims are on either side of a small stream Mowing out of Paradise lake, and are reached by a
short portage from Surf inlet to Cougar lake, a row of two miles along the lake, then a pottage
of a mile from Cougar lake to Bear lake, then a row of three miles up Bear lake to Paradise
creek.
The main tunnel of the D.L.S. group is situated on the north-west
D.L.S. Group. side of the creek about a mile and a quarter from Bear lake, and at an
altitude of approximately 800 feet above the lake or S50 feet above ill'
sea-level : there is a good trail from the lake to the mine.
The property is held by the Surf Inlet Gold Mines, Limited, 206, Bank of Ottawa
Building, Vancouver, B.C. ; A. B. Clabon, Secretary.
The company owns nine claims located on the strike of a quartz vein occurring in grain!.
country rock and running diagonally into a mountain-ridge.
Bhiff Claim. — The principal work has been done on the Bluff claim. A small creek on
the side hill cuts through and exposes a quartz vein dipping south-west into the mountain at
an angle of 32 degrees. The vein has been followed by a tunnel in a northerly direction for
a distance of 500 feet.
At L'H feet in, a short crosscut was run to the right, cutting through the foot-wall, which
is well-defined with gangue-matter : the tunnel then swings slightly to the left, following the
vein, but turning again to the right, so that the general direction is about N. ."!(> YV. At L35
feel in. the tunnel cuts through a diabase dyke 7 feet thick, which, however, does not displace
the vein : 25 feet farther in a crosscut 12 feet long was run to the hanging wall, and a winze
18 feel deep was sunk on the dip of the vein. Up to this point the vein filling is quartz, with
iron pyrites scattered through it, and also a little arsenical pyrites.
For the next 50 feet, the tunnel is entirely in vein matter, showing a fair amount of Ore
on both sides in a short crosscut of 5 feet run to the right to the foot wall.
At L'.'io feet in. the vein pinches, but again swells out. and a good Ore-shoOl was struck at
300 feet, from this point a long crosscut is being run to the left at a deflection angle of 10
degrees to cut a vein lying to the west of the "main vein," and on which some work has been
don,.. This crosscut had been run 243 feet, all in a granitoid rock, but at the face the ground
was becoming brecciated and it seemed likely that the zone of disturbance, carrying the
■• west \ I'in." was being entered.
3 Geo. 5
Skeena District.
K 101
D.L.S. Cftou*9) P/?//rc£ss Royal Island
OwA/£D3rS(//?r//vi£:T GoldM/ne^ L™
•Sketch Shotv/nj Re/af/vG
Pos/fio/i of Cla/ms one/ Sa/f Water.
fhrae/t'se Joke
K 102 Repobt of the Minister of Mines. 1913
The main tunnel has been continued from where the crosscut branches off in the same
north-westerly direction ; for 50 feei it follows the fool wall, when- a fair grade of ore was
taken oul ; at tins point a short drift of L2 feel was made bo the left and is all in a fair grade
of ore. The hanging wall is there followed for a farther 50 feet, when a drift was run to the
left for 20 feei ; this drift to the face is all in ore. The tunnel keeps the same general
direction for another 50 feet, but the ground is more broken and the foot-wall is nol well
denned, what appears to be a horse coming in. At the time the property was visited the
face of the main tunnel \\as in 500 feet; at this point, while the ore was showing, it was
more broken and the vein seemed to swing more to the right ; later information would confirm
this, as the tunnel lias been driven farther to the right and is reported to be in solid ore.
From the face a short drift has been run to the left, but, except for a few stringers, was
in country-rock.
A trail goes along the hillside to the north, rising above tin- tunnel ; this leads to a gulch
where a strong outcrop of a quartz vein is seen dipping int.. the hill and having the same
general strike as the vein in the tunnel, so that thou is every reason to suppose it is tin- same
\ .in.
At 280 h-i-t north of tin- tunnel mouth and 171 trot above it. an inclined shaft had been
sunk on the outcrop of vein, having a dip of 32 degrees to tin- north west ; the shaft was
reported t" I»' down 50 feet, with ore at tho bott an. I an upraise run to the hanging-wall,
which it cut through, giving the vein a width of Is feet : hut this could not he examined as
there was several feet of water in it.
This vein is well defined and has the same dip and general character as seen ill main vein
ill the tunnel. It is the intention of the management to run an upraise from the main tunnel
to connect w ith this shaft.
What is known as the " west vein " outcrops in the creek 300 feet to the northwest of
the portal of the main tunnel and 1 1.'! feet above it.
A drift from the gulch was run in on the vein for •">!> feet, show in" jjcmhI ore. from which
high values were obtained. As working was difficult from the adit on the gulch, a short drift
was run through a shoulder of rock to the hillside, and this is the working entrance.
At •_'■"> feet in from the gulch a drift was run to the left for 300 feet ; this is for the most
part in a quartz breccia with good ore showing in the face. From the intersection of the right
drift the tunnel has been driven in a northerly direction for I11 feet, mostly in country-rock
with a little quartz. The tunnel then swings to the left, running nearly north east for .".' I I
at 7 feet from the turn a stringer of iron-pyrites 111 to 18 inches wide was cut : this yielded
fairly high assays in gold, otherwise the tunnel is in country-rock. At .'!<> feet from the turn
to the left; the tunnel cut into a well-defined quartz vein dipping at li» degrees to the north-
west. A drift at right angles follows the foot wall of the \ein northeasterly for .'!< I feet, for
which distance the vein is well denned and the face in ore. the samples taken giving g 1
values. The mineralization consists ,,f iron-pyrites, with a little arsenical pyrites, in quartz
gangue. This is the vein that the long crosscut tunnel from the main vein is expected to
intersect.
Summary. — The property contains two or more well-defined quartz veins which have been
proven by underground work for considerable distances. It is fairly easy of access, and the
treatment of t lie ore p resents no serious difficulty. Tlie\alue of the property depends then
on the averagt assay of the ore. and this has not yet been determined with any degree of
accuracy.
3 Geo. 5 S keen a District. K 103
Assays run all the way from £3, in rather lean-looking quartz, to 880 in solid pyrites.
Samples of the ore, which seemed about the average, assayed in the Government Laboratory,
yielded $8 to $9 to the ton in gold and silver.
These claims lie to the south of the D.L.S. group, across a narrow
Princess Royal valley, through which a small stream flows south-westerly, draining Paradise
Group. lake : the claims are reached by a good trail from Bear lake. A considerable
amount of work has been done on two quartz veins, and, as these veins lie
in the same general direction as the veins on the D.L.S. group, it is probable that they are a
continuation of the D.L.S. veins, or at least are on the same line of fracture which runs fchrougn
the granitic country-rock.
•There were a number of mine buildings on the property, but, as no work has been done
for several years, the houses are in a state of ruin and the underground ladders are in many
cases unsafe.
The fissured zone runs directly up the steep mountain-side on to the southern slope, when-
other prospect claims have been staked.
Work has been done at many points on the claims, prospecting the outcrops of quartz
veins by small shafts, drifts, and surface workings, but the greatest expenditure has been
incurred in running a long tunnel on a small quartz vein the outcrop of which is seen on the
surface.
The portal of the tunnel is at an elevation of -100 feet, and the tunnel runs nearly straight
in a south-easterly direction for 1,030 feet ; for its entire distance the tunnel follows a quartz
\ein which varies in width from a few inches to 3 feet. At 100 feet in, a drift has been run
to the left for 50 feet, on an offshoot from the main vein. The vein starts with a width of 4
feet, but narrows to 6 inches of white quartz at the face ; the mineralization is pyrite which
gave 0.5 oz. gold in selected samples.
At 160 feet in, an upraise had been driven to connect with a shaft sunk from the surface
about 60 feet above : short drifts have been run and stoping done at this point, showing me
width of the vein to be from 2 to 3 feet.
There are four more short raises from the tunnel and two winzes ; the latter were full of
water, and it was not feasible to examine the former owing to the condition of the ladders.
The vein is well defined for the entire length of the tunnel and varies in thickness from a
few inches to over 4 feet : the mineralization is pyrite ; the best ore is where the vein is widest,
the narrow portion being barren white quartz. Samples of the best ore ran over an ounce in
gold, with a little silver, but it would take careful sampling to determine the average value of
the vein.
PORTLAND CANAL MINING DIVISION.
Report by John Conway, Mining Recorder.
I have the honour to submit herewith my annual report for the Portland Canal Mining
Division for the year ending December 31st, 1912.
The most important feature of the year's development was the commencement in October
of a drainage-tunnel on Glacier creek by the Portland Canal Tunnels, Limited. The site of
the tunnel is immediately above the concentrator of the Portland Canal Mining Company, and
is to be driven a distance of about •_'.<.>< •<) feet. This it is expected will tap, at depth, the main
K 104 Report of the Minister of Mixes. 1913
fissured /our, upon which are located some of the most important mineral properties in the
camp, such as those of the Portland Canal Mining Company, 'Stewart Mining and Develop-
ment Company, Glacier Creek Mining Company, Portland Wonder Mining Company, "O.K."
and the group of claims owned by the Pacific Coast Exploration Company.
The tunnel will be of a sufficient size and capacity to amply fulfil the objects of it--
construction, which maybe briefly summarized as being the accommodation of all probable
future traffic, and the providing of drainage, ventilation, and the most economical means of
development for all properties in the main fissured /.one.
The Red Cliff" Mining Company shipped 1,249 tons of copper-gold ore to the Tacoma
smelter, but the returns did not warrant further shipments under existing transportation
facilities and the mine closed down the beginning of October.
On Salmon river, three companies viz., the Salmon-Bear River Mining Company,
Cascade Palls Mining Company, and Indian Mines, Limited continued operations during the
greater part of the year, but in each case with only a small force of men.
A number of placer leases have been staked during the past s,;1Son on Hear river,
extending south from the mouth of Hitter creek twelve leases have been granted. The
ground is all flat river-bar, no benches, having a width of approximately half a mile. Th,.
river-channel winds from side to side of the valley and is liable to change its location at anj
run of high water. Considerable work was done by the lessees on one of tin- claim-, to
ascertain, if possible, whether the ground would show sufficient values to warrant testing it by
the usual drilling methods. To this end some fifteen pits were sunk to a depth of from t to 8
t'eet, and two shafts to a depth of '_'."> feet ami Is feet respectively. Five of these holes were
sunk as close to the present channel as possible, and fair prospects found in each case from the
surface, w bile samples taken from the bottoms of the holes are said to have ranged from 23
I'm to $6 per yard. The other holes were sunk farther back fr the river, on higher
ground, and each sunk to a depth of about 8 feet : there were a-fe\\ tine colours to ;i depth of
about fl feet, while samples panned from the bottoms gave from Hd cents to .-'."> per yard.
Still farther hack from the river and in fairly heavy timber a shaft was sunk I'.'! feet. The
upper portion of this panned a few line colours from the surface until the water was struck,
when about a yard of gravel was hoisted before the water drove the men out. A sample
taken from this and carefully panned. I am told, gave $14 to the yard. Another shaft was
sunk 18 feet, when water was encountered ; bailing ami a small hand-pump made DO
impression on it. so the work had to be abandoned until water conditions were more favour-
able. These shafts will be sunk this winter during low water in the river if the drainage
through the gravel is small enough to permit.
It is reasonable to suppose that the gold on Bear river has been brought down by Hitter
creek. A discovery claim was staked on the South fork of Hitter creek in April. 1912, by
I. Anderson and I-'. (J. Hanford, which was immediately followed by the staking of the
whole of Bitter creek. The only work done was by Anderson and Hanford, who, after
staking and prospecting the ground with fair results, put in ti'1 feet of sluice-boxes. To obtain
a sluice-head they used 300 feet of :• inch canvas hose to carry the water from farther up the
creek.
They sluiced for about a month under difficult conditions, the snow being about !
deep and the water low on the start, and were Compelled to quit on account of the high water.
During the ith thej took out slim in fairly coarse gold. Work having then to be abandoned,
a layover was granted until September loth.
Prim*!*** lto>]il Ishiml Surf luli't.
'rincewi Royal [aland — Tunnel of Surf ini«'t < - «»l «l Mine*, I. id.
3 Geo. 5 Skeena District. K 105
On resuming work in the fall, it was thought best to attempt to reach bed-rock, and with
this end in view a shaft was started on a bench some 25 feet above and 75 feet back from the
creek-bed. This was sunk 35 feet, when water was encountered in such quantities that it would
necessitate pumping machinery ; consequently the work was stopped. The gravel is uniform,
with only an occasional boulder large enough to need bulldozing. It prospected a few colours
to the pan all the way down, with a marked improvement in the bottom where the water was
struck.
It was then decided to try to get some depth in the creek-bed. A wing-dam was thrown
in and the water diverted to another channel. They then ran an open-cut for a distance of 75
feet, obtaining a depth at the face of about 6 feet, and a further 3 feet was sunk to water.
Contrary to expectations, this creek-bed gravel only prospected a few very fine colours to the
pan. Another shaft is now being sunk farther down the creek.
There was a large falling-off in the number of prospectors in the camp as compared with
the season of 1911, but assessment-work on claims held by individuals has been well kept up,
and in most cases with gratifying results.
Maple Bay.
On the Comstock group a series of open-cuts and stripping was recorded.
Application for certificate of improvements has been made on the Princess group, owned
by Collison it Noble.
Georgia River.
On the John D. group the shaft was sunk a further 15 feet and a drift of G feet made ;
at this depth a vein of free-milling gold was encountered, a picked sample of which gave high
values of gold per ton.
Marmot River.
The Wire Gold group, consisting of nine claims, was recorded in November by G. "W.
Bruggy and associates. This group is situated on the north side of the river, less than two
miles from tide-water ; the ledge, which is free milling, is about 6 feet in width, runs in a
northerly direction, and can be traced on the surface for three claim-lengths. The gold is in
white quartz lying between porphyry walls ; surface assays gave good gold values. A tunnel
lias been driven on the lead for a distance of 40 feet ; the ore at the face carries high silver
values, in galena, as well as the streak of 30 inches which is free milling. Work has been
closed down for the winter and operations will be resumed as early as possible in the spring.
On the Golden Star group a series of open-cuts and 17 feet of tunnel has been recorded.
Salmon River.
The Salmon-Bear River Mining Company recommenced operations early in the spring, and,
owing to a new discovery made soon after resuming, the company gave all its attention to the
opening-up of the new ore-body, the character of which is a high-grade silver-lead carrying good
gold values. The nature of the work consists of a number of open-cuts across the vein, which,
in some instances, is 25 feet in width, exposing the vein down the trend for several hundred
feet. A tunnel was driven in on the vein to intersect the ore-shoot exposed on the surface,
and the ore was encountered at a depth of 200 feet. A crosscut has been run at this level in
feet across the ore-body. The company is at present making plans for development on a larger
scale in the coming spring.
The Indian Mines, Limited, owns a group of four claims situated on the west side of
Cascade creek, about three miles above its confluence with the Salmon river, and about fifteen
miles up the Salmon River valley from tide-water. It is now easily reached by an excellent
K 106 Report of the Minister of Mines. l!ti:i
horse-trail constructed during the past season by the Government. Supplies can now be
delivered a1 the property for 1 cents a pound, as against 12 cents a pound a year ago. The
first twelve miles of this trail is practically level, the elevation at "Twelve-mile" being ■'<-'■'•
feel above sea level, and offers do difficulties to the construction of a wagon road or a rail mail.
The property is heavily timbered and ample water power can be developed for any mining or
milliiiL; operations.
The vein has been traced on the surface for over 1,000 feet and is well defined. I > appears
to cross, diagonally, a wide diorite dyke which intrudes the predominating greenstone schists.
Two open cuts have been made across the vein, showing it to be from 18 to 20 feet in width.
The higher cut exposes almut s t'eet of solid galena, t he remaining 1 2 feet being quartz heavily
mineralized with galena and iron.
Another cut, 300 t'eet south, across the face of the hlulV. shows the Vein to he 18 feet wide,
12 feet of which carries gold, silver, and lead.
A tunnel is being driven to get under these surface showings. It is no" in 200 feet, and
will have gained a depth of 150 feel when under the galena show bag. The vein was encountered
at I Id feet from the mouth of the tunnel, showing from 1' to I feet of Ore assaying "ell in gold,
silver, and lead. This was drifted on for 20 feet, when a shattered portion of the vein
entered and continued in for 111 feet, in which there were little or no values. In the last .',11
feet the \ein has become "ell defined, and a crosscut at the face, not yet to the foot "all. sh,,"s
it to he over 15 feet in width, of which there is 6 feet on the hanging-wall of good milling
As the tunnel has to be driven about 125 feet yet to get under the big surface showing, the
present indications are encouraging.
Another tunnel has heen started farther dow n the hill (about 150 feet vertically), ami
driven in some K) feet as an open-cut. This is following a well-defined hanging wall, next to
which is a fairly soft filling carrying no values. This, however, is cutting out, and the face of
the tunnel shows 2 feet of ore carrying gold, silver, and lead. (Report furnished by • '. A.
Clothier, B.Sc., superintendent.)
The Cascade Falls Mining Company continued development during the year with a force
of three men : the work consisted of a series of open cuts, stripping, and other surface work.
<)n the Finland Girl group of four claims the wm-k recorded was six open-cuts, totalling
'.HI fee! in length, and 44 feet of tunnel.
Luc/,;/ Swede group of four claims, series of open cuts and •"><! feet of tunnel.
Cosmopolitan group of five claims, series of Open cuts and 1 * > feet of tunnel.
Big Missouri i;roup, series of open-cuts.
Yellowstone group, series of open cuts and surface stripping.
Flossie group of eijjht claims, twelve open-cuts iii rock and In t'eet of tunnel.
The Hercules Mines. Limited, recorded 22 feet of tunnel on the Martha Ellen group.
On the Ladybird group of four claims, owned by I!. Cameron and associates, a series of
open cuts has heen recorded : the work done has shown up a lead of high grade galena carrying
high silver values. This property has been bonded to H. E. Cassels, of New York, ami the
tirst payment made.
Beak River.
The Red Reef group, consisting of Red Reef Wos. /, .', ■•'. ',. '. 6, .'. and Red Reef Fraction,
is situated on the east side of the mouth of Bear river and within ! niile of the Stewart
to" nsite.
3 Geo. 5 Skeena District. K 107
During the summer of 1910 sufficient work, consisting of surface work and two short
tunnels, was done on Red Reef No. 1, to obtain Crown grants on Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, |and the
fraction, but owing to litigation little work was done in 1911.
Work was recommenced in July, 1912, and the first month was spent in open-cutting the
large mineralized zone on Red Reef No. 6. Later a pack-trail was built to the property and
a cross-cut tunnel was commenced on Red Reef No. 3 ; this has been driven for a distance of
225 feet ; the ore being encountered at 200 feet ; a drift from the main tunnel has been run
50 feet to the north to tap a small vein running in an easterly and westerly direction ; a tunnel,
to tap the ore at 100 feet lower than the main tunnel, is now in 45 feet and is being extended
for an additional 100 feet. Some 500 feet to the south of the main workings an independent
40-foot drift has been driven on the zone.
The ore is a white quartz, with pvrrhotite, chalcopyrite, and small values in gold and
silver. The mineralized zone, which appears to be not less than 100 feet wide, runs the whole
length of the property and is heavily impregnated with mineral throughout. The zone is
crosscut by several veins carrying fairly good-grade ore.
The property is owned and operated by H. E. Newton, of Victoria, and from six to
thirteen men have been employed on the property continuously since July, 1912.
The Portland Bear River Mining Company recorded a series of eleven open-cuts in rock
and a large amount of surface stripping on the Bear River group, and 91 feet of tunnel on the
Rul/y Fr. group.
On the Victor group of three claims 30 feet of tunnel and two open-cuts were recorded.
The Mountain Chief group, situated on the west side of Bear River, owned by Win.
Forrest and associates, was located in August, 1911 ; the work done consists of a series of
open-cuts. There are several veins on the property, all of which carry high gold and silver
values.
On the Franklin group the work recorded was 1 8 feet of tunnel and open-cuts.
On the A. A. group 30 feet of tunnel and open-cut work was recorded.
Red Cliff Mining Company's superintendent reports as follows : —
Total amount of new work for the year represents 4,205 feet. Out of this, the 400-foot
level claims 1,240 feet, consisting of crosscuts, drifts, and 100 feet of chute-raising ; this latter
work for the purpose of facilitating stoping. Much of this work has been in ore varying in
quality, but, taking the high grade with the low, could all be smelted profitably, provided
any reasonable economic smelting conditions were available. On this level we have im«
exposed ore-shoots with a length of over 250 feet and an average width of 20 feet, although
in places over 50 feet wide; by far the greatest tonnage yet exposed in the mine is on this
level ; here the ore-bodies appear to be merging into one big body, while on the levels above
they are widely separated.
On the 300-foot level there are 800 feet of drifts and crosscuts ; all this is new work,
having been opened up during the year. There are two distinct ore-bodies exposed on this
level, one through which the old raise passes, and on that account it has not had much done
to it, and the other 100 feet on the north side of the same raise : the latter we were drifting
on when machines were laid off. Situated as it is directly over the 400-foot ore, it is no doubt
part of the same ore-body.
On the 200-foot level, the 300 feet of new work comprises chute raises into the No. I
ore-body and drifts and crosscuts opening tip the No. 2 ore-body.
K 108 Report of the Minister or Mines. 191:5
The 100-foot level has hai 1 an increase of new work amounting to 1,160 feet, consisting
.it' .in extension of the main tunnel smith westerly of " B " and Mcl'hee's drift north-westerly,
Crosscuts from these drifts north-easterly, anil a drift on the No. 2 ore hod y connecting " B"
and McPhee's drifts. It was from this ore body thai niurh of the ore was extracted for
shipment. Anew tunnel NO feet long was driven from a point 120 feel in the old tunnel,
with an outlet of 7") feet farther to the south of the old portal : this was to take the place of
the old outlet, which is all in ore and must eventually he stoped out, rendering it useless as a
working-tunnel. The new tunnel is in a much better position, being away from the course of
snow slides.
Upper tunnel : tOO feet of tunnelling anil crOSSCUtting has been done in this level for the
purpose of locating the southerly ore hody and more accurately determining its strike and dip.
It accomplished its object, hut developments were not as satisfactory as anticipated ; for when
finding the ore at this depth, although of excellent quality, there was not SO much of it as was
expected, judged from the promising outcrops I"1' feet above; possibly where intercepted it
had pinched and may yet open out again much larger on the levels below : to prove this, work
was being done on the 100-foot level.
Other work consists of a new main raise, run from the 100-foot to the 100-foot level : the
last portion of this, between the L'OO foot and ] 00-foot levels, was timbered and is used as a
manway, skipway, and ore-chute, a new hoist having been installed on the 100-foot level to
handle mining material through this raise.
<>n the Waterloo claim a very large ore-body has been stripped and shots put into it at
intervals across L'OO feet, proving (as far as surface work can prove) this to be a very lame
low-grade proposition and a very valuable asset to the company, provided that a cheapei
method of transportation and smelting is secured: a few hundred feet southeast of where
work has been done on this showing is situated the large body of iron sulphide ore carrying
exceptionally high values in gold.
When shipments were being made, o.OOO tons of ore was broken, 1,249 tons have been
shipped, 1,500 tons remain in the stopes, anil 2,239 tons were put on the ore-flumps, as the
value of the latter, without sorting, was too low to ship under present smelting conditions, and
sorting was out of the question without sorting facilities.
The work of the past year has proven the permanency of the A'.,/ Cliff ore bodies, as on
the 100 foot, the lowest in the mine there is much more ore in sight than on any other level,
and the values with depth are holding their own. (Report furnished by II. Neil Smith.
superintendent.)
Glacier Creek.
On the Evening Sun group, owned by Rush A: Ba:,rL.r. ll"i feet of tunnel has been driven
during the past season ; 7 tons of No. 1 ore was sacked ready for shipment, but Owing to the
heavy fall of snow it was found impossible to gel horses t.. the property.
On the O.K. mine the tunnel has been extended a further 50 feet by the owner, .1.
l'errault.
On the Portland group, formerly the property of the Portland Wonder Mining Company,
hut now owned by the Mount (Hailstone Mining Company, )•"> feet of tunnel was recorded.
On the Florence and Leadville claims, owned by .1. A. Harper, v" feel of tunnel was
recorded.
On the Ruth and Francis group, <>1 feet of tunnel has been recorded by the owners.
Nesbitt .V Archie.
3 Geo. 5 Skeena District. K 10!>
On the Lake View group, owned by McKay ifc Bibeau, the work recorded was 22 feet of
tunnel, 15 feet of shaft, and open-cuts.
The drainage-tunnel of the Portland Canal Tunnels, Limited, was commenced in the
beginning of October ; the size is 7 x 7 feet in the clear, and it is now in a distance of 120 feet.
The company has a force of twenty men employed and is working two machines, the com-
pressor of the Portland Canal Mining Company supplying compressed air.
Bitter Creek.
On the Old Chum group the work recorded was 30 feet of tunnel and four open-cuts.
On the War Eagle group the work recorded was 30 feet of tunnel.
American Creek.
The group of nine claims formerly owned by the Northern Terminus Mines, Limited, was
purchased at a sheriff's sale last June by Neil McL. Curran, acting as agent for the Pacific
Coast Exploration Company, Limited. The development-work under the new management is
335 feet of tunnel and drifts and a shaft sunk to a depth of 50 feet. This property has closed
down for the winter months, but operations will be resumed as soon as possible in the spring.
On the Lipton group, owned by Wm. Spurck, the work recorded was 34 feet of tunnel.
On the Bonanza group, consisting of four claims, a considerable amount of development-
work has been done during the past season under- the superintendency of T. J. Vaughan Rhys,
M.E.; a number of open-cuts in rock and 75 feet of trenching have been recorded.
Office Statistics — Portland Canal Mining Division.
Free miners' certificates (individual) 280
it it (company) 9
ii ii (special) 1
Mineral claims recorded 178
Placer claims recorded 22
Certificates of work issued 512
Bill of sale, etc., recorded 77
Filings ■ ■ • ■ 39
Certificates of improvements recorded 27
Placer leases granted 12
Revenue.
Free miners' certificates $2,195.25
Mining receipts, general 3,759.75
Other sources 1,422.50
Total $7,377.50
QUEEN CHARLOTTE MINING DIVISION.
Report of E. M. Sandilands, Gold Commissioner.
I have the honour to submit the annual report on mining operations in the Queen
Charlotte Mining Division for the year 1912.
The head office of Gold Commissioner was moved from Jedway to Queen Charlotte City,
on Skidegate inlet, and a new office opened here on May 1 5th last.
K 110 Report of the Minister of Mines. 191.'}
Mining in general has been very quiet this past year, there being very few inquiries for
copper properties, in spite of the high price of metals. Very little prospecting lias been done,
and assessments only have been kept up on claims having the most promising showings, No
ore was shipped from tliis Division this past year.
Coixison Bat.
No work of any account has been done this jiast year in this locality. The MkoI Ticket
group had the assessment done, hut nothing moie. Several other claims had from two to three
years1 w ork done on them.
Iki,o\ Bay.
At the Ikeda mines no work was done, with the exception of assessments on unCrown-
granted claims. The main group of claims has been Crown granted.
Harriet II irboi h (-1 r.i>\\ u ).
On Cupper island, in Skincuttle inlet, owned by A. Ileino. a force of ahoiit ten men was
regularly employed ; the chief work being the sinking of a shaft. Ore of a good grade "as
encountered in the bottom of the shaft and shipments are expected shortly. An air drill and
compressor have heen installed and new buildings have heen erected.
On George island, adjoining the above mentioned island, W. II. Campbell has some good
showings of high grade ore and has a few tons ready for shipment.
Nothing but the usual assessment has been done on the Copper Queen group, owned by
• I. S. McMillan.
Huston Im.f.t.
Thompson & McKinnon have done considerable work on their property at the head of
Huston inlet, called the Ivan group. A tunnel has 1 n driven in some 70 feet, with a large
showing of fairly good-grade ore.
On the Hercules group H. McEachern and other, have done considerable work and have
encountered some good showings of ehaleopyrito.
Lockeport.
E. M. Morgan and associates have had three groups of claims under working bond the
past year -namely, the Montana group, owned by Andrews 4 Dunn; the McGuire group, owned
by F. C. Elliott and ..tiers ; and the Apex group, owned by Harris, Bell & Davies. < >n each
of these groups from eight to ten men have been continuously employed, doing development-
work, etc., and, up to the time of writing, with fairly good success.
No work, with the exception of the assessments, has been done on the Swede group this
year. There is a rumour of this property changing hands and of work starting up again on it.
Tabu.
A working bond has been taken on Qowing & Jones's claims in Tasu, and at present a
.small force of men is at work testing the property with a view to more extensive development.
The parties having the option are Seattle people.
I I MSH1 w \ I vi.kt.
I he Queen Charlotte Mining and Development Company, which owns the Homestake
group in Cumshewa inlet, has operated continuously this past year, employing on an av<
ahout twelve men. Tin- company has driven some 600 feet of tunnel, put up 170 feet of raise.
sunk some 50 feet, and built half a mil.- ..f wagon road from the mine to the beach. The best
Of the ore is being sacked and will he shipped later on ; the ore carries high gold values.
Extensive operations arc expected the coming summer.
3 Geo. 5 Skeena District. K 111
On Louise island, on the opposite side of the inlet, some work has been done on a group
of claims having a large showing of high-grade iron-ore, and a drill is expected to be installed
on the property shortly.
Two core-drills have been in operation the past summer drilling for coal, one on Yakoun
river, under the management of W. L. Barton, and owned by the Graham Island Collieries, and
another owned by the Graham Island Coal and Timber Company and under the management
of F. C. Greene. Speedy progress has been delayed by the difficulties in getting in supplies
and machinery.*
Boring for oil still continues at Otard bay, on the west coast of Graham island ; McPhail
<k Stewart having charge of the operations. These people have had many difficulties to
contend with in the way of getting in machinery and supplies, and deserve great credit for
the manner they have continued the boring under such hard circumstances. The Government
has built and improved the present trail from Naden harbour to the west coast.
Office Statistics — Queen Charlotte Mining Division.
Claims recorded (quartz) 90
Certificates of work issued 159
Certificates of improvements 47
Bills of sale 33
Free miners' certificates issued 126
Revenue.
Free miners' certificates $ 690 23
Mining receipts 2,070 80
Other sources 2,783 00
Total % 5,544 05
* Note by Provincial Mineralogist. — C. H. Clapp, of the Canadian Geological Survey, spent two
weeks this past season on the island examining the coal formation. The following extract from the " Press
Bulletin" issued by the Survey refers to his work there : "It was found that the Cretaceous coals, while
of excellent quality, occur in much smaller basins than was previous^ thought, and that the basins are
deformed, and involved with later igneous rocks, which occur chiefly as dykes and sills or laccoliths and
possibly as flows. However, considering the excellent quality of the coal, many of the basins are well
worth further prospecting."
The Graham Island Coal and Timber Company has moved its drills as near to the outcrops at Camp
Wilson as the property admits, and will endeavour to pick up the coal-seam there and trace it farther.
OMINECA MINING DIVISION.
Report by W. Allison, Gold Commissioner. (Office at Hazelton.)
I have the honour, as Gold Commissioner, to submit the annual report for the Omineca
Mining Division for the year ending December 31st, 1912.
With the advent of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway into Hazelton in the fall, and the
c msci|iieiit lowering of freight rates, considerable outside interest has been manifested, and
preparations for development-work on a larger scale have been made by owners hitherto
content with doing merely the necessary assessment- work.
A new era in the development of the district commenced with the shipping by the
American Boy mine last month of the first car-load of ore, while a further 250 tons is now at
the station awaiting shipment.
K 112 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
Glkn Mountain.
This silver-lead property has been actively developed during the pas!
Silver Standard year with very gratifying result--, and about ten car-loads of ore have
Group.* recently been hauled to the station for shipment. The main, or No. 2,
shaft lias been sunk to a depth nt' 262 feei and drifts were started at the
150-foot level, where the ore shows a width of 9 feet, and a station is being cut at the 250-foot
level. A compressor has been installed and drills will he m operation early in L913.
About •'!■"><• feet east of the No. 2 shaft surface prospecting opened up a tine showing of
ore, and a crosscut will he driven from the 250-foot level of the No. 2 shaft to tin- new vein
known as No. .'!.
Some 100 feet east of No. 3, a strong \ein I No. 4) was found showing very rich ore. hut
little work was done on this.
On No. I vein, 300 feet west of No. J vein, considerable surface work was done during
the summer, and a large and continuous ledge of quartz carrying more or less ore uncovered.
Assays of picked samples taken while the ore was being taken out of the shaft during Sinking
show values of from $100 to $G00 per ton of 2,000 B>.
The property is well equipped and the owners plan to do extensive development-work as
rapidly as possible, while extracting the ore in sight.
Canadian King Group. — Little has been done on this group during the past year, hut
considerable work is planned for the coming year on the reins known to exist.
Surprise Group is a northerly extension of the Silver Standard group. Surface work on
this property has disclosed live parallel veins, all of which carry more or less galena. In June,
after considerable work in stripping the outcrops, a crosscut tunnel was started w ith the object
ill view of cutting all five- veins. This tunnel is now in 450 feet and is being vigorously
extended.
Some twenty new- locations have been made on this mountain.
Nine-mile Mountain.
The many evidences of mineralization all over this mountain and tin- g 1 surface
showings, in places, still attract a great deal of attention; new locations to the number of
sixty six being recorded during the year.
The trail along Two mile creek to the north side of the mountain has been converted into
a good wagon-road foi a distance of six miles.
Owned by the Harris Mines. Limited. Tins property has Keen under
American Boy steady development (hiring the past year and has now reached the shipping
Group. stage. The shaft on the No. I vein has been deepened from .")7 feet to the
ls."> foot level. There is ore all the way down, varying in width from 18
inches to 5 feet, the average values being about $45 to the ton. From the I 1 1 > foot level a drift
lias been started to the north and will he continued until it reaches a shoot of on- which shows
on tin- surface, TO feet north of the shaft. This shoot of ore is 10 feet in length, and a general
sample of 2 feet 6 inches of ore gave returns as follows; Cokl. O.OS oz. : silver, l'.l-.o >>/..:
lead, 31.7 per cent.
No. 'J vein was opened up by crosscut tunnel 3-40 feet in length, which tapped the vein at
a vertical depth of 110 feet; some 80 feet of drifting was done, the vein being mineralized
throughout and of an average width of 3 feet. Drifting will In- resumed later to locate the
ore si t.
"See alio notes by Provincial Mineralogist following the report.
i.r iin.i: Mt. — Trail over Summit In Midsummer.
Camp nt HfcESvoy Klnl*— (• rou nil lion Cob Hie hi.
3 Geo. 5 Skeena District. K 113
No. 3 vein has been developed by the inclined shaft on the vein being deepened from 27
feet to the 185-foot level. Drifting at this level has exposed some nice ore at different points,
the vein being about 2 feet in width in the face of the drift.
No. 4 vein has been stripped and a fine shoot of high-grade ore exposed.
About 200 tons of ore has been taken out in the course of development, and a car-load of
25 tons of sorted ore has recently been shipped to the Trail smelter, returns from which have
not yet been received.
Silver Cup Mines, Limited. — This property has remained idle during 1912, but, in view
of the reduced cost of supplies consequent on the advent of the railway and the extension of
the Nine-mile wagon-road, arrangements have been made for a resumption of work during the
coming year.
Owned by the Hazelton Nine-mile Mining Company, Limited. Work
Lead King on these claims has been confined to a 40-foot shaft and a drift 30 feet long.
Group. It is unfortunate that the finances of the company have not permitted of a
more vigorous development of this promising property.
Silver Cup Extension Group. — During the year a 34-foot tunnel has been driven and
several open-cuts made.
Silver Pick Group. — The tunnel on this property has been extended and the vein further
opened up by means of rock-cuts and surface stripping.
The usual annual assessment-work has been recorded on a great number of claims, many
of which show promise, but these are too numerous for individual mention.
ROCHER DeBOULE MOUNTAIN.
The very encouraging developments taking place on the claims owned by the Rocher
Deboule Copper Company, Limited, have induced very close prospecting on this mountain,
and many new locations have been made both on the Juniper Creek side and at the headwaters
of Mission and Mud creeks, the fissures having been traced over the divide. Some promising
claims were also staked on the Skeena side of the mountain, so that the mineralized area is
now proved to extend for several miles in all directions from Juniper basin, where the original
discoveries were made in 1910.
Owned by the Rocher Deboule' Copper Company, Limited. There are
Juniper Group, four veins on this property on which work has been done. No. 1, the lowest
on the mountain, being at an altitude of 4,780 feet, and No. 4, the highest,
5, GOO feet. Vein No. 1 is really two adjacent veins, the first of which seems to be a replace-
ment of the granite by chalcopyrite ; considerable quartz is also in the vein, which in the
crosscut is 8 feet wide.
The second vein lies directly on the hanging-wall side of the first ; it is apparently a fissure
rilled with quartz carrying grey copper, galena, and zinc-blende. A crosscut tunnel 185 feet
long was driven to tap this vein, which was then drifted on both east and west, and a raise of
61 feet put up. The crosscut exposed 8 feet of low-grade copper (1} per cent.) and 4 inches
of grey copper. The raise was connected with the Trimble drift above, where chalcopyrite
shows for a length of 35 feet.
On veins Nos. 2 and 3 comparatively little has been done.
Vein No. 4 is a very strong fissure cutting the formation for several miles. Strike,
S. 75 W. ; dip, 65 degrees to the north, or into the hill. It is on this vein that attention
has chiefly been bestowed.
K 114 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
The main workings consist of a short shaft, a tunnel, and a long drift. At station No. 2,
2 feet of ore was rut, assaying about 12 per cent, copper and $10 in gold. This ore continued
for 47 feet between stations Nos. 2 and 3. A raise was driven from station No. 2, 27 feet to
the surface, showing good ore all the way and averaging 2 feet wide; 200 feet east of this
point a surface cut was made on the vein, showing -'i feet of excellent ore containing some
native copper : assays of this ore are nut available.
The winze from the Pemberton tunnel was started on (i feet of ore, which gradually
widened in 20 feet to !) feet 4 inches, then pinching to 4 feet at the bottom, -'S7 fret deep.
The raise connecting with this winze shows the ore to pinch to a few inches, ami then widen
to 2 feet ii inches at the elill' t unnel level, 102 feet perpendicularly lower. The ore assays
high in copper, with good values in gold and silver. The exact length of this ore shoot has
not yet been determined.
Between stations Nos. 7 anil 10, 25 feet (if ore was found 3 feet wide. From hereon the
vein showed ore at various times, hul no regular ore shoot was found until ,!0 feet past station
Xo. 11. The ore here is 5 feet (> inches wide, and with 35 feet of drifting still holds g 1.
Assays an- not vet to hand, but it carries considerable copper. This is 11.'! feet perpendicularly
below the collar of the shaft, or about 125 feet on the vein.
The shaft was started on 5 feet of ore, which widened to (i feet at the bottom, '■'<'' feet
deep. The entire shaft averages well in copper, with good values in gold and silver. A total
of 1,359 feet of development-work has been ace plished.
Highland Boy Group. — These claims adjoin the Juniper group to the north, and have
been prospected by means of open cuts and surface Stripping. The property has just been
taken over by a newly organized company — the Butte-Rocher l>el>oiile Copper Company.
Limited and active development-work will he undertaken in the spring. The fissures on the
Juniper group have been traced through this property, which has excellent surface show ings.
Great Ohio Group. — This property adjoins the Juniper group to the cast, and was located
by the same prospectors. Development has been chiefly confined to open cuts and extensive
stripping, the main fissure having been proved for over :i,ooo feet, tl ■(• exposed giving
promise.
Amargo&a Group. — Adjoining the Great Ohio group, the big fissure vein from which.
striking perpendicularly through the mountain, passes through two of the claims in this group.
There are two other veins known on this property from 4 feet to It feet wide, the lower
disclosing chalcopyrite assaying 2 per cent, copper.
Copper Hill Group. Some nice ore has been exposed on this group, the work consisting
of 10 feet of tunnel, some ten large open cuts, and several hundred feet of stripping.
On the Mission creek side of the mountain tin .', /• group and Fngenika group were
only located during the summer.
Seine 1 16 urw locations on Rocher IChoule mountain were recorded during 11*12.
Hudson \'>\\ Mountain.
This promising district has, hitherto, been greatly retarded owing to the difficulty
transportation, hut with the assurance of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway running intoTelkwa
early in the spring of 1913, greater activity may he looked for.
Coronado Group. A crew of six men was engaged on this property for some time, and,
as a result, the showings have considerably improved. A 50-foot tunnel opened up a 1-foot
vein of galena ore of exceptionally high grade.
3 Geo. 5 Skeena District. K 115
Hudson Bay Mountain Mining Company, Limited. — This company is driving a long
crosscut tunnel, which, when completed, will give a depth of several hundred feet.
Assessment-work was recorded on the following groups, in addition to numerous individual
claims : Silver Creek, Empire, Victory, Dominion Day, Extension, Moonshine, Buck/torn,
White Swan, Humming-Bird, Last Chance, Iron King, Anaurus, Suprise, Groundhog, and
Cascade.
New locations to the number of fifty-one were recorded.
Babine Range.
Prospecting was very active in this section, forty-eight new locations being recorded. The
better-known properties, however, are still awaiting more favourable transportation facilities,
and nothing beyond the necessary assessment-work has been attempted.
Telkwa.
There are many properties tributary to this point which are being slowly developed, and
<ju the Morice river a new discovery was made of some large bodies of zinc-ore, carrying some
values in silver and copper.
KlTSALAS AND Zy.MOETZ PiIVER.
The claims in this district are still mainly in the hands of prospectors and very little
serious development-work has been attempted, although surface showings are in many cases
•of a highly encouraging nature.
Placer-minino. •
The Cassiar Hydraulic Mining Company, Limited, has installed on Gold creek, Kitsalas,
a complete hydraulic plant, consisting of a 40-inch Sampson turbine water-wheel, Worthington
pump, flumes, penstock, etc., and a 12-inch pipe-line tarrying water to the "giants." The
plant has been tested and found entirely satisfactory and will be operated during the coming
season.
In the Omineca River district there has been very marked activity, thirty -eight new leases
being taken up and many transfers taking place, the tendency being for the consolidation of
leases in financially strong hands, owing to the necessity of installing heavy machinery.
Coal.
Of the numerous evidences of coal in this district the only proven deposits of a coking
quality are on Coal creek, at the headwaters of Zymoetz (Copper) river, where seventy-five
.sections are owned by the Copper River Coal Claims, Limited.
On the seam known as the "Main," coal is exposed in a tunnel on the east side of Balsam
creek, in which 5 feet 10 inches of steam-coal was recently reported. Further work, however,
has shown an additional 4 feet 3 inches of coal above what was supposed to be the roof. This
addition to the seam is evidently persistent, as it has been exposed at two points in the tunnel.
The "Six-foot" seam, which outcrops on both sides of Coal creek, has now been defined
mi both sides of Balsam creek by means of a drift 172 feet from Coal creek, and a tunnel on
the west side of Balsam creek. It is a clean, coking-coal.
On the No. 1 seam, two 45-foot levels have been driven, showing 3 feet of first-class
coking-coal, with an exceedingly low percentage of ash.
Samples of coal from all the seams on the property have been analysed and not a single
sample returned more than 1 per cent, of sulphur.
Exploration-work, as far as tunnels are concerned, has practically reached its limit, and
further prospecting to test the acreage and the continuity of the seams will be done by drills.
K 116 Report of the Minister of Mines. L913
* Anthracite Coal, — The interest aroused in the Groundhog anthracite coalfield Las been
maintained, and considerable work and further prospecting has been done. In addition, BOme
of the holdings have had the benefit of expert examination and report.
The B.C. Anthracite Coal, Limited, ran some seventeen tunnels on their claim-, varying
t'n.m 20 to 250 feet in length.
On the Murdoff & Williams claims, the Lindsay group, Canadian Mining Operators,
and Laidlaw's claims, men were employed in stripping and making open cuts and other
accessary work of an exploratory character.
The Western Development Company, Limited, and the B.C. Anthracite Syndicate were
not working this past season.
Office Statistics — Omineca Minim; Division.
Free miners" certificates (individual) 1,023
ii ii (special) C
H ii (companies) 6
Mineral claims recorded 678
( lertificates of work issued 658
Placer claims recorded 4
Agreements and transfers 203
Placer mining leases granted 38
Revenue.
Free miners' certificates . . . ." $ 5,391 7,r>
Mining receipts, general 8,638 TO
Total $14,030 45
"See report of Provincial Mineralogist on pages 81 el si </.
OMINECA MINING DIVISION'.
Notes by Provincial Mineralogist.
Passing through lla/.elton on the return from Groundhog, tin-
Silver Standard Provincial Mineralogist rode oui to the Silver Standard to observe tin-
Mine, development since his last visit to it, as described on pages 99 el seq. of
1911 Report. The property is about live miles from the old town of
Hazelton and about six miles from the nearest point on the (band Trunk Pacific Railway.
The property is held by Stewart, Welch, McLeod, and associates, and the work was being done
under the direction of W. S. Raskins, formerly of Rossland.
The shaft, which in 1911 was down 25 feet, had been continued, in September, L912, to a
depth of 200 feet, and was equipped with small hoisting engine and boiler, and w ith a pump in
the shaft. The shaft is (! x 10 feet in section and dips at an angle of about (>0 decrees into
the hill : drifts each way had been broken away at the 150-fooI level, but bad not been driven
any distance.
The vein, carrying ore, continues for the full depth of the shaft, except for a few feel at
the bottom, where the vein seems to have taken a flatter dip, and, as the shaft was continued
at the regular angle, the vein disappears into the hanging-wall, where no doubt it will !«• found
to be continuous.
3 Geo. 5 Skeena District. K 117
The vein has thus been developed to the depth of the shaft, in which its thickness varies
from 2 to 6 feet, averaging about 4 feet, but the lateral dimension of the ore-shoot has not yet
been proved ; on the surface this is only shown to be from 30 to 35 feet, so that drifts will
have to be run before ore can be claimed to be " blocked out."
The vein is very well mineralized with galena and zinc-blende ; the extent of the
mineralization may be indicated by the statement that from the shaft-sinking there has been
produced from 300 to 350 tons of first-class ore which would run somewhere about 30 per cent,
lead, 20 per cent, zinc, 1 25 oz. silver, and from $3 to $5 in gold ; in addition to this, there is
about 70 tons of second-class ore and some 200 tons of third-class ore, which, it is calculated,
would concentrate about 5 into 1.
While these shaft-workings have developed a very promising body of ore, the management,
in its recent prospecting in the vicinity of the shaft, has uncovered another vein — a new
discovery — running parallel to the shaft-rim, but some 80 feet vertically higher and
outcropping 3G0 feet farther up the hill.
This new discovery had only been prospected by a series of trenches down to, or
extending for a few feet into, bed-rock. These workings, although very superficial, have
shown up an exceedingly promising ore-shoot, which, from indications, seems probable to quite
eclipse the shaft and vein.
These development workings have demonstrated, with a reasonable certainty, a continuous
ore-shoot from 200 to 250 feet long on the surface, with a well-defined streak of nearly solid
galena, and zinc-blende with much grey copper, for this entire length, and also a further
thickness of vein of from 2 to 3 feet of quartz and ore of unknown grade.
The "streak of solid ore" is good enough for the present, averaging from 18 to 20 inches
in width and running from 200 to 300 oz. in silver to the ton on samples obtained along its
outcrop.
Probably at no point had this ore been absolutely demonstrated for a depth greater than
• i or 4 feet, yet its promise was so good that its further development will be watched with
great interest.
It is understood that this new discovery will be developed by driving a crosscut tunnel,
about 360 feet long, from the 150-foot level on the shaft-workings.
PEACE RIVER MINING DIVISION.
Notes by Provincial Mineralogist.
There has been no report received this year from the Mining Recorder of the Peace River
Mining Division, which is probably accounted for by the fact that mail from this district has
to be brought out by dog-teams in the winter, and is at best wry uncertain.
The Peace River Mining Division embraces a triangular piece of territory lying to the easl
of the Rocky Mountain range and west of the 120th meridian, so that geologically it is related
more closely to the great plains of Alberta than to the remainder of British Columbia.
With possibly the exception of its western border, its geological conditions do not promise
much prospect of producing metalliferous deposits, since any formation likely to produce metals
is deeply covered with deposits of the shales and sandstones of the Cretaceous coal-bearing
formation, and these in many places by still younger formations.
K 118 Report of the Minister of Mines. 191.*
The Peace river itself carries a small amount of placer gold, which appears to have been
carried l>v it through the Rocky mountains from their western side, as it is not known that any
of the tributaries east of the mountains carry gold.
As was pointed out by the writer in a former report, the gold thus found is in a very fine
state of division, and has not vet been found in such a state of concentration that it could be
profitably worked by other than mechanical means.
It seems probable, bowever, that some of the bars and shoals in this river may eventually
be successfully worked by dredging, to which class of work the total absence of large boulders
and clay in the river -benches particularly lends itself.
As has already been said, a large portion of the area in question is covered by the
Cretaceous formation, which is the formation in which, both in Alberta and British Columbia,
all the commercial coal has been found.
In the Peace River Mining Division these measures have for many years been known to
contain in parts deposits of coal of exceedingly good quality, which, until the probability of a
railway within a reasonable time was assured, did not offer much inducement to development.
At this time, however, it does seem possible that a t'vw years will see railways constructed
into the district, when coal-deposits will be of great importance to the development of the
district.
With such facts in mind, this Department, last summer, engaged the services of C, F. J.
Galloway, B.Sc., of Vancouver, a minim,' engineer, and a British Columbia certificated coal
mine manager, to visit the field, to examine such development as hail already taken place, and
to report. Mr. Galloway's report is appended hereto, ami. as the route is little known, the
itinerary of his trip to and from the field is also given, W bile maps prepared by him accompany
the report.
REPORT ON THE COAL-MEASURES up THE PEACE KIVKR CANYON.
By C. F. J. (Jali.oway, B.Sc., October, 1912.
Itinerary ok Trip.
Acting under instructions received from the Provincial Mineralogist, the writer, early in
■Inly, consulted with Robt. Green in Victoria, and Neil Gething in Vancouver, two of the
gentlemen interested in the Peace River coal lands, as to the examination of that property,
the means of transportation, etc., and was very strongly advised to take with him Geo.
Henderson, of Slocan City, 01 f the partners, and. rather than employ Indians from Fort
i leorge 01 McLeod lake, who are becoming more unsatisfactory and exorbitant in their demands
every year, to send for (Jus Amundsen, a Norwegian living at Stuart lake, who is familiar
with the Peace river and with the coal exposures. Telegrams were sent to these gentlemen,
who were fortunately both able to < e; Mr. Henderson proceeding at once to Vancouver,
and Mr. Amundsen arranging to join the party at McLeod lake.
July I 1th. The writer, accompanied by Mr. Henderson, left Vancouver by CI'. II. train
at '.) a.m., reaching Ashcrofl at 5.30 p.m.
July loth. Left Ashcroft per B.X. auto-sta;;e for Soda Creek at S a.m. The auto _
great trouble, finally breaking the shaft one mile from the 70 Mile House. A new shaft was
wired for from Ashcroft, which arrived on a special auto at midnight.
July Mith. After a new shaft was put in the journey was resumed at 't. .'10 a.m.. S
Creek being reached at 9.40 p.m.. after considerable further trouble from heated bearings.
3 Geo. 5 Skeena District. K 119
July 17th and 18th. Left Soda Creek at 3 a.m. on steamer "B.X.," reaching .South Fort
George at 2.30 p.m. on the 18th.
July 19th and 20th. Efforts were made to find an Indian to pilot the party up the
Fraser river as far as Giscome portage, a distance of forty miles, but without success, nearly
all the local Indians being at work in connection with the construction of the Grand Trunk
Pacific Railway.
Owing to the recent fall in the river, the B.X. Company's steamer " B.C. Express " was
not going up as far as Giscome again until the river rose, but, hearing that it was going to
take an excursion up as far as Willow river on Sunday, the 21st, the writer bought a canoe
and the greater part of the supplies for the trip, and made arrangements to go up on tin-
excursion.
Jul v 2 1st. Travelled as far as Willow river on the steamer " B.C. Express," arriving
there at 2.15 p.m. At 3.15 Mr. Henderson and the writer started lining the canoe up the left
siil.' of the river. Camp was made at 6.15 about four miles up.
July 22nd. Continued lining up-stream. Crossed to the right (north-west ) bank at the
foot of Giscome rapids, and lined up through the rapids, making about nine miles by 6.30 p.m.
July 23rd. Giscome was reached at 10 a.m., but, on account of the flies, the team on
the portage was only being worked at night, and it was 6 p.m. when a start was made, the
canoe, loaded with the dunnage, being hauled across the seven and a half miles on a specially
constructed rig. Summit lake, the headwaters of the Peace river, 300 feet above the level of
the Fraser, was reached at 9.10 p.m.
July 24th. Traversed the eastern arm of Summit lake, about six miles, to the outlet into
Crooked river, which stream was followed down for about twenty-five miles. For the greater
part of this distance the river is from 100 to 300 feet wide, the water being quite dead,
suggesting the broads of Norfolk, and forming an ideal natural canal.
In a few places it narrows down and the stream is rapid, but very small, occasionally
being reduced to a width of 5 or 6 feet. In these parts it runs over gravel and boulders,
which in many places have been taken out of the channel in order to enable canoes to pass in
low water.
Tin- country on either side is timbered with small spruce and poplar, the wide flat valley
being bounded bv low hills.
A thick growth of alder and willow lines the river-banks, making it very picturesque in
places, and testifying to the richness of the soil, which is in general a sandy loam, sometimes
of a dark colour, interst ratified with frequent beds of clay.
July 25th. As Davis lake is approached the river becomes more crooked than ever,
forming innumerable loops from side to side of the valley, which is here from four to five miles
wide. In places the river spreads out into a number of sloughs, the water being so dead that
it is very difficult to tell where the channel is.
At 3.15 Davis lake was reached, and traversed, a distance of six miles, by 5.15. It is
from one to three miles wide, several deep bays rendering the task of finding the outlet by no
means an easy one. At 5.15 p.m. camp was made on the left bank about a mile below the
lake.
July 26th. Below Davis lake the river is slightly less crooked than before, but otherwise
very similar. Where the side of the valley is approached in a loop, the higher ground is seen
to be timbered with spruce and some fir. At 2 p.m. Keary lake was reached. This lake is
K 120 Report of the Minister ok .Minks. 1918
about four miles long and from one to two miles wide, gradually tapering down to a width of
from 200 to -'i00 feet, which continues for about fifteen miles farther, after which the river
narrows down to 100 feet. Camped at <!. 15 p.m. on the right hank.
July 27th. In order to make MeLe.nl Lake Post hv the ev cuing, an early start was
made at (i.iio a.m. For about ten miles the river continues broad-like, with occasional narrow
places and riffles. The hanks are getting higher, being here from In to 20 feet high, still
thickly grown with willow and alder. On the higher ground cot ton wood, spruce, and fir are seen.
At 8.45 a.m. McLood lake was reached and the left side followed, crossing from point to
point. This lake is about sixteen miles long and from one to six miles wide. When a wind
springs up it is liable to become sufficiently rough in a few minutes to swamp a canoe, SO that
care has to be taken in crossing tin- open stretches.
At .">..'><) p.m. McLeod I^ake Post (sometimes erroneously called Fort McLeod) was reached
after a hard day's paddling. There (Jus Amundsen was found camped, having been there
since the 21st.
The writer was greatly impressed with the transportation possibilities of this route,
which, with the expenditure of a comparatively small sum of money, would make a magnificent
waterway from Summit lake t" McLeod, a distance in a straight line of about fifty-five miles.
hut by water of over 100. By dredging certain portions, aggregating perhaps ten miles iu all,
and widening a few places, a lake and canal route would be formed over which large scows
could be hauled by stern-wheel steamers with equal ease in either direction. By cutting
canals across the narrow necks of land in some of the "loops" the distance could he greatly
reduced. There appears, moreover, to he no very great difficulty in the way of making tin-
Pack, Parsnip, and upper Peace rivers navigable throughout, thus establishing a continuous
waterway for the whole length of the present canoe route from Summit lake to tin- I'
River canyon, a distance of some 300 miles, the greater part of which traverses what will
undoubtedly before many years become a very rich farming country.
July 28th, being Sunday, was spent in overhauling supplies and baking a quantity of
bread.
\ canoe belonging to Mr. Gething was found at the Post, and as it was larger than tin-
one brought from Fort George it was decided to continue the journey in it. There were r,..
natives available in the place who would have been of any use on the trip, and the writer had
cause to congratulate himself on having secured the services of Mr. Amundsen, who proved
invaluable throughout.
Although McLeod is one of the worst places in the Province for mosquitoes and black
lie . i hen- were scarcely any at this time, on account of the unusually dry season. The same
applied all through the northern country, the rivers all being exceptionally low on the same
account.
July L'Oth. There was a slight frost during the night, hut the | and other
ih]es grown at the Hudson's Bay Post wen- not affected.
A start was made down the Pack river at 8.50 a.m. As the details of tin- country seen
from the river from here on have been described in W. Fleet Robertson's report on his trip
through northern British Columbia and the Peace River country in the British Columbia
Minister of Mines' Report for 1906, further details will hi- reduced to a minimum here.
Owing to the very low state of the water it was necessary for both the writer's companions
to wade at several places and help the canoe over the riffles. Except at these points, it was
still a ease of continuous paddling all the way to the Parsnip river, which was reached at
5 p.m., camp being made a mile farther down at '1 p.m.
a Geo. 5 Skeenw District. K 121
July 30th. The Parsnip river was, even at the low stage of the water, flowing at a rate
of from four to five miles an hour in most places, so that from here on considerably better speed
was made without the necessity of paddling so hard or so incessantly as before.
The valley is fifteen to twenty miles wide, there being in many places flat benches from
half a mile to two miles in width about 15 or 20 feet above the level of the river, underlain by
a sandy loam, with beds of clay through it at intervals.
At 5.30 p.m. camp was made below the mouth of Nation river, a distance of about forty
miles having been covered.
July 31st. Farther down the current becomes slacker, the river being wider, but by
assiduous paddling a distance of forty miles was made, camp being pitched on the right bank
at G.20 p.m. Wild hay was growing in great profusion at this place, with some oats through
it. Mount Selwyn could be seen in the distance.
August 1st. The lower part of the Parsnip is very tortuous, at one place a neck of land
a couple of hundred yards wide separating points on the river five miles apart.
The mouth of the Finlay was reached at 1 1 a.m. Several pre-emptions have been stakerl
in this neighbourhood, where there is a large amount of good flat bottom land.
At midday Finlay rapids were reached, and, the water being too low to allow of the canoe
being run down, it was necessary to haul it over the rocks past the two worst points. Camp
was made about eight miles farther down at the foot of Mount Selwyn at 5 p.m.
August 2nd. A portion of the morning was devoted to a visit to the Mount Selwyn
" mine," where some work had been done on a mass of auriferous quartzite some years ago, but
without any success.
A quantity of provisions was set aside for the use of the writer's two companions on their
return trip and left in a cache on the north side of the river, and a start was made about 12.30
down the river through the magnificent scenery of the Rocky mountains. These are not
nearly so rugged here as in the passes farther south, the peaks having been rounded off by
glacial action. A halt was made on the right bank about a mile above Parle Pas rapids at
5 p.m., and the party walked down to examine the rapids, afterwards crossing over and camping
on the left bank at 6.20 p.m
August 3rd. All the most valuable portions of the dunnage were portaged past the rapids,
and the canoe lined down the left shore, where there is a good but rough channel.
A short distance below these rapids the sandstone of the Cretaceous coal formation appears,
and continues intermittently all the way down to the canyon of the Peace river. The valley
is from one to two miles wide, the river winding from side to side, cutting a channel through
the glacial drift with which the valley is filled, one, two, and in places three terraces having
been formed.
On the south side the land is mostly covered with small spruce interspersed with some
eottonwood on the lower ground. The left bank is generally bare, having only scattered
patches <>f timber, and would form good sheep-grazing land.
The mountains come to an end in the vicinity of Parle Pas rapids, and from there mi to
the canyon the valley lies between rounded foot-hills from 1,000 to 2,000 feet in height above
the river-levei.
Ottertail river, which comes in from the north about three miles below the rapids, has a
line wide valley suitable for agriculture. The stream is very dead over this stretch, numerous
eddies considerably retarding progress. After a hard day's paddling the head of the canyon
was reached and camp made on the left shore at 8 p.m.
K 122 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
A.ugus1 nli (Sunday). The morning was spent in washing and overhauling the dunnage
[n the afternoon a walk was taken to a point about tun miles down the canyon. It was
decided to leave the Imlk of the dunnage at this camp while spending tun or three days on the
north side of the river, and, after returning here to cross the river above the canyon and spend
a similar period on Gething creek, again returning to this camp ; then to make a trip to Eight-
mile ( 'nek and return here once more in on lei- to cross over the portage to Hudson Hope and
do the lest of the examination from that end.
August 5th. A cache was made and the hulk of the things raised into it. The party
then started eastwards along a trail cut out the previous summer by the surveyors, reaching
their main camping-ground, about four miles down, at 1 I. to a.m. ( 'amp was made here, and
m the afternoon the party descended into the canyon and travelled down in it for about two
miles. Owing to the very low water it was possible to walk along the bottom of the canyon
past many places which are usually quite inaccessible, ami the writer was thus enabled to take
complete sections over considerable portions of this distance, interrupted Only where rock-
slides or other disturbing features covered the measures.
August 6th. Starting at 7. •">!). the party travelled down the canyon to the point reached
the pro\ ious daw and continued for about a mile and a halt fart her. having, however, to take
to the cliff, climbing 200 or 300 feet on several occasions. An intermittent section was thus
obtained.
Finally a point was reached which it was impossible to get round, and after returning a
quarter of a mile an ascent was made out of the canyon and on to the hill behind, a height of
7 in feet. From here the mouth of Johnson creek was seen in the distance.
August 7th. Starting at 6.45, a trip was made up the river, descending into the canyon
a quarter of a mile above the camp and following it up to a point opposite the mouth of
Gething creek, beyond which further progress was impossible. Returning, the bottom of the
canyon was followed down to the point at which the descent had been made into it on the
previous days, thus making an almost complete traverse of the canyon from the mouth of
Gething creek for about five miles down-stream.
In the afternoon the party returned to the camp at the head of the canyon, meeting there
a Mr. Gregory who has a number of pack-horses. From him it was learned that the Hudson's
Bay Company's Steamer was expected to make its last trip up to Hudson Hope about the
loth, and, as the writer was pressed for time, it was decided to abandon the intended trip to
Eight mile creek, ami, after examining the Gething creek exposures, to cross over the portage
on the 1 1th, leaving four days for the trip to Johnson creek.
August 8th. Crossing the river half a mile above the head of the canyon, the party
proceeded hv the somewhat circuitous trail to the North fork of Gething creek, which was
struck about a mile above its continence with the main fork. Camp was made at this point,
and in the afternoon the creek was followed up for a mile, and s ,■ coal-exposures seen, but
none of .iiiy great thickness.
August 9th. It rained from ."> a.m. until midday, thoroughly wetting the brush, and no
examinations could he made in the morning; hut in the afternoon the creek was followed
down to a point about •'!<»(> yards below the forks, or half a mile from the Peace river.
For the greater part of this distance Gething creek was in canyon, progress being
rendered all the more difficult on account of the frequent falls, and it was necessary on one
occasion to climb to a height of 300 feet out of the canyon, descending into it some distance
farther down. Beyond the point reached progress was impossible, the canyon being
precipitous On both sides. A coal seam •'! feet 8 inches in thickness (G 12) was seen at the
lowest point reached.
3 Geo. 5 Skeena District. K 123
August 10th. Returned to the camp at the canyon-head in the morning. During the
afternoon the writer made a further examination of the rocks in the immediate neighbourhood.
August 11th. Crossed over the trail to Hudson Hope, a distance of about fourteen miles,
the dunnage being carried by two of Mr. Gregory's pack-horses. This trail runs in an easterly
direction, passing to the north of Bull's Head mountain over a neck of land 700 feet higher
than the river at the upper end of the portage, and nearly 1,000 feet above it at Hudson Hope.
The river makes a detour to the south of Bull's Head mountain through the canyon. In the
evening the party crossed to the right bank of the river and made camp.
August 12th. It rained all night, the brush being very wet in the morning. Mr.
Gregory's partner, Mr. Miller, with a pack-horse and a saddle-horse, accompanied the party.
Owing to the considerable amount of muskeg on the trail the load was later on divided
between the two horses.
In this neighbourhood the valley is from two to four miles wide, covered with a luxuriant
growth of grass, and lightly timbered in patches with small poplar, giving it a park-like and
very beautiful appearance.
Coal creek, a branch of Johnson creek, was reached at 4.30 p.m. and camp made.
August 13th. Followed Coal creek and Johnson creek down to the mouth of the latter.
Although the distance was only about four miles, the time occupied was considerable, the
party having to climb bluff's 250 to 350 feet high on several occasions, it being impossible to
follow the creek-bed all the way. The last half-mile is in a wide, flat valley, with no
rock-exposures.
The principal coal-exposures occur on these creeks, but proved to be considerably smaller
than the writer had been led to expect, there being only four seams over 3 feet thick, the
thickest being barely 4 feet. In the expectation of coming to a number of larger seams, the
writer omitted to take a sample of one of these (J 13), which is to be regretted, as this seam
proved to be of importance for purposes of correlating this section with that on Moose
Bar creek.
The greater thickness attributed to the seams was no doubt due to the fact that bands of
dark shale (often indistinguishable from coal except on a freshly broken surface) had been
included in the estimated thickness. The measures, while exceptionally free from disturbances,
are very irregular as regards the continuity of individual beds.
August 14th. Leaving camp at 7.30, the mouth of Johnson creek was reached about
11 a.m., and the shore of the Peace river followed up for about a mile and a half, to a point
opposite the lowest point reached on the opposite shore from above. Returning to the mouth
of Moose Bar creek, that stream was followed up for about half a mile to a fall which barred
further progress. An almost complete section was obtained on this creek, corresponding in
part to that obtained in the neighbouring portion of the Peace River canyon.
Returning to the mouth of Johnson creek, the Peace river was followed down for a mile.
This portion of the river is wide and open, no rock-exposure being visible from the mouth of
Moose Bar creek for several miles down, except a small patch of highly tilted sandstone a
third of a mile below Johnson creek. Similar uptilting of the measures is seen on Grant
mountain across the river, and on the hill to the cast of Johnson creek. Finally camp was
reached at i).45 p.m.
The possibilities of Johnson creek for water-power development are worthy of notice, there
being over 200 feet head between the forks and Peace river, the quantity of water at the
forks being at this low stage of the water something like 2,000 cubic feet per minute, or about
1,300 miners' inches. Gething creek is of considerably more importance in this respect.
K 124 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
August 15th. Returned to Hudson Hope, camping again on the south bank of the river.
August 16th. Travelled up a creek opposite Hudson Hope for about three miles,
examining the measures. No coal was seen, these measures being in the Lowest portion of the
coal-bearing formation (Dunvegan series). The exposures seen were, however, intermittent,
and the possibility of coal occurring in this portion of the series is not excluded.
August 17th. Travelled up a trail on the north side of the canyon for six miles, then
struck across and descended into the canyon at a point about five miles in a straight line from
Hudson Hope, and followed the river up for a mile and a half, passing the mouth of Deep
creek on the opposite side. Returning, the canyon was followed for two miles down before
Striking inland to the trail. In this part of the canyon the measures consist of the dark-
lirown, earthy, Fort St. John shales, which continue in the bottom of the canyon for some
distance above the mouth of Deep creek before they disappear under the coal-measures.
August 18th, being Sunday, was devoted to rest and washing.
August 19th. The morning was devoted to a general inspection of the neighbourhood
and a visit to Mr. Miller's ranch. The few ranchers who have made any serious attempt at
cultivation have had great success in raising potatoes and other vegetables.
In the afternoon two Indians arrived in a canoe with the mail from Fort St. John, and
as they had no news of the steamer, the writer arranged to travel down with them to that
place, leaving his two companions to return up the Peace as arranged. Starting at 8 p.m.,
five miles were travelled that night and camp made on the left bank at 9.15 p.m.
August 20th. Starting at 7 a.m., Fort St. John was reached at 5.45 p.m., the Indians
doing scarcely any paddling, allowing the canoe to drift with the stream, which was running
at an average rate of about four miles an hour.
August -1st to 24th. All the local Indians being out bunting and the mail-carrier not
being available, the writer waited for four days in the hope of the Hudson's Bay Company's
steamer turning up, it being expected daily.
One settler, . I. Wood, has taken up land here, having cleared some lo acres ready for
cultivation next year. This year he has raised g I crops of oats, potatoes, turnips, beets.
etc, on the ground attached to the police station. Vegetables bave been raised for a number
of years by Mr. Beatton, the Hudson's Bay Company's factor, who even has some healthy-
looking tobacco plants in his garden. Wild hay is regularly harvested on the plateau Too feet
above the level of the river.
The steamer not having appeared by the 24th, and knowing that t Lss the stage at
Peace River Crossing on the 29th would entail another week's delay, the writer was finally
enabled, through the g I oiliccs of Mr. Godsell, manager for I lev i lion Freres, to secure a young
[ndian who was willing to accompany him as far as Dunvegan, and a canoe was purchased
for -'I >.
August 25th to L'Tth. For two days and a half the writer travelled downstream with
the Indian, Vi hea, who could not speak a word of English, and who could not be impressed
with tin' idea that time was of any value, and that there was any sense in paddling down
in. Finally at 1 p.m. on the 27th Dunvegan was reached. About 500 settlers are in
this neighbourhood this summer, all on the plateau land, not visible from the old settlement.
which is in a bollow, only 50 feet above the level of the river. From here on navigation is
perfectly easy, and the writer accordingly proceeded alone at I p.m., camping on the left bank
fifteen miles down at 7.30 p.m. •
3 Geo. 5 Skeena District. K 125
August 28th. Starting at 7 a.m., the writer travelled down the river, reaching the
beginning of the Shaftesbury Settlement at 3 p.m. The fields of ripe grain looked very
promising. Peace River Crossing was reached at 8 p.m.
August 29th to 31st. The stage leaving on the 29th for Grouard was full up, but a
passage was secured in another rig leaving on the same morning. Travelling with the same
team all the way, progress was slow, the road being very bad for the last forty miles. Grouard
was reached by both vehicles on the morning of the 31st. This is already quite a busy little
settlement, on the east shore of Buffalo bay, near the western extremity of Lesser Slave lake.
September 1st. Leaving Grouard at 9 a.m. on the Northern Transportation Company's
paddle-steamer, Sawridge, at the eastern end of the lake, was reached by night, the steamer
tying' up there.
September 2nd. Starting down Lesser Slave river in the morning, Saulter's Landing was
reached at noon. From here on the river is not navigable for a distance of sixteen miles, to
within a mile of its confluence with the Athabaska river. A portage was made over this
distance by wagons during the afternoon.
September 3rd. Travelling on the Northern Transportation Company's stern-wheeler
" Northland Echo," Athabaska Landing was reached at 1 p.m. Here it was learnt that the
railway from Edmonton, which had been out of commission for the last three weeks on account
of the track sinking in the muskeg (tying up all freight and accounting for the delay of the
Hudson Bay Co.'s steamer on the Peace river), had been put in order and taken over from
the contractors by the Canadian Northern Railway Company the day before, and that the
first passenger-train had left Edmonton that morning and would return the following day. It
arrived about 8 p.m.
September 4th to 9th. Travelled in to Edmonton on the first passenger-train on the 4th,
and reached Vancouver on the morning of the 9th, having stayed over two days on private
business on the way.
THE COAL-MEASURES OF PEACE RIVER CANYON. .
Report or C. F. J. Galloway, B.Sc.
Geological Age.
The Cretaceous rocks of the Peace river have been divided by Dr. Dawson* into four
subdivisions, each well marked lithologically, as follows : —
(1.) Upper sandstones and shales, with lignite coals (Wapiti River sandstones);
(2.) Upper dark shales (Smoky River shales);
(3.) Lower sandstones and shales, with lignite and true coals (Dunvegan sandstones) ;
(4.) Lower dark shales (Fort St. John shales).
In the comparative table accompanying his report, he places the Fort St. John shales
opposite the Benton group of Nebraska and the Rocky mountains, and the upper shales (A),
of Queen Charlotte islands. The Smoky River shales he considered as undoubtedly corre-
sponding to the Pierre group, and the productive coal-measures of Nanaimo and Comox.
The Dunvegan sandstones, which are the productive measures in this region, are thus
seen to be older than those of Nanaimo and Comox, and more recent than those of Queen
Charlotte; islands and the Crowsnest fields.
*Can. Geol. Survey, Rep. Prog., 1879-80, p. 115b.
K 126
Report of the Minister of Mines.
191. S
I JOJ 9 A/OiA/rwo C
:? Geo. 5 Skeena District. K 127
Extent and General Structure of the Coalfield.
Descending the Peace river through the Rocky mountains, measures of Palseozoic age
are passed through, greatly disturbed in the process of mountain-making, several great over-
thrust faults occurring.
A few miles below Parle Pas rapids, where the mountains proper end and the foot-hills
commence, the sandstones and shales of the Dunvegan series come in, and, although the
valley itself is almost everywhere covered with glacial and alluvial deposits, the sandstones are
seen at frequent intervals in the steep faces of the hills on either side, all the way down to the
canyon of the Mountain of Rocks, a distance in a straight line of about thirty miles, but over
forty by river.
For about half this distance they dip to the south-west at angles of from 15 to 25 degrees.
In the neighbourhood of Twenty-mile creek an anticline crosses the valley, the measures
appearing horizontally for a short distance, and then dipping at small angles to the north-east
almost to the head of the canyon.
At this point a chain of high hills comes in from the north-west, barring the progress of
the river. These hills consist of the Palaeozoic limestones, etc., tilted at a high angle to the
south-west, the most prominent being Bull's Head mountain, a dome rising to a height of
about 2,000 feet above the level of the surrounding country, a little to the south of the
general line of the Peace river, which here makes a large detour to the south, flowing round
the flank of this mountain, having cut a deep canyon in doing so.
To the south and south-west of Bull's Head mountain the coal-measures have been tilted
up, showing a south-westerly dip of from 10 to 25 degrees through the upper part of the canyon.
Where the river crosses the axis of uplift, the coal-measures have undergone greater
disturbance ; in Grant mountain, a southerly spur from Bull's Head mountain, they are tilted
at an angle of 45 to 50 degrees south-westerly. Beyond this the river is more open for some
miles, the hillsides being generally densely wooded, and exposures are few.
A few miles farther west the sandstones are again seen, now dipping to the north-east at
moderate angles. Continuing down the river, they gradually flatten out, showing a very slight
southerly dip throughout the lower part of the canyon, to within about four miles of Hudson
Hope, beyond which the sandstones disappear, and the underlying Fort St. John shales occupy
the walls of the canyon and the banks of the river beyond the end of the canyon at Hudson
Hope for a distance of about sixty miles.
Beyond the mouth of the North Pine river the coal-measures again come in, and continue
with a slight easterly dip all the way down to Dunvegan, but no coal has yet been observed in
this portion.
The extension of the measures back from the river is undoubtedly very considerable in
either direction. Coal has, for many years, been known on the South Pine river, and locations
have been staked for coal-prospecting licences along the whole course of that river from the
boundary of the Dominion Block to the neighbourhood of the Pine River pass. Coal has been
discovered on this river at least as far east as the forks.*
On the North Pine river coal is also reported outside of the Dominion Block, so that, if
the measures are continuous between these points, this gives the field an extension of at least
seventy-five miles north and south, without the limit being established in either direction.
*Can. (Jeol. Survey, Rep. Prog., 1875-6, p. 53.
K 128
Report of the Ministkk of Mines.
1913--
<)n tin- upper pari lit' tin' IVui'i' tin' rnal formation extends, as lias already been described,
for about forty miles in an east-and-west direction, from just below Parle l'as rapids nearly as
far as Hudson Hope, and, whether this portion is continuous with either of those mentioned
tn the north and smith or not, it is reasonable to expect thai it lias considerable extension to
the north west and south-east.
It would obviously be impossible to form any estimate of the area actually underlain by
coal-measures without exploring a very considerable amount of territory.
Character of Measures.
The lowest beds seen at the head of the canyon consist of grey and brown sandstones.
with beds of grey and dark, almost black, shale. One coal seam, 1 foot . G inches thick, was
seen in this part of the series on the right hank of the river, half a mile above the head of the
canyon.
Wtf
U 4"
13 4*
P7 a-
^cfa
%
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e
7
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/
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e
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-
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_ _ . - •
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t*
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Pis 7
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,0*
^
a mm
, .*?.
a*
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L
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Pt& *
mtt
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nsrh-j
3 Geo. 5 Skeena District. K 129
In the lowest beds visible are included some irregular beds and patches of fine
conglomerate, containing pebbles up to half an inch in diameter of quartz, feldspar, slate,
jasper, etc. This was the only conglomerate seen in these measures, and indicates that at this
point the measures of the Dunvegan series were deposited unconformably on the older measuresi
without the Fort St, John shales being present.
Following the canyon down towards the mouth of Gething creek, about 600 feet of
measures are passed through, consisting of similar brown and grey sandstones in beds of from
10 to 50 feet thick, alternating with beds of dark-grey sandy shale from 2 to 120 feet in
thickness. This portion of the canyon is for the greater part inaccessible, being in places 200
feet deep.
About a mile above the mouth of Gething creek a number of dark seams are seen in the
distance, which are no doubt coal, and probably represent some of the seams seen on Johnson
Creek.
The next supervening 600 to 700 feet of measures are well exposed in the south-east
running portion of the canyon, and consist of coarse grey and yellow sandstone, many beds of
sandy shale of all grades between true sandstone and shale, a number of beds of pure shale,
and many thin seams of coal. Some of the beds of sandstone have a very strong yellow
colouration from iron-oxide, and can often be traced by this over considerable distances.
Occasional massive sandstones occur, up to 20 feet in thickness, in the upper portion of
these measures, but, as a rule, the sandstones are well bedded, frequently showing ripple
markings and occasionally false bedding.
Traces of fossils are frequent, fragments of wood, leaves, etc., but none in sufficiently good
preservation to be of use for purposes of identification.
All the coal-seams seen, with the exception of the one already referred to, occur in this
portion of the measures, and include a large number of thin seams and a few thicker ones, the
latter being chiefly in the lower part of this subdivision, exposed on Johnson creek.
On Gething creek, just below the forks, a fault, with a westerly down-throw, appears ; the
extent of its throw has not yet been determined, individual beds not having been correlated
on either side. It is probable, however, that the beds on the west side of the fault are the
highest seen.
The coal-seam, G -1, on the west of the fault has a certain resemblance to G 12 on the
east, and if these are the same, the fault must have a throw of about 300 feet. It is possible,
however, that G 12 is higher in the series, occupying perhaps a position intermediate between
G 10 and G 11, in which case the throw of the fault will be 50 or 60 feet.
Continuing down the canyon towards Hudson Hope, the underlying Fort St. John shales
present a totally different appearance from the coal-measures, being dark brown in colour and
containing no beds of sandstone.
Thickness of Measures.
On Grant mountain the Cretaceous rocks are seen tilted at an angle of 45 to 50 degrees
for a distance of half a mile, proving a thickness of at least 1,500 feet below the coal-bearing
horizon described. This, no doubt, includes a considerable portion of the Fort St. John shales
as well as the lower portion of the Dunvegan series.
We have seen that at the upper end of the canyon there is a thickness of at least 6(10 feet
of measures in the Dunvegan series below the known coal-bearing zone, which may be said to
commence on the river a mile above the uth of Gething creek.
K 130 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
From this point up to the seam, G L2, is a thickness of about Ton t"< ■< 1 of n«J liearing
measures. As the actual position of the higher measures exposed on Gething creek is not
known, the thickness ahove (ill1 cannot yet lie determined. In the lower canyon of (it-thing
creek, where the seam is seen, there is about 200 feel of similar measures seen ahove it.
On the Johnson creek section the seam. .1 13, being probably identical with -M 2 on
.Moose Bar creek, may be expected to occupy a position between P !_i and P lo in tic Peace
River canyon, being thus about 420 feet below G 1 l'.
From J 13 down to .1 20 is about 280 feet, making the latter Too feet below <; 12, and
therefore about the horizon of the dark bands seen in the canyon a mile above the mouth of
< re1 lung creek.
The measures for several hundred feet below this, as already described, are inaccessible
in the upper part of the canyon, and not exposed in the lower, so that it is quite possible that
coal-seams may occur in this portion aKo, the Too feet described being only that portion in
which coal seams have been obser\ed.
We have, then, in addition to the Ton feet of coal bearing measures, a minimum thickness
of 200 feet of similar measures above and (iOO below, making a total of 1,500 feet for that
portion of the Dunvegan series which can be observed. It is probable that the actual
thickness of this series is at least 2,000 feet in this part of the tield.
Coal-seams.
< >n the Gething Creek section twelve seams wire observed, but of these only five, G I.
<i 5, <J T, (1 8, and (1 1l\ are over 2 feet in thickness, the last being the only one over 3 Fi I '
having the following section: —
Sandstone roof. Ft. In.
Shale T
Coal (dull) 1 4
ii (bright) 1 4 Total coal, 3 ft. 8 in.
Parting (shale) 1
Coal (bright) 1 0
Sandstone floor.
A seam which is probably G 12 is seen in the cliff on the south side of the Peace River
canyon from a point opposite the islands for a distance of marly two miles, where it finally
disappears at the top of the cliff. Several dark seams, probably of coal, one of which is of
considerable thickness, are seen above it, but as that part of the canyon is inaccessible they
Could not be examined.
The analyses from G 12 show it to be of remarkably high quality (Samples T and 8), the
dull coal from the top bench being the best, and basing only L'. 1 per cent, of ash.
This seam, although not very thick, will, on account of its good roof and floor, its freedom
from admixture with shale, and particularly on account of its high quality, prove a st
valuable one.
In the Peace River canyon there are numerous seams exposed, no less than thirty four
having been counted, after eliminating all which are probably repetitions of those already
seen. Of these, however, the greater number are very thin, only twelve being 0V6I a foot.
and three over 2 feet in thickness.
Of these, P 1 asures 2 feet 11 inches in one place, and P 16 was estimated at ."■ feet in
Section 1". where it was inaccessible, but measured only 2 feet .'! inches in Sections 11 and 12.
The seam PI, which is 280 to 300 feet below ( ', 1 _'. is of even higher quality I Sample 6),
possessing also a strong roof and floor.
3 Geo. 5
Skeena District.
K 131
Moose Bar Creek
16
IS
P2T t
*/3 i-
M*. c?
P29 £
1 I
P30 i-
P31 *f
P32. r
P33 ".'
18
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K 132
Report of the Minister of Mines.
L913
In the Moose liar Creek section a number of thin scams occur, corresponding to those
seen in the lower part of the canyon section (Section 15). Above these four « seams were
seen, only one of which, M 2, is of any importance. It lias the following section : —
Sandstone roof.
Shale
Coal (dull) . .
Shale
Coal (dull) . ..
Sandstone . . .
Coal
Sandstone . . . .
Coal
Shale
Coal (bright)
Sandstone . . .
Coal (bright |
Shale
O.al (bright).
Hard shale floor.
Ft. Ii
3j
Rider (M 1). Total coal, 1 ft. 0 in.
3
2
7
I!
I
6
3
1
M
Total coal, 2 ft. 8i ill
The analyses from this seam (Samples 17 and IS) are not so satisfactory, hut theexcessive
ash, particularly in Sample 18, is no doubt due to an admixture of shale in the sample. If
the seam was stripped for a distance of a few feet and fresh samples taken from the clean
surface, much better results would undoubtedly be obtained. In places there is a band of
shale, from \ to 1 inch in thickness, in the middle of the lower bench of coal, and it would In-
hard to separate this altogether from the coal in working, so that this cannot be regarded as a
very clean seam.
Passing across to the section on Johnson creek, we find twenty scams exposed, of which
nine are over 1 foot, four over 2 feet, and three, .1 1 .'i, J 14, and J 16, over 3 feel in thickness.
Of these latter, however, it is just possible that .1 I •'! and J 14 maybe identical, both
corresponding to M 2. The sections of J 13 and M 2 are very similar, each having a small
rider of dull coal above it, and the correspondence of these two is highly probable. In the
case of J II. however, the similarity is much less, and its analysis would almost exclude the
possibility of its being correlated with M '_'. Unfortunately no sample-- were taken of 3 13.
The sections of the principal seams seen on Johnson creek are as follow- : —
./ !.' and J IS.
Ft.
Shaly sandstone.
Shale 1
Coal (.lull)
Shale 1
Sandstone
Coal (dull)
Shale 2
Coal (bright) 2
Shale
Coal (bright) 1
Sandstone
shal,' Qoor.
In.
0
I(l"|
0
' Rider (J 12). Total coal. 1 ft. 4 in.
6 J
6
•j'.l 13. Total coal. 3 ft. 3 in.
3 Geo. 5 Skeena District K 133
J 14.
Sandstone. Ft. In.
Grey shale 1 6
Hard shale -
White sandstone 4
Hard grey shale 1 6
Coal 1 8)
Sandstone 0 to 2 [Total coal, 3 ft. 11 in.
Coal 2 3j
Sandstone floor.
J 15 and J 16.
Sandstone. Ft. In.
Coal 1 3 Rider (J 15).
Sandstone 1 6
Shale 3 0
Coal (hard) 2
Shale 1
Coal 2 'J 16. Total coal, 3 ft. 4 in.
Shale 1 "I
Coal 8 J
Shaly sandstone floor.
J JO.
Sandstone roof. Ft. In.
Coal 2 31
Coal 6 -Total coal, 2 ft. 9 in.
Shale 4 in. to 1 OJ
Sandstone floor.
Tn cases where a seam is visible over a considerable distance, the thicknesses of the
individual benches of coal and shale is very variable, the shale sandstone partings in
the seams being frequently of a lenticular nature, increasing within a distance of a few feet
from 1 inch to over 1 foot in thickness, and diminishing again as rapidly. The sections given
represent, as nearly as could be observed, average conditions.
The analyses of these seams (Samples 10 to 14) show considerable variation in quality;
J 14 shows a higher proportion of volatile matter than any of the other seams except G 1
(Sample 9). Only the lower bench of J 14, however, shows any coking qualities. The lower
bench of J 16 is also described as coking fairly well.
Several of the samples from the Johnson Creek seams show fairly high ash, although not
by any means excessive in comparison with other coals worked in this country. It is, more-
over, to be expected that clean samples, taken from a fresh face, free from surface impurities,
will show better results in this respect.
From the foregoing it appears that among the multitude of seams exposed there are only
five outcrops yet known in which the thickness is greater than 3 feet, viz., G 12, M 2, J 13, J
14, and J 15, and of these it is probable that M 2 and J 13 are the same.
The canyons of the Peace and its tributary creeks afford unequalled opportunities for
examining the measures, but, in spite of this, it is obvious that the amount of strata within
the known coal-bearing zone which have not yet been examined, owing to their being nowhere
exposed, or only in inaccessible places, is very great, and there is every reason to believe that
many more seams exist besides those described, among which there may well be a number oi
large]- ones.
Coal-outcrops are also reported on Eight-mile creek, seven or eight miles from its mouth.
These are probably the same measures as those seen in the canyon.
K 134
Report of the Minister ok Minks.
1913
GETHIN& CREEK (Noi-thForK)
30
31
2B
CIO i
C 9 ■'.
28
26
37
"Wt
32
23
24
25
HV
C 3 .
CJ^
MM
i
—
4,
|
CI* ;S
J----"
"With the exception of the fault mentioned on Gething creek and a few minor rolls, the
strata are remarkably free from disturbance, in spite of the uplift caused by the elevation of
Bull's Head i ntain and the range of which it forms part.
To the south and west of the canyon a large area of practically horizontal, undisturbed
measures may confidently be expected, and. as the highest measures seen were coal bearing, it
is likely that coal will underlie a great deal of this area at uo very great depth Owing to
tin inaccessible nature of much of the country, the only really satisfactory way to prove the
measures will be by diamond-drilling. •
Quality of Coal.
The accompanying analyses (see Appendix) have been made by 11. Carmichael, Govt in
incut Analyst for the Province of British Columbia, the Split Volatile Ratios according to
Dowling's classification having been added l>v the writer.
The samples, with the exception of Nos. 9, 10, and 11, all come under the head of "high
carbon bituminous." those three being " bituminous."
These analyses show the coal to lie of very high grade. While not Comparable with tin-
best Welsh Admiralty steam coal, it is equal to a high grade of steam-coal from that field, and
compares favourably with the best West Virginia coals, being altogether of an exceptional
quality for western America.
3 Geo. 5 Skeexa District. K 135
There are, it is true, other fields in the West in which coal of all grades from bituminous
to anthracite occur, but as a rule the high quality of these coals is due to local disturbances,
and are generally in very disturbed regions, and frequently exceedingly dirty.
In this field, on the other hand, the regularity of the measures and their freedom from
disturbance is remarkable, and the low ash-content in most of the samples, taken as they all
were from outcrops, shows the exceptionally clean nature of these seams.
Only three of the samples showed any coking quality, and these only fair, so that great
expectations are not to be based upon the prospects of this field for coke-making purposes,
although it is by no means impossible that fair-sized seams will be found which will yield a
good coke, especially in retort ovens. •
The top benches of the seams P 13 and G 12, and the riders (probably identical) M 1 and
J 12, consist of coal of a peculiar dull, stony appearance, resembling carbonaceous shale. The
analyses show this to be coal of a very good quality, that in the upper bench of G 12 (Sample 7)
only having 2.1 per cent, of ash.
Transportation.
The canyon forms an impassable barrier to navigation on the Peace river, there being a
fall of 250 feet in a distance of rather more than twenty miles. There are no large falls, but
an almost continuous succession of rapids. In places, as at Moose Bar, the stream is wide and
smooth for some distance, but the rapids above and below render any idea of navigation
impossible.
On the lower part of the river no vessel can travel for more than a very short distance
above Hudson Hope. In order to ship the coal by river, it will therefore be necessary to
construct a railway or tramway to a point in that neighbourhood, a distance of about twelve
miles from the coal-exposures on Johnson creek.
Scows can be taken down the river as far as Vermilion Falls, a distance of over 600 miles.
The coal can therefore be distributed throughout the Peace River country very cheaply.
Several railways are now- heading for this country, and within the next few years there
will be a number of points on the Peace river in direct railway communication with the
outside. There will no doubt before long be a line in the immediate neighbourhood of the
canyon, possibly crossing the river in the vicinity of the mouth of Johnson creek, so that,
remote as this field now is from the outside world, it will be so for very little longer.
Market.
The principal market for this coal will undoubtedly be on the Prairies. The rich Peace
River district itself, now almost uninhabited, will, with the advent of the various railways now
under construction or being surveyed, develop very rapidly. Timber is not very plentiful,
large portions consisting of prairie land, and there will therefore be a considerable market for
coal in that country itself.
The high quality of the coal will enable it to compete far afield for railway consumption,
to say nothing of the steam navigation on the Peace, Athabaska, and other great rivers and
lakes of the Mackenzie basin.
K 136
Report of the Minister of Mixes.
1913
APPENDIX.
Analyses of Peace Riveb Coals.
By H. Carmichael, British Cow mma Government Analyst.
Sample
No.
3
4
5
6
7
8
!)
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Seam.
P 8, top bench
P s, bottom bench. .
P 5 (Section 6)
P 13, top bench (dull
coal)
P It; (Section 11). . .
P 1 (Section 1)
r, 12, top bench (dull
coal )
(! 12, lower benches.
G 1 (Section 25)
J 14, top bench ....
.1 14, bottom bench.
.1 16, top bench. . . .
J 16, bottom bench.
J 20
1» :u
M 1 (.lull coal)
M 2, top bench
M 2, lower benches.
Thickness.
Ft. In.
I 10
0 7
1 9
1
0
3
11
o
8
3
8
8
9
8
10
It
Hygro.
Water.
2.0
1 7
2.0
2 9
3.0
2.2
2.9
2.8
5.3
2.7
1.8
1.6
1.0
1.1
1.3
in
3.0
1.7
Vol.
Comb.
Mat,
20.2
17.7
19.7
16.9
16.6
15.6
15.6
16.9
19.1
20.9
23.9
15.9
21.4
Kill
18.6
14.5
18.0
16.3
Fixed
Carbon.
72.2
78.9
75. 7
71.4
78.0
80.6
70 1
77 2
69 II
67.6
67 8
77 .4
73.7
73.1
77.4
70.6
73.6
53.7
Ash.
5.6
1.7
2.6
8.8
2.4
16
2.1
3.1
6.6
8.8
6.5
5 I
3.9
9.8
2.7
13.0
5.4
28. 3
Sul- Coking
phur. Quality.
None
Fair
Fair
None
Fan-
None
Split
Vol.
Ratio.
II si I
8.31
7.22
7.03
7.63
8 M
s 15
7.61
5.29
5.93
5 so
8.93
7.21
8.91
SIS
9.43
li vs
6.28
Cal.
Value
B.T.U.
-
IVjut River Coftl Held — Sea m .P I <» — John son < 'reek.
I'eni'O Hlvrr < on I He Id — N«*nni .1 I -I— John no n Creek.
3 Geo. 5
South-East Kootenay District.
K 137
SOUTH-EAST KOOTENAY DISTRICT.
FORT STEELE MINING DIVISION.
Report by A. C. Nelson, Gold Commissioner.
I have the honour to submit a report on the progress of mining in the Fort Steele Mining
Division for the year 1912.
The following table shows approximately the number of mineral claims held during each
year since 1899 : —
Year.
Held under Crown
Urant or Certi-
ficate of Improve-
ment.
Certificate
of Work.
New
Locations.
1899
1900
37
71
104
117
142
167
189
241
254
264
280
294
307
316
718
704
642
451
335
260
193
729
470
1901
1902
253
1903
200
1904
1905
169
1X1
1906
235 1 60
1907
1908
160
150
154
161
167
143
115
100
1909
1910
1911
1912
116
179
96
145
The North Star group, on Mark creek, has remained shut down since 1910, and it is
probable that it will not be opened up again until some economic metljod of reducing low-grade
refractory ores has been successfully demonstrated ; this also applies to the Stemwinder group,
an adjoining property.
The Sullivan group, on the east side of Mark creek, has been worked steadily during the
year and has shipped over 30,000 tons, besides initiating new development-work and the
installation of water-power from Mark creek.
The St. Eugene group, on east side of Moyie lake, lias still a force of some thirty men,
shipping a few car-loads of ore and prospecting generally.
The owners of the Aurora group, after considerable prospecting during 1912, have been
unable to locate any large body of ore and have closed down temporarily, but will probably
i 'pen up again.
The Society Girl group, on east side of Moyie lake, has been steadily going ahead, shipping
a small quantity of ore, but not yet in the list of regular shippers.
Some little interest in mining has appeared, particularly with regard to the Perry Creek
and St. Mary districts. The former with its free-gold quartz may create some little develop
ment, as the whole of the creek above "Old Town " is located.
K 138 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
St. Mary district with its copper and galena would interest capital bu1 for its I ransportal ion
disabilities. Even a wagon-road would help to develop this, section, for, although a certain
amount of development is being done on various properties, systematic work cannot be
attempted with advantage until the pack-trail is superseded.
Officio Statistics -Fort Steele Mining Division.
Mineral claims recorded 1 l">
Placer claims recorded or re-recorded 2
( 'ertificates of work 143
Certificates 6f improvements issued 10
Conveyances and other documents of title 23
Partnership agreements 1
Gold Commissioner's permits :;
Documents filed 9
Affidavits filed ^.'n
Records of water grants and permits
Mining leases issued •">
Mining leases in force 37
Free miners' certificates (ordinary) 224
.i i c i '.i 1 1 \- ) .'!
ii n (special ) 3
( Irown grants issued 9
1l' {•> II in .
Free miners' certificates $1,255 50
Mining receipts 1,389 00
3 Geo. 5 North-East Kootenay District. K 139
NORTH-EAST KOOTENAY DISTRICT.
GOLDEN MINING DIVISION
H. C. Ratson, Gold Commissioner. (Office at Golden.)
NOTES BY PROVINCIAL MINERALOGIST.
No report has been received this year from the Gold Commissioner of this Division,
probably due to the fact that there was a change of officials during the latter part of the year.
The Canadian Pacific Railway has been actively engaged during the year in building a
branch railway south from Golden, up the valley of the Columbia river, to connect, eventually,
with the line now being built northward from the Crowsnest branch of the same railway,
starting near Fort Steele.
When this shall be completed, it will afford transportation facilities, now lacking, and
enable the mining properties in the southern end of this Division and in the Windermere
Division to do effective work ; some of these properties are very promising.
There is only one producing mine in the Division, the Monarch, which is situated near
Field, on the main line of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
The following description of this property appeared in the, Chicago
Monarch. Mining World, and was written by Newton W. Emmens, a mining engineer
of Vancouver : —
" The Monarch is one of the oldest mines in British Columbia, having been discovered in
1885, since which time it has changed hands several times. Owing to the lack of proper
milling facilities it was never successfully operated until the present owners, the Mt. Stephen
Mining Syndicate, acquired it and by whom it is now being operated at a profit.
"The formation in which the ore occurs is a band of bluish limestone in the Cathedral
formation, which has been classified as belonging to the middle Cambrian geologic era. This
rock is fissured vertically in a number of places, and it is along one of these that the
ore-body, now being worked, occurs. The limestone on either side of this fissure is brecciated,
the fragments being cemented together and sometimes replaced with calcite, argentiferous
galena, and sphalerite. This ore-bearing limestone varies from 15 to 30 feet in thickness, and
in addition to the low-grade ore, which has to be concentrated, contains bunches and masses
of solid ore, often containing a large tonnage, assaying 5 oz. silver, 67 per cent, lead, and 10
per cent. zinc. No exploration-work has been done in the limestone immediately overlying
the ore-bearing stratum, but as it is of a similar nature and is cut by the same series of fissures,
it is probable that ore would be discovered if systematically prospected with a diamond-drill,
which would be the cheapest and most expeditious method in that formation.
"In order to facilitate the mining of the ore and render the workings safe of access at all
times of the year, the present owners abandoned the old trail across the talus slope and drove
an adit into the mountain (near its base, and where it would be protected by standing timber),
212 feet vertically above, and 1,000 feet distant from the mill, which is situated alongside the
Canadian Pacific railroad-track. This adit was driven into the mountain for a distance of
K 140 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
-310 feet, where a raise, at an angle of 65 degrees, 475 feel long, was made coming ou1 at bhe
top of a cliff ; from here another adit was driven 210 feet into the mountain, and from the
end of it a raise was made at an angle of 55 degrees, 190 feet long, connecting with the main
workings of the mine. These raises and adits are being used as routes of transportation for
the ore from the mine to the mill.
"At the portal of the lower adit is located the upper terminal of a 2-bucket Kiblet aerial
train, eapable of handling 200 tons a day, the lower terminal being at the mill.
"The concentrating plant is housed in a building 1 40 x 1" feet, situated on a flat at the
base of the mountain and close to the main line of the Canadian Pacific railroad, from which
a spur track 350 feet long has been built. The engine and boiler room is an extension, 20 \ 50
feet, to the main mill building.
"The milling plant consists of an 8 x 12 Blake crusher, a set of 21 x 10 rough ing-rolls,
two trommels, one 4-compartment and two 3-compartment Hart/, jigs, three No. 2 Deister
Concentrators, one Mo. 3 Deister slime-table, and two Wiltlev concentrators, one dewatering
and settling box, two hydraulic classifiers, and two elevators.
"Power is furnished for a good portion of the year by a 4-foot Pelton wheel operating
under a head of 280 feet, which generates 140 horse-power. The water is taken from
Thompson creek, a stream flowing between Cathedral mountain and Mount Stephen, and is
carried in a 12-inch wood-stave pipe-line 1,70(5 feet long to the wheel in the mill. In the
winter, when the water in this creek is low, power is supplied by a 100-horse-power boiler
driving a 13 x 18 slide-valve engine under a steam-pressure of 121 ll>.
"Compressed air for operating the drills in the mine is supplied by I « o bell driven singli
stage' compressors, one having an air-cylinder 12 x 12. and tin other one of 1 1 x 15 inches,
having a combined capacity of 560 cubic feet of free air a minute.
" Light for the main winkings, the mill and camp buildings, is supplied by a belt-driven
10-kw. 1 10-volt D.C. generator.
" The mill was c pleted and operations commenced in May, 1 91 2, and up to December
•'list of that year had treated 20,000 tons of ore, from which was produced 1,854 tons of lead
concentrates and 185 tons of zinc-concentrates.
"Of the lead-concentrates, 1,1 14 tons was shipped to the smelter al Trail, and the balance
of 710 tons to the smelter at Kingston. Ontario. The gross metallic contents of these
concentrates was 7,808 oz. silver and 2,521,576 tt». of lead, which, after taking oil' smelter
deductions for furnace losses, gave a net yield of 7,406 OZ. silver and 2,249,236 He of lead.
"The zinc-COncentrateS were shipped to the zinc smelters at l!artletts\ ille, < >kla.. U.S.
(there being, as yet, no zinc smelting plant in Canada ). and yielded 1 t2,6 13 II ■. of metallic zinc.
" The exact figures as to the cost of mining, tramming, and milling have uol yet been
worked out, but it will be under $2 per ton of crude ore treated. In this cos! is included all
development and administration charges.
"Some improvements are now being made in the mill, a 1 luntington mill is being installed
for regrinding the middlings, and additional jigs and concentrators are being added, bv the
aid of which not only will the capacity of the plant be materially increased, but a cleaner
producl and higher percentage of saving made, more especially in connection with the zinc-
concentrates, which have hitherto been somewhat high in lead and lime tenure."
3 Geo. 5 North-East Kootenay District. K 141
WINDERMERE MINING DIVISION.
Report of Geo. F. Stalker, Mining Recorder.
I have the honour to submit the annual report on mining operations in the Windermere
Mining Division for the year ending December 31st, 1912.
The mining operations in this district show very little increase over the past year in so
far as development-work is concerned, which was limited, as in the year 1911, to a few
properties, and, with four or five exceptions, amounted only to the necessary assessment- work.
Greater attention was paid to this district during the year 1912 by prospectors and mining-
men .generally than has been the case for some years. The increase in the locations of new
properties and the interest taken in the older ones goes to prove that, with the completion of
the Kootenay Central Railway, which is now not far distant, many of the developed properties
will resume work and commence shipping ore ; also a great number of other properties will be
developed and placed on the shipping list.
Office Statistics — Windermere Mining Division.
Free miners' certificates issued 60
Locations recorded 75
Certificates of work recorded 28
Bills of sale recorded 11
Revenue $4,154.35
K 142 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
NORTH-WEST KOOTENAY DISTRICT.
Report of Robert Gordon, Gold Commissioner.
I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report on the progress of mining within
the Revelstoke and Lardeau Mining Divisions for the year ending Dei-ember .'51st, 1912.
Mining conditions have not improved any during the past year, the entire district being
at a standstill.
In the Incomappleux River country the town of Camborne is almost deserted, and very little
interest seems to be taken in this once prosperous rami). Lack of transportation facilities is
assigned as the cause of the present depression, as a number of the properties have been shown
to give values indicating the possibility of working on a paying basis, even with the present
unsatisfactory facilities. There is, however, no capital in the camp with which to develop the
mines, and the inducements arc not great enough to bring any outside capita] to this particular
part of the country.
Assessment-work is being kept up by the holders of a number of properties, and the claims
will no doubt prove their values in due time.
I n the Big Bend section conditions have been in the same unsatisfactory state. Absolutely
nothing has been done by the holders of the placer leases, the same cause being here assigned —
namely, lack of transportation facilities and excessive cost of getting in a plant.
Some of these properties have, however, recently been restaked, and with an infusion of
new blood into the industry it is hoped that the placer-mining industry will revive.
REVELSTOKE MINING DIVISION.
Report of W. E. McLauciimx, Minim; Kkcordkh.
I have the honour to submit my annual report of in i 1 1 lJiir operations in the Revelstoke
Mining Division for the year ending December .'list, l!tl"_\
The past season has been quiet in the Revelstoke Mining Division, and but tittle more
than assessment-work has been done on the various properties. The great requisite of this
Division is transportation facilities in order to render productive mining possible.
Office Statistics Revestoke Mining Division.
Free miners' certificates issued 124
Claims recorded (mineral) 1(5
ii (placer) 3
Assessment wort done (mineral) 19
Payments instead of work
Agreements and powers of attorney 32
3 Geo. 5 North- West Kootenay District. K 143
NOTES ON BIG BEND DISTRICT.
By J. A. Watson.
In accordance with instructions received through the Deputy Minister of Mines, I left
Victoria on the night of September 11th, and reached Revelstoke at 1.30 a.m. on the morning
of the 13th. Being aware before leaving Victoria that the steamer going up the Columbia on
Friday, the 13th, would probably be the last of the season, owing to the low water in the
river, I went at once on board the steamer, which started at daylight, and the journey of
forty-five miles north to Downie creek, the present end of steamboat connection, was made by
3 p.m. ; a record time of thirty-nine hours from Victoria. The weather conditions being good,
and as the country to be covered was fairly extensive and the season late, I deemed it expedient
to examine first the country forming the northern boundary of this mining district.
Accordingly, securing a couple of horses at Downie creek and the services of one man, progress
was quickly made to Mica creek. A cursory examination of the country lying along the
summit which divides the headwaters and basins of Mica and Yellow creeks, botli feeding into
the Columbia river, revealed a continuous area of schistose formation lying at an angle of
25 degrees. Cutting this formation there occur several quartz-dykes. In these dykes the
present development showed a certain amount of mica which appeared to be of a merchantable
quality, samples of which I brought down, and the deposit seemed to offer sufficient inducement
for further development. Mica creek proper is not at right angles to the Columbia river,
as shown on the map, but at quite an acute angle, heading in the south-east and flowing
north-west.
This country is practically above the balsam-timber line and offers every facility for being
prospected, being open, with many rock-exposures. Leaving this portion of the country and
journeying southward, a hurried visit was paid to the old gold diggings on Smith creek, French
' creek, and McCulloch creek. These camps were visited by Mr. Carmichael in 1905, since
when very little actual work has been done.
The records show that in the early days of placer-gold mining in this section, considerable
amounts of gold were obtained on several of these creeks by the miners, working as they did
under the heavy disadvantages of the absolute lack of all railway accommodation and having
to bring all supplies up the Columbia river from Marcus, in the State of Washington. Under
such conditions only the richer ground could be worked, the season being short and supplies
very costly.
The ingenuity displayed by these pioneers in the construction of plants, some of which
still exist, is an object-lesson as to what may be accomplished with scanty appliances. Under
such conditions, it is scarcely to be supposed that all the profitable workings were exhausted,
and subsequent work, at a much later date, has shown that there are still placer deposits here
which offer fair inducements to development under the improved conditions now existing.
Work to-day will have to be done on a larger scale and with improved machinery, before
the installation of which the ground requires very careful prospecting, with an actual
determination of the values to lie found on bed-rock.
Such work is under way, although nut in a very energetic manner at the present time,
and, from indications, it would seem not improbable that the near future may see the instal-
lation of a series of plants having a fair chance of making a successful issue.
K 144 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
The lack of cheap transportation facilities north of the Canadian
Lode-mining. Pacific Railway at Revelstoke, while a serious handicap to placer-mining,
is absolutely prohibitive of all lode-mining. The contacl of the lime and
schist belts seems to offer a very good ehanee for mineral deposition. That some such deposits
exist has been indicated by Mr. Carmichael in the Report of 1905, bul it would appear that
very little change or betterment lias taken place since that date, either in developing the
existing properties or in the discovery of additional showings of pr ise. There is an
abundance of surfaa tcroppings showing good mineral and much lluat ore of ,t_r I grade, but
development seems to await the arrival of cheaper methods of transportation, and whether
this will ever he accorded without some serious development being done to show its justification
is a matter of doubt.
The district is worth prospecting and is worthy of development, hut the preliminary ste) s
must hi' accomplished by local energy and money before outside capital can rationally he risked
to do the more extensive and expensive developments necessary to make a mine.
Mr. Carmichael described the principal properties iii the district in the report mentioned,
and the conditions have changed little since then ; hut the following brief notes on a few of
the properties as found this past season may he of interest : —
The Standard group has had s e additional work done at the lowest
Standard Group, workings, where the tunnel has been continued some 60 feet at a deviation
to the left of approximately 25 degrees; an active continuation of this
wi.uld appear to be well judged, or, as an alternative plan, the mineralization belt might be
reached from the other side of the mountain.
The Keystone property is one upon which the work done, as yet
Keystone. insufficiently demonstrative, is worthy of continuance. The Keystone group
is located in one of the hasins in which the Keystone creek rises and Sows
into the Columbia river a few miles south of tlie mouth of Downie creek. The lime zone,
freely mineralized, has on this property been penetrated by two tunnels, the upper running
through the belt in a distance of 40 feet, though not following the dip, the lower showing doing
the same. A shaft on a slight incline was then sunk some distance and abandoned, as the
ventilation was faulty ; the lower tunnel was driven in about 90 feet.
One or two other properties in the neighbourhood wire not reached ..wing to the lateness
of the season and a prevalence of snow-storms.
The zones or belts met with are wide and continuous on the surface, with some mineral.
I ill t there is not sufficient work done as vet to know whether at depth satisfactory values exist.
( 'aincs creek was then visited, and tlie claims mentioned by Ml. Carmichael ill his 1905
Report seen, so that any further development might he observed and noted. The work done
since t hat time aim. mil: I..
On the./, and L. about 50 feet more drifting, with the vein and both foot and hanging
wall sai isfactory.
On tlie Annie M. the incline shaft has heen carried down another 75 feet, and the vein i-
14 inches wide where work stopped.
< »n the claim 98 a tunnel has heen run in !K> feet. ah., a drift made to the right of -_»< ' feet.
An incline shaft has also heen sunk for 120 feet, which cuts the vein diagonally, the lattei
being ->^ inches wide at the foot of the shaft. The strength and continuation of this vein, ami
the regularity of both walls, appear encouraging; the work was well and substantially done.
K^
mL.' '
V
1
■f.
*^''-di^A^ ? /-~2ai
fc.
1
■*ir X^B
-'•<«r
EE^
ii
v»
'
liiicklcy Lake — on Telegrra i» !■ < 'reek — Hazelton Trail.
Dhim' Lake — looking North from Head of Lake,
3 Geo. 5 North-West Kootenay District. K 145
LARDEAU MINING DIVISION.
Report of B. E. Drew, Mining Recorder.
I beg to submit herewith a short report on the mining situation in the Lardeau Mining
Division for the year 1912.
I regret to say that there has been a falling-ofi' in most of the items of office revenue as
compared with 1911.
The various properties which in the past have either shipped or milled ore have been idle
the whole year.
Towards the end of the season — in fact, after the snow had appeared — several of the well-
known properties were visited and examined by a well-known geologist who does not wish his
name published. He appeared SO well pleased with the showings on four groups of claims
that he agreed to take them under bond, and to commence development-work on June 1st
next. It is hoped that the result of these operations will establish that our leads, like those in
the Slocan, are permanent at depth, which would do much to re-establish the confidence once
reposed in this Division.
Office Statistics — Lardeau Mining Division.
Free miners' cirtificates issued 42
Certificates of work 42
Payments in lieu of work 1
Locations recorded 13
Agreements and transfers recorded 4
10
K 146 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
SLOCAN DISTRICT.
AINSWORTH, SLOCAN, SLOCAN CITY, AND TRoCT LAKE
MINING DIVISIONS.
Report by E. E. Chipman, Gold Commissioner.
I beg to submit the annual report for the Ainsworth, SI. .can, Slocan City, and Trout
Lake Mining Divisions for the year 1912.
The mines working in the above-named Mining Divisions have fully met the expectation
of the preceding year,- and the feeling in all the parts of the Slocan District is of the most
optimistic nature. The construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway has been completed
from Three Forks to Bear lake, and the Lucky Jim and Humbler-Cariboo minis have now no
difficulty in transporting their ores from the mines to their respective reducing-points. The
old Kaslo & Slocan Railway has been standardized from Bear lake to Whitewater, and
preparations are now being made early in the spring to standardize the old road from
Whitewater to KLootenay lake at Kaslo, a distance of seventeen miles. The completion of this
link will connect the Crowsnest route of the Canadian Pacific Railway via Kootenay lake to
Nakusp, on the main line via Arrowhead to the Coast. When this connection is completed,
all the mines on the old Kaslo & Slocan Railway will have better facilities for the shipn
of their ores than ever before, and mines on the South fork of Kaslo creek, which have been
practically shut off from railroad transportation since the disastrous forest fires of 1910 wiped
the usefulness of the Kaslo & Slocan from existence, will now be enabled to resume operation.
AINSWORTH MINING DIVISION.
The most marked improvement in this Division was at the old Ainsworth mining camp.
Many of the old properties in the vicinity of Ainsworth have been acquired by the Consolidated
Mining Company <>f Canada, and the mines under this management have been steady shippers
the past season.
At the .V". / mine an average of forty-five men has been employed, twenty of whom were
surfacemen. About 600 tons of silver-ore has been mined; two miles of tramway has been
built ; new bunk and boarding houses have been erected and a boiler plant put in : I
of development, consisting of shafts, drifts, and raises, has been made.
At the Higldand mine the average number of men employed was thirty-eight, of whom
ten "en- surfacemen, [n development, 600 feet of drifts was run, and a 5 drill compressor
plant was installed on Cedar creek.
At the Maestro mine six men were employed on development : 200 feet of drifting was
done, and a shaft was sunk a depth of '■'|l feet. ' ro the /' ■ two men were employed during
the season stripping and exposing the ledge. In addition to this work, the Consolidated
Mining and Smelting Company has performed the annual assessment work on a number of its
other acquired mineral claims.
3 Geo. 5 Slocan District. K 147
The Silver Hoard Mining Company of Spokane has employed ten men continually on the
Dellie ; has completed 400 feet of drifting and sunk a shaft to the depth of 100 feet ; a new
bunk-house, shaft-houses, assay office, and two dwelling-houses were built ; a horse-whim and
gasolene sawmill were installed ; a mile of wagon-road was constructed to connect with the
No. 1 road ; and 250 tons of high-grade silver-ore was shipped.
The Crown Mining Company of Spokane employed an average of three men since early in
the spring of 1912 on the Crown mine ; accomplished 150 feet of development-work, and built
a new and commodious bunk-house. The Crown group consists of four claims upon which the
annual assessment-work has been performed.
The Florence Mining Company of Spokane employed an average of ten men on
■development-work ; sunk a shaft to the depth of 80 feet ; did 200 feet of drifting and shipped
about 60 tons of ore ; built a new shaft-house, cook-house, several dwelling-houses, and two
miles of road to connect with the Government road on the lake-shore.
A. D. Wheeler has done considerable work on the Gallagher mine, but the particulars
are not available.
At the Bluebell mine, Riondel, development was resumed at the beginning of the year
after a period of idleness of nearly two years. The property was equipped for working from
below the adit level, whence nearly all its ore must come hereafter, and on July 1st hoisting
was begun through a new shaft, the top of which is sufficiently above the adit level to permit
the ore to be crushed at the new rock-houses and be trammed directly into the top of the mill,
instead of being elevated from the adit level as heretofore.
Actual productive operation began on July 1st and continued to the close of the year, at
a gradually increasing rate, so that finally the tonnage milled amounts to well over 200 tons a
•day-
Development of the lower ground is being continued actively, and so soon as it is made
ready for stoping, the management anticipates raising and treating 300 tons a day.
At the close of the year this property employed, all told, about ninety-five men.
Woodbury Creek.
The King Solomon Mines Company has done some work on its properties, but shipped no
ore.
Hammil Creek.
Considerable development-work was done by a Spokane company on the St. Patrick claim
late in the fall, but, outside of this, only assessment-work was performed on the various claims,
which were fully represented.
Duncan River.
The only real development-work done on the river was on the Red Elephant group on
Hall creek, which is said to have shown marked improvement, and assessment-work was
performed on a few of the other claims.
Cascade Creek.
Considerable development-work was done on two groups of claims on this creek, one
group near Clue lake and the other about seven miles farther down the creek, but no
particulars of results are at hand. On Cooper and Meadow creeks assessment-wi irk lias been
fully kept up, but details of results are not available.
K 148 Report of the Minister of Mines. L913
South Fouk of Kasi.o Creek.
On account of lack of railroad transportation, only assessment-work has been performed,
but this has been fully kept up.
Kaslo Creek North.
The Eureka mine has worked steadily during the year, employing eight men in develop-
ment-work ; 350 feet of crosscut tunnels and drifts has been made, and the company inti
to prosecute the work continuously th< ming year.
The Utica mine has employed thirty-five men during the year, the pay-roll amounting to
$25,200. The development consisted of building a water-power dam; MOO feet of wooden
pipe-line laid, giving 300 feet of head and generating 2(10 horsepower; a telephone-line has
been put in; the mine has been developed by extending the lower tunnel 500 feet, and new
bunk-houses have been erected ; 664 tons of ore has been shipped, running 150 oz. silver and
15 per cent. lead.
The Deep Mine, Limited. — On account of lark of transportation, work ceased at this mine
at the end of February, 1912. During January, 1912, 246 feet of drifting was done Not
that transportation, through the standardization of the Kaslo & Slocan by the Canadian
Pacific Railway, is assured, work has been started again, and will be carried on throughout the
winter with a crew of about twenty-five men. No ore has been shipped.
Whitewater. — Operated by J. L. Retallack & Co. During the year an average of about
twenty-five men has been employed, and 1,517 feet of development was dune, and something
over 1,012 tons of hand-picked ore has been shipped.
Production of ore has ceased for the winter, and about fifteen men will he employed
throughout the winter on development.
Office Statistics — Aixsworth Mining Division.
Free miners' certificates (personal) 203
ii ii (company) 1
H ii (special) 2
New claims recorded 124
Transfers 54
I 'ertificates of work •"> 12
Pre-emptions 6
Certificates of purchase 17
Certificates of improvements (land, 5 ; mines, 26) 31
SLOCAN MINING DIVISION.
Report hv Am. is McIxxes, Mining Recorder.
I have the honour to sulnuit herou iih the annual report on the milling operations in the
Slocan Mining Division for the year ending December .'list. 191 2.
The vear 1912 has been marked by a very considerable advancement and progress in the
development of the several properties in the different camps in this Division.
The Standard Silver Lead mines is on Four-mile creek, mar Silverton ; this property has
made good progress during the year, and is paying a monthly dividend to the stockholders of
"00 for the last ten months. The management is contemplating running the mill two
shifts. The principal owners are Ceorge II. Aylard. of Victoria, and John A. Finch, of
Spokane.
3 Geo. 5 Slocan District. K 149
The Standard shipped about 4,200 tons of first-class crude ore, and the mill product from
nearly 33,000 tons of second-class ore — namely, 5,200 tons of silver-lead and 3,300 tons of
silver-zinc concentrates; the metal contents of all products shipped were — silver, 746,000 oz. ;
lead, 11,792,000 lb.; and zinc, 1,300,000 lb. Large bodies of good ore were opened in the mine.
The Van-Roi mines, also on Four-mile creek, about five miles from Silverton, employs 150
men, and worked continuously during the year, shipping at the average rate of six cars of lead
and three of zinc concentrates each month ; the lead-ores carry about 175 oz. of silver to the
ton ; development-work is also being kept well ahead.
The Van-Roi milled about 57,000 tons of ore, shipping products of which were nearly
2,200 tons of silver-lead and 2,200 tons of silver-zinc concentrates; metals produced
were— silver, 543,000 oz. ; lead, 2,000,000 lb. ; and zinc, 2,000,000 lb. Several new and
valuable ore-bodies were discovered in this mine.
The Silverton Mines, Limited. — This property, consisting of the Hewitt and Loma Boone
mineral claims, is partly owned by and is operated by Monty Davys. They had the misfortune
of losing the concentrating plant, or mill, early this year, it being destroyed by fire, but they
at once made preparations to start a new mill, which is now nearly finished. The mine is
showing up well and will be feeding the mill in a-few weeks.
Owing to the destruction by fire of the Wakefield concentrator, the Silverton Mines,
Limited, which had been using it, was unable to continue the production of much ore, but the
erection and equipinent of a new mill was undertaken, and arrangements made to use in this
a flotation process, as auxiliary to water-concentration. The Silverton Mines, Limited, found
the south vein of No. 4 level of the Hevritt-Loma Doone mine, and made ready to commence
driving Nos. 8 and 9 levels to cut both the main and south veins at a total depth from the
apex of between 1,600 and 1,700 feet.
The Rambler-Cariboo, situated in McGuigan basin, owned mostly in Spokane, has worked
steadily all year and shipped considerable clean ore. They have also built a fine concentrating
plant down on the new spur which the Canadian Pacific Railway built from Three Forks to
Bear lake ; the mill has been running only a week.
The opening of the Rambler-Cariboo mine on several levels down to the 1,400-foot,
inclusive, was pushed on, most work having been done in the deep. An aerial tramway was
constructed between the mine and the new mill on Seaton creek; the mill equipment was
added to, a capacity of 75 tons in two shifts being provided for. Railway transportation was
arranged for by making a spur to the mill, at which operations were commenced late in the
year. The company shipped some 1,200 tons of ore, containing 108,000 oz. silver and
1,021,000 It), of lead.
The Lucky Jim shipped 2,100 tons zinc-ore since the railroad reached the mine early this
spring.
About Sandon, shipment of ore was made from both the Ruth- Hope and Richmond- Eureka
groups ; a deep-level adit was driven to cut the big vein on the Slocan Star, and similar
important underground work well advanced on the old Payne property. In the vicinity of
Cody, shipment of high-grade silver-zinc ore from the Deadman mine of the Noble Five group
was commenced ; the long raise was completed from the extension of the Last Chance No. 3
adit up to the old workings of the Surprise, and shoots of good ore opened on the lowest two
new levels ; and more development-work was done on the Reco, Sunset, Colonial, Noonday,
and Mountain Con. Near Three Forks, the McAllister, Lone Bachelor, Cinderella, and
Silver Ridye were worked, and above Alamo the Idaho-Alamo mines were further developed
with good prospects of again becoming important producers.
K 150 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
The Apex, situated near New Denver, is operated by Anthony Becker, and is shipping
regularly ; it is a dry ore.
There are many other smaller properties in the course of development in the camp, but
are not yet far enough advanced to be reported.
Office Statistics — Slocan Minim; Division.
Free miners' certificates issued 140
Claims recorded II
Certificates of work recorded . . 143
Transfers 15
Revenue collected $4,785.10
SLOCAN CITY MINING DIVISION.
Report of Howard Parker, Mining Recorder.
I have the honour to submit my report for the Slocan City Mining Division for the year
ending December 31st, 1912.
While the ore shipments last year were not so large as in former years, it is \ cry gratifying
to know that the great amount of development-work done has opened up considerable bodies
of high-grade silver-lead ore.
The Eastmont, situated at Ten-mile creek, has had ten to fifteen men employed during
the year chiefly at development-work ; a large body of ore was encountered during the month
of November, and preparations are now being made for shipping on an extensive ml,
The Meteor, on Springer creek, shipped 50 tons of ore besides doing development-work :
the ore yields about 8200 per ton.
The Black Prince shipped some 52 tons during the year.
The Lily B, operated by the Hobson Mining Company, has extensively developed its
property, and although no ore was shipped during the year, it is believed that a considerable
quantity could be shipped at any time. The ore is high-grade silver-lead.
The Hamilton group, owned liv Gillette & Co., has done a further L25 feet of tunnelling,
and is now hauling ore for shipment to the Trail smelter. This ore assays high in silver and gold.
The Kilo, situated on Lemon creek, was closed down for a number of years, but was
reopened about three months ago. Seventeen men are now employed at the mill and in the
mine. The ore is gold-bearing quartz ; loo tons taken from the dump and treated at the mill
yielded $13.25 a ton in gold. In the month of December the mill was operating for eleven
days, and the ore treated (from the mine) yielded a gold brick valued at SI, son.
It is believed that the good showing made by the Kilo will give considerable impetus to
the gold-mining industry at Demon creek ; properties which are now idle arc expected to be
working in the spring.
Office Statistics Slocan (in Mining Division.
Free miners' certificates (ordinary) 90
ii ii (company) 2
Certificates of work recorded 129
Locations recorded 11
Conveyances recorded 12
Certificates of improvement recorded 5
3 Geo. 5 Slogan District. K 151
TROUT LAKE MINING DIVISION.
Report of F. Mummery, Mining Recorder.
I have the honour to submit herewith my report of the progress of the mining industry
in the Trout Lake Division for the year 1912.
The discovery of a large body of silver-lead ore in the Ajax mine and the shipment of
high-grade ores from the Lucky Boy, Horseshoe, and Nettie L. have done much to restore
confidence in the mining industry in the Trout Lake District.
Silver Cup. — Shipments of ore totalled 320 tons, containing 44 oz. gold, 23,500 oz. silver,
and 156,000 lb. lead. Development consisted of raises, 46 feet; drifts, 423 feet; total, 460
feet. An average of seventeen men was employed.
Ajax. — This property, situated on Nettie L. mountain, and one of the Nettie L. group,
owned by the Ferguson Mines, Limited, has lain idle for years. Last June Superintendent
Merry put two men to work. Shortly after, they cut what is probably a large body of silver-
lead ore of a shipping grade. Up to the present time they have drifted a total of 1 25 feet,
of which 65 feet is on the ore, which shows an average width of 5 feet. During the month of
December 85 tons was shipped, and shipments will be continued until the close of navigation
on Trout lake ; eight men were employed in December.
Nettie L. — This property was under lease to Daney & Co. during the latter part of the
year. Sinking, 53 feet; drifting, 73 feet; men employed, 6; ore shipped, 31 tons.
Horse Shoe. — Owned by Craig <fe Hillman, situated on Trout creek, about three miles west
of Trout lake. Drifting, 47 feet ; sinking, 73 feet ; men employed, 3 ; 5 tons of ore shipped,
giving returns of .f 130 a ton.
L.B. — Owned by the Chestnut Hill Mining Company, of Philadelphia. Work done
consisted of surface prospecting and stoping ore ; 28 tons of high-grade ore was shipped, a
portion of which gave values of over 300 oz. ; from four to eight men employed.
Fidelity. — Situated about three miles north-west of Gerrard ; has been under lease to
Lamphere & Co. They have been rawhiding ore during the month of December, but will not
ship until after the New Year.
Canadian Boy. — This group, owned by Kirkpatrick, Daney, and others, is situated at
Seven-mile, on the South fork of the Lardeau, and has a flne showing of silver-lead ore,
averaging about 90 oz. in silver a ton.
C.B. — Work during 1912 consisted in sinking 32 feet and drifting 37 feet. There is a
quantity of sacked ore on the dump, but no attempt will be made to ship at present.
Broadview Group. — Situated on Great Northern mountain, three miles north of Ferguson.
Four men employed ; 168 feet of tunnel; a new vein was cut in the tunnel, but I have not
been able to obtain particulars.
Office Statistics — Trout Lake Mining Division.
Free miners' certificates (ordinary) 79
" h (company) 2
Bills of sale, agreements, etc., recorded 23
Certificates of improvements recorded 7
Certificates of work issued 150
Mineral claims recorded 46
K 152 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
NELSON DISTRICT.
NELSON MINING DIVISION.
Repobt op W. F. Teetzel, Gold Commissioner.
I have the honour to submit the annua] report on the Nelson Mining 1 )i\ i>i<>n for the
year ending December 31st, 1912.
General I! em oiks.
The ore product ion for the Nelson District was hoa\ in- in 1912 than it has been for s< ■
years. This was due to the operation of the mill at the Mother Lode mine on Sheep creek for
five months, the steady operation at full capacity of the Queen 20-stamp mill, and increased
shipments from the Emerald, the beginning of shipments by the 11.11., and the renewal of
shipments by the Queen Victoria and Yankee Girl mines.
The developments in the mining industry for the year have been of very greal importance
to the district, and the year 1913 should be a banner one. The purchase of the controlling
interest in the Silver King by the Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada,
and the immediately following resumption of work at that property, cannot help but greatly
improve conditions in the district. Another factor of importance is the entrance of the
British Columbia Copper Company into the district, by the purchase of the Queen Victoria
copper-mine at Beasley, and the taking of a lease and bond on the Eureka copper-mine on
Granite mountain. Neither of these properties are prospects, but are de\eloped mines, and
the operation of them by this strong company means a great increase in the ore production of
the district.
During 1!)1'_' about 37,000 tons of gold-ore was milled by the stamp mills, and 16.000
tons of ore or concentrates shipped to the smelter or concentrated, bringing the total ore
production for the district well up to the 53,000-ton mark.
A bon I 300 men were employed in the mines during the year.
Eagle Creek.
The property of the Eureka Copper Mines, Limited, was bonded to the Brit ish ( lolumbia
Copper Company in July last. At that time' there was about 3,000 feel of di velo] -nt work
done, and four shoots of ore opened up, in virgin ground, at a depth of 250 feet, besides
considerable ore in the old workings. Since then two new ore-shoots have been found. A
winze sunk from the tunnel le\el on our of tin ore shoots, for over 50 feet, shows about - feet
of "it limning from 5 to 15 per cent, copper and from 30 to 90 oz. of silver. A raise from
tin- level has opened up II feet of en i With the exception of th -e iii the winze,
the ore is nearly all carbonates. The average of 1,000 tons shipped in 1907 and 1910 was 5
per cent, copper, o. 1 7 oz. of gold, and 1.3 oz. of silver. Wherever, as yet, the sulphides have
been found the values are higher. A road, with a good grade, and an aerial tramway have
been surveyed to the property, and construction work will be started in the spring. The
property will become a steady shipper toward the end of the summer. A lower crosscut tunnel
will probably be run as soon as ship Qts are started.
I*jirk-t rjiiii iTossi iiu KlnM li n«' II i v«*r.
Norl Imtii l'ni>>|M'('liir — p:i<-kiim Su ppl jrw on DogTt*<
3 Geo. 5 Nelsox District. K li
Granite- Poorman. — At the Granite-Poorman the stamp-mill has not been operated at its
full capacity this year, owing to numerous dykes faulting the ore, making the mining of a
sufficient tonnage to keep the mill running a difficult proceeding. Since the lead crossed
under the creek, it has run fairly well with the surface, at no great depth. In the tunnel
level, where the ground is hard, there is a long and continuous ore-shoot, very well mineralized
and having a width of, on the average, from 1 to 3 feet. The ground below the tunnel level
should not be so badly faulted, as the dykes that exist there should be showing in the
workings on the Poorman vein. It is the intention of the company to drive a lower crosscut
tunnel this year to tap the lead lower down, and drift under this ore-shoot.
Bbasley.
• Queen Victoria. — The Queen Victoria was purchased by the British Columbia Copper
Company on November 1st. There is about 40,000 tons of low-grade ore, carrying an excess
of lime, opened up at present, that can be mined at a profit with copper at the present price.
The mine is equipped with a power-line, transformers, a motor, and air-compressor, 2-bucket
aerial tramway to the railroad, ore bunkers, and a full equipment of machine-drills, tools, etc.
It is expected that shipments of from 60 to 100 tons a day will be made to the company's
smelter at Greenwood during the year. Over 1,000 tons was shipped in November and
December.
Molly Gibson. — The Molly Gibson, on Kokanee creek, mined about 12,000 tons of ore
and shipped 2,419 tons of ore and concentrates to the Trail smelter during the year. Since
the acquisition of this property by the Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada,
an aerial tramway four and a half miles long has been installed, to convey the ore and
concentrates from the mill over the worst part of the road to the lake, as well as to haul up
mine supplies ; the mill has been remodelled ; a new power plant with an additional
air-compressor has been installed, by using the waste water from the mill-wheels over again
lower down, and a steady policy of development carried out at the mine. An SOO-foot
crosscut tunnel to give an additional depth of 240 feet was completed during the year, and a
raise is being run from this to Xo. 5 level. Some drifting on the lower level showed that the
ore continued downward to that level, in about the same quantity and quality as in the bottom
of the level above. Surface work during the year revealed the existence, over a distance of
2,000 feet, of surface showings similar to those under which are the present workings. "When
sufficient development has been done this mine should be a heavy producer for some years
to come.
Venus. — A. H. Gracey has taken a lease and bond on the Venus, and drove a lower
crosscut to the vein, on which drifting is now being done. A good showing of ore in the
bottom of the tunnel above, carrying good values in gold, has already been encountered in the
drift.
Silver King. — The Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company this fall purchased a
75-per-cent. interest in the Silver King Company, and immediately started to rebuild the mine
plant which had been destroyed by fire. At present about forty men are employed. The
aerial tramway will be put in shape and shipments started before spring if possible. There
are large bodies opened up of a lower grade of ore than that formerly shipped, on which a
good profit can now be made, as well as considerable ore of the class formerly shipped. The
mine will probably be a heavy producer in the near future, and its operation once more
means much to the district.
Perrier. — At the Perrier a small mill is being constructed to mill the free-gold ore of this
property, and a small tonnage may he looked for during the year. The owners have a nice
little lead, but have been hampered by lack of capital.
K 154 Report of the Minister of Mines. L913
Ymie District.
Wilcox. The Wilcox mine, on "Wild Horse creek, aboul seven miles from Ymir, has
developed steadily during the year. A considerable tonnage of free-milling ore has been
opened up; developmenl "ill be continued until a sufficient tonnage is in sight so that the mill,
when once started again, will he able to run steadily at full capacity. The properl
equipped with an electric-power plant, air-compressor, hoist, two aerial tramways, a 10-stamp
mill with concentrating-tables, and suitable mine buildings.
Yankee Girl. The Yankee Girl resumed shipments this fall, shipping to the Trail smelter
700 tons of ore, carrying about $15 in gold. The ore-shoot at present opened up is about
160 feet long and from 2 to •'! feel in width: the best ore is steel-galena. There are very
large liodies of low-grade sulphides opened up, hut their value or full extent has not a
been determined. The mine is equipped with a 2-bucket tramway to the wagon-road, at a
point about a mile and a quarter from the Great Northern Railway station at Ymir, a
power plant and a .".-drill compressor, and the necessary mine buildings. About twenty men
are employed at present.
Dundee. — The Dundee adjoins the Yankee Girl. A tunnel is being driven on the lead at
present to catch an ore-shoot opened up in the old shaft, at a depth of about 900 feet below
the collar of the shaft, which is down over 200 feet. The point driven for should he reached
this summer.
Jennie Belle or Ymir Mint.— Some high-grade ore carrying SlOO to the ton in gold, silver,
and lead was opened up in a prospect -shaft last year, and a crosscut tunnel to give 50 feet
depth is being run to get under this ore.
Mmj Blossom,. — Some high-grade gold-silver-lead ore has been opened on the Mny Blossom.
A drift on the lead is being run at present, and the ore encountered is being sacked ready for
shipment in the spring. A small tonnage of high-grade ore may be looked for from the
property as soon as development has been carried sufficiently ahead.
Bi- Metallic. — The purchase of this property by a subsidiary company of the Hobson Silver
Lead Company was completed this summer. About 300 feet of develo] Tit-work was done
(hiring the year.
Sheep Creek District.
Lost Cabin. — At the Lost Cabin, on Hall creek, about 300 feet of development-work was
during the summer.
Queen. — The Queen 20 stamp mill was operated steadily during the year, except for minor
shut-downs, caused by accidents to the flume-line. The tonnage produced was the heaviest
yet from the property, being in the neighbourhood of 11,300 tons ; beside- the gold saved by
amalgamation, 565 tons of concentrates was shipped to the Trail smelter. The ore was all
obtained from No. 6 level from drifting and from the ore shoot at the shaft. The mine is
worked on the shrinkage system, and about one-third of the ore from this ore-shoot is at present
broken in the stope. The ore shoot found on No. 5 level across the creek was encountered
on (To. 6, and drifted on for a distance of 200 feet, and still shows strong in the fao Foi
150 feet the drift was carried the full width of the ore, which is from | ■_' to 11 feet. From
th.i, on the drift will be carried single width until the end of the ..re shoot is reached, when
it will be w idened out. While running two machines in the face, enough ore was taken out to
keep the mill running. A raise is being run to No. 5. Some changes to the mill are contem-
plated in the near future, to further increase the saving effected, which at present is not as
good as it should be.
3 Geo. 5 Nelson District. K 155
Koolenay Belle. — Nothing was done at the Kootenai/ Belle this year, in spite of the
splendid showing of ore opened up by the development-work already done.
Vancouver. — A small shipment of 1 7 tons of high-grade ore was made from the Vancouver
Fraction adjoining the Queen. Humphreys A1 Fisher, the owners, are driving a short crosscut
tunnel this winter.
Dominion Mountain.
Golden Belle and Clyde-Belt. — At the Golden Belle work was discontinued this spring and
the property was sold by Sheriff's sale. Nothing was done at the Clyde-Belt.
Mother Lode. — After many annoying delays the new mill at the Mother Lode was put into<
commission, and ran at full capacity for the last five months of the year. The mill is equipped
with 10 stamps, crushing to 12 mesh, a 5- x 20-foot tube-mill, amalgamation-plates, and a
complete Merril cyaniding plant. The average daily tonnage treated is close to 70 tons. The
saving effected is stated to be over 98 per cent, of the gold values. Over 13,440 tons was put
through in the five months, and a good profit is said to have been made. A steady year's run
of the mill would add greatly to the gold production of the district.
A very promising lead is being opened up over the summit from Sheep creek, on the
Cultus Creek side ; the ore is galena and carbonate, carrying good values in gold and some
silver. It is owned and is being develoded by the owners, the Laib Brothers, by whom it was
located.
Nugget. — The Nugget has been closed down for most of the year, notwithstanding the
considerable tonnage of ore opened up in the mine. It is expected that another crosscut tunnel
will be run shortly.
Silver Lead. — On Fawn creek, below the Nugget in the granite-lime belt, Macleod and
MacColeman uncovered a large surface showing of silver-lead ore. They ran 60 feet of a cross-
cut, but did not reach the main ore-shoot.
Hudson Bay. — The Hudson Bay shipped 742 tons of silver-lead-carbonate ore to the Trail
smelter this year. A large body of this ore is opened up, and shipments will be continued
steadily. Eight miners keep four 4-horse teams hauling 7 tons to the load busy hauling the
ore to Salmo. In addition to the lead-carbonates, there is a heavy tonnage of zinc-carbonates
opened up.
Aspen. — About a mile and a half farther up Peer creek is the Aspen group, at which a
crosscut tunnel is being driven to get under a surface showing of dry silver-ore at a depth of
50 feet.
Emerald. — An air-compressor was installed at the Emerald this year, and a crosscut
tunnel driven to obtain more depth. The vein is rather flat, and a raise is being run from this
crosscut to catch the ore, but is not yet up high enough. The ore is a low-grade silver-lead
ore, and 1,560 tons was shipped to the smelter at Trail this year.
Silver Dollar. — The Silver Dollar is under lease and bond to the Consolidated Mining
and Smelting Company of Canada. The mine is just on the outskirts of the town of Salmo.
The ore is a silver-lead ore running high in zinc. A boiler and a small hoist were installed
this summer, and a shaft is being sunk which at present is down about 100 feet.
Erie Pistkict.
Arlington. — The Arlington mine at Erie shipped 762 tons of gold-ore to the Trail smelter
during the year. The Hastings B.C. Syndicate leased the property to William Barker at the
end of May, and he is at present operating it.
K 156 Report of the Minister of Mikes. 1913
Second Relief. — The Second Relief on the North fork of the Sal i river, fourteen miles
from Kric, has been operated steadily for the last live months of the year. There is considerable
ore opened up at present, and a pinlial.il it v thai the om ners will be able to operate the mill
steadily for some time. Over 3,500 tons of ore was treated at the mill this year, and '.»7 tons
of concentrates shipped to the Trail smelter, besides the gold recovered by amalgamation.
The property is equipped with a 10 -stamp mill using water-power, a II -drill air-compn
machine drills, and suitable mine building .
Office Statistics -Nelson Minim; Division.
Free miners' certificates (ordinary) 620
.i a (special) 3
Claims recorded (mineral) 351
M (placer) i
Assessments recorded
Transfers and other documents of title recorded 135
Revenue.
Free miners' certificates $3,22 I 25
Mining receipts. 3,731
NELSON MINING DIVISION.
PLATINUM AT NELSON.
Notes by Provincial Mineralogist.
A further endeavour was made this year by the Department to give official confirmation
to the reported finding of platinum in certain dykes near Nelson, B.C., as much local interest
had been manifested in the subject.
With this objeel in \ ie« the writer was instructed to obtain samples of the dykes; these
samples he took personally, assisted by an Inspector of Mines, in the presence of the parties
interested and from places indicated by them : in addition to these samplings, further samples
were banded in by owners from portions of dykes which they thought contained platinum.
The matter had, however. resolved itself into, not a question of sampling, hut of the
assaying of the samples, and this the Department decided to refer direct to some of the
best known anil impartial assayers in Canada. England, and the United States, whose results are
given, without any further comment, in the following report made by the writer to the
Honourable the Minister of Mines in February, 1913: —
Sic, 1 beg to report as follows regarding my investigations into the alleged finding of
platinum, and metals of that group, in certain dykes in the vicinity of Nelson.
Last year I had a number of samples sent to me; these I seni to several eminent chemists
for a-say. all of whom reported that they were unable to detect even a trace of platinum, or
metals of that group, in the sampli
These results were published, in detail, in the Report of this Department for lull ipaire
165, i ( seq. I.
On October 1st, L912, 1 proceeded to Nelson at your request— 4» obtain other samples
from the same and other localities, so that our samples would represent a wider n -
3 Geo. 5 Nelson District. K 157
I made you a detailed report of my trip to Nelson, under date of December 18th, 1912,
which may be briefly summarized as follows : —
I personally took the following samples, with the assistance of James McGregor, Inspector
of Mines, and in the presence of the parties interested : —
No. 7201 — Devlin dvke, general sample, upper and softer portion of dyke.
No. 7202 — Devlin dyke, general sample, lower and harder portion of dyke.
No. 7203 — Patenaude dyke, general sample, across dyke.
No. 7204 — Patenaude dvke, special sample of 2 feet next to contact.
No. 7205 — Beelzebub dyke, Granite- Poor man mine, general sample.
No. 7206 — Beelzebub dyke, Granite-Poorman mine, special sample of foot-wall.
No. 7207 — Greenhorn dyke, Granite-Poorman mine, general sample.
No. 7208 — Granite dyke, Granite-Poorman mine, general sample. (It was from this
dyke that the 50 tons milled was taken.)
No. 7209 — Hardscrabble tunnel, No. 1 chute, general sample of dyke.
In addition to the samplings made by me personally, the following samples were supplied
to me : —
No. 7211 — Monaghan dyke, general sample, sampled by owner.
No. 7212 — Monaghan dyke, general sample, 2 feet next hanging- wall, sampled by
owner.
No. 7269 — McQuarrie & Robertson dyke, samples supplied by owners.
No. 7215 — Sample given by Thomas Gough, manager Granite mine, to the Provincial
Mineralogist, and said to be a sample from " concentrates " made on
Wilfley table, in 1911, during a run through the Granite mill of 50 tons
dyke-matter, taken from same dyke as was sample No. 7208.
As the ratio of "concentrates" to the ton of ore is unknown, this
sample would not determine the amount of metal in the dyke, and was
taken only to determine whether there was any platinum present even in
ore so concentrated.
It was A. G. French who was primarily responsible for the alleged discovery of platinum,
and I found in an interview I had with him that lie claimed that the metals of the Platinum
group " were so elusive that no ordinary assayer, even the best, could find them upon assay,
but that he (Mr. French) by his great experience had found a method of assaying that would
show them."
I obtained from Mr. French a description of his method of assaying, which I had typed,
and submitted a copy to him for correction ; this was returned, with slight corrections, and
initialled by him.
To show me the manipulation of his method of assay, Mr. French had some samples run
through in my presence ; those on dyke-matter were, however, abandoned, but a sample of
" concentrates " was run through to the end.
The samples, reagents, and operators were of Mr. French's selection, which was, however,
unimportant, as it was only the mamipidatwn I was there to see, and the result was of no
consequence, as of course I could not certify to the results without control of the operations.
Upon my return to Victoria, I had the samples I had obtained divided, each into several
identical samples.
K 158 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
Then- has never been any question as to the samples or sampling the whole question
has been as to the assaying of the samples : so. to obtain the best expert determination on this
point, I sent sets of four samples, each set identical, to a number of the most expert chemists,
asking that they be "tested, with the greatest possible care, for metals of the Platinum group,
for even a trace, and if found, then in what quantities."
With each of these sets of samples I sent a ropy of Mr. French's method of assaying.
Sets of samples were sent to the following parties, each set being identical and comprising
Xos. 7203, 7205, 7211, and 7215:—
Canadian Government Bureau of Mines, Ottawa, courtesy of Dr. Eugene Haanel;
this laboratory does all the chemical work of the Bureau of Minis and of the
Geological Survey of Canada.
Johnson, Matthey & Co., London, England, Assayers to the Royal Mint, one of the
first authorities in England on platinum-assaying.
Dr. Frederic P. Dewey, Washington, J>.C. Chief Assayer to the U.S. Mint and
the greatest authority in America on detection of minute quantities of platinum,
the author of uumerous papers on this special subject. (These were sent
through the U.S. Geological Survey, whose courtesy and Dr. Dewey's is hereby
acknowledged. )
Ledoux A: Co., of New York, one of the best-known assaying firms in America.
Consolidated Mining and Smelting Co. 's laboratory at Trail, whose chemists have
become expert in this matter.
British Columbia Government Laboratory, Mr Carmichael and Mr. Wbittaker
working independently, making two sets of assays.
The S. S. White Dental Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of platinum goods,
New York.
With the notable exception of the S. S. White Dental Manufacturing Company (which
will be remarked on later), each and every one of these experts to whom the question had been
Submitted reported that they were unable to find even a trace of any metal of the Platinum
group.
The following are extracts from some of the letters accompanying the certificates of
assay : —
Johnson, Matthey ,v Co. : "Our results are again of an absolutely negative character, ami
we can affirm that the samples contain neither platinum nor metals of the Platinum group."
1 ir. I >ewey reports : —
■•Washington. D.C., January 21st, 1913.
" The Director of the Mint.
"Sir, None of the samples from the Provincial Mineralogist of British Columbia,
forwarded to us by the United States Geological Survey, show any platinum.
•■ No unusual occurrence was observed during the assay, but no special test could be made
for Canadium."
"(Signed, i Fredi bi< P I »i »i:v,
Assayer, Bureau of lite Mini."
Ledoux & Co.: "In examining these samples we have used assay charges four times as
large as usual, and the results an in every case; we can assure you that none of these
samples contain even a trace of platinum or any other member.- of the Platinum group.
" We have assayed these samples by the method descril>ed as A. < iordon French's method,
a sketch of which accompanied your letter."
3 Geo. 5 Nelson District. K 159
Mr. Carmichael and Mr. Whittaker, in addition to the four samples mentioned, also assayed
•each and every one of the samples brought from Nelson.
Mr. Carmichael, Provincial Assayer, reports as follows : —
" These assays were made with the greatest care, both by the assistant assayer (Mr.
Whittaker) and myself personally, and I must now report that in no case were we able to find
•even a trace of platinum or any of the metals of the Platinum group.
" The samples were tested both by Mr. French's method and by the generally accepted
methods, and, as a result, I am certain they do not contain any of the Platinum group metals
within the limits stated — that is, not as much as one-thousandth part of an ounce to the ton.
" To test whether there was even an ' infinitesimally minute quantity ' of platinum present,
•as is frequently found in the gold of this Coast, we ran through the furnace, by Mr. French's
method, 60 charges of 20 grammes each of sample No. 7215, 'concentrates,' equal to 1,200
grammes of material, combining all the buttons into one in the final cupellation.
"We next took 42 charges of 1 A T (29.166 grammes), making 1,225 grammes of
material) which we ran through by the regularly adopted methods, joining all the beads
into one on the final cupellation. These two beads were treated separately, and any
possible platinum condensed into a solution of about 0.05 c.c. in volume, and each of these
solutions tested qualitatively, by potassium iodide, showed the presence of platinum ' in
infinitely small quantity ' , as near as it is possible to estimate, I should say the platinum
present amounted to about sixteen (16) cents' worth of platinum in 10,000 tons of ore, an
.amount quite negligible and only discernible upon treating a great amount of material — more
than 1,220 grammes.
"I have carefully looked into the method of assay as proposed by Mr. French, and have
experimented with it, and I fail to find any merit in it, either from a chemical or practical
viewpoint.
"(Signed.) Herbert Carmichael,
B.C. Government Assayer and Analyst."
The S. S. White Dental Manufacturing Company's assayers — as already noted — report that
they find platinum and gold in each of the four samples sent them, as follows : —
Sample.
No. 7203 — Platinum, 0.033 oz. ; gold, 0.035 oz. per ton. No other precious metals present-
No. 7205— Platinum, 0.088 oz. ; gold, 0.108 oz. per ton. » „
No. 7211 — Platinum, 0.042 oz. ; gold, trace. u n
No. 7215 — Platinum, 0.119 oz. ; gold, 1.136 oz. per ton. n n
The company, as such, has a high commercial standing, but of the skill or experience of
the assayers employed by the company I have no means of judging. The company, however,
is engaged in the manufacture on a large scale of platinum goods, and its laboratory is naturally
an adjunct to its manufacturing business, so that it is quite possible, and even probable, that
its laboratory — and even utensils — were so saturated with platinum, as dust and otherwise, as
to render any samples treated there open to grave suspicion of contamination and the results
subject to question.
The firm does not do assaying or chemical analysis as a business — although in this case it
was paid for these assays — and has no public rating as analysts. My only reason for sending
samples to this firm was the fact that a number of persons in Nelson had received from it
returns of platinum in these dykes, and it was largely due to these assays that local credence
was given to the alleged discovery, and that this "platinum excitement " was started.
K 1(30 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
Some years ago we had an experience with another firm of platinum manufacturers near
New York — who reported, to prospectors, high platinum results in ore, which subsequent
investigations provednotto be founded on fact ; this was accounted for by contamination in
the laboratory of the platinum-works, the probability of which, in such ;i laboratory, is known
to any assayer of experience. In fact, it is usual to exclude all bullion-assaying from the n
ill which assays of ore are made.
Tn making this investigation I have simply obtained the samples and Mr. French's method
of assaying. These I have submitted Eor the best expert advice obtainable, and in making tins
report to you of the result of the investigation, I do not need to express any opinion of my
own. I merely give you the verdict of the experts employed, which may be summarized as
follows : —
Seven of the most expert assurers in England, the United States, and Canada including
the ( ii ■olo^ieal Surveys of the two latter countries report that not even a trace of platinum is
present.
The laboratory of a firm of platinum manufacturers reports from 0.033 to 0.088 oz. of
platinum per ton in dyke samples and 0.119 oz. per ton in the •■concentrates."
Any comment on the above results appears to me to be unnecessary.
ARROW LAKE MINING DIVISION.
Report of Walter Scott, Minim. Ki:c>u;i»bb.
I have the honour to submit the annual report on the Arrow Lake Mining l>i\isi.>n for
the year ending Decemher -'ilst, 1912.
On the Millie Mack group, situated in the vicinity of Burton, H. E. Foster, the owner,
had a force of men doing development-work upon the property this summer.
On the Big Ledge, situated on Bald mountain, on the west branch of Pingston creek.
no extra development-work has heeli done this season, further than the annual assessment- work.
Upon this property there is a large showing of zinc-ore.
Office Statistics Arrow Lake Mining Division.
Free miners' certificates 27
( lertificates of work recorded 19
M nieral claims recorded 2
Bills of sale recorded -
Cash paid in lieu of work 8100 00
KlapiKin River — Tributary of Stikine — above t li*- Ford.
n ill an Graveyard — bead of l.itile Klappana
3 Geo. 5 Rossland District. K 161
ROSSLAND DISTRICT.
TRAIL CREEK MINING DIVISION.
Report of H. R. Townsend, Gold Commissioner.
I have the honour to submit the report of mining operations in the Trail Creek Mining
Division (luring the year 1912.
The Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada, Limited, and the Le Roi
No. 2, Limited, were the principal operators, and the properties operated by them are
situated on Red mountain. There has been considerable prospecting and development-work
carried on, however, in what is locally known as the "South Belt."
'The Centre Star Group. — This group is owned and operated by the Consolidated Mining
and Smelting Company of Canada, Limited, and comprises the following claims : Centre Star,
War Eay/e, Iron Mask, Mugwump, Idaho, Enterprise, Virginia, Bed Mountain, Stewart
Fraction, Pilgrim, City oj Spokane, Iron Horse, Monte Christo, Butte Fraction, and Bulla
Fraction. The number of men employed was 110, of whom 338 were underground and 102
on surface. The net weight of ore produced was 160,199 tons, having an assay content of
'J(i,771 oz. of gold, 49,130 oz. of silver, and 1,741,384 It), of copper. The development-work
for the year consisted of 6,209.5 feet of drifting, 3,003.5 feet of crosscutting, 1,131 feet of
raises, and 9,696.2 feet of diamond-drilling.
The Be Boi Group. — This group is also owned and operated by the Consolidated Mining
and Smelting Company of Canada, and consists of the Be Boi, Pack Train, Black Bear, Bub//
Fraction, Pearl Fraction, Durham, and Treadwell . One hundred and ten men were employed,
eighty-eight being underground and twenty-two on surface. The net weight of ore produced
was 47,373 tons, having an assay content of 20,468 oz. gold, 21,152 oz. silver, and 936,470 11).
of copper. The development-work consisted of: drifts, 2,679 feet; crosscuts, 1,162.5 feet;
raises, 518 feet; and diamond-drilling, 10,562.5 feet.
The Be Boi No. 2 Group. — This group consists of the Annie, Annie Fraction, Josie,
No. 1, and Poormau. The total area of these claims is only 65.32 acres. The number of men
employed during the year was from 125 to 130. The gross tonnage, of ore mined was 35,898
tons, 18,758 tons of which was shipped for treatment, and 17,140 tons of second-class ore was
milled on the premises ; from the ore shipped, 12,776 oz. gold, 11,673 oz. silver, and 487,894 lt>.
of copper was obtained, while the ore that was milled yielded 1,770 oz. gold, 1,062 oz. silver,
and 36,227 It), of copper. The approximate value of all being S372,000.
Blue Bird. — This property is owned and operated by the Rosalia Mining Company,
Limited, and is one of the " South Belt properties. The shaft has been continued to a depth
of 350 feet and the bottom is all in ore. The ore shows an increase in copper values with
depth. Five men were employed, and operations were suspended when the snow set in, hut
are to be resumed in the spring. Lack of capital prevents a more rapid development. About
86 tons of ore was shipped to the smelter,
ll
K li;2 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
Richmond. This is also a South Belt property located near the Blue Bird. The work
done has been for the purpose of proving the property, and has given sufficient promise to
warrant the formation of a company and the installation of machinery, for which the necessary
buildings and preparations are now being made.
Phoenix. Another of the South Bell claims being worked under tease by M. Trewhella.
Several cars of ore right from the surface have been shipped to the smelter, with satisfactory
results.
l.X.L. — This is one of the old claims of the camp situated on O.K. untain. and has
been operated under lease by \\ T. Evans. Nothing has been done since April, but work is
to be resumed in the spring as soon as the snow goes.
ful(u,d Empire. Situated on Grenville mountain near the western boundary of the
Mining Division, and owned and operated by the lnl.mil Mining Company, Limited. The
work for the year has been experimental, I'.L'nil tons of ore lieini; milled on the ground and I-'!
tons of concentrates shipped to the Trail smelter.
Office Statistics— Trail Creek Mining Division.
Mineral claims recorded 44
Certificates of work 32
Certificates of improvement 1
Bills of sale It
Free miners' certificates (company) 8
ii ii (special) "J
.I H (individual) 1"_'7
8 Geo. 5 Boundary District. K 163
BOUNDARY DISTRICT.
Notes by Wm. Fleet Robertson, Provincial Minehaloihst.
The Boundary District, the mines of which together produce more copper than those of
any other part of Canada, led in 1912 in British Columbia in respect of both the quantity of
ore mined and the total value of metals produced. The ore-output of the district for 1912
was 1,989,084 tons — nearly 2,000,000 tons. The ore-output of the mines in the Greenwood
and Grand Forks Divisions was 1,918,628 tons, as compared with 1,187,000 tons in 1911, and
1,654,000 tons in 1910. (It will be remembered that the strike at the Crowsncst collieries
adversely affected production in 1911.) It has been customary to include the production of
Osoyoos Division with that of the others above mentioned, but, leaving that out for the
present, the recovered output of metals from Greenwood and Grand Forks Divisions in 1912
is as follows : Gold, 67,442 oz. ; silver, 389,341 oz. ; and copper, 33,372,199 ft. For statistical
purposes there will be added 37,407 oz. of gold from the Hedley Gold Mining Company's mines
in Osoyoos Division. The total value of the output (including $773,203 from Hedley) was
approximately $7,846,580, which constitutes a record for the year as compared with that of
metalliferous minerals from other districts in the Province. It will not, however, be as high
as the Coast District for total value of all mineral production, for there coal and structural
materials reached a total value in 1912 of $8,084,738, in addition to $3,010,818 for metallic
minerals.
GREENWOOD MINING DIVISION.
The British Columbia Copper Company, Limited, also had an active
B.C. Copper Co. and successful year. The company's chief sources of ore-supply are its
Mother Lode mine, near Greenwood, and the Kawltide mine, near Phoenix.
The latter is owned by the New Dominion Copper Company, but since the British Columbia
Copper Company possesses a controlling interest in the New Dominion Company, and works
its mines, the several properties may be referred to as if owned by the same company.
Official returns show that of a total of 665,289 tons of ore received at the company's
smelter from its mines in the Boundary District, the Mother Lode sent 385,646, the Rawhide
261,453, the Wellington Camp group 10,354, the Emma 7,431, and the Athelstan 405 tons.
The Queen Victoria in the Nelson Division shipped to the company's smelter about 1,000 tons,
while some 33,000 tons was received from the Lone Star and Napoleon mines, the last two
being situated south of the International Boundary-line, in the adjoining State of Washington.
Leaving out of account the metals in ores from the United States and Nelson Mining Division,
the recoveries were, approximately : Gold, 21,818 oz. ; silver, 113,903 oz. ; copper, 10,941,701 ft.
The assay value of the ores was considerably higher.
At the Mother Lode mine the year's work consisted chiefly of drilling in advance of
breaking down pillars anil benches of ore, and this drilling was kept far ahead of ore-breaking
requirements, preparatory to blasting with electric-fired charges. The method followed was
to drill and load from 1,500 to 2,500 holes, averaging about 12 feet in depth, and connect
them up in groups of twenty-five to a group. All were provided with electric fuses and fired
K 164 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
simultaneously. Each of these blasts broke down thousands of tons of ore, in some cases
enough to last for shipping during several months. Fire so badly damaged the power plant
at the Emma on February -7th thai no work has since been done in that mine. The
Wellington group mines were worked until June, but not since; it is planned to do much
exploratory work on this property next season. As there is a large quantity of ore available
in the company's Lone Star mine, the ore of which is very siliceous, concentration tests were
made to determine tin- best way to eliminate the excess of silica, and this problem is no'w
in a fair way toward being solved.
The only one of the New Dominion Copper Company's mines that was operated on a
large scale in 1912 was the Rawhide, situated near Phoenix. Development work consisted of
- ■ 2,650 feet of raises and drifts. Included in the new work was a branch of the lower
tunnel, connecting with the ore-shipping bins; the total of ore shipped has already been
stated. An electric haulage system was put in, to take the place of hauling with horses.
Early in July the company's general manager, Edward G. Warren, met with an automobile
accident, which resulted fatally. He was succeeded by Frederic Kefler as acting general
manager, until late in the vear, when Oscar Laehmund was appointed general manager.
The following is the report of tin- acting general manager to his directors for the fiscal
year of thirteen months ending December -'-list, 1912 : the end of the fiscal year was changed
during the year to correspond to the calendar year, hence this statement is for thirteen
months :
" For the fiscal year of thirteen months ending I (ecember -"'1st. 1912, the following review
of the company's operations is herewith submitted : —
"Shipments were made from the company's mines as follows ;
Mother L<«!i' 1 10,686 tons.
Wellington < 'amp 9,935
Lone Sl<ir and Washington 2,101 n
Napoleon 17,118 "
Qui ,n Victoria I .' 180 n
Total 440,!)i>0 „
••Motif)- Loth- Mine. —The transverse-stope method of mining has been followed through
out the year, and has proved most successful in extracting the maximum quantity of Ore at a
minimum of cost. The tonnage shipped is the greatest for any (.tie year in the history of the
mine, and the cost of crushed ore f.O.b. cars at the mine has hccii the lowest namely. 56.58
cents per ton. 'The drilling of new ground has heeii kept well ahead of requirements, there
hem- at the close of the year 5,000 holes, aggrc-at in- lio.UOO lineal feet, in readiness to blast.
" The ore reserves have nol been materially increased during the year, and the averagi
grade of the ore mined has remained below the normal grade of former years.
" The mining plant has been maintained in good condition, and the laige tonnage has
been exi railed « it hout serious accidents of any sort to either men or machinery.
•• Wellington Camp. The ore developed here was mined out during the first seven months
of the fiscal \ear. and in June the mine was closed for the time being. There is a large area
of unprospected territory included within the company's holdings in this camp, hut owing to
extensive prospecting in other localities it was thought best to postpone further operations at
the II'. 'lington until a later date:
:3 Geo. 5 Boundary District. K 165
" The Lone Star and Washington Mine. — This mine was operated in June, July, and
August only, as, on account of the refractory nature of the ore, but little could be smelted
directly. Working tests on large lots of the ore, using ordinary water-concentration methods,
did not prove sufficiently successful to warrant the erection of a concentration plant. We are,
however, making tests on other lines, which so far have proved satisfactory, and lead to the
expectation that the problem of successful concentration and elimination of the refractory
constituents of the ore will shortly be solved. The 300,000 tons of developed ore on this
property, comprised within less than 7 per cent, of its area, together with its comparatively
high grade, make the ultimate solution of the problem of treatment a most important matter.
" Napoleon Mine. — The 17,118 tons of sulphide flux shipped during the year were of
better grade, both as to gold and sulphur contents, than for a number of years. Mining and
tramway costs were reduced to an average of $1,588 per ton. The ore shipped was offset by
new ore developed, leaving the ore reserves unchanged. These reserves are sufficient to serve
all needs for many years to come. The machinery, plant, and aerial tramway have been
maintained in good condition.
" Napoleon Mill. — Through delays in l'eceipt of machinery and by reason of further altera-
tions found necessary in the mill, it was late in September before all the problems relating to
the treatment of the ore were finally and successfully solved. The ore milled was 6,483 tons.
On account of the increased expense of mining and milling oxide-ore in the winter season,
when in the open quarry-work it becomes mixed with snow and freezes into masses not readily
handled, it was decided to close the mill until the spring of 1913, after which a steady and
successful season's run should be had.
" The Queen Victoria Mine. — This property is nine miles west of Nelson, B.C., and was
purchased in November, 1912. The ore is an altered limestone, similar in self-fluxing properties
tn the Boundary ores, but carries a higher percentage of copper. The mine is equipped with
an electric-driven compressor plant, and is connected with the Canadian Pacific Bailway by
an aerial tramway.
" The months of November and December were occupied mainly in getting the mine into
general working shape, and in opening up new ground for stoping ; 1 ,080 tons were shipped
in December.
"Smelter. — The smelter ran steadily throughout the year, handling a larger tonnage than
fur any equal period in its history. During the first two and a half months, until a sufficient
supply of coke was secured for the entire plant, only two furnaces were operated. The total
tons smelted for the thirteen months of the fiscal year were 740,589, as compared with a total
tonnage of 608,945 for the twelve months of the fiscal year of 1911. The sources of the ore
smelted were : —
B.C. Copper Company's ores 443,022 tons.
Custom ores 284,575 M
Converter slags 1 2,992 n
Total 740,589 „
"The coke consumed was 103,154 tons.
"The converter slags included : —
B.C. Copper Company's ores 914 tons.
Custom ores 4, 104 n
Clay 1,205 „
6,223 „
K 1G(J
Report of the Minister of Mines.
] 9 1 3
"There were produced 11,259,140 It), of blister-copper, containing: —
25,862.681 o/. of gold.
142,025.06 oz. of silver.
11,146,81 1.01) lb. of fine copper.
"No material additions were made to the plant during the year, the machinery as a whole
being maintained in its normal condition.
"It is planned to use basic instead of acid linings for the converters should this be found
practicable without material additions to the plant. Through decreased costs for clay and
elimination of labour in relining converters, it is probable that a decided reduction in the cost
of converting can be effected.
"Prospecting Operations. — During the year, twenty-three groups of mining claims in
British Columbia and in the adjacent parts of the United States were examined by our
engineers. This work resulted in the bonding of the Eureka Copper Mining Company's
property, near Nelson, B.C., and of a group of mining claims on Copper mountain, near
Princeton, B.C., known collectively as the Princess group. On these two properties exploration
is being vigorously pushed by both band-work and by diamond-drilling, with generally
favourable results to date. Much exploration was also done in Voigt's Cam]) on Copper
mountain with fairly successful results. The bond on this camp was allowed to lapse, hut
negotiations are now in progress for renewal. Amongst the groups examined are three othei>
of much promise, which it is planned to explore during the coming season.
"Operating Ccsts. — The yield in copper, gold, and silver for the past year is less per ton
than for any year in the history of the plant; the costs per ton for Ore handling, etc.. are lower
than for any year. On account of the low yield in the cost of producing copper per pound is
L2.85 cents, notwithstanding the very low handling costs.
" The following table gives a comparison of the principal items for the past five years ■
-
190S.
1909.
1910.
Hill.
1912.
Yield of copper per tun of B.C. Copper
Company's copper- bearing ores. . . .
17. S tb.
17.7 m.
18.0 11..
16.4 It..
13.6 1b.
Yield of gold and silver per ton of
$0.!.s;,
§1.03
$1.23
$1,133
SO. 762
Average price realized for copper. . . .
.13504
.1308
,1277s
. 1233
16664
Costs of producing, refining, and
marketing per pound of fine copper,
after crediting expenditure witb
.09996
.09829
.09048
.11635
.12855
Costs per ton of handling ore, includ-
ing all charges from ore in place to
sale of the contained metals
$2,632
S2.683
$2,730
$2,882
$2 4596
" Attached hereto are the official auditor's statements of accounts for the fiscal year, duly
Certified, comprising : Balance sheet as at December .Hist, 1012: l'mtit and Loss Account for
the year ending December 31st, 1912.
" In concluding this report, the writer- wishes to hear testimony to the uniformly loyal
support and excellent work of all tlic.sc> in charge of the various departments of the company,
whose collective work has enabled the company to attain the results set forth in the statement
of the auditors."
3 Geo. 5 Boundary District. K 107
The Old Ironsides, Knob Hill, Gold Drop, etc., mines, owned and
Granby Mines, operated by the Granby Consolidated Mining, Smelting, and Power
Company, are for the most part situated in the Greenwood Mining
Division, but as the head office and smelting-works of the company are located at Grand
Forks, in the Grand Forks Mining Division, these properties have, for convenience, been
described under that head.
Other Mines. — Little or nothing was done in 1912 by the Consolidated Company at its
mines in the Boundary District — the Phmnix Amalgamated group and the No. 7. A small
shipment of ore was made from the Elkhom, near Greenwood, and tunnel-driving was continued
on the Argo. The Jewel stamp-mill was operated during the last quarter of the year and some
$15,000 worth of precious metals recovered. Development of coal-measures in the Kettle
River valley near Midway was continued. There was but little mining done in the country
along the West fork of Kettle river, but now that a railway has been constructed to that part
of the Boundary District several small high-grade mines there should be worked.
GREENWOOD MINING DIVISION.
Report of W. R. Dewdney, Gold Commissioner.
I have the honour to submit the annual report on mining operations in the Greenwood
Mining Division for the year 1912.
Oscar Lachmund, general manager of the British Columbia Copper
B.C. Copper Co. Company, Limited, kindly furnished me with the following summary of the
company's operations during the year : —
Ore Shipments.
Mother Lode 385,81 1 tons.
Wellington 9,714 n
Emma 4,729 n
Rawhide 261,953 „
Athelstan 44 h
Jack Pot Fraction 897 h
Ore Smelted.
Canadian 666,480 tons.
Foreign 32,865 „
699,345 it
Metallic Content of Ores.
Gold 24,979 oz.
Silver 140,217 n
Copper 10,969,809 It).
The ore treated at the Granby Consolidated Mining, Smelting, and Power Company's
smelter at Grand Forks amounted to about 1,365,804 tons, and the total production of metals
was valued at §5,010,703. Most of the ore treated is shipped from mines situated in the
Greenwood Mining Division.
The development at the company's Phoenix mines comprised : drifting, 5,444 feet ;
raising, 5,370 feet; and sinking, 256 feet; 12,698 feet of diamond-drilling was also
accomplished.
K 168 Report of the Minister of Minks. L913
Placer mining.
Two locations were made on Rock creek during the year. I have do information that
;mv gold «as recovered
Eleven placer-mining leases situated on the North and South forks of Lock creek were
granted this year. Considerable work was done on W. (.'. Fry's lease on the North fork, and
up-to-date machinery was used, l>ut with not very good results.
( o m. minim;.
I am indebted to A. E. Watts, president of the Boundary Mining and Exploration
Company's coal properties at Midway, B.C., for the following information concerning their
development-work : —
•• We have during the past few months employed ten to twelve men in <lri\ ing a tunnel on
a vein of eoal which varies from 1 to it feet in thickness ; tin- length of the tunnel is over 500
feet, although it has only gained a depth of [00 to 150 feet ; the eoal. being near the sin I
contains considerable slate mixed with it. We are non making preparations to sink a slope
on the vein for the purpose of demonstrating the area of the vein we are now developing. In
addition to the two tunnels mentioned, we have also sunk a three-compartment shaft 7 x 16
feet in size and about .so feet deep; this shaft is still in surface waste, hut engineers estimate
that we shall reach the coal-measures with this shaft at a depth of about 1 li< > feet. This work
has been done on Lots 122 and li.17, which are owned in fee simple by this company that is
to say. it is Crown-granted land — and all the workings are close beside the railway-track ;
consequently, we have good shipping facilities, while the close proximity to three smelters
provides great markets.
Office Statistics Greenwood Mining Division.
Free miners' certificates 266
Locations 108
Certificates of work 208
Filings 13
Transfers, agreements, etc •"'"
Certificates of improvement B
Crown grants 1 -
Placer locations 2
Placer leases 11
GRAND FOLKS MINING DIVISION.
Notes b? Wm. Fleet Robertson, Provincial Minerai tsT.
Granby Consolidated. — The Granby Consolidated Mining, Smelting,
Granby M.S. and Power Company, Limited, in 1912 mined and smelted 1,250,689 tons
and P. Co. of ore from its own mines in Phoenix camp. This compares with 606,000
tons in 1911 and l,0"o,000 tons in 11)10. It is claimed that as much new
ore was developed during the company's last fiscal year as was -hipped to its smelter, and that
there is still in the mines between n,o()0,000 and 7,000,000 ton- of minable ore "estimated in
sight." Development-work in the company's mines was carried on as usual ; the total for the
year was rather more than 1 1,000 lineal feet of drifts, crosscuts, and raises. Diamond-drilling
runs to about [,000 feet a month when in full operation, and the cost ,,f this is put down as
adding to development costs about 1 1 cents, bringing mining costs up to about 78 cent- a ton
tttle Klnppjiii River — looking ilown townrcts its tinniii
m
. . .
.... -.
Mttle Klai»|itin River — looklns np to Graveyard Camp*
3 Geo. 5 Boundary District. K 169
of ore mined. Much of the drilling is done in new territory outside of the sphere of present
mining operations, with the object of rinding new ore-bodies. In the early summer of 1911 a
map was prepared of an area to be systematically drilled, and the positions of drill-holes
determined upon. Drilling has since been steadily prosecuted, the intention being to continue
this work until the whole area has been explored.
At the company's big smelting-works at Grand Forks, an important change made was in
the method of disposal of the slag — from hauling it out to the dump molten in trains of slag-
pots, to granulating and elevating, by belt-conveyors, to a height of 100 feet, thus forming a
new dump on top of the old one. The new system has been successfully developed, and late
in 1912 a second set of trestles and belt-conveyors was put in for use in case of interruption of
that used throughout the year. The smooth and successful working of the company's blast-
furnace operations will be indicated by mention of the fact that all the eight furnaces were
run continuously from June 5th to November 9th, a period of 156 days, this constituting a
record run for the whole battery at the works. Apart from this, there was very little interrup-
tion to the running of the furnaces or the converting plant at anytime throughout the year.
The official returns from the company for the calendar year 1912 show that there was
mined and smelted 1,250,689 tons of ore, of which the " assay- value " contents was : Gold,
51,145 oz. ; silver, 343,251 oz. ; and copper, 31,156,708 lb.; while the contents actually
"recovered" by the smelting operations was: Gold, 44,579 oz. ; silver, 271,070 oz. ; and
copper, 22,409, 900 lb.
The company employed during the year a daily average of 482 men about the company's
mines, of which 374 were employed "underground " or mining, and 108 were employed on the
surface.
In his report for the company's fiscal year ended June 30th, 1912, the superintendent
of the smelter included the following information : " Average smelting cost for the year was
$1,256, as against$1.172 for 1911 and $1,187 for 1910." (Note.— Tonnage of ore smelted was :
To June 30th, 1912, 739,519tons; 1911, 984,346 tons; 1910, 1,183,624 tons.) "The last
five months, leaving out the months when high-priced (Pennsylvania) coke was used, show
fairly well, being $1.20. The ores were more siliceous this year than last, and slags were
higher in silica. The copper loss was less than in any previous year. . . . Smelting and
converting the last five months were $1,264, being 0.024 cents less than 1911, and the lowest
yearly costs the Granby Company has ever made. Average cost of smelting and converting
was $1.34, and loss of copper in slags was 4.2 lb." It should be remembered that labour
troubles at the collieries caused a suspension of smelting for between four and five months in
the latter part of 1911, so that several weeks of 1912 passed before conditions became normal.
The following extracts are from the annual report of the directors for the fiscal year
ending June 30th, 1912:—
"TREASURER'S REPORT.
" Following is a summary of the year's business : —
" Produced.
" 13,231,121 lb. of copper fine, sold at average price of $ 0.1558
225,305 oz. of silver fine, sold at average price of ... . 0.5906
33,932 oz. of gold fine, sold at average price of 20.00
The total amount realized equals $2,874,759 55
K 170 Report of the Minister of Mines. 191J
" Costs.
" Working expenses at mines and smelter,
freight, refining, selling, and general
expenses $2,128,21] 03
Foreign (ire purchased • 163, 1 69 5 I
$2,291,380 57
Cost per ton, including all expenses $ i 90
15 cents per ton added account
expenses of close down.
Cost per pound of copper after
deducting value of gold and
silver 0.1 1 1
Net profit for year ending June 30th, L912 $ 583,378 98
Surplus carried over from last year 2,533,304 '.'7
s:i.l n;,i;s:; <».-,
Loss allowed for depreciation 600,562 •">'•>
Net surplus, June 30th, 1912 $2,5 16,121 56
There has been expended on new construc-
tion and equipment at the mine and
smelter $48,266 92
Mine development during the year. . . . 6,365 lineal feet.
Diamond-drill development (>,.'S1 1 n
Granby ore smelted 721,719 dry tons.
Foreign ore smelted 17,800 m
Plant was in operation 7 months. 24 days.
Plant was closed down + n 6 n
"Assets and Liabilities (Jink 30th, 191 l').
"Assets.
•■Cost of lands, real estate, machinery, buildings, dwellings,
and equipment, less depreciation allowed £1 .">.osi,0o."> ;;i
Stocks and bonds 519,332 85
Hidden Creek Copper Company investment 979,4(il 19
Fuel and store supplies 161,191 IS
Cash and copper 791,789 38
$17,535,779 9 1
"Liabilities.
< lapital stock 815,000,000 00
In the treasury 1. 185 i"1
Issued shares. . . . 149,985.15 w sl00 $] 1,998,515 00
Dividends held for liquidator * 1,603 93
Accounts payable 19,539 15
Surplus ..." 21,1 I". 38
2,516,121 56
$17,535,779 94
<;. W. WoosTSK, Treasurer"
3 Geo. 5 Boundary District. K 171
REPORT OF MINE SUPERINTENDENT.
"Phoenix, B.C., July 1st, 1912.
" Jay P. Graves,
General Manager, Spokane, Waslnnylon.
" Dear Sir, — The following is a report on the mining operations in Phoenix during the
past year : —
" Shipments.
"Owing to the shut-down between August 12th and December 20th, 1911, the shipments
show a falling-ofi' from previous years. Altogether 723,024 tons were shipped.
• " The following table shows the total shipments to date and their origin : —
Above No. 3 tunnel 4,731,637 tons
Victoria shaft 2,362,303 „
Gold Drop 881,254 ..
Total 7,975,194 ,.
" Development-work.
" This was not carried on during the close-down.
"Diamond-drilling for the year amounted to 6,311 feet, and the total to date is now
61,145 feet.
"The average cost per ton, including development, was 77.1 cents. During the last six
months, the period during which the mine was steadily operated, the cost was 74.4 cents.
" Recovery.
Copper 1.25 per cent.
Silver 0.29 oz.
Gold 0.043 „
" Between the unavoidable inclusion of a certain amount of waste in the ore as it leaves
the mine and the losses at the smelter, the above recovery has been the best that could be
obtained. In the future, unless some higher grade of ore is developed or better recoveries
made at the smelter, we will be unable to make any improvement.
" Ore in Siyht.
"Ore estimates in the Ironsides mine are now calculated entirely from transverse vertical
sections. These are taken every 100 feet. This is close enough so that no important
irregularities in the ore-bodies are overlooked. Sections have been brought up to date, a
tonnage estimate has been placed on all outlying ore-bodies not previously estimated, and the
result shows a tonnage in the mine of 6,433,418 tons, as against 6,420,267 tons shown on last
year's report. The 'ore in sight' summary for July 1st, 1912, is shown in the following
table :—
Gold Drop. Ironsides. Total.
Ore developed 1,188,000 13,220,612 14,408,612
Mine has produced and shipped. . 881,254 7,093,940 7,975,194
Eemaining developed ore 306,746 6,126,672 6,433,418
" Respectfully submitted.
"C. M. Campbell,
Assistant Superintendent."
K 172 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
REPORT OK SMELTIXO SI PKKl NTKX1 >K.\T.
" New Construction.
" During the past year we have changed our haulage of slag ; where formerly we hauled
and dumped the slag hot, we now granulate the slag, carrying it by water to bins centrally
located, where it is dewatered and then conveyed up an incline l1111 feet above present dump
by conveyor-belts and stacked. The first rust of this installation was $44,256.41.
" Rhist-t'uriinr, I), jiiirtmri)/.
•■ Last year, it will be rememhered, we finished the year with Eastern coke, which cost
$10.55 per ton Grand Forks. This year we ran on Eastern coke during July and up until
August I till, when we closed down owing to excessive cuke cost, and stayed closed until tin-
coal strike was settled in the Crowsnest. We Mew the furnaces in again December L'lst.
having been down four months and seven days, [n July, August, and part of December and
January cuke was charged to us at Eastern pries, making costs heavy, while for the rest of
the year we used Crow's Nest coke. This gives us an average of T.n'.i furnaces operated for
237 operating days, or L58 furnaces for the full year.
"The Furnace Department smelted: —
< rranby ore 721,719 tons,
Fi .reign ore 17,800 "
Converter slag and matte 28,361 «
Flue-dust 1,422
Average per cent, of coke used per ton of ore l.'i.Of) per cent.
"From tonnage standpoint, operations were had: tonnage for the year being ".'19,519
tons ore, against 984,346 tons 1911 and 1,183,624 tons 1910.
" Average smelting cost for the year was 81.2-~><>, as against 81. 172 of 1911 and $1,187
for L910. The last five months, leaving out the months when high-priced coke was used,
show fairly well, being $1.20. Everything in this department is in good repair and capable
of being operated to full capacity, as is being done at this writing.
" The ores were more siliceous this year than last, and slags were higher in silica. The
copper loss was less than any year previous.
" Converting Department.
" In this department we have very materially reduced our costs, so that the latter months
show very well. July, August, December, and January are high on account of small tonnage,
high priced coke, and getting the basic process well under way. 1 can say that we are now
well established in the practice and it is a success. Costs in this department were $0,084 pel-
ton ore. The last five months show 0.0637 per ton ore. This shows well when compared
with last year's. We produced 13,226,360 ft. copper in 1912, as against 17,858,860 lli. iii
1911. This department handled 19,500 tons of 3.'?. 9 per cent, matte.
" This department is in good repair and machines an- in good shape. Operating only
237 days out of the year makes it look bail for tons smelted and pounds copper converl
and on account of high-priced coke. costs were high for three of these months. This has been
partially offset by cleaner slags, better recoveries, and that the prevailing price of copper has
been fairly high.
'• Smelting and converting the last five months were $1,264, being 0.024 cents less than
1911 and the best yearly costs Granby ever made. Average cost of smelting and converting
was $1.34, and loss of copper in slags was 1.2 lb.
"Everything was satisfactory in regard to the handling of material by the railroads.
"There was no difficulty with labour and plenty of men are offered for work.
"Respectfully submitted.
•• W. A. Williams, Superintendent."
3 Geo. 5 Boundary District. K 173
The following report upon the company's operations at Gran by bay, on Observatory
inlet, in the Skeena Mining Division, will be of interest : —
"An vox, B.C., September 10th, 1912.
"J. P. Graven, Esq.,
General Manager, The Granby Consolidated Mining,
Smelting, and Power Comjtany, Limited,
Spokane, Wash.
"Dear Sir, — I beg to hand you the following report on the Hidden Creek Copper
Company's mine at Anyox, B.C. : —
"Up to September 1st, 1912, the total amount of development-work accomplished has
amounted to —
Cuts 2,255 feet.
Drifts 8,071
Baises 1,051
Diamond-drill 23,590.5 „
Total .■',5,507.5 „
" The greater part of the above work has been done above the .'585-foot level, and has
developed so far, in round numbers, 5,000,000 tons of ore which will carry 228,000,000 lt>. of
copper and 20 cents per ton gold and silver.
" It is not the object of this report to go into any detail regarding the nature of the
ore-deposit, the natural advantages for mining and smelting at Anyox, the transportation
facilities, etc., as all these points have been placed before you by others in former reports, far
better than I could do it.
"The work for the past vear has been carried on without serious accident : the men are
well housed, healthy, and contented, and everything is in excellent shape to continue work
economically during the winter months.
" No. 1 Ore-body is opening up remarkably well at depth, especially on the east side of the
main tunnel .'585-foot level. The diamond-drilling on the west side of the tunnel is showing
up fully as well as could be expected considering results obtained previously in down holes
between levels 530 and 385. At present we are driving hole No. 80, which starts in drift
No. 10, level 530, and goes down at an angle of 15 degrees to the west. This hole has now
reached below the 385-foot level and has an average value of over 3 per cent, copper.
" During the winter months I advise running drifts No. 10 and No. 20, 385-foot level,
and crosscutting the ore-body every 100 feet by diamond-drill. The main tunnel should also
be continued to ore-body No. 2.
" No. 2 Ore-body. — The work done in this ore-body has been extremely gratifying.
Levels 530, 630, and 700 are all opening up ore in large quantities and of much better value
than was anticipated.
"Hole No. 07, driven from 4o drift, 530 level, crosscuts the ore-body and at the same
time goes down at a dip of 30 degrees, thus reaching the 385-foot level. Tin? hole averaged
3.5 per cent, copper for a distance of 350 feet.
"I advise continuing work during the winter on all three of the above levels, but it is
most essential to get tunnel 385 driven into this ore-body and get it connected with level 530
by a large raise, thus securing good ventilation.
K 174 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
"During the past few months we ha ve done considerable work at the foot of Mammoth
bluff hy trenches and short tunnels. Evidentlj a large amount of the ore-body has been worn
away in years past, so that at the present tone there is an enormous quantity of broken ore
deposited at the toot of the bluff. This ore is in boulders varying a good deal in size, hut
fairly well broken up. We have penetrated the mass of boulders in two places for over 60
Eee1 and exposed them for a distance of over 300 feet. Samples have been taken in many
places, and the assav returns indicate a grade of about 2 per cent, copper. We intend to
clear the mountain side of trees, and then wash away the soil and dirt ami handle the boulders
by means of steam-shovels. The ore standing in the bluff itself can he handled in the
same way.
" During the coming winter 1 think we should spend in the neighbourhood of s1l\<1(mi a
month oil mining. A less expenditure than this would not be in proportion to the necessary
overhead charge. At present we are using three diamond drills. 1 advise cutting this down
to one drill, which will do about L,000 feet of drilling per month. About $2,000 of the above
amount should he spent in preparing ore-pockets, etc., for shipping ore. The remainder
should be spent on the different levels as recommended under the discussion of ore-body
No. 1 and No. 2.
" Sampling. The sampling of diamond-drill cores has been done in 5-foot sections by
taking approximately every other inch of core in each section as an assav sample. The
remaining core is marked and stored in a house prepared for that purpose.
"Drifts have been sampled by taking a powder-box of ore from each car as it leaves the
mine. In this way a drift sample of "> feet is composed of from sixteen to twenty pov\ der boxes
of ore or about 350 Hi.
"I am pleased with the way the property is looking, and T trust 1 have placed the
situation before you in a satisfactory manner.
" Yours respectfully,
"O. I',. Smith,
Superintendent of Mines."
GRAND FORKS MINING DIVISION.
Report of s. R. Ai.mi.no. Gold Commissioner.
I have the honour to submit the annual report on mining in the Grand Forks Mining
I livision for the year 191 l'.
'I'lic output of ore in the Boundary District for L912 overreached all previous records,
and apparently will leave hut little room for increase in the future unless more capacity is
forthcoming for the handling, over 2,000,000 tons having been treated at the smelters, and.
approximately, between L'.'i.OOO.OOO and l> I, III II ),()()( I II.. of blister-copper produced from that
tonnage.
The increase in the ore tonn.iL'e "\ r the previous year was over SOO.OOO tons, and the
increase, for the same period, of blister copper was sonic 1 l.ol>0,000 ft).
Work in the different camps, outside those where the Granby and British Columbia
Copper Companies are working, has not been of more import than to keep the claims that
have not been Crown granted alive.
:5 Geo. 5 Boundary District. K 175
As L. B. Reynolds, in a review for the Xe/sou Daily News, covers the ground of the Granby
Mining, Smelting, and Power Company, Limited, in that portion relating to the Boundary
ore-output, I cannot do better than reproduce it here.
In that report Mr. Reynolds says : —
''The profits made by the Granby Company last vear will total close
Granby CMS. to $ 1,250,000, after all deductions, such as depreciation, deficit caused by
and P. Co. shut-down in 1911, etc., have been made. The gross working profit is
stated to have been 81,600,000, the actual cost of mining and smelter
treatment by the company to have been $2.38 a ton, and the cost of copper production 9.15
cents a pound. The cost in 1911 was given as .f2.90 a ton and 12A cents a pound of
copper. The costs of the company are depending greatly on the output, as tonnage decreased
them very rapidly. Last year the enormous tonnage, 1,250,689 tons, treated, the largest in
the company's history, has brought the cost down to the lowest yet obtained. The cost of a
pound of copper is figured by deducting from the total costs the value of the silver and gold
contained in the ores. The shipments of blister-copper were 22,650,024 lb., containing 44,579 oz.
of gold and 271,070 oz. of silver.
"The high average price of copper has greatly increased the profits over those of last year.
and although they are not as high as in 1906 and probably 1907, when copper was at its
highest price, they are still very satisfactory. No dividends will be declared, however, as the
company is building for the future, against that time when the ore reserves at the Phoenix
mines will become exhausted, by the development and equipment of the Hidden Creek Mining
Company's property on the Coast. It owns 80 per cent, of the stock of this company, which
was purchased for 8400,000. All this year's and last year's profits will go to the erection of a
smelter at Granby bay and development of more ore reserves in the mine. No more dividends
will be paid till this plant is in operation, and then, with a favourable copper market, the
payment of dividends may be looked for on a larger scale than heretofore.
•• Dividends paid. — The dividends paid by the company to date are : —
1903 8 133,630 30
1905 339,991 00
1906 1,620,000 00
1907 1,315,000 00
1908 540,000 00
1909 270,000 00
1910 248,48100
Total 84,027,1 1 1 30
"The output for the year was 1,263,331 tons, 214,000 tons of which came from the Gold
Drop at Phoenix, and the rest, except for a few thousand tons of Customs ore, from the Granby
mine at Phoenix.
"The development at the company's Phoenix mines last year comprised drifting and
crosscutting 5,681 feet, raising 5,492 feet, and sinking 256 feet, making 11,429 feet of narrow
work. Diamond-drill holes to the extent of 12,397 feet were also run during the year. As
no changes have been made at the mines this year, the description of them as given in last
year's annual review is reproduced below.
" The company operates what appears to be two distinct sets of ore-bodies. The oldest
and largest of these are on the Knob Hill and Old Ironsides claims, while the latter is half a
mile to the east on the (.'old Drop and adjoining claims.
K 176 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
"The ground above the No. 1 tunnel was worked by open-cuts, steam-shovels being
employed. After nearly 1,000,000 tuns bad been taken out a fire destroyed the crusher. It
was rebuilt at No. 2, KK) feet lower, iii such a way thai the ore drops from it directly into the
railroad cars, or, if none are available, through to No. •'! tunnel. All ore below No. .'! tunnel
is hoisted from the Victoria shaft, the levels helou licinu' the L'00, .',00. and loo. No. 2 tunnel
and the Victoria shaft are seined 1 >v the Canadian Pacific Railway, while No. :'• tunnel and
the Victoria shaft are served by the Great Northern Railway.
" Three Thousand Tims daily. — There are really four distinct mines with separate crews,
rolling-stock, bins, crushers, etc., the Gold Drop making the fourth. The idea of this is that.
in case of any accident to any part of the mine or to either of the railroads, the output from
three of the outlets can he kept up and the smelter assured of a steady Supply. The average
output is a trifle o\ er 3,000 tons a day.
"System of Mining. Ill the upper levels the ore bodies had a pitch of (ill decrees, hut in
the lower workings seem to flatten off. They are in places so wide that the crosscuts crossing
them are (iOO feet lone;. I n opening up a level parallel drifts about 75 feel apart are opened
up on the strike. At about 15-foot intervals raises are carried up vertically for three rounds.
when they are continued at 45 degrees. The first of these is carried through to the level
above for ventilation. When No. 2 is up about 30 feet, Stoping is started until the two are
connected and the same process continue 1. In this way tin- stopes are left w ith a network of
pillars. These pillars are then mined by starting above and putting in long holes, using a
tripod and blasting out a funnel shaped hole called a ' glory-hole.' This is widened out until
the sides get too flat for the ore to run. Other raises then can be brought up from a parallel
drift underneath and the process repeated. Sufficient pillars are always left to suppori the
roof till all the ore is mined out. While mining the ore these pillars are drilled full of le.les.
When all the other ore is mined cait but them, these holes are all shot together and the pillars
brought down in this way.
" The ore from the stopes is never touched with a shovel and the only shovelling done is
that required in running the drift and starting the raises.
"The rock is hard and practically the only timbering done is for the chutes. The ore is
hauled iii 1 0-ton steel cars by electric locomotives of T"> horse-powei on a 3-fool gauge track
with 30-D) rails, capable of handling 150 tons per hour at each of the outlets.
"All of the latter cars used in shaft-workings are wooden ones of 5 tons capacity, with a
specially constructed side-dump that permits of their being dumped at the pocket while the
train is running at full speed and causing no delay.
" In the Gold Drop all the ore is dropped fchjOUgh a 300 foot raise to the Curlew tunnel.
w here it is hauled to the crusher bins, soil feet distant, in the ■"> ton capacity side dump » 1' □
ears by an electric locomotive.
"At the Victoria shaft the hoisting is done by a 251 ' borse power electric hoist from three
pockets, One for ore and one for waste on the 100, and one for ore in the 200. These are
connected by raises with the upper level, which greatly increases their capacity.
"The shaft is of three compartments, having a t \ 6-foot manway and two skipways
each ■ > \ li feet m the clear. The skips are balanced and hold almost •"> tons, and 2,000 tons
can be hoisted in eigbl hours.
"The skips dump 60 feet above the collar of the shaft into fcwO bins , ,f 500 tons capacity
each. From these it passes through a 12 s 36-inch Blake crusher, driven by a 150-horse-power
induction motor. From the crusher the ore is fed on a 250-foot conveyor-belt 12 inches wide.
3 Geo. 5 Boundary District. K 1'
travelling 250 feet a minute, with a capacity of 200 tons an hour. This delivers the ore to
four bins of 700 tons capacity. Two of these are served by the Canadian Pacific Railway
and two by the Great Northern Railway. Nine hundred tons can be loaded into the cars an
hour.
" Compressed air is supplied by two 60-drill Rand compressors, run by a 700-horse-power
motor.
" Largest Smelter in Empire. — The smelter is the largest in the British Empire and the
second largest ia the world. The only important change to be made was the installation of
an additional unit of the slag-disposal system and the connecting-up of all the furnaces to the
system. This additional unit was put in to take care of the slag while moving or repairing
the other one, thus avoiding anv possibility of the necessity of closing down the furnaces in
case of accident.
" Tremendously Improved Conditions. — A comparison of the methods of 1902 and those
of to-day show that at the Ironsides 280 men then mined 1,000 tons a day, while at present
387 men turn out over 3.000 tons a day. The costs are stated to be 81.77 in 1901 and 82.50
in 1910 a ton of ore mined and smelted.
" The ore is hauled by the railroads to the smelter, twenty-four miles distant, in 53-ton
steel cars. These cars discharge into three sets of parallel ore-bins 760 feet long, of 5,000 tons
capacity each. One in ten cars is put through a sample mill, and the ore is found to run so
steady in value that 20 cents is the greatest variation in 30,000-ton lots noted.
" From these bins the ore is drawn with coke into charge cars run by electric motors of
30 horse-power, each train carrying 4 tons a load and handling 750 to 900 tons in twenty-
four hours. There are four of these trains feeding the eight furnaces, which have a total
capacity of from 3,000 to 3,400 tons a day when all are in operation. The cars run right
into the furnace from the end and dump on both sides at once. The slag, heretofore, was
hauled away in cars.
"During the first three years' operations at the plant the system of granulation was
adopted, but, owing to the loose slag taking up so much room and running into the Kettle river,
was abandoned and the slag was taken from the settlers at the furnace in a molten condition.
Since that time it has been allowed to run into huge pots, containing 6 tons each, which were
hauled by donkey-engines to the dump, and while still in molten condition was dumped.
" By dumping the slag hot the (Iranhy has secured a yard over a mile in length and
varying in width from 100 to 500 feet, and as the haul from the works to the dump has
become so long and making this method so expensive, the company last year decided to again
adopt the granulation system, only using a much more improved method of handling the slag.
" The new system, which was given its initial trial run in January, can now be said to
have passed the experimental stage, although since the commencement of operations several
minor difficulties have had to be surmounted.
"Slag Granulated. — The slag is allowed to run from the settlers, which are located
at the outlet of the furnace, into flues where a steady stream of cold water granulates it
and carries it down a main flume or launder to a series of bins, where it is dewatered.
These bins are located several feet below the level of the present dump. After a bin has been
tilled, the stream of water carrying the slag is turned into another bin by means of gates in
the main flume. A chute at the bottom of the bin already filled with slag is then opened and
it is allowed to run on to an endless belt. This belt, which is 21 inches wide and .', inch in
thickness, is carried on an incline trestle 500 feet long to an elevation of 120 feet above the
12
K 178 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
present dump or level of the furnace outlet. At the higher level of this incline trestle is
located a cross-angle trestle 100 feet in length and equipped limilarly to the main trestle.
The main belt is driven by a 75 horse power motor, .-is is also the cross angle belt, but il is the
intention of the company to first fill up the space between the present dump and the incline
trestle before placing the second unit in commission. Upon the upper side of the trestle on
which the belt runs when carrying its load are located steel rollers 6 feel apart. These rollers
are i -shaped, making the upper side of the belt concave, thus enabling it to carry a full
load of slag without spilling. The slag can be dumped at any point along the trestle by
means of a travelling hopper, through which the belt passes. This hopper clean the belt of
all slag by means of brushes, and allows it to settle to the present dump.
"The trestles at present constructed are only the first units in a series, which m the
course of time will carry the slag to all parts of the dump, the present incline conveyor being
used as a means of elevating the slag. It is officially stated that with the new system the
Granby wil] have dumping-room for the waste material from 5,000,000 tons of ore, which
means that the question of the disposal of the slag from their eight furnaces Mill not require
any attention on the part of the company for- the next five years.
"The installation of one unit of the new system cost the Granby in the neighbour] I
of $80,000, but it will mean a large saving to the company in the cost of treating their Low-
grade ores, doing away, as it will, with a miniature railway system and a large army of
employees now necessary to carry on the work.
"The equipment for the new system was built by the Stephens Adamson Company, and
the success with which it meets with the requirements of the Granby is being watched with
considerable interest by a number of smelting concerns, as the idea in connection with smelting
operations is something entirely new."
Office Statistics — Grand Forks Minim. Division.
Locations '>'
Certificates of work 154
Transfers 25
Notices of work 22
Certificates of improvements 17
OSOYOOS minim; DIVISION.
Report of Ronald Hewat, Mining Recorder, Fairvibw, B.C.
1 have the honour to submit herewith the annual report of the mining operations in the
Osoyoos Mining Division for the year 1912
The mining operations iii this district during the past year- have been confined chiefly to
Medley and Krugor mountain. The mining operations in Camp Medley are as follows
Camp Bedley.
The year 1912 was in many respects a most notable one for Camp
Nickel Plate. Medlev, and while, as before, the record of achievement is practically
confined to the one producing group, Vet there were important features
C acted with the year's work which were of tar greater significance in Outlining the future
3 Geo. 5
Boundary District.
K 179
of the other properties in the camp than ever before. As for the producing group, the Nickel
Plate group, owned by the Hedley Gold Mining Company, it was both a record year and a
year of smashing records all along the line. Those results put in the fewest possible words
were : higher dividends to shareholders than ever before, the total for the year being 30 per
cent, on the capital outstanding ; the tonnage of ore mined and milled was greater ; the amount
of bullion produced was greater ; the mill accomplished a higher duty per stamp ; the extrac-
tion was higher ; and, more important than all of them, the development done showed up a
larger ore reserve than ever before. Every foot of development done during the year on the
Nickel Plate itself was in ore.
Ore Tonnage. — The tonnage for the year is thus summarized in the company's annual
report to shareholders : —
Date.
.lauuary . . .
February . . .
March
April
May
June
July
August ....
.September . .
October
November. . .
December . . .
Totals
Tons milled.
5,701
5,010
6,263
5,326
5,636
6,027
6,110
5,900
6,108
6,101
6,003
6,270
70,455 Av,
Assay Value.
$10 70
9 49
11 60
Hi .V.
10 64
10 13
9 97
12 11
16 38
11 69
11 57
9 ii7
$11 19
Recovery at
Mill."
856,298 64
45,513 84
711,077 84
54,683 93
57,778 52
58,200 96
58,750 33
66,7211 19
96,055 85
66,637 58
64,487 36
52,928 10
$748,133 14
Expenditure.
$29,669 72
27,431 75
30,712 89
29,427 62
26,711 00
28,042 22
27,801 91
28,627 97
31,054 73
28,399 43
35,654 20
38,719 65
Profits.
8362,253 14
$26,628 92
is, 1 182 09
39.364 95
25,256 31
31,067 52
30,15s 74
30,948 42
38,092 22
65,001 12
38,238 10
28,833 16
14,208 45
'.$385,880 00
-Including $9,834.69 interest earned on funds of this company during 1912.
Mine Development. — The development for the year underground and on the surface is
dealt with in the report of the general superintendent, who deals also with the Windfall
purchase and improvements in the plant : —
"Hedley, B.C., January 1st, 1913.
" To the President and Stockholders,
Hedley Gold Mining Company :
"Gentlemen, — For the year 1912 your mill has treated 70,455 tons of ore, having an
average value of SI 1.19 to the ton, or a total. value of $788,715.05.
" The gold won is $748,133.14 (an extraction of 95 per cent.). The profits were as shown
on the treasurer's statement.
" Owing to the increase in tonnage, which used practically all the power available, we
have been able to do but little development- work on the company's properties, excepting the
Nickel Plate, where stoping and development-work in the ore-body has been carried on between
the No. 3 and No. 4 tunnel levels, and the ore won has proven to be of a higher grade than
estimated last year.
"The usual reserve tonnage of 10,000 tons of broken ore has been maintained.
" Mining below the No. 4 tunnel level has been very satisfactory and has proven that the
ore-body, as indicated last year by diamond-drill, is a valuable addition to the reserves. An
incline shaft (No. 5) has been sunk on the ore for 420 feet, three levels opened, and a fourth
K 180 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
started. Drifting and sinking proves this ore to be about 16 feet between walls and of an
average value of $14 per ton. At the collar of the incline the length of the me chute is 130
feet, at the 100-foot level it has been drifted on for 180 feet, and on No. 3 level for 80 feel :
these drifts are in good ore all the way, and. together with the bottom of the incline, all the
faces are in ore. This incline is in good shape to ship from, with ore pockets in each level and
plenty of good ground for stoping.
"A section of the ground under the Nickel Plate ore-beds has been proven by diamond
drill; also a section of the company's property lying to the north ; but, owing to delayed
negotiations for an option on the Windfall group of mining claims, which adjoins the Iron
Duke (one of the company's original claims), we did not start drilling on this ground until
July. By October seven holes were put down, three of which showed good values. The las!
two holes were discontinued before they entered the 'on- /one ' owing to the severe cold weather
freezing the long water-pipe lines. These holes would have aided considerably in making an
estimate of the reserve tonnage; however, we have no hesitation in stating that the minimum
quantity of reserve ore, as shown by development and diamond-drill, available in the Nickel
Plate and Iron Duke claims, is 413,000 tons, and that this ore will average al least $11.35
per ton.
■• While the ground mentioned above was being tested, an option was held for the purchase
of the Windfall group, comprising five claims, i.e.. Windfall, Morning, Winchester Fractional,
Big Horn, and Czar, which property adjoins the Iron Duke, and on < tetober 30th the purchase
of these properties was consummated. The terms of the option would not allow time to pro
the ground, as it would be necessary to drill each hole 500 feet, al least, before striking the
ore-bearing sedimentary beds; but from indications in the hole drilled nearest the option
property and the high values in the remainder of the holes, we consider these claims valuable.
"To mine the new ore-bodies, as well as the other ore hoi lies below the No. I tunnel level
in the Nickel Plate mine, we have received instructions to sink and have started another incline
shaft, to be known as the ' Dickson incline.'
"The intention is to sink this to 3,000 feet in depth. It is located so as to he under all
the known ore-bodies, will have payable ore above it continuously for 1. Midfeet, and the
probability is that this will be extended next year.
" The Sunnyside No. 4 incline has been extended Kin feet and is in promising country.
Development-work in the Silverplate showed up some good ore, but it is apparently cut off
by a large diorite-dyke. Both these properties are in a good formation with favourable
conditions.
"The cost per ton for mining and milling for the year lias been reduced •">.", cents and the
total cost 73 cents, although we have been paying a higher rate of wages, and the following
additions, improvements, etc., have all been charged to ' operating expenses,' i.e.: Removing
the old and installing the new 150 horse power boiler (together with cost of new bailer) : new
diamond drill ; new hoist ; improvements to the flume : rearranging the machinery on the
tramway ; general improvements at the mill ; together with all mine development.
" Four mill has been kept in first class repair and is doing good work : the water th ■ is
also in hitter shape than last year; changes have been made on the tramway, so that its
operation is more satisfactory.
"Altogether we consider the past year most prosperous, and expect to seethe ore reserves
increase during 191.5.
3 Geo. 5 Boundary District. K 181
" Development —
Mine, Nickel Plate — Sinking 420 feet.
ii ii Drifting 510 m
ii n Raising 110 n
ii Silverplate. — Drifting 140 n
ii Sunnyside No. Jf.. — Sinking 160 n
Total 1,340 M
Diamond-drilling 6,380 n
" Respectfully submitted.
"Gomer P. Jones,
General Superintendent."
Dividends and Profits:. — The amount disbursed during the year was $360,000, which
amounted to 30 per cent, on the outstanding capital stock. As will be seen from the report
of tonnage, the profits for the year were $385,880, which left a margin to carry to surplus,
and as the undivided profits at the beginning of the year were $200,961.34, it will be seen
that this surplus was added to in 1912, and is now at the beginning of 1913 $226,841.34.
The Windfall Purchase. — This was really the most important and significant event of the
year for the camp. Its importance lies in the fact that it proves the fallacy of the contention
urged by former managers that the Nickel Plate deposit did not extend beyond the bounds of
the Nickel Plate claim, and that the monzonite core of which Climax bluff is composed does
not necessarily cut off the ore-body which has already given such important results in the
production of about $4,600,000 in gold bullion up to the end of 1912.
Other Properties.
In the early part of the year the litigation between the owners and
Kingston Group, the Redeemable Investment Company, which was believed to have hindered
development-work, had been cleared away sufficiently to permit work being
done, and it was carried on during the winter with a small force of men under the direction
of A. Creelman. Something over 40 feet of sinking was done and the work closely sampled,
and excellent results were obtained, which demonstrated the error which had been made in
previous development in straying away from the ore-body instead of holding tenaciously to the
pay-streak, no matter where it might lead. The funds available for work, however, appear to
have been trivial, and as the payments to the owners were not kept up, the latter gave notice
to the public that the deal was off and the property had reverted to them.
The affairs of this property, which have been in more or less confusion
The Golden Zone, for several years past, received another twist or two to add to the general
tangle when Charles H. Brookes obtained an option from some source or
other, although no one seems to know where the authority came from, to give the option, as
the property was covered with judgments for former debts contracted. At all events, an
option which had been variously described as an option and a sale outright took place, and a
new company called the Gold Plate Mines Company was formed. This concern provided
several thousand dollars to develop the property, and the direction of the work was left to
Mr. Brookes, who was very rarely on the property, and who saw fit to have nearly all the
money that was spent put into surface work, and when the money was spent and more debts
contracted, for which there was no more money left to pay, not a whit more was known as to
the value of the property than when they began. Further claims and judgments were filed
against the group and another chapter added to the folly of amateurism in mining.
K 182 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
This group, situated on the watershed between Sixteen mile and
The Oregon Eighteen-mile creeks, had considerable development-work done during tin-
Group, early part of 'the year and encouraging results were obtained, 'linn i
strong probability that more will be done during 1913.
This group of claims, situated on Independence mountain, about six
The Apex Group, miles east of the Xickel I'/aO', saw much development during the year
under a bond from the owners, who reside in New York. The parties who
held the bond were T. D. Pickard, L. W. Shatford, M.L.A., and M. K. Rodgers. Most, or all.
of the work was done bv contract, and it Comprised something over 200 feet of driving, besides
other work. Mr. Pickard supervised the work on occasional trips from Vancouver, but the
bond was allowed to lapse about the end of the year after something over >'•">, 000 had been
expended in exploratory work. The high price which the bond called for was said to be a
determining factor in causing the holders to let it drop.
Apart from the foregoing, nothing was done on the other claims in the camp except the
annual assessments, and, as many of the claims have been Crown-granted, only a limited
amount of annual assessment-work is required.
In regard to amount of development-work done by the Dividend-Lake View Consolidated
Gold Mining Company on its properties on Kruger mountain, I have the pleasure to report as
follows : —
Since August 1st, 1912, it has expended $13,500 for machinery and its installation,
wagon-roads, and mining and operating expenses. In brief, the amount distributed is as
follows : —
40-horse-power engine and compressor with machine drills $3,800 00
Installation, buildings for machinery, etc 700 00
Wagon-roads 500 00
Mining and operating expenses 8,500 00
Total ' 813,500 00
In the latter part of November the company shipped two cars of ore
Lake View from the dump, that had been taken out in development J this was only a
Property. small part of the dump, and was shipped fco the smelter to find by actual
test what was the value of the ore. The actual value of this ore was a little
better than $8 a ton, about equally divided between gold and copper.
The company began stoping on this property by the "glory-hole"'
Dividend system early in December, and has shipped eight ears of ore to the Granby
Property. smelter at Grand Forks, B.C. This ore carried gross values of aboul
a ton, and the commercial value, as yet, is all in gold.
The present size of the glory-hole is about 20 feet long east and west by 15 feet wide
north and south, and has an average depth at this time of about 20 feet.
The company dosed down on January L 5th on account of the extremely unfavourable
weather conditions, and just before closing down it encountered some very fine ore which
assayed s pi a ton in gold.
The company will resume mining operations as soon as the frost i-. out of the ground
in the spring and the roads settled.
3 Geo. 5 Boundary District. K 183
The ore is hauled to Oroville, Wash., a station on the Great Northern Railway, and is
shipped from there to the Granby smelter. The hauling is done with a 5-ton auto-truck.
After the company has done a little more road-work in the spring it intends to attach a
10-ton trailer to the truck ; it then expects to average one car a day for shipment.
Placer Development.
In addition to what is being done here in lode-mining, there has been an attempt to revive
interest in placer-mining in the bed of the Similkameen river. J. D. McDonald, of Vancouver,
who is reputed to be acting in behalf of English and American investors who are interested in
gold-dredges elsewhere, did considerable panning in the bed of the stream, and considerable
river-bed and bench ground was staked for placer-mining. The pannings were reported to
have been very encouraging. The ground staked by these parties covers several miles up and
down the river on both sides of the International Boundary, and at Chopaka they had a Key-
stone drill at work for several weeks. Another man named Corwin also staked several miles
of the river in the vicinity of Ashnola creek for Edward Mahon, of Vancouver.
Office Statistics — Osovoos Mininc, Division.
Locations records 45
Certificates of work 113
Free miners' certificates 126
Certificates of improvements 7
Conveyances 11
Placer-mining leases 3
VERNON MINING DIVISION.
Report of L. Norris, Gold Commissioner.
I have the honour to submit my annual report on mining operations in the Vernon
Mining Division for the year ending December 31st, 1912.
The mining situation in this district remains practically unchanged since my report of
last year.
Office Statistics — Vernon Mining Division.
Free miners' certificates . 183
Mineral claims 45
Placer claims 2
Certificates of work 23
Conveyances 2
Coal licences (renewals) G
K LS4. Report of the Minister of Mines. 1 9 1 -i
YALE DISTRICT.
K AM LOOPS MINIMI DIVISION.
Report of E. T. W. Pearse, Gold Commissioner.
I have the honour to submit the annual report on the Kamloops Mining Division for the
year ending December 31st, 1912.
In the Kamloops Mining Division nothing fresh has developed. Assessment has been
faithfully kept up and several Crown grants have been applied for, but money does not seem
to be forthcoming to introduce the smelting facilities which are so badly required.
Several reports of the different camps should have been appended hereto, bul for Mum-
unaccountable reason they have been withheld so long that I cannot further delay this report
by waiting for them.
A slight excitement was caused during the autumn by the discovery of placer gold on
Louis creek. Only a few months' work was done on the claims and a regular clean-up was
not made on any of them, so that I cannot give results, except in a general way to state that
the claim-holders were every one of them satisfied with the prospects. The whole creek from
the surface down seems to be impregnated with gold, which, however, is of so line a nature
that considerable difficulty will be experienced to make sure that the whole return has l>een
secured. I have strongly advised all claim-holders to save the black sand, a sample of which
was sent for assay by one of them; the result of this, as I say, is not known to me. One
lease was staked on Dixon creek and the initial work on this produced a very satisfactory
result ; the owner, after removing a few boulders, took out a pocket containing about | oz. of
rather coarse gold, many pieces of which would be worth from 25 to 30 cents.
Coal-mining operations seemed to have been suspended entirely this season for some reason
unknown to me.
Seymour Aim Camp.
Hugh Sinclair writes me as follows: —
"In reply to your request for a report on our claims in Seymour arm, 1 might say that we
have done the usual assessment and have proved the continuity of the copper vein the full
length of our four claims, the vein-matter being 300 feet wide a1 the end of the Copper Kim/,
and apparently that width throughout, but we have not yet done enough work to exactly
prove it. The ore is of the same grade throughout.
"I might say that this vein continues through McLeod A- t'o.'s four claims and into Bass
and his partners' claim, beyond McLeod's, making a total Length of 13,500 feet of good-grade
copper-ore. Where we found it to he 300 feet wide is where we join McLeod's claims."
Office Statistics -Kamloops Mining Division.
Free miners' certificates 148
( tertificates of work 1 1 •">
Records (mineral) 119
n (placer) 11
Hills of sale IS
( 'eit Lficates of Lmproi ement "
Total receipts ' $3,282 1"
3 Geo. 5 Yale District. K 185
ASHCROFT MINING DIVISION.
Report of H. P. Christie, Mining Recorder.
I have the honour to submit the annual mining report and office statistics for the Ashcroft
Division during the year 1912.
The situation generally remains unchanged, although there has been for some months
nunc than the usual activity in Highland valley, and it is expected there will be some extensive
development-work done during the coming year.
Highland valley is situated about twenty-seven miles south-east of Ashcroft, approximately
half-way between Ashcroft and Nicola, on the height of land forming the watershed, and is
accessible at the present time only by the wagon-road between these two towns, which runs
through the camp.
In 1907 the Provincial Mineralogist examined a number of properties in this camp, the
notes of his inspection appearing in the Report for that year on pages 131 el seq., from which
it would appear that several of the claims in the camp contained copper-ore of workable
grade, with a little gold and silver.
■Since that time work has been carried on each year, to a small extent, on most of the
claims, sufficient to cover the annual assessment requirements ; the lack of transportation
facilities, however, would prevent any shipment of ore, as the ore is not of high enough value
to stand wagon-haulage to the railway, while the development of the camp is not as yet
sufficient to justify any plans for a railway.
There is enough ore showing on several of the claims to induce their further development
and to stimulate more extended prospecting in the localitv.
The gypsum-deposits, located on the bank of the Thompson river opposite the Canadian
Pacific Railway station at Spatsum, a few miles west of Ashcroft, have been acquired by a
strong company with headquarters in Vancouver, and it is understood that, in the near future,
steps will be taken to ensure the utilization of the mineral which seems to occur here in large
quantity and of unusual puritv, although the development necessary to prove these points is sadly
lacking, the present owners seeming content at having tied up the property. The location of
the deposit on a hill rising up from the river-bank is such as to permit of very simple and cheap
transportation of the mineral by aerial tramway directly from the deposit to across the river
on to land adjacent to the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks.
Office Statistics — Ashcroft Mining Division.
New locations recorded 112
Certificates of work recorded ■ • • ■ 57
Conveyances recorded 15
Free miners' certificates 96
K 186 Report of the Minister of Minks. 1 9 1 :>
YALE MIX IXC DIVISION*.
Report of L. A. Bonn, Mining Recorder.
I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report and statistics for the year ending
I ><'<tii i lx •]• ."{ 1 st, 1912.
Placer-mining.
Little or no general work has been clone in this class of mining.
The Siwash Creek Mines, Limited, has been working steadily on its group of creels leases,
and will, within a month, be in a position to know whether the large expenditure will bring
its reward or not. The following is contributed by the managing director of tin' company: —
"I may say that during the year 1912, with a crew of about twelve men, we have
steadily prosecuted the plan originally laid down for the development of our property.
Beginning at a point above the falls upon the lower lease, we ran an open rock-cut and tunnel
of capacious size for about 450 feet, and at a depth of about ■''•") feet below the gravel surface
we are now entering into the bed of the channel of the creek above. This must shortly bring
us into contact with the bed-rock of the original channel, and as there are abundant indicat ions
of the richness of this basin, we expect to secure rich returns. Besides the tree gold in these
gravels, there are large deposits of black sand carrying gold and platinum values* in
combination."
A. W. McLelan, who has a bar lease near Reefers, had three or four men at work for a
considerable period, but I have no report of the result obtained.
Considerable prospecting was done on Hills Bar creek by "Win. Livingstone, Alexander
Munro, and others. Indications were sufficiently inviting for Messrs. Livingstone and Munro
to take up half-mile leases, which they intend working the coming season.
Three leases were granted on the North fork of Siwash creek and three on the South fork.
Those on the South fork are a continuation of the original property of the Siwash Creek
Mines, limited, and have been acquired by the company.
Seven creek leases were also granted on Little Kmorv creek ; the development of these
seems to depend on the result obtained at Siwash creek, as a number of the same people are
interested.
A bar lease covering Boston bar was granted to Robt. Hamilton, of Vancouver, but 1
have not heard of any development having been done.
Five dredging leases covering 22' miles of the bed of the Fraser river "ere granted
during the year. A dredge is being built at New Westminster to work the lease granted to
Finlay .Mcintosh covering the five miles west from the mouth of the CoquihaUa river. This
dredge is a combination shovel and dipper and has not heretofore been tried on the Fraser :
I am informed that this pattern of dredge has worked very successfully in the Yukon.
Messrs. Bock, Tcmplin, and Wood, of Seattle, have five miles of the bed of the Fraser
east from the mouth of the CoquihaUa and have made a considerable expenditure ; they have
installed a plant on a new plan in the bed of the river below Strawberry island, consisting
of a Weeks two-line scraper-dredge of 1-yard capacity, which digs under water by the
control of these two lines, which are operated from a donkey-engine on shore ; one line hauls
the scraper out into the river and the other brings the load ashore, where the materia] is
dumped into a hopper and fed into sluice boxes for separation. They have not yet begun
3 Geo. 5 Yale District. K 187
operations, hence the results from this plan are still to be determined, but, as the scraper has
been proven a success in sand and gravel digging, it is hoped that it will give satisfaction
here. If the plan is a success, other similar plants will be installed on the ground covered by
the lease, and also on the five miles between Five-mile creek and Spuzzum creek, which is
controlled by the same parties.
The Hills Bar Gold Dredging Company, Limited, started in last spring to build a dredge.
They built the scow on the river-bank here, but the machinery has not yet been placed in it ;
a dredge of the caisson type is proposed. Their lease covers some of the most promising
dredging-ground on the river, for it was on Hills, and other neighbouring bars, that such rich
returns were had in early days.
• The fifth dredging lease is for two and a half miles west from North Bend, and w;is
granted to Robt. Hamilton at the same time as his bar lease. It is the intention to work the
two leases in conjunction.
Quartz-mining.
The Mining Division is still suffering from the evil effects of the Steamboat Mountain
fiasco, and it is therefore hard to interest capital in the promising prospects in other parts, tin-
whole Division being more or less judged by a small part. Assessment-work on the most
promising prospects has been done and quite a number of new locations made, but beyond
that little has been accomplished.
Chas. Camsell deals very fully with the Skagit Valley area in the Summary Report
of the Canadian Geological Survey for 1911, commencing at page 115.
Of the Jumbo group, situated on Silver creek near Hope, Mr. Camsell says, on page 111 : —
" A group of three mining claims known as the Jumbo group is situated on the west side
of Silver creek, about four miles south-west of Hope. The claims lie in a steep narrow gorge
at an elevation of about 1,100 feet above the sea. The country-rock is massive grano-diorite,
in places sheared and traversed by fissures. The ore-deposits lie in the fissure-veins and have
a width averaging about 8 inches. They contain dull-coloured arsenopyrite and a little
chaleopyrite in a gangue of quartz, and carrying gold as the principal valuable metal. The
value of the ore in the fissures ranges from $10 to $60 to the ton. The claims are developed
by three tunnels of varying length and several 'open-cuts.' These claims and adjoining
locations are now owned by the Aufeas Gold Mines, Limited, which has recently made
successful arrangements for financing the development of the property. The company intends
building a wagon-road from the Interprovincial highway at the mouth of Wardle creek to the
camp, and proceeding with the construction of permanent camp buildings, including cook-
house, bunk-houses, storehouses for supplies and tools, the laying of pipes to supply the camps
with water, and the clearing of the right-of-way for an aerial tram. As soon as the road and
camp are ready for use, work on the lower tunnel will begin and will continue until the vein
is struck."
With reference to the Siwash Creek area, I can do no better than quote from the
summary and conclusions arrived at by A. M. Bateman, a member of Mr. Camsell's party.
This area practically includes the district between Siwash creek and Spuzzum on the east bank
of the Fraser. Mr. Bateman says, on page 125 of the report : —
" The rocks underlying the area consist of a metamorphosed sedimentary scries represented
by slates, garnet-schists, mica-schists, siliceous-schists, quartzites, and thin bands of crystalline
limestone. This series is intruded by the Coast Range granitic batholith and its accompanying
acid and basic dykes. A small remnant of volcanic tuff overlying the granitic rock is exposed
K 188 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
in one locality. Glacial deposits are found along the borders of the stream. The gold, without
exception, is associated with porphyry-dykes, and occurs in the porphyry itself, or in quartz
veins alone, or adjoining the contact of the porphyry with slate. The gold is thus seen to be
genetically dependent on the dykes, and the great number and wide distribution of these
dykes makes it a promising field for prospecting. Some of the gold deposits have rich surface
showings, but are usually ' pockety,' and the gold appears to have undergone considerable
surface enrichment. Large superficial areas may contain a sufficient number of rich stringers
and pockets to be worked commercially, while the others would only justify inexpensive mining
methods."
Considerable development-work has been done since the visit of the Geological Survey
party, especially on the Mt. Baker & Yale Mining Company's group of Crown-granted mineral
claims, and on a number of the Hidden Creek and Anderson River locations. Great confidence
is expressed by the owners of the claims in this area, and with the early completion of the
Canadian Northern Railway, they will be in a position for economical development.
Office Statistics — Yale Mining Division.
Free miners' certificates issued 1 83
Locations recorded 1 2 I
Leases granted 20
Bills of sale, powers of attorney, options, etc., recorded 56
Certificates of work issued 1 32
Filings . 17
Revenue.
Free miners' certificates § 1,158 75
Mining receipts .">, 1 7<i 55
Other sources 13,471 50
Total Sis, KM m>
NICOLA MINING DIVISION.
Report of W. N. Rolfe, Mining Recorder.
I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report and statistics of the Nicola
Mining Division for the year ending December 31st, 1912.
With regard to the metalliferous mines of the district, the necessary assessment work has
been well kept up, as holders of mineral claims are imbued with the hope that the very near
future will see railway facilities provided, thereby enabling ore shipments to be made for
treatment at the smelters, which is impossible under existing circumstances, except at
prohibitive rates.
In the vicinity of Merritt, the Inland Coal and Coke Company. Limited, has been
working steadily in developing the property, with very gratifying results. While several new
seams of coal have been exposed, the work has been almost entirely confined to opening up and
blocking out a large reserve on the No, '■>, and this work has, as was confidently anticipated,
demonstrated the continuity of the seam, which is capped with a remarkable sandst •
formation. Much satisfaction is expressed that the excellent quality of the coal is maintained
in the new workings, as also at the noticeable freedom from deleterious gases.
3 Geo. 5 Yale District. K 189
After a considerable period of delay and expense, railway connection with the property
was obtained during the latter part of August, since when the output has been constantly
increasing. The intention is announced, however, of vigorously pursuing a policy of develop-
ment on the No. 3, as also to open up the No. 5 seam; then, with the aid of additional
machinery and plant, the management is sanguine that the output will be largely expanded.
The total output of coal mined during the year has exceeded 30,000 tons, the bulk of this
going to the Canadian Pacific Railway Company.
The operating of the property at night has been greatly facilitated during the year by
the installation of an electric-lighting plant.
. Xico/a Valley Coal and Coke Company, Limited. — The operations conducted for winning
coal at this property resulted in an output of 142,973 tons (2,240 lb.) during 1912, which is
less than that of the previous year. No additional plant has been installed, and development
in the way of new work has been restricted to the opening-up of a new 5-foot seam, situated
above the No. 4, and known as No. 6, but no coal from this seam, so far, has been brought to
the surface. *
Office Statistics — Nicola Mining Division.
Locations recorded 57
Free miners' certificates issued 80
M ii ii (special) 1
Certificates of work 80
Certificates of improvement
Hills of sale 4
1 Further details of coal-mines in this district will be found under the heading of " Coal."
SIMILKAMEEN mining division.
Notes by Provincial Mineralogist.
Voigt's Camp. — The British Columbia Copper Company did much development- work on
two groups of mineral claims, held under option of purchase, situated about ten miles south of
Princeton. The larger group, known as Voigt's, contains fifty-five claims ; the smaller includes
eight claims having individual owners. Development-work was commenced in October, 1911,
and carried on continuously until December, 1912. Six diamond-drills were used and many
thousand feet of drilling was done on the Voigt group, and, in addition, about 1,500 feet of
underground hand-work and several thousand feet of surface trenching. Work was stopped in
December, but no information was then made public as to the company's intentions — whether
or not it would make the large payment falling due under the bond. Some 700 feet of under-
ground development and 1,500 feet of diamond-drilling was done on claims in the "upper
camp," which adjoins the Voigt group on the south ; the first payment under the bond on these
claims has been made.
The ore met with in this camp varies, as a whole, from heavy haematite containing copper
and iron sulphides with gold and silver, which ore is base, to ore containing a high percentage
of silica with similar economic minerals. The geological features of the camp have not yet
been thoroughly worked out, but as a rule the tendency of mineralization is along fracture zones
extending in a general direction from the south-west towards the north-east, the surface
mineralization being extensive. Details concerning the ore-bodies, however, have not yet been
made known.
K 190 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
Princeton Coal Company. — The Princeton Coal and Land Company, operating a coal-mine
at Princeton, completed its new coal-handling plant, which, though not a large one, is one of
the most complete and efficient in the Province. When additional railway transportation
facilities, now being provided, shall be available, a much-increased output from this company's
colliery is looked for.
A very small quantity of coal was mined at a place a few miles east of Princeton. At
the Columbia Coal and Coke Company's Coalmont propertv, situated between < iranite creek
and Collins gulch, back from Tulameen river, a commencement was made to mine coal. Some
"),S00 tons was taken out, and, the railway having been extended from Princeton to Coalmont,
a distance of about fifteen miles, a small .shipment was made. Development of the coal
measures on this property is being continued.
Further particulars as to these coal-mines will be found in this Report under the heading
Of "Coal."
SIMILKAMKKX MINIXC DIVISION.
Report of Hugh Hunter, Mining Recorder.
I have the honour to forward the annual mining report on the Similkameen Mining
Division for the year 19 1 l'.
On Co]. per mountain the British Columbia Copper Mining Company has been operating
on the Youjt properties, which it has under bond, and. as far as T learn, is well pleased with
the claims it has tested; it is at present negotiating \\ itli Mr. Voigt for the purchase of them.
The company has also bonded other properties on the mountain, and on some has made
t'te first payment.
The company, through its agent, has announced that it is there to stay.
On Roche river three claims have been bonded to a Chicago company, and first payment
of purchase price made.
In Summit camp, situated at the head of Tulameen river, a number of claims have been
bonded by Spokane parties, and considerable work lias been done there during the past year.
The difficulty of getting supplies into the camp has somewhat retarded the development-work.
I look for great activity in this camp during the coming summer.
In other sections of the district assessment work has been pel formed.
Office Statistics — Similkameen Mining Division.
Free miners' certificates 297
Special .'■
Local ion records 322
Certificates of work 304
Conveyances (mineral claims) 28
Placer leases 6
I 'i i mits 7
Pew ers of attorney 5
Conveyances (placer) It'
Lea\es of absence 2
:3 Geo. 5 Lillooet Distbict. K 191
LILLOOET DISTRICT.
LILLOOET MINING DIVISION.
Report of C. Phair, Gold Commissioner.
I have the honour to submit the annual report on the progress of mining in Lillooet
Mining Division during the year 1912.
Mineral Claims.
The past year's development was very similar to the previous year's. About the same
number of men were employed in the different mines. All the companies are pleased with the
result of the year's development. As was anticipated, a good deal of prospecting was done,
resulting in 14* mineral claims being added to the list.
The mines were worked continuously during the year by the Coronation
Coronation Mines. Mines, Limited, of Victoria, with an average force of ten men under the
management of C. L. Copp ; 800 feet of crosscutting, drifting, and upraising
has been done, but the 10-stamp mill on the property was not operated. In the beginning of
the season considerable ground-sluicing was done, proving the veins to have great continuity.
On the Countless, crosscut tunnels were extended to the vein, giving a depth of 250 feet.
On the Little Joe, the lower tunnel, No. 4, was driven to the vein and some very good ore
was found. A raise has been put through, connecting with the old workings, giving the depth
of 360 feet. At the end of the year they had drifted 200 feet on the vein.
The Lome Amalgamated Mines Company, Limited, has been developing
Lome its claims during the season with a force of seven men. A tunnel was run
Amalgamated. 200 feet on the lower level with the object of tapping the vein at a greater
depth, and for conveying the ore to the mill more economically. A discovery
<>f two more veins on the property was made by ground-sluicing. The 5-stamp mill was run
for a short time, crushing 111 tons of ore, which yielded 81,120.
Pioneer. — A tunnel about 200 feet has been driven on this claim to crosscut the vein.
D. C. Paxton, manager of the Wayside group, states: "During the
Wayside. past season a tunnel 120 feet was driven, and tin1- tall the vein system
previously worked was opened up at a level of 140 feet above Bridge river :
this elevation being apparently the height of a long-continued wash of the ancient river.
"On the Commodore claim, a 10-foot vein was opened, having a porphyry capping, which,
being an inset to the vein, the present width will continue. The veins in the diorite on Upper
Bridge River district are easily opened, as they can be driven on direct, and the elevation along
the river being about 1,200 feet, it eliminates the expense of crosscutting or sinking for a long
time. Arrangements are being made to work the property extensively the coming season."
Besides the assessment-work on 1 59 claims, considerable work was done on some of the
older claims, especially on the Marconi, Wireless Xo. 1, and Wireless No. .?, by Messrs.
Fergus-ion and Walker, the owners. These claims are situated at Bridge river.
K 192 Report of the Minister ok Mines. 1913
There was also a good deal of work done on the Empire, Empire, Xo. 1, and Empire No. '.
situated at McGillivray creek, by the McGillivray Mountain Mines, Limited.
Placer-mining.
There is oo improvement in placer-mining. None of the leases have been developed
during the year.
Eldorado creek, recently discovered, is not sufficiently rich to pay individual miners, so it
is now being acquired under leases.
Office Statistics Lili et Fining Division.
Mineral claims recorded II-
Placer claims recorded 22
Certificates of work recorded 159
Conveyances recorded 17
Mining and dredging leases in force 33
Free miners' certificates issued IS?
Revervue.
Free miners' certificates $1,027 50
Mining receipts, general 3,584 65
Tax — Crown-granted mineral claims 103 50
Mineral-tax 34 36
$5,050 ol
CLINTON MINING DIVISION.
Report of F. C. Campbell, Cold Commissioner.
T have the honour to submit the annual report for the Clinton Mining Division off
Lillooet District for the vear ending December 31st, L912.
In this connection, I regret to say that conditions remain practically the same as at the
close of the previous vear. No development or activity can be reported ; the office statistics
remain practically the same.
During (lie year the Canada Gold Dredging Company, Limited, secured dredging leases
covering the bed of the Fraser river for a distance of sixty miles, extending from Black point
to the mouth of the Chilcotin river ; consequently, we may hope to see a dredge operating in
tins section in the near future.
Office Statistics -Clinton Mining Division.
Free miners' certificates (individual) 70
Mineral claims recorded 73
( 'ertilieates of work issued II
( lonveyances, etc., recorded 34
I >redging leases issued 11
3 Geo. 5 Alberni District. K 193
VANCOUVER ISLAND AND COAST.
ALBERNI DISTRICT.
ALBERNI MINING DIVISION.
John Kirkup, Gold Commissioner.
I have the honour to submit the annual report on mining in the Alberni Mining Division
(luring the year ending December 31st, 1912.
The mining operations in this district during the past year were confined to annual
assessment-work only, with the exception of the Big Interior group, on which sufficient work
was done to enable the owners thereof to obtain certificates of improvement on the group,
consisting of eight claims.
The property known as the Big Interior has been taken up by an English company, the
Ptarmigan Mines, of which H. H. Johnston, Victoria, is the local representative, and who
sampled the property last fall ; his assays ran high enough in copper to induce him to arrange
to put a force of men at development-work this coming season. He is to establish a camp at
the mouth of Bear river, in Bedwell sound, from which the easiest approach to the property is
obtained.
The iron-ore properties on either side of Barkley sound have not had any work done on
them this past year, nor have the copper properties on the north side of Alberni canal, near
its mouth.
The development of the coal-seam near the Alberni townsite has for the present been
suspended.
Office Statistics — Alberni Mining Division.
Mineral claims recorded 33
Certificates of work 46
Money paid in lieu of work ... 3
Certificates of improvement 1 .'!
Bills of sale, etc., recorded 11
Free miners' certificates (individual) 49
CLAYOQUOT MINING DIVISION.
Report of Wm. Simpson, Deputy Mining Recorder,
I have the honour to submit the annual report on mining operations in the Clayoquot
Mining Division for the year ending December .'51st, 1912.
A greater interest in mining matters is the feature of this year, and receipts show a
marked increase over last year.
13
K 194 Report of the Minister of Mixes. 1913
Assessment work recorded was as follows: —
Copper King No. 8 (P. Sullivan)— tunnelling, 5 s 7 feet ; stripping, about 20 feet.
Roosevelt (P. Wollan) — open cut, 16 x 6 x t feet.
Walter (P. Wollan) — open-cut, 22 feet wide by I to 6 feet wide.
Prince Alfred (P. Wollan)— tunnel, 11) s6x4 feet.
Golden Gate (John Chesterman)— tunnel, 10 feet wide by 6 feet high.
Lucky Jim and Archibald (A. Woller and T. I). A. Purves)— removing hanging-wall,
exposing vein, removing about 2 tons ore fco adjacent ledge.
Bear River (Fred Drinkwater) open-cut, (i x 1 x 20 feet.
Copper (W. Lindsay) — clearing out shaft and tunnel, stripping copper and iron showing,
and other prospecting-work.
Tangent (G. A. Drinkwater) open-cut, stripping 20 feet wide, I feet deep by I feet face,
and other prospecting-work.
New ('row (G. W. Drinkwater) clearing out tunnel and stripping showings of magnetic
iron and other prospecting-work.
Mickey (Fred Drinkwater) -open-cut, 7 feet in and about 9 feet face, clearing up broken-
down ore-shaft, and other prospecting-work.
Kallappa. — This group has been taken over by a Vancouver syndicate, who has had
about six men working it for the last six months under the managership of Fred Meloehe.
The following notes regarding the Kallappa group have been kindly supplied by Mr.
( 'art « right : —
"For your annual report you might like some notes of work done on Kallappa group on
Meares Island.
" Claims included in group consist of Kallappa, Golden Gate, Sninik Fraction, Jack oj
Clubs, llomntsa, and Syontl.
"Owned by John Chesterman et al., Tofino, B.C., under bond to C. E. Cartwright, civil
engineer, 601-8 Rogers Building, Vancouver, acting for a Vancouver syndicate.
"Work under the bond commenced about the end of May, I 91 2, since which date an
average of five miners, under Foreman Fred Meloehe, has been continuously en paired.
••Work done during 1912 consisted of 325 feet of drifting on vein ; survey of four of the
claims. The construction of a watron road, al t .">,iioo feet lonu', from workings to wharf site
has been commenced. With work done previously there is now a total of oinfeet drifting
done and I l(» feet crOSSCUtting.
"The ore is arsenical iron pyrites and pyrrhotite carrying values in gold and silver, with
COpper values in some of the ore.
"Frank E. Leach, of Cartwright, Mathesoc & Co., Vancouver, B.C., is the manager. We
hope to be able to make some shipments during L913."
Office Statistics Clatoquot Minim; Division.
Free miners' certificates 25
Certificates of work recorded 19
Mineral claims recorded 18
Powers of attorney, transfers 6
Permission to relocate 4
Relocations 4
Other receipts 6
3 Geo. 5 Alberni District. K 195
Revenue.
Free miners' certificates $ 107 75
Mining receipts, general 1,431 30
$1,539 05
Payments in lieu of assessment-work was made on the following : Island Belle Nos. 1
and 2, Iron King, Pete, Ivanhoe, Double Standard, Gordon, Ilollinger, Rose, Mamie, Maggie,
•Sadie.
CLAYOQUOT MINING DIVISION.
Notes by H. Carmichael, Provincial Assayer.
This group of mineral claims is situated on the left bank of Elk river
Rose Marie about four miles from the mouth. The property was reported on by the
Group. Provincial Assayer in 1899. A quartz vein outcrops on the steep mountain-
side, but is covered at the bottom by an extensive rock-slide ; the vein,
which shows from 15 to 21 inches wide on the surface, had been prospected by the original
owners by a series of open-cuts extending to the top of the mountain, at an elevation of 1,000
feet, and on to the top for 100 or 200 feet ; these owners also erected a small crushing plant
and concentrator.
Owing to a dispute as to title, and other reasons, the property lay for a long time without
further development, but recently other parties started a tunnel several hundred feet up the
mountain, where the vein showed the best ore.
This tunnel has been driven directly into the hillside on the strike of the vein for a
distance of 307 feet ; the vein is clearly defined throughout the entire length and has an
average width of 18 inches.
The mineralization is pyrite and arsenopyrite, with a few specks of chalcopyrite showing
here and there. A sample taken recently by a mining engineer, and said to represent a fair
average of the ore in the tunnel, gave a value of $12 a ton, nearly all in gold.
Owned by Hanbury & Bowes, Victoria. This property is situated on
Leora Mineral the left bank of the Elk river about two miles from the mouth; the mine
Claim. cabin is 300 or 100 yards back from the river. The mountains rise abruptly
from the narrow valley of Elk river ; at many points the slopes are
precipitous. A small creek flowing into Elk river has exposed a quartz vein a foot wide
mineralized with arsenical pyritas. To prospect this vein a tunnel has been driven 210 feet
east (magnetic) following the strike of the vein, which runs into the mountain-side. The
tunnel, for some distance, is in a shattered zone of diabase showing much slicken-siding and
with a caleite filling, carrying a little arsenical pyrites along a well-defined hanging-wall.
At 75 feet from the tunnel portal a winze has been sunk 40 feet at an incline of 60 degrees.
At the bottom of the winze there is 60 feet of drifting on the vein, which swells at one point
to 2 feet wide, but at the face is only 6 inches.
After passing the winze there is no distinct quartz vein, but there is a distinct parting on
the hanging-wall side. This may be the hanging-wall of the fissure or only a parting in the
filling. The face shows pyrite and arsenopyrite, principally in caleite, with a little quartz and
slicken-sided country-rock. The principal value is in gold ; 8 tons of the best ore gave a
smelter return of $110.
K 196 Report of the Minister of Mixes. 1913
QUATSINO MINING DIVISION.
Report of 0. A. Sherberg, Minim; Recorder.
I have the honour to submit the annual report on the mining operations in tlie Quatsino
Mining Division for the year ending December 31st, 1912.
On twenty-seven of the mineral claims situated at Elk lake, located last year, assessment-
work was performed, and the owners seem to be well pleased with the result, as they say that
showings are fully as u;< « >< 1 as expected.
Tliese claims are denned as follows : Tlie Old Spurt group of eight claims : the Shamrock
group of three claims ; the Bine Bird group of four claims ; the Idaho group of three claims ;
the Merry Widow group of six claims ; the Young Sport No. S and the Young Sport No. 4-
Young Sport No. 1 — cash paid in lieu of work, *100.
On the Teeta Hirer group, owned by the Teeta River Mining Company, the tunnel started
last year on the Quatsino King claim was extended by 1" feet.
The B.C. Pottery Company, under management of John L. Hangi, has shipped during the
year 2,981 tons of shale from its property, situated at Kyuquol sound, the A. T. Monteith and
Sockeye mineral claims, but the value of the shale is not known here. The company has had
seven men steadily employed during the year, and, beside the mining done, lias built a new
wharf.
Cash in lieu of work. $100, was paid for the Reno and Montezuma mineral claims, situate
near Law □ point.
( >n other claims work was carried on. and certificates of work were recorded for eighty-six
claims.
On tlie coal claims, situated on the West ar f Quatsino sound, owned by the Quatsino
Coal Syndicate, development was carried on until the first part of November, when the work
was closed down for the winter.
Office Statistics — Quatsino Mining DmsiON.
Free miners' certificates 56
Milling claims recorded i-
Certiticates of work recorded . 86
Certificate of improvement 1
Kills of sale, etc.. recorded 9
3 Geo. 5 Nanaimo District. K 197
NANAIMO DISTRICT.
NANAIMO MINING DIVISION.
Report of George Thomson, Gold Commissioner.
I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report on the mining operations ■ in the
Nanaimo Mining Division for the year ending December 31st, 1912.
The past year has been very dull on Texada island. The only mine
Marble Bay. really working during the first half of the year was the Marble Hay, shipping-
its usual complement to the smelter. The rich lenses of bornite have been
worked on the 1,300-foot level and on several of the upper levels ; the shipping of ore stopped
in the fall of the year. The company decided to sink the shaft down to the 1,100-foot, hence
all workmen were laid off, and the sinking is now progressing and nearing completion ; the
mine is expected to be ready for opening up again shortly. The ore, I am informed, is richer
at 1,400 feet than it was in the upper levels.
The Little Billie company is also sinking the shaft, and has opened
Little Billie. up thereby some highly encouraging lenses of ore; there seems to be a
promising outlook ahead. As soon as the required depth is obtained, levels
will be driven on the vein and stoping begun, preparatory to resuming shipments. A streak of
rich ore was found of late which, if continuous, will fully warrant the expenditure entailed.
The Rose and Belle seems to be at a standstill, as the ore, if any, is evidently not fulfilling
the sanguine expectations of its initiatory stage.
The owners of the Dickens are now drifting to see if they can reach stronger veins of
greater magnitude. Some tons of very interesting ore has been found.
The Cornell is again being opened up for operation, with fairly good showings.
The Raven has been closed down for some time.
The Cap Sheaf company has done considerable work on its property during the past year,
and hopes to be able, ere long, to report the discovery of good commercial ore.
The Sentinel group has been worked more or less during the year, and while there are
some nice samples of silver-lead ore, the vein proper has not yet been struck.
The Malaspina mines has done nothing beyond a little prospecting on the property ; the
steam plant being idle.
The Mammoth tunnel, 7x9 feet, has not been pushed ahead much during the year, but
it is expected that 1913 will see this work going ahead.
The iron-mines are still idle. The lack of works capable of handling iron-ore is probably
the chief reason of the mines being idle.
Carter & Suns' new vein at the high-water mark is looking remarkably fine as depth is
reached. It is now about 15 feet deep, with a good pile of ore on the dump ; the shipping
facilities are at the collar of the shaft.
Considerable development-work has been done throughout the Division.
Office Statistics — Nanaimo Mining Division.
Free miners' certificates (individual) 101
ip ii (company) . 2
Mineral claims recorded 195
Certificates of work recorded 248
Certificates of improvements recorded 18
Transfers and agreements recorded CI
K 198 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
VICTORIA DISTRICT.
VICTORIA MINING DIVISION.
Report of Herbert Stanton, Gold Commissioner.
There is very little lode or placer milling going on at present in the Victoria Mining
Division, but there is quite a large output of other economic mineral products.
Lode-mining.
Tn the vicinity of Port Renfrew, on the south-west coast of the Island, a large number of
claims have been staked on deposits of magnetic iron-ore ; a number of these properties have
been reported upon by the Provincial Assayer in the 1902 Report of this Department, since
when others have been staked.
From these reports it appears that there is a large tonnage of iron-ore of very good
quality, but, as there is at present no market for iron-ore on the Coast, there has of late been
little active development going on, the owners contenting themselves with doing the necessary
assessment-work preparatory to Crown-granting the properties. Most of the claims staked
have been kept in good standing.
The properties on Sooke peninsula, on which occur considerable bodies of cupper-ore of
good quality, are, for the most part, Crown-granted, and no active development-work has been
done on them for some years.
These properties were examined by the engineer of an Eastern mining company last fall.
and it is possible they may lie act mlv operated this coming season, as the Tyee Smelting
Company has announced it is to start up its smelter at Ladvsmith, which will create a demand
for copper-ores.
On the west coast prospecting for coal and oil has been carried on for the past two or
three years, but so far without proving anything.
Cement.
The only Portland-cement plant in actual operation is situated in the Victoria Mining
division at Tod inlet, on the Saanich arm, about twelve miles from Victoria.
The plant is owned and operated by the Vancouver Portland Cement Company — R. P.
Butchart, President ; ollice, Hoard of Trade Building, Victoria.
The raw materials for making the cement — clay and limestone — are mined on the
company's property adjacent to the plant. The capacity of the plant is from J, 000 to J, 5(1(1
barrels of cement a day ; the output made during the past year was about 520,000 barrels of
cement, having a value of approximately -MMMii id.
The plant is thoroughly equipped, and is operated largely by electric power transmitted
from the B.C. Electric Company's power plant at Coldstream.
Another large cement plant is now being constructed at the upper end of Saanich inlet
by the Portland Cement and Construction Company — an English Company — which ought to
he producing within a year.
3 Geo. 5 Victoria District. K 199
The Rosebank Lime Company — W. F. McTavish, manager, Esquimalt — manufactures
lime at the west side of Esquimalt harbour, employing about twelve men and producing this
year about 55,000 barrels of lime, valued at about $55,000.
The Vancouver-Victoria Lime and Brick Company, at Atkins Siding, produced some
lime and made about 3,500 M. lime-silica brick, valued at about $25,000.
The B.C. Pottery Company, Ltd., manufactured clay products, chiefly sewer-pipe, having
a value of approximately $130,000.
In this Division there was made this last year, at the yards near Victoria and on Sidney
island, approximately 15,000 M. red brick, having a total value of nearly $140,000.
. The Producers Rock and Gravel Company, Limited, mined at Albert head about $17,000
worth of crushed trap-rock ; $132,000 of gravel; $57,000 of sand — all of which was used in
making concrete.
Office Statistics — Victoria Mining Division.
Free miners' certificates issued 564
Special certificates issued 10
Mineral claims recorded 50
Placer claims recorded ... 3
Certificates of work recorded 44
Certificate of improvement 1
Conveyances recorded 8
Revenue.
Free miners' certificates $5,499 95
Mining receipts, general 2,505 80
Total $8,005 75
NEW WESTMINSTER MINING DIVISION.
Report of Irvinc, Wintemute, Mining Recorder.
I have the honour to submit the following report of mining operations in the New
Westminster Mining Division for the year 1912. : —
The mineral claims recorded during the year were distributed as follows : —
Howe Sound and vicinity 41
Britannia and vicinity 24
Capilano, Lynn, and Seymour creeks 14
North arm, Burrard inlet 17
Squamish 12
Sechelt peninsula 3
Jervis inlet 2
Pitt lake 56
Stave lake and vicinity 4
Whonnock 1
Chilliwack and vicinity 43
Total 217
On August 1st, 1912, a large portion of the New Westminster Mining Division was
formed into a new and separate Mining Division — the "Vancouver Mining Division," with
the Mining Recording Office at Vancouver.
K 200 Report of the Minister of Mines. L913
[n consequence of this, the New Westminster ofHce statistics show a decreased revenue
and less business dune than in the previous year, due to the fact thai a great part of the
business formerly done here is now transacted at the Vancouver Mining Recording Office.
Office Statistics— New Westminster Mining Division.
Free miners' certificates issued 1,75]
Quartz claims recorded 217
Certificates of work recorded 172
Certificates of improvement recorded 1 '-1
Conveyances recorded "7
Revenue.
Free miners' certificates. 812,177 56
Mining receipts 3,217 55
Total L5.395 11
VANCOTJVEB MINING division
Report of J. Mahony, Minim; Recorder.
1 have the honour to submit the following report of mining operations in the Vancouver
Mining Division, from August 1st to Decern her 31st, 1912:
On August 1st, 1912, a large portion of the New Westminster Mining Division was
formed into a new and separate Mining Division known as the " Vancouver Mining I Hvision,"
with its Mining Recording Office at Vancouver.
The claims recorded in the Vancouver Mining Division during tin above short period are
located in I lie following vicinities: —
Britannia mountain and \ alley 28
South valley '•'
West side of Howe sound
North a nil of Hurra rd inlet and Indian river 7
Nelson island 3
Lynn and Seymour creeks 8
Pemberton trail
Ilolh hurii mountain 5
( Vow n mountain 8
Salmon arm 3
Porteau '•
Total 117
This 1 >i\ ision bai ing been established in August last, the returns are not in proportion t"
what they would he for tin' year, as the majority of licences were i>Mied before May .".1st, and
most of the claims located in the earlier part of the year.
The Britannia Mining and Smelting Company, Limited, of Britannia Beach, is the only
company shipping ore in this district at the present time. It has made great strides m its
operations, and l o than trebled last year's output. At present it has between 650 and 7""
men employed at its works. An auxiliary steam plant has been installed at the Beach, and it
has built a large number of cottages for its employees' use. In the early part of this year the
c pany established an up-to-date hospital, ami keeps a trained nurse in attendance. A
store is now in course i if construction, and the company's aim is to have everything needed on
the ground for its employees' benefit.
3 Geo. 5 Victoria District. K 201
The following is a note by the Provincial Mineralogist : —
" Britannia Mines. — The extent to which the Britannia Mining and Smelting Company
has enlarged its mining and concentrating operations, and the present and steadily increasing
importance of the copper-mining industry this company has established on its property on and
near Howe sound, are not generally known in the Province. Between 600 and 700 men have
been continuously employed for some time past, and the extensive development and construction
works in hand, and to be undertaken as soon as can be done with advantage, assure the
retention of fully that number at work for some time to come. Outlining briefly what is being
done, it may be mentioned that, while the mines are being developed and ore extracted on a
larger scale than in past years, the work of driving a 5,000-foot adit is also in progress, with
3,000 feet already driven and a daily advance of about 15 feet being made. As this tunnel is
being driven on a level 1,200 feet below the bottom of the lowest present mine-workings, it
will, if ore be found to continue down to that depth (which will give a total of fully 2,200 feet),
make accessible for stoping an enormous quantity of ore. Mine equipment on a commensurate
scale, hydro-electric development of 5,000 horse-power, construction of railway from the mouth
of the adit tunnel to Britannia Beach and other additional facilities for transportation, and the
installation of a modern and effective system of ore-concentration, are included in the progres-
sive programme adopted and being energetically carried out. It is understood that the
' flotation process ' of the Minerals Separation, Limited, for the recovery of copperminerals has
been adopted here, and that a large treatment-capacity is being arranged for, with the old
concentrating-mill being altered to suit the new conditions and for use pending the erection
and equipment of a new mill. The company mined about 193,000 tons of ore in 1912, as
against rather more than 100,000 tons in 1911, and recovered between 11,000,000 and
15,000,000 lb. of copper and between 70,000 and 80,000 oz. of silver."
On the West fork of Lynn creek the Lynn Creek Zinc Mines, Limited (Non-Personal
Liability), has acquired a group of claims, which are situated on the ridge extending eastward
from Crown mountain, seven miles by road and trail from the end of the Lynn Valley car-line,
and about ten miles in an air-line from the city of Vancouver. On these claims, three parallel
ore-zones, known as the East, West, and Fleming, respectively, have been discovered, as well
as some cross-veins, on all of which work has been done during the year.
T am indebted to Newton W. Emmens, mining engineer, of Vancouver, who is in charge
of the work, for the following information regarding this property : —
"The formation in which the ore-deposits of the Lynn creek area occur consists of highly
altered volcanic and sedimentary rocks of the Pateozoic era, metamorphosed by the intrusive
action of the Coast Bange granitic uplift into crystalline lime-stones, calcareous epidotic rocks,
epidote schists, garnetites, quartzites, etc., with a considerable development of such secondary
minerals as actinolite, garnet, epidote, pyrite, magnetite, and graphite. The intrusive action of
this uplift nnt only altered the overlying rocks, but crushed and shattered them, especially along
their bedding-planes, affording avenues for the circulation of magmatic waters and other
mineralizing solutions, which accompanied, and followed, this geologic disturbance.
" The ore-bodies occur along these zones of crushing in the altered Paheozoic rocks, not
only near their contact with the granitic intrusive, but also at some distance therefrom, anil
along some of the east and west faults which cut the formation in several places.
" The most important ore-deposit so far opened up on the Lynn Creek Zinc Mines property
is known as the 'East ore-body,' and occurs along a zone of crushing between a limestone
hanging and a quartzite foot wall. The ore-body consists of zinc-blende in a gangue of
calcareous epidote rock, with some quartz, and has a course of N. 10" to 20° W. (mag.), with
a steep westerly dip. On the Kemptville Extension claim it is exposed in the bluff, forming
K 202 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
the east side of Zinc canyon, and has been opened by surface cuts and an adit crosscut, in
which the ore has been proved to have a width of 20 feet, much of winch assavs from I1* to
45 per cent, in zinc, and the balance from 8.26 to 16.72 per cent. zinc. From this crosscut a
drive has been made north along the course of the ore for a distance of 22 feet, carrying the
quartzite as the foot or east side of the drive. This work is in ore all the way, average
samples of which assay from 10.5 to 13.8 per cent, zinc, these samples being taken in the
regular course of the work without any of the waste being sorted out, as would be the case in
mining the ore. Two hundred and twenty feet north of this crosscut the continuation of the
ore-deposit has been proved by diamond-drilling, and is sixteen feet wide at that place, as-
shown by the core. Still farther north, near the boundary between the KemplrilU Extension
and Evening Star claims, and at an elevation of .'{DO feet above the crosscut above mentioned
a shoot of ore, carrying galena, has been opened up by means of surface cuts and an adit
dii\ en on its course for a distance of 60 feet. This shoot, which is known as the 'Pearson
shoot, is over 6 feet wide, and average samples taken at various times during the progress of
the drive assayed from 5 to 15 ounces in silver a ton ; 15 to 30 per cent, in zinc ; .'So to l'i
per cent, lead, with traces of gold.
"Near the north boundary of the Evening Star claim, the 'East ore-body' has been
opened by a series of cuts made at right angles to the strike of the ore, and proving its
continuity for a distance of over 400 feet along its course, and to have a width of from 1 2 to over
30 feet (the face of some of the longer cuts still being in ore)! Average samples of ore taken
from these cuts assayed from 0.4 to 0.5 oz. silver to a ton ; 21.5 to 37 per cent, zinc, and traces
of gold. In the Cooper cut, which is made in the steep slope of the ridge, the ore i- well
exposed in the face, with a width of 12 feet between walls at right angles to its strike, and is
L,220 feet vertically above, and 2,100 feet north-westerly from the adit crosscut in Zinc
canyon, previously spoken of.
"The ' West ' ore-body parallels in strike the ' East,' and outcrops near the foot of the
bluff forming the west wall of Zinc canyon, and on the west side of the limestone which forms
the hanging-wall of the ' East ere 1mm ly. The ' West ' ore-body has been opened by stripping
and cuts along its strike for a distance of over 100 feet, near the western boundary of the
Kemptville Extension claim, and by a crosscut driven in from the floor of Zinc canyon. The
width of the ore varies from 1 to 5 feet and averages about 2S per cent, in zinc contents.
The dip of this ore-body is to the east, and there is good reason to believe that it will make
junction with the ' East' ore-body at depth.
"The 'Fleming' ore-body follows a line of faulting and crushing which is exposed in
Fleming canyon, 1,500 feet east of Zinc canyon; it has been opened by a cut on the west side
of the canyon near the boundary line between the Kemptville Extension and Morning Star
claims, where it is 7 feet wide, samples from which assay 3 oz. silver to the ton and 35.5 per
cut. zinc. The strike of the ore-deposit is X. 60 W. (mag.), with an almost vertical dip. The
ore follows up the bed of Fleming canyon, the gradient of which is very steep, w lure it is e\|M>sed
in a few places (which are bare of rocky debris), and outcrops again in a bluff forming the east
wall of the canyon, near its head, [,800 feet north west of and 1,000 feet above the cut previously
mentioned. At this outcrop some open-cut work has been done, exposing over l(l feet of Ore
containing galena and zinc blende in a calcareous cpidote gangue, samples from which assayed
from 0.02 to 0.05 Oz. gold; 20 to 25 oz. silver to the ton : 9 to 12 per cent, lead ; and 12 to
22 per cent. zinc.
•'Of the cross-veins, which have a strike of S. 70° E. (mag. i. work has only been done on
two of them, one on the Kemptville Extension and one on the Evening Star claims. The ore
in these veins is from a few inches to as much as 10 feet in width where the faults inti I
/ones of crushing, and is of a gcMMl grade.
3 Geo. 5 Victoria District. K 203
"During the year 1912 there was 619 feet of work done on the property, consisting of
59 feet of cross-cuts, 91 feet of drives, and 469 feet of surface cuts of an average depth of
8 feet, and, in addition, 411 feet of diamond-drilling."
The Latona Mining Syndicate, whose claims are on Gambier island, most of which were
recorded during 1912, has had a lot of development- work done on its property.
The balance of work done in this district has been recorded to keep the claims in good
standing.
Office Statistics — Vancouver Mining Division.
Free miners' certificates issued 261
Quartz claims recorded 127
Certificates of work issued 106
Receipts issued for money in lieu of work 22
Certificates of improvement issued 23
Conveyances recorded 55
Abandonments recorded 16
Notices filed 12
Crown grants applied for 16
Revenue.
Free miners' certificates issued $1,419 90
Mining receipts 3,274 95
Total $4,694 85
K 204 Report of the Minister ok Mines. 1913
INSPECTION OF MINES.
Report op Thomas Graham, Chief Inspei
I have the honour fco submit my first annual report as Chief Inspector of Coal and
Mi balliferous .Mines.
The reports of the District [nspectors, covering the production of coal and coke, the
number of persons employed, and lists of accidents and prosecutions, also a brief resume of
the mines in their several inspectorates, are hereto appended.
Personnel and Organization of Inspection Staff.
The personnel of the inspection staff consists of a Chief Inspector and six District
Inspectors, namely : —
Thomas Graham, Chief Inspector, Victoria ;
Thomas Morgan, Nanaimo :
• lames McGregor, Nelson ;
Evan Evans, Fernie ;
Robert Strachan, Merritt :
John Newton, Nanaimo ;
Thomas II. Williams, Fernie.
At the beginning of the year 1912 the headquarters of the Chief Inspector was moved
from Nanaimo to Victoria, and an office Opened in the Mines Department at the Parliament
Buildings, bringing the entire Inspection Service more in touch with the Department,
eliminating much duplication of correspondence, enabling the Chief Inspector to get more in
the field, and dispensing with the services of one stenographer.
A reorganization of the Inspection Districts was also effected; Inspector John Newton
was moved from Cumberland to Nanaimo. Inspector Robert Strachan from Hosmer to Fernie,
and Inspector Evan Evans from Cranbrooh to Fernie. This was deemed necessary to facilitate
consultation and co-operation of the Inspectors at Nanaimo and Fernie, enabling their Itinerary
to be so arranged that one or other of the Inspectors would always he at these import
centres, and also to minimize the travelling expenses of the staff.
During the year, one Inspector was added to the staff in the person of Thomas II.
Williams, with headquarters at Fernie, Inspector Robert Strachan of that place being moved
to the Nicola Princeton District, with headquarters at Merritt.
In addition to the regular monthly inspection of the District Inspectors, I have personally
\isited and inspected everj operating coal mine in the Province at some time during the year.
Occidents in Coal minks.
Notwithstanding the above frequent and systematic inspection, the number of fatal
accidents is again very high and leaves much r n for improvement.
The returns show twenty-two accidents, which caused twenty-eight deaths: this is an
increase in deaths of twelve over 191 1 and equals the number reported in L910.
There were 7,130 persons employed in anil around the coalmines, making the fatal
accidents per 1,000 persons employed •"■.!'.">, while in 1911 the rate was 2.32. The fatal
accidents per 1. i persons employed for the ten-year period averagi : "7
The tonnage produced in 1912 was 3,025,709 tons, being 727,991 tons greater than in 191 1.
3 Geo. 5 Inspection of Mines. K 20->
The following table shows the collieries at which these fatal accidents occurred : —
Canadian Collieries (Dunsmuir), Limited, Cumberland 4
Western Fuel Company, Nanaimo 3
Nicola Valley Coal and Coke Company, Middlesboro 1
Diamond Vale Collieries, Limited, Merritt 7
Crow's Nest Pass Coal and Coke Company, Coal creek 7
Crow's Nest Pass Coal and Coke Company, Michel 2
Hosmer Mines, Limited, Hosmer 1
Corbin Coal and Coke Company, Limited, Corbin 3
Total 28
The following table shows the various causes of the fatal accidents and their percentage
on the whole : —
Cause. No. Per <;ent.
Falls of roof-rock 6 21.43
Falls of coal 3 10.72
Mine-cars and haulage 9 32.14
Explosion of gas 7 25.00
Explosion of powder 1 3.57
Hit with piece of coal from a shot 1 3.57
Heart-disease accelerated by fright 1 3.57
28
It will thus be seen that, again, falls of roof-rock and coal and mine haulage account for
the greater number of fatal accidents — namely, 18, or 64.28 per cent, of the whole.
Seventy-five per cent, of these eighteen accidents were avoidable, and were due either to
negligence of the persons injured or to lack of proper discipline on the part of officials ; and
here there is hope for reduction in the future through the co-operation of the inspection
staff, the mine officials, and the mine employees.
Legislation, be it ever so stringent, or inspection, however efficient, will not prevent this
class of accident ; here so much depends upon the personal element that only the united and
co-operative effort of every person in the industry, from the Inspector and manager to the
trapper-boy, can hope to reduce this class of accident to a minimum.
Accidents of this nature will always occur so long as we continue to produce coal, but
the unforeseen and unavoidable accidents will be only too numerous without adding those due
to negligence or lack of discipline.
I would therefore urge the co-operative aid of the underground officials, especially fire-
bosses and shotlighters, who are daily coming in contact with each and every employee in the
mine, as well as the aid of each individual employee in reducing this class of accident.
My personal experience as a miner and as a mine official has proven that the average
mine-worker is only too prone to forget that first and great consideration, that all coal-mines
are dangerous, and that danger lurks in every corner ; they become inured to the dangers
surrounding them to such an extent that all more or less fail to be as careful as they might be,
and daily overlook with indifference many little violations of well-known rules or prudent
precautions on the part of fellow-workers, that finally culminate in a fatal accident of the type
that may well be written in the class of avoidable. Only an ever-present consciousness of
danger on the part of every mine-worker will bring about that vigilance that is necessary to
prevent these accidents.
K 206 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
An explosion of gas caused seven deaths, or 25 per rent, of the whole ; this was the most
serious accident of the year, and occurred in No. -'5 slope of the I>ia n<l Vale Collieries at
Merritl a1 8. l."> a.m. on March 7th, 1912, through the ignition of lire-damp in Nos. 1 ■'> and 1 1
breasts off No. 1 East level.
An investigation of this accident was made on behalf of the Diamond Vale Collieries by
.lames Ashworth, and on behalf of the Government by William Fleet Robertson, Provincial
Mineralogist, and by the writer, all of whom agree as to the place and cause of the accident.
The reports of Mr. Robertson and the writer, as submitted to the Honourable the Minister
of Mines, are hereto attached.
Of the three miscellaneous fatal accidents, one was caused by an explosion of powder, and
was due to one of those vagaries so common to high explosives, and which bo frequently fail to
be accounted for. The explosion occurred while the powder was being inserted in the hole, no
detonating-cap being in the powder.
One was caused by a piece of coal flying from a shot, and was due to lack of warning to
the persons working in an adjoining stall, towards which a crosscut was being driven, and in
which crosscut a shot was being fired, the shot blowing through and killing a man at work on
the other side. In this case a charge of manslaughter was brought against the official firing
the shot, the case being dismissed.
The other was due to heart-disease, accelerated by shock or fright.
Under instructions from the Minister of Mines, 1 was delegated to attend the Fourth
Annual Convention of the Mine Inspectors' Institute of the United States, held at Columbus,
Ohio, June 17th to 21st, 1912 ; also to visit the United States Bureau of Mines Testing Station
at Pittsburg, Pa., for the purpose of ascertaining the methods employed in testing permitted
explosives and noting their action in the presence of known quantities of gas and coal-dust :
and also to visit some of the representative coal-mines in the States of Pennsylvania and
Illinois, with a view to comparing the general discipline enforced and the efforts put forth by
the individual operators in those States to safeguard and protect the lives of their employees,
with the general discipline enforced and the efforts put forth by the various companies in our
own l'i'o\ ince.
Appended hereto is the report as submitted to the Honourable the Minister of Mines.
Mine-rescue Work.
It affords me much pleasure to be able to report much progress in this important branch
of the work in 1912.
The Canadian Collieries (Dunsmuir), Limited, built a very commodious and well arrai
station at both its Extension and Cumberland Collieries.
The following companies added to their equipment, as follows: —
Western Fuel Company, Nanaimo— Four 2 hour and three 1-hour Fluess apparatus.
C.N.P. Coal and Coke Company, Limited, Fernie Six 2-hour Dracger and two
'.'hour Fluess apparatus.
Columbia Coal and Coke Company, Coalmont Three 2-hour Draeger apparatus.
Princeton Coal and Land Company, Princeton -One 2-hour Draeger apparatus.
Diamond Vale Collieries, Merritt — Three '-hour Draeger apparatus.
Inland Coal and Coke Company, Merritt — Three .1 hour Draeger apparatus.
3 Geo. 5 Inspection of Mines. K 207
In addition to this, the Provincial Government purchased two 2-hour 1911 mouth-
breathing type Draeger apparatus, and sufficient material to convert the fourteen 1910 model
helmet type apparatus — already owned by the Province — into the 1911 model mouth-breathing
type, and two (2) ambulance stretchers equipped with oxygen-feed, to enable injured men being
•carried through a zone of irrespirable gases.
The number of oxygen apparatus in the Province at the end of the year is eighty-eight ;
of these, forty-nine are 2-hour Draeger apparatus ; thirty i-hour Draeger apparatus ; six 2-hour
Fluess (Proto) type and three 1-hour Fluess (Salvator) type apparatus. This gives one
apparatus for every eighty-one persons employed in the coal-mining industry.
The Crow's Nest Pass Coal Company, Limited, Fernie, very generously donated to the
Provincial Government a site for a mine-rescue station at a central place, easily accessible bv
road or railway in the city of Fernie. A very commodious and well-appointed station has been
erected on this site, and was opened on November 1st, with George O'Brien as instructor and
•caretaker, under the supervision of the District Mine Inspectors, who have their office in the
station. The number of applications received for training speaks well for the interest taken
in the rescue-work.
A site was purchased in the city of Nanaimo, upon which a station is now under
construction.
Pending the completion of this station, the apparatus, equipment, and stores owned by the
Government are, through the courtesy of the Western Fuel Company, housed at their mine-
rescue station.
John I). Stewart, who has been appointed instructor for the Government station, is now
with the aid and instruction of Joseph Pearson, of the Western Fuel Company's station,
converting the Government's 1910 model apparatus into the 1911 or latest model.
Much progress in training has been made by several of the local companies, some of whom
issue diplomas to their employees who take a course of training.
On May 10th last, the writer, on the invitation of the Western Fuel Company, had the
honour and pleasure of presenting forty-one employees of that company with certificates of
competency in mine-rescue work. This company has issued sixty-three certificates of competency
since the opening of its station.
In November last, Inspector Strachan had the honour and pleasure of presenting fourteen
employees of the Nicola Valley Coal and Coke Company with certificates of competency earned
at that company's station.
First Aid to the Injured.
Previous to 1912, instruction in ambulance and first-aid work was carried on at most (rf
the collieries in the Province, through the colliery doctors, chiefly to enable intending applicants
for certificates of competency under the " Coal-mines Regulation Act " to qualify under the
provisions of that Act, but with no fixed standard of remuneration for efficiency. It is there-
fore pleasing to note that the St. John's Ambulance Association has established centres in most
of the coal-mining communities, and from now on there will be a fixed standard of examination
and uniformity of training throughout the Province.
With the aid of the St. John's Ambulance Association, I hope to see much rivalry in the
various mining centres during the coming year.
While on official business at Merritt during the month of March, 1912, I received an
invitation to attend a meeting of the Nicola Valley Mutual Improvement Association.
K 208 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
The members of this organization were employees of tlie Nicola Valley Coal and Coke
Company, Middlesboro, and held weekly meetings in the club-room owned by the employees
.it Middlesboro. [ts aims and objects arc mutual improvement of its members through the
reading and discussion of papers on mining subjects.
A very pleasant evening was spmi in the reading and discussion of a paper entitled
" Mine Accidents and how to prevent them-"; much interest was evinced in the paper, the
discussion of which brought out much that was helpful to students of this subject. I was
informed that the interest was w ell sustained during the winter, the average attendance being
thirty members.
A similar association has been formed at Nanaimo and is meeting with much success.
It is to be hoped that re of these associations will he formed in other mining communi
not only for the educational advantages to he obtained by participation in these discussions.
but for the quickening of the powers of observation, revealing to the acute eye many of the
conditions and phenomena within the mine, the details of which escape the notice of a large
majority of those employed in the industry.
Metalliferous-mine Act i dents.
There were seven separate fatal accidents, causing the loss of eight lives, during the veai
1912. The number of fatalities in 1911 was seventeen.
The fatal accidents per 1,000 persons employed was 2.11, as compared with 5.24 for the
year I'M I .
The production of the metalliferous mines for 1912 is the largest recorded in the history
of the industry in the Province, and it is worthy of note that the fatal accidents per 1,000
persons employed is the smallest recorded in the nine years during which such records h
been kept, the smallest previous year being 1905, when the rate was 3.89.
Of these eight fatal accidents, two were due to picking into missed holes or unexploded
powder; one from going back on a delayed shot ; three from falling into chutes; one from
suffocation from powder-gas; one from a shaft accident, caught with cage
Notwithstanding the great care exercised by officials and employees in the use of
explosives, this class of accident again claim-- three lives.
Falling into chutes is another prolific source of accident in our metalliferous mines, and
a class that may well be termed avoidable.
One very noticeable feature of this year's accidents is that there were no fatalities from
falls of ground ; when we consider that many of the Largest producing mines are worked on
the large open stope system, with do timbering, it speaks volumes for the supervision and care
of the officials and employees, and suggests to us that with a fraction of the amount of care
which must base been devoted to this work bestowed on thi' open chute-,, we might eliminate
the chute accidents entirely.
The results in the metalliferous mines tor tin- year are -very encouraging, and whilst the
death-rate of 2.11 per 1,000 persons employed is even higher this year than tin- results
obtained in some of the European countries, it is nearer the idea] to which we aim. and which
can only be obtained by a cheerful compliance with the rules laid down to maintain discipline
on the part of the employee, ami eternal vigilance upon the part of the mine otlieials and
Inspectors. The CO-operation of all will enable us to place British Columbia in the column of
mine statistics that will compare favourably with that of any other mining country.
3 Geo. 5 Inspection of Mines. K 209
TRIP OF INSPECTION TO EASTERN STATES.
Victoria, B.C., July 31st, 1912.
The Honourable Sir Richard McBride, K.C.M.G.,
Minister of Mines, Victoria, B.C.
Sir, — Having been delegated by you to attend the Fourth Annual Convention of the
Mine Inspectors' Institute of the United States of America, held at Columbus, Ohio, June 17th
to 21st, 1912; to visit the U.S. Bureau of Mines Testing Station at Pittsburg, Pa., for the
purpose of ascertaining the methods employed in testing permitted explosives and noting their
action in the presence of known quantities of gas and coal-dust ; also to visit some of the
representative bituminous-coal mines in the Pittsburg region and one in the State of Illinois,
1 have the honour to submit to you this report covering such observations.
The Convention of the Mine Inspectors' Institute was duly called to order in the Great
Southern Hotel, Columbus, Ohio, on the morning of June 18th, by addresses of welcome from
Mr. Long, representing Governor Judson Harmon, of Ohio, who was unavoidably absent from
the city ; the Honourable George J. Karb, Mayor of the city of Columbus, and Mr. Bassett,
representing the Chamber of Commerce.
John Laing, President of the Mine Inspectors' Institute, then delivered his annual address
and the various committees were appointed, after which the Convention adjourned until 2 p.m.
After hearing the reports of the Secretary and Treasurer, the Convention got down to serious
business.
A very able address was delivered by Dr. Joseph M. Holmes, Chief Director of the U.S.
Bureau of Mines, Washington, D.C., on work for the prevention of mine accidents. This
address brought out a general discussion on mine accidents and compensation for such, which
proved very instructive to all. Much interest is being aroused on the subject of compensation
to workmen in the United States, and I was called on for information on the workings of the
British Columbia " Workmen's Compensation Act," which I explained to the best of my
ability. The general consensus of opinion was that compensation for injury should be a tax
on the industry, and constructed along lines where it would take the place of the "Employers'
Liability Act,'' being so administered that whatever amount was fixed would find its way to
those entitled to the compensation and not be dissipated in litigation.
The evening session brought out an excellent address by Thomas Moses, Superintendent
of the Bunsen Coal Company of Danville, Illinois, and a former Mine Inspector of that State,
on " Workmen's Compensation and Mine Discipline." Another splendid address was delivered
by Dr. Clarence Hall, Explosives Engineer of the United States Testing Station, Pittsburg,
Pa., on "Testing of Explosives and Detonating-caps," which proved very interesting and
instructive. J. W. Paul, Engineer in charge of the Rescue-work of the U.S. Bureau of
Mines at Pittsburg, delivered an address on "Mine Inspection." An exceedingly able and
instructive address was given by Mr. Jeffrey, of the Jeffrey Manufacturing Company of
Columbus, Ohio, on "Methods of Organizing Workmen and their Efficiency," including a
description of a hospital at their plant which treated 12,000 cases in the year 191 1.
The members of the Institute subsequently had the pleasure of visiting this factory as the
guests of the Jeffrey Manufacturing Company, and witnessed the construction and manufacture
of coal-cutting machines, electric locomotives, mine-fans, and, in fact, every kind of conveying
and handling machinery known to the coal business, and also paid a visit to the hospital already
mentioned. A surgeon and a trained nurse were tin hand, and every accident to an employee,
14
K 210 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
mi matter how trivial, was treated in this hospital. The functions of the hospital are not t.i
provide accommodation for sick or injured employees, but solely for rendering first aid or
treating wounds received whilst at work, and for looking afterthe health of the employees
generally. This company does not lay any claims to philanthropy in this work, claiming that
it is a business proposition pure and simple, and a good investment, not only in reducing
compensation claims, but in obtaining a maximum efficiency from their employees.
Wednesday Morning's Session.
Karl F. Schoew, [nspector from West Virginia, read a paper entitled "Quality and
Quantity of Mine Air." This very able paper brought forth an extended discussion On what
constituted a gaseous mine and the relative merits of the various means of humidifying the
mine atmosphere; its effects on the different strata forming roof and floor ; its effects on mine
timber, on workmen under varying temperatures and condition--, and its effects on arresting or
propagating explosions. This discussion lasted the entire day. and was finally closed to
facilitate business and permit the programme of the Convention being carried out. A multitude
of ideas were advanced, many being diametrically opposed to each other, and proving conclusively
that no fixed rule or method can be laid down for determining the amount of humidity or means
of applying it that will suit the ever-varying conditions which are met with in coal-mining in
i he different coalfields.
The members of the Institute were the guests of the city of Columbus on an automobile
tour of the city, a visit to their water-filtration plant and to their garbage disposal plant, which
proved very interesting and instructive.
Thursday's Session.
Thursday's session brought out a paper by Dr. J. J. Rutledge, Engineer of the ] 3
Bureau of Mines, entitled " A Suggestion in regard to Coal mine Inspection," in which it was
was proposed to cut out the personal elements and apply a method of inspection based on a
percentage basis, of so many marks being deducted for certain specified deficiencies, or, in the
words of the author, "reducing the inspection to a mathematical basis." This suggestion,
while theoretically ideal, was deemed practically impossible.
A thoroughly practical and very able paper, entitled -'Need for Better Discipline and
Co-operation in Mining," was read by Charles II Nesbit, Chief Inspectorfor Alabama, and
embraced a great many ideas which this Department has been trying for some time to inculcate —
namely, the cooperation of the Government officials with the mine officials, and last, but not
least, the miners themselves, in the humanitarian work of reducing mine accidei
P. J. Moore, of the Anthracite Inspection stall'. Carbondale, Pa., read a practical paper
entitled " Accidents from Falls of Roof and Coal in Anthracite Mines," which proved to be a
very able paper.
Friday's Si ssion.
Friday's session was devoted to business. The constitution of the Institute was amended
to permit Inspectors from Canada to become members, and Robert Strachan, Inspector at
Merritt. and the writer were elected to membership in the Institute.
The ballot being spread, it was found that the following named gentlemen were elected to
office for the next year: President. Thomas K. Adams, Pennsylvania; 1st Vice-President.
D. J. Roderick, Pennsylvania; 2nd Vice-President, Edward Flynn. Alabama: 3rd Vice-
President, D. C. Rotting, Washington : Treasurer. K. T. Rhys, Iowa : Secretary. .1. W. Paul,
Pennsylvania; Editor, J. T. Beard. Xew York.
Birmingham, Alabama, was" chosen as the next place of meeting.
3 Geo. 5 Inspection of Mines. K 211
A very successful meeting was then adjourned.
The same evening I proceeded to Pittsburg, and on Saturday, through the courtesy of
Dr. Hall, of the Bureau of Mines, I was shown over the Testing Station of the United States
Government at Pittsburg. Owing to lack of funds very little work was being done, but the
description of the various tests to which the various explosives are submitted, and the
machinery employed, proved highly educational and most interesting.
That explosives used in coal-mining have been the cause of many — if not most — of the
disastrous explosions which have occurred in the coal-mines of this and other countries, there
can be little doubt. Any explosives intended for use in a coal-mine should be of such a nature
as not to readily ignite explosive mixtures of gas or coal-dust. The loss of many thousands of
lives -in coal-mine disasters has stimulated, to a marked extent, research in regard to the
preparation of explosives suitable for use in coal-mining. It has been found that every known
explosive, if fired in a sufficiently large charge, will ignite an explosive gas mixture, but
explosives have been found to differ widely in regard to the amount that can be fired without
causing ignition.
Somewhat less than 1 oz. of ordinary black powder will readily cause the ignition of
explosive gas mixtures, while certain other explosives in quantities as great as 2i lb., under
conditions exactly similar to those used in testing the black powder with repeated trials, have
invariably failed to cause ignition of the explosive mixtures.
It is to furnish information to the mining companies of explosives that will pass certain
tests that tin1 U.S. Bureau of Mines has established the Testing Station at Pittsburg.
The various powders furnished by the manufacturers are submitted to certain tests, and
in the event of their passing the test they are placed on the " permissible list " for use in coal-
mines. The powders are first submitted to analysis to determine the chemical composition of
the explosive ; they are then subjected to a series of tests.
The first test is the Ballastic Pendulum, which is used to determine the relative weights
of the different explosives that when fired will produce equal deflections of the pendulum.
The Ballastic test being purely comparative, a standard explosive has to be selected with
which to make comparisons. The standard explosive selected for this purpose is a dynamite
of the following composition : Nitro-glycerine, 40 per cent. ; sodium-nitrate, 44 per cent. ; wood-
pulp, 15 per cent. ; calcium-carbonate, 1 per cent.
The quantity of this dynamite used in a standard charge is | It) (227 grams), and is fired
with a No. G detonator. The Ballastic apparatus consists of two parts — the cannon in which
the charge is fired, and the pendulum, which receives the impact of the products of the
explosion and of the stemming, the quantity of stemming used being always 1 lb. except for
slow-burning explosives, when 2 lb. is used. The cannon is similar in dimensions and
construction with the one used in the dust and gas gallery and with the one used in making
the flame tests ; it is fastened to a truck which runs on a track. The cannon is so placed that
the axis of its bore is in line with that of the mortar or pendulum.
The pendulum consists of a 12-inch U.S. Army mortar, weighing 31,600 11)., and is hung
between two concrete walls by steel rods passed through two cast-steel saddles and fitted over
a steel beam resting on the concrete walls, the beam being fitted with nickel-steel knife-edges
set in grooves to keep the edges covered with oil and protected from the weather. The extent
of deflection of the pendulum when the charge is fired from the cannon is determined by an
automatic recording device.
K 212 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
The cannon is loaded with a carefully weighed charge in which an electric detonator has
been inserted and tamped, and the cannon is moved forward to within ,',. inch of the muzzle
of the mortar and the charge exploded. Three trials of the standard explosive is made and
the average swing noted ; tentative trials of the explosive under test are then made until the
charge gives a swing approximately to that of the average swing of the standard explosive.
The results are then confirmed by three trial rounds of the explosive under test ; if the average
swing of these three rounds is within 0.2 ituli of tie- average swing produced by the standard
explosive, and if the three swings do not vary over 5 per cent., the trial is accepted as
satisfactory. The weight of the explosive which will produce a swing exactly equal to that
effected by the standard charge is then determined, and this unit charge is used in the tests
to be made in the gas and dust gallery.
The gas and dust gallery consists of a cylinder 100 feet long ami 6 feel in diameter, and
is built of boiler-plate in fifteen section-;, each section ha\ ing a relief door to pro\ ide a vent for
the escaping gases, and each section is fitted with a plate glass window to observe th.- progress
of the flame. The gallery, or certain sections of it. can lie filled with gases in known propor-
tions to the air contained. The explosives an- Bred f r a cannon embedded in concrel
the end of the gallery, into a mixture of air containing known percentages of gas and known
quantities of coal-dust.
The results are noted from a gallery some disti <■ away, in which i- the electric-firing
device, the gas-meter for determining the quantity of gas in the tunnel, etc All explosives
arc subjeci to five tests.
Test 1. — Ten shots, each with a charge equal to .', ]t>. 10-per-cent. dynamite a- determined
by the Ballastic Pendulum, are tired in their original wrapper, tamped with I Hi. of dry fireclay,
at a gallery temperature of 77 Fahr., into a mixture of gas and air containing S per cent, of
methane and ethane. If all ten shots fail to ignite the mixture, the explosive is considered to
bave passed the test.
Test .'. Ten shots, each with a charge equal to J. 1!.. I" per cent, dynamite as determined
by the Ballastic Pendulum, are tired in their original wrappers, tamped with 1 B>. of dry tin
clay, at a gallery temperature of 77 Fahr. into a mixture of gas and air containing 1 percent.
methane and ethane and 20 ft>. of bituminous-coal dust. L00-mesh fine, from the Pittsburg
lied, 1 s |h. of which is placed on shelves laterally arranged along the fn m 21 ' feet of the gallery,
and 20 It), placed near the inlet of the mixing system in such a manner that all or part of the
dust will In. suspended in the first seetion of the gallery. An explosive is considered to have
passed this test if all ten shots fail to ignite the mixture.
Test •.'. Ten shots, each with a charg [ual to .', If. 10 per cent, dynamite as determined
by the Ballastic Pendulum, are fired in their original wrapper, with 1 Ik of dry fireclay
stemming, at a gallery temperature of 77 Fahr.. into Mi th. of bituminous-coal dust. 100-mesh
tine, from the Pittsburg bed, 20 tt>. of which is distributed uniformly on a horse placed in
front of the cannon, and 20 B). placed on shelves in sections 1. ■', and 6 of the tube. An
explosive is considered to have passed this test if all the ten shots fail to ignite the mixture.
Test ',. A limit charge is determined within 25 grams by firing charges in their original
wrappers, uiistenmied. at a gallery temperature of 77 Fahr., into a mixture of gas and sir
containing 4 per cent, of methane and ethane and 20 ft. of bituminous coal dust. 100-mesh
tine, from the Pittsburg bed. arranged in the same manlier as in T- -i No. J. The limit
charge is repeated five times under the same conditions before being established.
Test 5. — Same as Test I. except that l' percent, of methane and ethane is used instead of
I per cent., and that one shot is tired instead of five.
3 Geo. 5 Inspection of Mines. K 213
The powder is then tested for rate of detonation. The rate of detonation is measured
through a cartridge file 42 inches in length ; in making the test the separate cartridges of the
explosive have the paper cut from their ends to avoid the dampening effects of its folds, are
placed end to end in a sheet-iron tube 42 inches long and either 1| or 2 inches in diameter,
depending upon the diameter of the cartridges to be tested. Two copper wires leading from a
Mettegang recorder are passed one meter (3.28 feet) apart through the cartridge file and
securely fastened. The charge thus arranged is suspended horizontally in a pit and exploded
by an electric detonator placed in one end of the cartridge file ; the drum of the Mettegang
recorder is rotated at the desired speed and the electric detonator is fired by an electric-firing
device placed near the recorder. As the wire that passes through the cartridge files is broken,
spots are formed on the smoke-covered drum of the recorder, the distance between the spots at
a constant speed being proportional to the elapsed time between the breaking of the wires.
When the peripheral speed of the drum is 43 meters (141 feet) per second, the smallest time
interval which it is possible to record is T.TTnx.tnny Par* °^ a second, but with a distance between
wires equal to 1 meter (3.28 feet), such refinement is unnecessary.
The rate of detonation, which is expressed in meters per second, is computed from the
speed of the drum and the distance between the spark-points.
The flame test is used to record by photography the relative lengths and duration of the
flame produced by the different explosives when they are detonated or fired under certain con-
ditions. The test is based on the belief that the greater the length of flame that an explosive
emits and the longer the duration of the flame, the more frequent are the chances that such a
flame, when shot into a mine atmosphere, will ignite explosive mixtures of gas and air, or gas,
coal-dust, and air.
In order that the lengths and durations of different flames may be compared, they must
be measured from a common base-line ; this measurement is accomplished by causing the .
explosion to take place at a certain fixed point, and then, by means of a camera, observing the
flame at such a point that its apex is included in the field of view.
The principal features of the photographic device are : a rotating drum to which the
sensitized photographic film is attached ; a 220-volt motor regulated by a rheostat, by means
of which the drum is revolved ; a lens by which the rays of light from the flame are focused
on the film ; a semicircular shield in which a slit has been cut, which is placed in front of the
lens ; a shutter which excludes the light from the photographic box at all times except when
the photograph is being taken ; and a light-tight box in which all of these parts, except the
motor, are enclosed.
The speed at which the motor revolves is ascertained by means of a tachometer which is
calibrated to read directly in meters per second.
The impact-machine is used to determine the sensitiveness of explosives to explosion
when they are struck with a known mass of steel moving at a known velocity, while the
explosive tested rests on a steel surface. The charge used is 0.02 grams, which is placed on
the steel surface and the hammer raised to a known elevation ; the hammer is allowed to fall ;
if no explosion occurs, the weight, or hammer, is raised to successive heights until an explosion
occurs.
The Bichel pressure-gauge is employed to determine the maximum that an explosive will
exert if exploded or detonated in a space that it fills completely — as in a shot-hole in a mine.
This apparatus also affords &. means for the collection and examination, by chemical and
physical methods, of the gases, liquid and solid products of the chemical reaction that takes
place when the different explosives are fired within it.
K 214 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
The Trauzl lead block measures the comparative disruptive power of an explosive when
fired under moderate confinement. In making the test, equal weights of different explosi\< •>.
arc confined in boreholes of definite dimensions by means of a tixed cjuantitv of stemming, and
when thus confined are exploded bv means of similar detonators. In this test, care is taken
to have each factor alike, except the characters of the explosives which are being compared.
The measure of the test is the volume hy which the cavity of the block is increased
because of bhe pressure exerted by the explosion under the different quantities and firmness of
the stemming.
These are the principal tests to which the explosives submitted are subjected before being
placed on the " permissible list " of explosives for use in coal-nun.
The Bureau also has on hand a number of oxygen rescue apparatus of every type and
make, and with which parties enter the gallery after explosions of gas and dust or gas, thus
obtaining practice in similar conditions of atmosphere to those which prevail after an explosion
in a mine.
There is also an apparatus for testing safety lamps in known percentage of gas at known
velocities; a device for testing electric and gasolene haulage motors in known percentages of
gas and air, and a great many other devices that my limited time forbade me observing.
On Monday, through the court esv of Mr. Sleederburg, manager of the Pittsburgh I
Company, Mr. Harry Lewis, civil engineer, kindly conducted me through the Willock mil
the above company. This mine is on the famous Pittsburg lied, a coal of very high quality,
about five feet in thickness; the shaft is about 50 feet in depth, the mode of working being
pillar and stall, the coal being cut by machinery. The roof requires little timber: the seam
is almost flat and very free from faults, and is what might be termed an ideal seam of coal
very little gas is given oil' and open lights are used i \ where.
On the afternoon of this day we drove from Willocks to I'.ruceton. and there visited the
United States Government's experimental mine. Owing to lack of appropriations no
experimental work was going on at the time of my visit, and for the same reason four of the
Government mine-rescue cars had been called in and were at I'.ruceton. The Superintendents
of these cars were driving the main headings of the experimental mine. We went to thl I
of these headings and were shown the various chambers in the concrete work for holding the
instruments by which the Government hopes to record the velocities and pressures of the
explosions during experiments.
The following day, again under the guidance of Mr. Lewis, we visited the Banning No.
'2 mine of the Pittsburgh Coal Company, situated at W'illset Junction on the Pittsburgh, Lake
Shore & Erie Railroad. This mine adjoins the Da it mine, where a disastrous explosion
occurred in December, 1907, in which L'.'iS men lost their lives. This is a drift mine on
the Wynesburg seam, which is about 8 feel thick, and was selected for examination because of
its well-known gaseous nature. This seam is free from faults, outside of a few clay horsebacks,
which are trifling in extent. The seams are almost flat, very regular, with a splendid roof
requiring very little timber. The mine is ventilated by a Capell fan producing about JtO.nnn
cubic feet of air a minute. The return currents showed no indications of gas on the Wolf
safety lamp. Haulage was done by endless rope and electric motors. The seam was an ideal
one to work, and the conditions of the mine in general reflected great credit on the manag
Mr. KcK ington.
No rescue apparatus was kept at these individual mines, tin- Pittsburgh Coal Company
having a central station at some .other pert i en of the field.
3 Geo. 5 Inspection of Mines. K 215
Leaving Pittsburg the same night, I proceeded to Springfield, Illinois, where, through
the courtesy of Mr. Martin Bolt, the Secretary of the State Mining Board for the State of
Illinois, and District Inspector Thomas P. Back, I was taken through the Divernon mine of
the Madison Coal Company at Divernon.
This is a shaft mine between 300 and 400 feet in depth, and is on No. 7 seam of the
Illinois series. The coal is 8 feet in thickness and is worked pillar and stall in panel system.
The roof is one of the best I have ever seen in a coal-mine, the shaft-bottom being 20 feet in
width, with no support of any kind to the roof. The roadways are thus wide and high and
very little timber used. The seam is flat and regular, coal all mined by machines, and haulage
done by electric motors. This is truly an ideal mining condition. Concrete is used around
the shaft-bottom, stables, and fire-stations very extensively. A few sets of Draeger oxygen
apparatus are kept at this mine, but no station for training, the men going to the State station
at Springfield for such training.
I next visited the State Rescue Station in Springfield, where Mr. Richard Xewsam,
manager of the Illinois Rescue Station, very kindly showed me through the station. This
station is a large one, with not only work-room, smoke-room, and observation-room, but
contains reading-room, dining-room, kitchen, bath-room, and accommodation for sleeping and
boarding of the men who come to take a course in the rescue-work.
The general appearance of the station was neat and attractive, and generally well-kept,
but the care of the apparatus leaves room for some improvement, not only at this station, but
at the station of the U.S. Government at Pittsburg and on the U.S. mine-rescue cars.
Summary.
The meeting of the Inspectors' Institute, in papers read, addresses delivered, and general
debate on these, brought out a large and varied amount of information that can only be
obtained by the meeting together of so many men whose aims and objects are similar, although
working under varied and different conditions, not only of the mines and field in their
respective inspectorates, but under laws differing as widely as their conditions. Yet, withal,
the exchange of opinions and views and the mutual intercourse must of necessity stimulate
and enthuse every one who was present to greater effort to attain the ideal we are all seeking.
The work which the U.S. Government is carrying out through the Bureau of Mines under
the very able directorship of Dr. Joseph M. Holmes must be of incalculable benefit to the
mining industry of the United States, and our own Federal Government might well imitate
this great work for the benefit of the mining industry in Canada : through the research-work
carried on by this Bureau, many of the inexplicable things confronting the practical manager
and miner are made plain and intelligible, and they are thus enabled to better understand
and safeguard themselves in their daily operations.
The general discipline and individual efforts put forth by the various companies for the
purpose of minimizing accidents were not in advance of those put forth by the more
progressive coal companies in this Province.
Geologically, nature has been kinder to them than to us, the seams being nearly all flat
and uniformly free from faults and disturbances, while ours are contorted and dislocated in
every conceivable form, thus accounting for the high percentage of accidents from haulage and
mine-cars in this Province.
A driver with one mule, in either the Pittsburg region or the Illinois field, will pull from
100 to 125 tons of coal a day, while here, under our much disturbed conditions, a driver with
one mule will gather only from 25 to 30 tons per day. as this up-hill and down-dale condition
makes necessary much spragging of mine-cars which is the large factor in mine-car accidents
with us.
K 216 Report of the Minister of Mines. L913
My observations of the mine-rescue apparatus of the U.S. Government at their Pittsburg
station and in their rescue-cars, also the apparatus in the station < >t" the State of Illinois,
convinced me that their apparatus was not so well taken care of as the apparatus in the several
stations in this Province.
Notwithstanding the splendid research-work of the Bureau of Mines re explosives suitable
for use in coal -mines, and the generally accepted idea ot' the dangers attending the use of
ordinary black powder in blasting coal, much of this powder is still used in the production of
eoal in the United States.
The use of exhaust-steam for the humidifying of mine atmospheres and allaying dust is
much used in certain fields in the United States ; its use is only applicable under certain
conditions — namely, where the roof material is of a nature which is not affected by the steam,
and in non-gaseOUS mines where the blower fan is used. This method could nol be used with
an exhaust system of ventilation, which is necessary in a gaseous mine ; the exhaust steam in
the atmosphere would render the haulage-roads unworkable, and would create an c\il which
was greater than that which we were trying to allay.
Exhaust-steam used in the form of radiators in the mine intake, raising the temperature
of the intake air to Id degrees above the normal mine atmosphere, and then humidifying the
air by means of a series of sprays, appeals to one as a system which would Overcome the
objections to the exhaust-steam in the air, and could be used either under the blowing or
exhaust type of fan, and generally is much favoured.
I have to thank, for courtesy extended, the Deputy Minister of Mini's; Provincial
Mineralogist and E. Jacobs for letters of introduction; the inspection staff of Ohio; Dr.
Holmes and staff of the U.S. Bureau of Mines; Harry E. Metcalf and Harry .1. Lewis, of
Pittsburg; Martin Bolt anil Thomas P. Back, of the Illinois Inspection Department.
Respectfully submitted.
Thomas Graham,
Chit f fns/i, ctor of Mines.
REPORT ON EXPLOSION, DIAMOND VALE COLLIERY, NICOLA COALFIELD.
REPORT OF \VM. FLEET ROBERTSON, PROVINCIAL MINERALOGIST.
Victoria, B.C., Mini, 29th, 1912.
Tin- //iiiimi ralilt' Minislir of Mins,
Victoria, B.C.
Dear Sir,— In accordance with instructions received from the Deputy Minister, i
proceeded on the 13th instant to Merritt, arriving I here on the 1 tth, to investigate, with the
Chief Inspector of Mines, the explosion which had occurred there on the Tth instant in the
No. •"> Colliery of the Diamond Vale Coal Company, whereby seven men were killed.
1 remained in Merritt for the inquest, and, according to instructions. gave my evid
at the inquest, practically confirming that given by the Chief Inspector.
The Diamond Vale Colliery Company holds a large area of coal lands extending from the
Coldwater river, and the lands of the Nicola Valley Coal and Coke Company, across the flats
to the Nicola river, a distance of about two miles in a straight line.
Diamond Vale Colliers — Noi 3 Slope ami Tipple.
I > ii ml Vale Collier? — Hbowl " - l-'a n as llinnvn by Explosion*
3 Geo. 5 Inspection of Mines. K 217
The first prospeeting-work of the Diamond Vale Company was done in about 1901 and
1 902, when it attempted to sink a couple of shafts through the surface gravels near the Cold-
water river; these endeavours were, however, unsuccessful owing to the amount of water
circulating through the gravels.
The next development was started on the other side of the property near the Nicola river
and adjacent to the tracks of the Canadian Pacific Railway, between Merritt and Nicola. Here
the coal was found outcropping on a rolling hill about 100 feet above the railway and dipping
to the south, into the hill, at an angle of from 30 to 40 degrees ; the thickness of the seam
being from 4 to 5 feet of coal, with, contained in the seam, a couple of sandstone partings of 4
or 5 inches thick.
' The roof and pavement of the seam are both composed of unusually hard sandstone, which
forms a splendid roof to the workings and requires very little timbering. Immediately above
the coal there is usually from 6 to 10 inches of sandy shale below the regular sandstone roof.
The roof -stone is frequently cross-fissured, which often permits of the dropping-down of
blocks of the sandstone roof, unless these detached pieces are caught in time by suitable timbers.
The density and character of the roof render it exceedingly improbable that gas would be
contained therein or be liberated when a fall of roof occurs, which deduction is borne out by
the testimony of the manager, Benjamin Browitt, at the inquest, that gas was not liberated by
such falls of roof
The coal is bituminous, of good quality, and fairly hard and firm, having an analysis of
about : Moisture, 1.4 ; V.C.M., 31.9 ; fixed carbon, 61.4 ; ash, 5.3. Ratio of V.C.M. to F.C.,
1.92.
The present development of this No. 3 Colliery consists of a slope and counter-slope driven
down on the pitch of the seam, the former being now down over 500 feet at an angle of between
35 and 40 degrees.
From the slope, at a distance of about 300 feet down, a level has been driven to the east
for about 700 feet — known as the No. 1 East level. At about 350 feet down the slope a
[eve] has been run off to the west for about 550 feet — known as No. 1 West level.
The method of working the coal from these levels has been by putting up to the rise a
series of double stalls each 36 feet wide, with a pillar of coal of 36 feet left between.
These double stalls are opened from the level by a pair of chutes, each about 1 2 feet wide,
leaving a solid pillar of coal of 12 feet between them ; this pillar remains intact for a distance
from the level of from 20 to 25 feet, when the chutes are connected forming the stall, which
thereafter is carried up for the full width of 36 feet, a pack-wall, composed of the parting stone
and waste, being carried up the middle of the stall all the way ; this parting wall serving as a
permanent brattice or partition, the air circulating up one side of it and down the other.
Crosscuts arc run between the stalls at a distance of from 30 to 40 feet above the level.
From the No. 1 West level there was already up a counter-slope and four double stalls,
while a further pair of chutes had been started which would soon have been united to form
another double stall.
From the No. 1 East level, besides the counter-slope, there were seven rooms driven up ;
the first three rooms were up their full distance, about 300 feet, and were stopped, as they had
reached surface coal. These stalls are numbered from the slope outward, by the chutes ;
chutes Nos. 1 and 2 leading to first stall, chutes Nos. 2 and 3 to second stall, and so forth.
K 218 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
Tt was shown there was no survey or plan of the mine since June, 1910, which was so long
ago as to be now of no significance. The blue print accompanying this report was prepared by
the draughtsmen of the Nicola Valley Coal and Coke Company from dimensions and figures
supplied, after the explosion, by Benjamin Browitt, manager, and Mr. Browitt turned it m t<>
the Coroner's inquest as a true representation of the mine al this date.
Upon this plan, at the Hast level, the place where each dead body was found is marked
by an X and a number, while a corresponding number in a circle shows the working place of
each man. Every man in No. 1 East, or stall off from it, was killed, numbering seven men.
Their names were as fellows : (1) John Hogg, pusher; (2) Henry Grimes, fireboss ; (3) John
Templetiin, miner; ill .John Pattie, miner: (5) Frank Kallia. miner (Kelly On plan); (6)
William Baxter, miner; (7) William Hurd, miner.
In the West level workings there were eleven men. who escaped uninjured with the
exception of two, who happened to be at the junction of the level and slope, and these were
somewhat burned, but not dangerously.
The explosion had very little effect on this side of the mine, in some eases not even hlow in;;
out the naked lights.
The intake air was brought down the slope and split, a part going to each side, so that
each level was on a separate split of fresh air, and. since the explosion had little effect on tin-
west side, and no li\es wire lost there, and all the damage was done on the east side, therefore
this examination was confined to the east side of the mine and to the slope.
The mine had been opened up primarily to prospect the ground only, rather than as a
producing colliery, although tin- coal taken out in development-work was sold to assist in
paying expenses.
These conditions had existed tor a year or two. and apparently continued up to N'o\ ember
of 1911, up to which time the amount of coal mined had been about 200 tons a month, and
the number of men employed underground less than ten.
In December, however, the general shortage of coal in the Province caused a demand :••
which this company responded, and in December the output was raisi tons for that
month and was tin- same for January, while for February it rose to 1,200 tons and the number
of men employed underground increased to twenty.
The surface equipment of the mine consisted of a very fair ami efficient tipple, a locomo-
tive-firebox boiler, carrying steam to 100 H>. pressure, housed in a rough temporary shed.
This boiler supplied steam to a small friction-clutch hoist, standing in the open, to one
side of the line of the slope, which was used for hoisting and was evidently capable of hoisting
a trip of three loaded car-.
Steam was also supplied to a ventilating fan — a rather dilapidated self-contained machine,
to which, before the explosion, then- had been attached a direct-connected vertical engine
This fan, from the Inspectors' reports, was, under existing conditions, capable of producing
ilation of from 7,000 to 10,000 cubic feet of air. dependiug upon how fast it was run. quite
sufficient for the mine, if the air-current were properly conducted thiough the workings.
This fan was set in the upcast air-tunnel, its outlet opening being about •'! square feet ill
area, the remainder of the tunnel being, consequently, boarded up.
The position in which the fan was set was in direct violation of General Rule 1 of the
"Coal-mines Regulation Act. 1911," which came into force on Match 1st. 1911 : hut tic '
had been so placed before this Act came into force, and the former Act did not contain any
3 Geo. 5 Inspection of Mines. K 219
such provision as to placing the fan to one side of the line of the tunnel or shaft, although it
had always been regarded as good raining practice so to do.
As the property had, until December last, only been operated as prospecting workings, it
does not appear that the Inspectors, since the coming into force of the 1911 Act, had ever
made a direct demand on the management to alter the position of the fan.
In my opinion, the position of the fan, although contrary to the Act, was in no sense a
contributory cause to the accident, nor in this case was it responsible for any greater loss of
life, as all the victims were killed practically instantly.
The mine was in charge of Benjamin Browitt, who was the holder of a first-class
certificate as manager. As far as the Act requires, the mine, before December last, might
have been under the charge of a holder of a third-class certificate, and, since December, of a
holder of a second-class certificate, so that, as far as a certificate was concerned, Mr. Browitt
was fully qualified, and no other certificated official would have been required had Mr. Browitt
personally attended to the duties of the position, since he might have acted as overman or
fireboss.
It appears, however, that Mr. Browitt did not personally attend to the duties of fireboss,
but engaged a man — Harry Grimes — who was one of those killed and who did not hold any
British Columbia certificate, to perform the duties of fireboss, and that, for about a year back,
Mr. Grimes had each morning examined the mine, under terms of General Rules -t or 5, and
passed the workmen into the mine each morning at 8 a.m., entering his report in the "book
kept at the mine for that purpose.''
These reports seem to have been regularly made, with the exception of an interval from
February 5th, 1912, when the old book was filled, until March 2nd, when a new book was
provided by Mr. Browitt ; for this period there are no written reports, but it would appear,
however, from the evidence, that the daily examinations were regularly made by Grimes and
the men each day passed into their work.
Evidence at the inquest, however, showed that Grimes only got to the mine at 7 a.m.,
and that between that time and 8 o'clock, when the men came on shift, he was supposed,
under the terms of General Rules 4 and 5, to examine, with a locked safety-larnp, " every
working-place in the mine and the roadways leading thereto." This, in my opinion, after
examining the mine, was a physical impossibility for any one to do in the time. It was said,
though not brought out under oath, at the inquest, that Grimes held Old Country certificates
of competency, and the evidence of the miners who survived was that he appeared to be
sufficiently experienced and competent and did perform the required duties.
There was only one regular shift working in the mine — from i-i a.m. to I p.m. — although
a couple of men were employed on the afternoon shift — from 4 p.m. until midnight — in
sinking the slope deeper. There was an engineer on the morning shift and another on the
afternoon shift on the surface, during which time the fan was at least nominally in operation,
but the fan was regularly shut down from midnight till 7 o'clock in the morning.
The shutting-down of the fan for seven or more hours immediately preceding the oncoming
lit' the morning shift — the shift on which the explosion took place — was, in my opinion, a very
important factor in causing the explosion, if it was not the direct cause of the explosion, by
allowing an accumulation of gas in Nos. 1 3 and 1 4 chutes.
The explosion took place about 9.45 a.m. on the morning of March 7th, 1912.
K 220 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
Couksk of Ventilating Air-current.
The ventilating air-current came down the slope and the split for the East level, travelled
along that level to No. 14 chute, ahoul L50 feel from the face of the level.
it then went up No. 1 1 stall, then by a CTOSSCUl at the top of No. I 1. some •">" feet from
the level, to No. 13 chute, down which it followed to the level, along which it was conducted,
behind bratticing-cloth, to the bottom of No. I l' chute. Thence it followed up No. L2 and
down No. 11 to a crosscut some .'In to |(i feel from the level, hv which it crossed to No. 10;
thence up the even-numbered chutes and down the odd numbered chutes until it finally reached
the slope-counter by a crosscut some .'10 or I1' feet above the level, and thence to the fan.
The bottoms of all the chutes were nominally stopped, but, as coal bad to come down
through these stoppings and men and timber go through, there was undoubtedly such a heavy
leakage of air that but a small portion of the ventilating-current got as far along tin' tunnel
as No. 14 chute.
Each of these stalls thus formed an inverted (J, at an angle of about In degrees, down
which any light explosive gas formed had to be pulled down, a matter difficult at anytime
and calling for a current of air of considerable velocity; whereas a series of crosscuts across
the heads of the rooms, each only 36 feet long and in coal, would have allowed any gas to go
by its own lighter weight along these and into the return airway of counter slope ; any dust
produced in the chutes following the same course.
The force of this procedure is so manifest, when looking at a plan of the mine, that it
must have been apparent to any mine manager who had ever seen a plan of the mine, and I
must assume that Mr. Browitt would have recognized this had he ever had a plan or sketch
of the mine made. The plan herewith was only made after tin' explosion, and tin- mine-plan
prior to this was practically non-existent, despite section SO of the Act, which demands that
plans shall be kept up to within three months of date.
The neglect on the part of the management in not keeping a proper mine plan, in my
opinion, was a contributory cause of the accident.
Evidence ok Gas being present in Mine.
The fireboss's report-book shows that gas was reported upon on several occasions ill
various stalls on both the Kast and West levels within the last six months, and there was
evidence given at the Inquest of two Or three men having been slightly burned by ignited gas.
although it does not appear that the gas occurred in any great quantity, and with proper
ventilation would have been harmless.
On the morning of the accident (the 7th inst.) the fireboss was killed before he got
out of the mine, so there is no entry in the report hook, but the evidence of the survivors
is to the effect that Grimes chalked on a board at the entrance of No. 1 Kast level that
all places on the West level were "clear,'' and that he told the men of the Kast level that
all their places were " clear " and in order, with the exception of 1'attia and K a Ilia, who worked
in chutes Nos. 13 and II respectively. These men he told to wait and that he would go in
with them, and he provided them each with safety-lamps, the inference being, according to
mining customs, that then' was standing gas in their places.
That gas was liable to occur there is evidenced by tin- fact that, since the explosion, these
two chutes have been standing full of gas to a point some feet below the crosscut, and the
manager has been Unable to move it out.
The mine was worked entirely by open lights- the company having in its possession only
two safety lamps, and these were used, evidently, only for gas testing purposes
3 Geo. 5 Inspection of Mines. K 221
These two safety-lamps were found, after the explosion, hanging on nails, about 7 feet up
chutes 13 and 14 respectively, in such a position as to preclude the possibility of their having
been, immediately prior, in use either for testing purposes or for light.
These lamps (Wolf) were found to be in perfect order and uninjured, although in the
hottest part of the explosion.
Initial Point of the Explosion.
The initial point of the explosion was, without doubt, in rooms Nos. 1 3 or 1 4, East level
(these two are practically one place), as indicated by the condition of the mine afterwards, and
I am inclined to believe, from contributory evidence, that it originated in chute 13, as I have
stated further on in this report.
Evidences of Direction of Intensity of Force.
The evidences are that there was no great intensity of force, but rather that it was a
small explosion in Nos. 13 and 14 of gas very much below its maximum explosive point and
much diluted by air, which, travelling outwards, met with an amount of dust in suspension in
the atmosphere in chutes Nos. 9, 7, and 6, the only chutes where coal was being slid down, on
an angle of 40 degrees to the level below.
The level itself was decidedly wet underfoot, whereas the freshly mined coal in the stalls
produced considerable dust, and the fact that the chutes were all nearly empty would cause
the coal mined to slide down the chutes with great velocity, so causing an unusual and
unnecessary amount of dust.
The stoppings at the bottoms of all the chutes were found on the level, which would
indicate a major force occurring above the levels, but this evidence is not conclusive, as the
stoppings were flimsy structures of props and 1-inch boards, above which were piled waste and
muck : and on an angle as steep as 40 degrees, should a force, in any direction, disturb the
stoppings, the weight of the material piled above them would have brought everything down on
to the level.
Along the level, several props, so situated as not to be affected by anything sliding down
the chutes, were found to have been moved towards the mouth of the level ; this was particu-
larly noticeable as approaching No. 13 chute from No. 8 chute.
The roof of the level is so good that very few props were required, particularly near the
mouth.
At the mouth of the East level, a loaded car and a man — J. Hogg — who was cleaning a
switch there, were blown aeross the slope and rolled down it.
In the slope, the overcast from the west side to the return airway, a flimsy structure of
boards, was completely demolished, while at the mouth of the upcast, at the surface, the fan
and stopping were blown outwards, but with comparatively little force.
These latter occurrences indicate only the pressure outwards from the east side of the
mine, but do not locate where in that side the explosion took place.
In the East level, the bratticing-cloth, which had extended from the foot of No. 12 chute
to the foot of No. 13. was afterwards found in the level between chutes Nos. 1(1 and 11
showing conclusively a force from No. 13 outwards and probably from 13 and 14 downwards
on to the level.
This is considered strong evidence of an explosion in 13 and 14. and. as there was only
one explosion, it must have originated there.
K 222 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
The four bodies found in the level were all found flat, face downwards and head outwards,
with hands above their heads, except (5) Kallia. who had been crawling over some debris.
It was found that each of the bodies was on top of the debris from the chutes and
stoppings, and it was therefore evident the men lived Long enough to run some distance
the explosion, which therefore could not have been very severe.
The bodies were all more or less burned, but Pattie's was more extensively burned than
the rest.
The doctor's evidence was fco the effect that all these men were killed by carbon-monoxide
poisoning, but I believe he came to this conclusion not from pathological tests.
Where Evidences of Heating or Coking was found.
Coking of dust on the posts was found some 40 feet in on the level past chute 1 I. This
dust analysed as follows: —
Moisture
2.5
F.C
16.7
Ash
37.8
Having a ratio of V.C.M. to F.C. of 3.6
The normal analysis of coal from here was on a clear piece of coal : —
Moisture 1.4
V.C.M 31.9
Fixed carbon 61.4
Ash 5.3
Ratio 1.92
The analysis of the fine dirt and coal from the bottom of the chutes here was: —
Moisture 2.3
V.C.M 28.2
f.c tai
Ash 21.4
Having a ratio of V.C.M. to F.C. of L.705
There was some coking at the head of chutes Nbs. 13 and 14 and <>n props, evidenced
by analyses : —
No. 6. No. 7.
Moisture 1.9 2.2
Ash 28.5 23. \
V.C.M 22.3 20.6
F.C 17.3 53.8
Ratio 2.12 2.56
The most intense coking seen in the mine was in chute 9, about 100 feet from the top,
where it extended from top to bottom of props, diminishing in quantity both up and down the
chute. Analyses of coked dust from pests here gave: —
Moisture 2.0
V.C.M 21.1
F.C 58,6
Ash 18.0
Ratio - 2.74
3 Geo. 5 Inspection of Mines. K 223
Theory as to Cause of Explosion.
From the facts I was personally able to see and from the sworn evidence at the inquest,
I have formed the following theory as to the cause of the explosion, as being, in my opinion,
the most probable : —
Through the stopping of the fan for eight hours prior to the oncoming of the morning
shift on March 7th, explosive gas had accumulated in the upper parts of chutes 13 and 14.
The miners Pattie and Kallia had been warned of it ; they were given safety-lamps to
test for it, which they probably did and found gas there ; they hung their safety-lamps part
way up the chutes, and the evidence shows that they each had that morning loaded two car-
loads of coal from the level at the bottom of their places.
About twenty-five minutes before the explosion, the fireboss Grimes told Henry Hogg,
the rope-rider on the slope, who so testified, to tell the engineer to " speed up the fan " — to
thereby cause a greater ventilating-current.
A few minutes before the explosion — so the same witness said — he saw Pattie and Grimes
at the mouth of No. 1 East level. "Pattie was roaring for cars," and Grimes ordered an
empty trip to be run into the East level.
The fan had been speeded up, which, by the increased air-current, would bring the gas
standing at the head of Nos. 13 and 1+ chutes down No. 13 to the level, behind the brattieing,
on its way out. About this time Pattie was on his way back to his place. He and every one
else in the mine were using naked lights. Pattie entered his place by passing under the
brattice with his naked light, and would be just about in time to meet the gas being swept
out of Nos. 13 and 14 by the increased air-current and would surely ignite it, causing an
explosion, not violent, but enough to burn them all.
The fire would follow along the return airway, the air in which would contain gas just
previously carried out from Nos. 13 and 14, leaving little or no evidence of heat until it
arrived at chute No. 9, the first chute, on its way, where any one had been working that
morning, and which would therefore have dust in suspension in the air.
The evidence is that Templeton, who worked here, had loaded coal that morning and had
just come down out of his place to the level — probably for timber, as his roof was faulty.
The gas flame — or light explosion — meeting the dust in chute 9 would be greatly
augmented, creating a second explosion there, which would account for a very heavy fall of
roof-rock, completely across the face of chutes 9 and 10, which took place after the
explosion.
This revived and augmented explosion would pass on through chutes 8 and 7, but leave
no trace there, as there was probably no dust in suspension, since Baxter (6) was not up his
stall and had not loaded out any cars of coal that morning.
Continuing to chutes 6 and 5, it would again meet with some dust in suspension, since
Hurd (7) was working there and had sent out two car-loads of coal that morning ; this woulrl
again augment the explosion, causing a sudden expansion which destroyed the pack-wall
between chutes 6 and 5, as was found to be the case, and also leave evidence of heat in the
place.
The augmented explosions in chutes 5 and 6 and 8 and 9 would account for the stoppings
at the foot of the chutes being blown on to the levels.
K 224 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
The original explosion in chutes 13 and 1 1 would expand also into the dead end of tin-
level, and through being so heated would, in its back-lash, be apt to form a coating of dust OH
the props there, which was found to be the case.
The above theory seems to be intact, since it accounts for all the known facts as to where
evidences of heat was found, etc., and is not in conflict with any fact known to me.
T am, sir,
Yours truly,
W. F. Robertson,
Provincial Mineralogist.
REPORT OF THOMAS GRAHAM, CHIEF INSPEI TOR OF MINKS.
Victoria, B.C., April 23rd, 1912.
The Honourable Minister of Mines,
Victoria, B.C.
Dear Sir, — T have the honour to submit to you my report of the explosion which
occurred in No. 3 slope of the Diamond Vale Collieries, Limited. Merritt, B.C., on March
7th, lUll'. and in which seven men were killed.
Leaving Victoria February 1 1th, on an inspection tour of the coal-mines in the Crowsnesl
pass, I was in Corbin, the most easterly coal inining town in the Province, on .March 7th and
8th. On Friday, the 8th, at 3 p.m., 1 received a telegram from Mr. Tolmie, Deputy Win
of Mines, informing me that an explosion had occurred in the No. •"> slope. Diamond
Colliery.
I left Corbin that evening, making connections at McGillivray with the (MM;, eastbound
train for Calgary, Alta., and thence by the CP.lt. main line to Spence's Bridge and Merritt.
where T arrived on Sunday night. March 10th, this being twenty four hours earlier than I
could have arrived by either of the Western route-.
On arrival at Merritt, 1 found Inspector Morgan had reached there on the night of the
8th, to do which it had been necessary for him to cross the Gulf of Georgia in a gasolene-
Launch, a trip that a much younger man might have hesitated to undertake, and reflects great
credit on this official.
'I 'lie mine is owned and operated 1 >v the 1 1 ia mo! id Vale Collieries. Limited, and is situated
on the Nicola Valley branch of the C.P.R., one and a quarter miles east of Merritt.
The coal is bituminous, of fairly good quality, being firm, and having an analysis as
follows: Moisture, 1.4; V.C.M., 31.9 : F.C., 61.4 : Ash. 5.3. Ratio of V.C.M. to F.C., 1.92.
The roof ami floor being a hard, sandy shale, it required very little timber, the roof-shale
'. feet in thickness, sometimes from fissures or slicken-sides, dropping from the main
sandstones, which formed the main overlying strata.
The mine is opened by a pair of slopes driven on the coal seam : the course of the slopes
is s. o W., and to the full dip, which varies from 30 to 50 degrees, the main slope being
(low u 500 feet.
I'r a point 300 feet down this slope a level has been drive to the east, and is
known as the No. 1 East level, and from a point l<»i feet down a level has been driven '•'■
known as No. l West level. The counter-slope was only connected as far as No. 1 Bast level,
cond lift being carried up from farther down the -lope, but was not connected up to the
No. 1 East level.
3 Geo. 5 Inspection of Mines. K 225
The mode of working this seam, which is about 4.5 to 5 feet thick, with two bands of
sandstone each 6 inches in thickness, was by double breasts, turned off the levels to the rise,
36 feet wide, with 36-foot pillar between. These breasts had two openings off the level, 10
feet wide, and were carried up the pitch 25 feet, and then connected, making the 36-foot
breast, thus leaving a centre pillar along the level ; from this centre pillar a pack-wall of the
refuse from the seam was carried up the centre of each double breast, and formed a permanent
brattice, the coal being sent down each side of this pack-wall to the gangway or level below.
A line of crosscuts was run between the breasts about 40 feet from the level, there being no
counter-level.
From the No. 1 East level inside the counter-slope there were seven double breasts, the
level extending about 150 feet beyond the last chute No. 14.
From the No. 1 West level inside the counter there were four double breasts and two necks
being driven to make a fifth double breast. These, with the counter-slope, formed all the
workings that were operated on the morning shift, the main slope being worked on the after-
noon shift.
On the East level the first two breasts were up to the crop coal and so were finished ; the
others were being worked, two men in a breast, and all were numbered, by the chutes, from
the slope inbye.
From the West level and counter-slope eight men escaped uninjured and two were burned,
although not seriously. All the men working in No. 1 East level were killed. The position
where each body was found is marked, on the blue-print attached, by an X and a number, while
a circle, with a corresponding number inside, marks the place where each man worked. This
plan' was made after the explosion from measurements furnished by Benjamin Browitt, manager,
to Mr. Daniels, the draughtsman of the Nicola Valley Coal and Coke Company. No survey
of the mine had been made since June, 1910, and this blue-print is only a representation of
the mine at the time of the explosion, and as such was turned in by the management at the
Coroner's inquest.
The names of the men killed were: (1) John Hogg, pusher; (2) Henry J. Grimes, fire
boss; (3) John Templeton, miner; (4) John Pattie, miner; (5) Frank Kallia, miner; (6)
William Baxter, miner; (7) William Hurd, miner.
The explosion had no effect on the West level, further than to knock down the canvas
brattice at the mouth of the level, where Harry Hogg, rope-rider, and Ralph Kilestro, pusher
(the two men who were burned), were at tin- time of the explosion : this section can therefore
be entirely eliminated when taking into consideration the point of origin of the explosion
and its effects.
The surface equipment consisted of a tipple, small, but sufficient for the work being done ;
a small locomol i\ c firebox boiler, carrying 100 lb. steam pressure, which furnished steam to run
a small hoist, used to raise the coal from tin- slope ; a pump at No. 1 West level, and a small
fan, which had originally been driven direct, but is now being run by a belt from a small
vertical engine. Both fan and engine were set inside the mouth of the return airway ; the fan
was exhausting and the mouth of the drift was boarded up, leaving an opening for the
fan-discharge of about !> square feet.
The capacity of this fan, according to the reports of the Inspectors, was from 7,000 to
in, ikiO cubic feet of air a minute, varying with the speed at which the fan was run, this quantity
of air being ample for the requirements of the mine, provided it was properly conducted.
15
K 226 Report of the Minister of Mixes. 1913
The position of the fan was not in accordance with the terms of General Rule I of the
"Coal-mines Regulation Act, 1911." However, tliis fan had 1 a so placed before the coming
into force of the provision requiring the fan to be placed to one side of the line of the airway
or shaft, although it never has been regarded as good mining practice to place a fan as this
One was placed.
As the operations had heen practically only exploratory, no demand had been made on the
management to change the location of the fan ; but its position, although not in accord with
the Act, was in no way contributory to the explosion, and, although blown from its position
by the explosion, it in no way was responsible for any additional loss of life, as the victims
were all killed practically instantly.
The mine had heen opened here for the purpose of proving the continuity of the seam and
to supply the necessary information for an intelligent opening of the field.
The operations had been conducted in a haphazard manner for two or three years,
sometimes working and sometimes being practically closed down, the number of men employed
fluctuating with the varying ideas of the management.
In December, 1911, the tonnage was increased to 800 tons; in January of this year it
was also 800 tons, and in February reached 1,200 tons and about twenty men were employed.
On the morning of the explosion seventeen men were employed underground.
The mine was under the management of Benjamin Browitt, who was registered as the
holder of a first-class certificate, according to section '■'< t (c) of the "Coal-mines Regulation Act."
Previous to December, 1911, this mine might legally have been operated under a man with a
third-class certificate, and since that date by a person holding a second-class certificate. Mr.
Browitt's certificate thus qualified him to perform all the duties at this mine, and no other
certificated persons were required, provided Mr. Browitt had personally made the examinations
required by General Rules -4 and 5 of the "Coal-mines Regulation Act."
It would appeal' from the evidence given at the inquest, and from the tireboss's report-books
of inspection kept at the mine, that Mr. Browitt had not personally made these examinations,
but had delegated these duties to Henry J. Grimes, who was one of the victims of the explosion,
and who was not the holder of a certificate of competency, under the "Coal-mines Regulation
Act," entitling him to perform such duties.
From November 10th, 1910, until the explosion, Henry J. Grimes had acted in the
capacity of Sreboss, entering his reports daily in the book kept at the mine for that purpose.
These reports were made regularly, with the exception of from February 5th, 1912, to
March 2nd, 1912. It would appear that the book used prior to February 5th was tilled on
that date, and evidently a new one had not been furnished until March 2nd, 1912. However,
from the evidence at the inquest, Grimes had made bis examinations and passed in the men
each morning by verbal report. No report appears on the book for March 7th, the morning
of the explosion, but evidence at the inquest showed that Grimes bad reported the No. 1 West
level as dear-, this report being on a board at the entrance to No. 1 East level : the evidence
further showed that when the men working in the No. 1 West level went to work. Clinics was
still engaged in making his examination of No. 1 East level, the men of the East level
remaining on the siding until he reported.
The morning shift worked from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and, from evidence given at the inquest,
(! rimes usually went into the mine at 7 a.m., and between this time and 8 a.m., when the work
started, be was supposed to examine "every working-place in the mine and the roadways
leading thereto," in terms of General Rides I and 5. This, from my knowledge of the mine
and the labour involved climbing the chutes, I believe could not be done in the time above stated.
3 Geo. 5 Inspection of Mines. K 227
As already stated, only the main slope was worked on the afternoon shift, and after
midnight no one worked in or about the mine, hence the fan was not operated from midnight
until 7 a.m. This closing-down of the ventilating apparatus for from seven to eight hours
previous to the principal shift going on, no doubt played an important part in the accumulation
ci the gas in Nos. 13 and 14 chutes, where the explosion occurred.
The ventilating-air came down the main slope and was split into two currents at No.
1 East level ; one current ventilated the main slope and No. 1 West level, crossing the main
slope by an overcast near the top of the slope to the East side counter-slope, where the fan was
placed ; the other current ventilated the East level, travelling along the level to No. 14 chute,
the last working-place on the level, thence it passed up No. 14 chute and down No. 13 chute.
There being no crosscut between No. 1 3 chute and No. 1 2 chute, the air-current was carried
from No. 1 3 chute to No. 1 2 chute by means of brattice-cloth on the main level ; it then
Ascended No. 1 2 chute, descended No. 1 1 chute, and passed through a crosscut, about 40 feet
above the level, to No. 10 chute; thence up No. 10 chute, down No. 9 chute, and through a
crosscut to No. 8 chute, continuing up the even-numbered chutes and down the odd-numbered
chutes, and through crosscuts near the bottom of each chute until it reached the East counter-
slope, and thence to the fan. The bottoms of the counter-slope and chutes 1, 2, 3, and 4 had
board and dirt stoppings just above the level, whilst the chutes being worked were closed at the
bottom by brattice-cloth only, to permit the descent of coal in the chutes and the passing
through of men and material, a mode of ventilation which permitted a great deal of leakage
and impaired the ventilation necessary for the use of the inside, or development places.
Through failure to drive a line of crosscuts from the counter-slope across the faces of the breasts,
the advantages of ascensional ventilation were lost, and the difficult method was used of
•dragging the lighter gases down through each of these breasts at an angle of 40 degrees.
The failure of the manager to see this can only be attributed to the lack of a thorough
knowledge of the workings of his mine, and especially to the lack of a mine-plan.
As stated before, the plan of the mine had not been brought up to date since June, 1910,
notwithstanding section 84 of the "Coal-mines Regulation Act," which provides for the plan
being not more than three months from date.
From the evidence given at the Coroner's inquest, it would appear that there was no fixed
speed at which the fan should run, and while it was not conclusively proven that the fan was
slowed down by the demands of the hoist for steam, it was admitted that there was not sufficient
steam to run the hoist and the pump at the same time ; but we have the evidence of Harry Hogg,
that he was instructed, on the morning of the explosion, to ask the engineer-in-charge to speed
up the fan, and, as the engineer only started work at 7 a.m., it would be safe to assume that
considerable time elapsed before sufficient steam was got up to drive the fan at its normal
working-speed ; therefore the ventilatiug-current must have been a variable quantity.
An examination of the fireboss's report-books shows that gas had been reported, on several
occasions, at various points in the mine, and, from evidence obtained at the inquest, several men
had been slightly burned by ignitions of gas. No notice of these accidents had been sent to
the Inspectors or to the Department of Mines, as required by section 63 (a) of the " Coal-mines
Regulation Act." While the mine was thus known to make gas, it did not make it in any
large quantity, and the amount of ventilation available in the mine, if properly conducted,
should have rendered this gas harmless.
The mine was worked with open lights, only two (Wolf) safety-lamps being on the
premises, and these being presumably used for examination purposes only.
K 228 Report of the Minister of Mines. 19i:>
As already stated, the fireboss's report-book contains no report for the morning of the-
explosion, but, from the evidence of a survivor, Harry Hogg, rope rider, we learn tb.it
Crimes passed in all the men on the Hast level except Pattie and Kallia ; these men worked
in Nos. 13 and It chutes, anil were instructed by Fireboss •■rimes to wait and that lie would
go in with them. This, together with the fact that the only two safety lamps iii the mine
were, after the explosion, found hanging, one in No. 13 and one in No. 1 I. would indicate that,
to the knowledge of Fireboss Grimes, gas was present in these chutes on the morning "i the
explosion. This is further substantiated by the fact that for two weeks after the explosion
these places contained considerable gas, and that with the ventilating-current available tin
management had failed to move it.
We also have from the evidence of .lames < reator, W ho w orked in the counter slope below
No. 1 East level, that a few minutes before the explosion he had come from his working pi'
to thi' siding on No. 1 East level, where he had seen Grimes, had asked him for a safety lamp
and had been informed that they were both in use, but that he (Grimes) would get him one in
about an hour ; showing that Grimes expected to have the gas out of Nos. 13 and 14 chutes by
that time.
There is no evidence of extreme force at anv point in the mine . tin fan a small dilapidated
affair was ved about 25 feet : the overcast, a flimsy board one. situated about ! I down
the main slope, was blown out ; and, at the siding on the entrance to No 1 Easl level, a loaded
car and a man, John Hogg, were blown across the slope, the man's body being found - • \~>
feet below No. 1 East level, while the car was found lot) feet below the same li ■..-! : the
stoppings at bottoms of the counter-slope and the various chutes were all out, but whether
they were blown down On to the level, or otherwise, is far from being clear, as these stoppings,
built of 1-inch boards backed up with refuse, and being on a pitch of PI degrees, once moved in
any direction, the material behind would slide to the level by the force of gravity. The level
was thus re or less tilled with debris from the stoppings and tin- broken down centre pack
walls in the various breasts.
Those props, which through their location were not disturbed by material sliding down
these chutes, were leaning towards the mouth of the level; the brattice clot h which conducted
the air on the level from No. 13 to No. 12 chute was found on the level between chutes V
1<I and 1 1 ; just inside of No. 1 2 chute, the lower portion of a sweater and a coal were found.
while the upper portion of this sweater was found hanging on a prop at No. 13 chute: these
evidences of force all pointed to the explosion having originated in Nov. 13 and 11 chutes.
In the chutes above the level it was hard to determine the direction of forces, as some of
these chutes were swept clear, but whether from the force of the explosi • by the downward
rush of the material from the broken pack walls, is not quite clear, although the latter seems
the more likely cause. The pack walls in Nos. 5 and li chutes were c pletely demolished for
75 or Inn feet from the face.
The bodies on the level were all found Hat. face down and with the head outward, except
that of Kallia. who was crouched up on his knees, his hands over his head, but with his head
outwards like the others. There can lie little doubt but that all four men found on the level
bad moved after the explosion, as ,\ ideiiced b\ their bodies being found on top of the refuse
winch had come down the chutes. Three of these four men. from evidence given at the
inquest, had their noses broken, presumably in their rush to gel out having run into the chutes
w liieii projected into the level ; all four were badly burned on the hands, arms. face. neck, and
upper body, Pattie being more severely burned than the others. The body of Baxter, who
worked in No. 7 chute, showed no evidence of burns; this body was found 75 feet from the
3 Geo. 5 Inspection of Mines. K 220
bottom of the chute and about 100 feet from the face, where he had evidently been at work
when the explosion occurred, as his cap, much torn, was found behind a prop at the face.
A severe bruise was found on the side of his head, and his jaw was broken, he probably
having been blown against the prop where his cap was found, the blow rendering him
unconscious, when he fell down the chute to the point where his body was found.
Hurd's body was found 12 feet from the face of No. 6 chute, the head in the crosscut and
the feet projecting out towards the chute ; the body had been thrown with some force, having
broken a small prop, which was bent around the body ; the left leg was broken, the bone
protruding through the flesh ; three deep cuts, each about 1 inch long, on the left side of
the face, and the body was badly burned down to the knees. A few feet farther down the
chute his coat was found, and in the pocket was his watch, which had stopped at 9.51. The
paper which had been wrapped around his lunch was hanging on a nail and was not burned,
while the coat was severely singed.
Hogg's body, as already stated, was found on the main slope, and was much broken up.
His neck, collar-bone, and thigh and lower leg were broken ; there was a severe wound on the
left arm and also on the back of the head ; the body was not so severely burned as the others.
Baxter, Hurd, and Hogg were no doubt killed instantly. The doctor's evidence was that
they all died from carbon-monoxide poisoning ; no tests of the blood had been made by the
doctor.
The level was quite wet ; especially was this so at the inner end, where the roof and sides
were quite damp. Evidences of coking of dust were found on the level about 40 feet inside of
No. 14 chute, in Nos. 13 and 14 chutes, and in No. 9 chute.
Analysis of the dust from the level inside No. 14 chute was as follows : —
(A.)
Moisture 2.5%.
V.C.M 13.0,,
F.C 46 . 7 „
Ash 37.8 ,,
100.0 „
Ratio V.C.M. to F.C 3.6
The analysis of fine coal taken from the bottom of one of the chutes was : —
Moisture 2 . 3 %.
• V.C.M 28 . 2 „
F.C 48.1 n
Ash 21.4,,
100.0 „
Ratio V.C.M. to F.C 1 . 705
The normal analysis of a piece of coal taken oil' the level was : —
Moisture 1 • 4 %.
V.C.M 31.9,,
F.C 61.4,,
Ash 5.3 „
100.0 „
Ratio V.C.M. to P.C 1.92
K 230 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
Analyses of dust taken from Nos. 13 and 14 chutes were as follows;
(B.)
No. 1. No. 2.
Moisture 1.9% 2.2%.
V.C.M 22.3 20.6 ..
F.C 47.3 53.8 .i
Ash 28.5 .i 23.4 ii
100.0 n 100.0 ■•
Ratio of V.C.M. to F.C 2.12 2.56
Analysis of dust taken from No. 9 chute, 100 feet from the face, was as follows :
(C.)
Moisture 2.0 .
V.C.M -11 'i
F.C 58 . 6 H
Ash 18.0 .,
100.0 .1
Ratio V.C.M. to F.C 2. 74
The evidences of coking were not many nor severe; a little on the level, 10 feel inside
No. 14 chute, which disappeared before reaching the face of the level: then in Nos. L3 and 1 1
chutes, from a few feet above the level to the face. The most extensive evidence of '"Lin-
was found in No. 9 chute about 100 feet from the face, and about a similar distance above the
crosscut to No. 8 chute; just above the crosscut was found the Hist evidence of coke, at the top of
the props ; in ascending the chute the coking kept coming down on the props until, about 100
feet above the crosscut, there was evidence of coke from the roof to the floor. This condition
continued for about 15 or 20 feet, when above that, the coking kept getting higher »n the props,
and entirely disappeared about 50 feet from the face. This showed the meeting of two forces
here, which halted the Maine long enough to cause the coking.
At the face of this breast, the sandy shales overlying the coal had caved to the main
sandstone, the cave being in a few large rocks which extended across the whole tare :;>i feet,
and was probably 15 to 16 feet wide and from L'.o to 3 feet thick.
On March (ith, the day before the explosion, the roof in this place was reported as
sounding heavy ; but from the evidence of David Cook, who winked in No. 1" chute, but who
was not in the mine on the day of the explosion, sufficient props had been sel to secure the
roof before quitting-time that day.
No evidence of coking was found from here on until the main slope was reached, at the
mouth of No. 1 West level, where liarrv Hogg and Ralph Kilestro were burned.
From my examination of the mine, the tracing of the line of forces in the mine, and the
evidence obtained at the inquest. 1 am led to the conclusion that the explosion originated in
Xos. 1 ,'i and 1 4 chutes.
From the evidence taken at the tnquesi we learn that no powder of any kind was used in
the mine except in the main slope, which was only worked on the afternoon shift.
We also learn from the evidence of Harry Hogg thai Fireboss (Jrimes passed in all the
men of the East level except Pattie and Kallia : these men he told to wait a minute or two
and he would go in with them ; from this and the fact that the only two safety-lamps in the
mine were afterwards found, one in No. 13 and one in No. 1 I chute, we may reasonably
assume that there was an accumulation of Lias in these places that morning. Therefore,
assuming gas in Nos. 1.'! and 14 chutes, we come to the theory of how and when it was ignited.
3 Geo. 5 Inspection of Mines. K 231
The accumulation of gas in these chutes was no doubt due to the stoppage of the fan for
seven or eight hours previous to the oncoming shift. It having been established already that
Grimes knew of the presence of this gas, as also did Pattie and Kallia, they had evidently
gone up the chutes to a point 8 or 10 feet above the level where the safety-lamps hung, and,
finding it impossible to go farther, hung the lamps there and started to load coal, which must
have been on the level from the previous day, each having loaded two cars of coal that
morning. Fireboss Grimes had gone out the level and ordered the rope-rider, Harry Hogg, to
tell the engineer to "speed up the fan," evidently to increase the ventilation.
About fifteen minutes before the explosion the rope-rider passed No. 1 East level, on
the way to No. 1 West level, and Pattie was on the siding calling for cars. Grimes told the
rope-rider to hurry up and put an empty trip into No. 1 East.
The fan having been speeded up, the increased ventilation had started to move the gas in
Nos. 13 and 14 chutes ; this gas would be brought down No. 13 chute and travel behind the
brattice to No. 1 2 chute. About this time Pattie had returned from the siding and, passing under
the brattice at the bottom of his chute, No. 13, ignited the gas which had been set in motion
by the increased air-current. From the fact that the safety-lamp was found up the chute after
the explosion, and that Pattie had been out at the siding, it is reasonable to assume that he
had his open light with him. There being little evidence of great force and very little damage
to the mine, I would assume there was not a large body of gas, and what gas was there was at
its least explosive point. It might be termed more of an ignition than an explosion, the
(lame being augmented and supported wherever it found fresh coal-dust in suspension, as
evidenced by the coking in No. 9 chute, where Templeton had loaded coal that morning, and
inside No. 14 chute, where Kallia loaded coal; also at No. 1 West level, due no doubt to the
fresh dust thrown into the air from the upsetting of the loaded car, which was thrown across
the slope from No. 1 East level, and rolled 150 feet down the main slope.
The evidence of coke on the props in the East level was due to the back-lash of the flame
in the dead end of the level just inside No. 14 chute.
The severe coking found in No. 9 chute can be explained as follows : The pressure on the
level at the mouths of these two chutes being equal, the heated gases expanded into them,
seeking relief ; that part going up No. 9 chute found relief at the crosscut to No 8 chute, thus
decreasing the velocity at which it was travelling, and permitting that part which travelled up
No. 10 chute, and which was augmented by the gases from No. 11, to travel faster, and
rounded the face of the room, met the forces travelling up No. 9 side of the chute, and thus
halted them sufficiently long to create the coking from roof to floor which exists here.
Whilst no coking was found in Nos. 5 and 6 chutes, there were evidences of heat, as the
body of Hurd was severely burned ; all over the face of this breast there was a heavy deposit
of very fluffy dust, or perhaps it might more appropriately be called soot ; as already explained,
the pack-wall in this breast was demolished for from 75 to 100 feet from the face, showing this
explosion had here again been augmented by the dust in suspension in this place, Hurd having
loaded coal that morning.
In his description of the explosion to the Coroner's jury, James Ashworth seemed to
attribute the accumulation of gas in Nos. 13 and 14 chutes to the cave in Nos. 9 and 10
chutes, and which would, by contraction of the air-course, reduce the quantity of air passing
in the mine.
There is no direct evidence to prove that the cave occurred in Nos. 9 and 10 chutes before
the explosion ; in fact, all the evidence we have tends to disprove such assumption.
Harry Hogg, the rope-rider, testified that Grimes reported all places in the East level
clear, except Nos. 13 and 14 chutes, and the fact that he went in with these men, and that
K 2:52 Report of the Minister of Minks. 191:?
the only two safety-lamps in the mine were, after the explosion occurred, found in these two
places, and thai the explosion originated in these two chutes (which is concurred in by Mr.
Ashworth), would go to show that the gas was already in these places when < rrimes examined
and reported Nos. 9 and 10 chutes clear. Then, again, the absolutely clean condition of the
rocks in this cave from dust, in contradistinction to the faces of other breasts, would also
prove that the cave occurred after the explosion, and also that there was still sufficient area
over the caved portion to carry all the air thai was in circulation in the mine.
There is one other point — in which Mr. Ashworth dues not agree with me namely, that
Pattie ignited the gas in No. l.'i chute. Mr. Ashworth seems to think that Pattie had not
time to return from the siding at the mouth of No. 1 Last level after being seen thereby
Harry Hogg, rope-rider, and therefore attributes the ignition to Kallia in No. 1 I chute.
It makes no material difference in the theory as to whether this gas was ignited in the
No. 13 side by Pattie, or on the No. 14 side of this chute by Kallia, which was to all practical
purposes one and the same place. Nevertheless, the evidence as submitted at the inquesl does
not substantiate the theory that Pattie had no time to return from the siding to No. 13 chute
after being seen there by Harry Hogg.
Hogg testifies that he passed No. 1 East level fifteen or 1 wenty minutes before the explosion,
and then saw Grimes, fireboss ; Pattie, miner ; and his brother. John Hogg, pusher, on the
siding. He did not see James Geator, nor did Geator see Harry Hogg, and yet < reator testified
that he came up the slope 100 feet or more on a 10 degree pitch, and interviewed ( rrimes n the
question of a safety-lamp for his place. Geator, on being informed he could not get a afetj
lamp, returned down the slope, and had just commenced to put on his clothes when the
explosion occurred. (leator testified that he did not sec Pattie on the siding, .so that Pat tic
must have gone into his place previous to Geator's arrival there; yet, after his ((ieatoi i
conversation with Grimes, Grimes reached No. 6 chute (225 feet from siding), where his body
was found, which would certainly indicate that Pattie had ample time to reach No. 13 chute,
which was only 225 feet farther in the level.
Rescue-work.
The work of rescuing those alive in the mine and the recovery of the bodies of those killed
was begun as soon as practicable.
The operations of the Diamond Vale Company being on a small scale, there was not any
I Iraeger oxj gen apparatus, so a locomotive was requisitioned, and the 1 traeger apparatus of the
Nicola Valley Coal and Coke Company, Limited, and the Government Draeger apparatus were
rushed to the mine as soon as possible, reaching there about forty or forty-live minutes after
the explosion.
When the rescue party reached the mine, all the men who had been working in the other
parts of the mine, not affected by the explosion, had reached the surface.
i harles Graham, David Brown, and Thomas Archibald, superintendent, overman, and
fireboss respectively of the Nicola Valley Coal and Coke C pany, Limited, donned the twe-
liour helmets and went down tin- slope. In going down the slope, Brown fell and injured his
apparatus, which he exchanged with Archibald, the latter returning to the surface with the
injured apparatus.
Graham and llrown proceeded into No. 1 Last level as far as No. S chute and discovered
the bodies of Grimes and Templeton : they returned to the slope, and, finding the ventilation
fair, they discarded their helmets and proceeded, with help, to bring out the bodies. Later
on these men were assisted hy Andrew McKendrick. Robert P.l'owii, and Peter M\ er-. of
the statf of the Nic..!a Valley Coal and Coke Company ; Andrew Bryden, superintendent of
.3 Geo. 5 Inspection ok Mixes. K 233
the Inland Coal and Coke Company ; Howell .John, superintendent of the Pacific Coast
Colliery, Limited ; and many willing hands. Soon the bodies of the men on the level were
taken out, and the more difficult work of ascending the chutes for the bodies of Baxter and
Hurd was undertaken. This proved a very difficult task, with the chutes swept of props and
with a slippery Moor, on a pitch of 40 degrees ; the task of ascending here, with the additional
weight of the oxygen apparatus, proved too much for the party.
Owing to the smallness of the mine and the close proximity of the base to the work, the
half -hour apparatus was used, when, with its lighter weight, some progress was made, and a rope
was made fast to a prop about 50 feet from the face of No. 5 chute.
The remaining distance to the face proved too much for the majority of the part}', several
heing overcome with the gases, and the party, being convinced no one could be alive in the
chutes, retired for the night. The next morning the work was taken up again under the
leadership of Superintendents Bryden and Graham, and, after a very trying day's work, the
bodies of Hurd and Baxter were brought to the surface, about 5 p.m. the day following the
explosion.
Here, again, the lack of a plan of the mine proved a great hindrance to the rescue party,
as, owing to the absence of the manager, Mr. Browitt, who was unable to report on the morning
of the 8th, no one in the rescue party knew the mine. Having difficulty in getting ventilation,
the party concluded that by putting a stopping in the crosscut between Nos. 5 and 4 chutes
they would thus drive the air up to the upper crosscuts ; after spending some hours at this
work, it was discovered that there were no crosscuts farther up the pitch, and the stopping had
thus cut off the ventilation entirely from that section of the mine.
Considering the difficulties encountered on the pitch and the lack of knowledge of the
mine, great credit is due every member of the rescue party for the spirit displayed and the
work accomplished. The fact that no oxygen apparatus was at hand immediately after the
explosion was not responsible for the loss of any life, as I am of the opinion that had the party
been all ready and fully equipped to enter the mine as soon as the explosion occurred, it
could not have saved one life, as all the victims were undoubtedly dead in a very few
moments.
The general methods employed around the mine were not in accord with good mining
practice ; the lack of a line of crosscuts across the face of the breasts off the East level ; the
lack of a counter-level ; the practice of closing down the fan seven or eight hours in every
twenty-four; the variable speed at which the fan was run, and the poorly conducted air, all
point to this conclusion.
These, together with the fact that the manager, who was the only person qualified to
make the examinations under General Rules Nos. 4 and 5, had delegated these duties to
another person who was not qualified so to act ; that lie failed to see that a bunk was furnished
in which the above-appointed person might record his examinations, in terms of General
Rules Nos. 4 and 5, all show a deplorable want of discipline and of general supervision in the
management of the mine.
In conclusion, let me say that the use of a few safety-lamps on the morning of the
explosion would have prevented this disaster, and again we arc reminded of the danger
attached to the use of mixed lights in a mine containing explosive gas ; 1 may add that the
time is not far distant when every coal-mine, whether gaseous or non-gaseous, should and will
be worked exclusively by safety-lamps.
Respectfully submitted.
Thomas Graham,
Chief Inspector of Mines.
K 234
Report of the Minister of Mines.
1913
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3 Geo. 5 Inspection of Metalliferous Mines. K 235
INSPECTION OF METALLIFEROUS MINES.
WEST KOOTENAY AND BOUNDARY DISTRICTS.
Report by James McGregor, Inspector.
I have the honour to submit my annual report as Inspector of Mines for West Kootenay
District for the year 1912.
Slocan District.
The Slocan District continued to increase in importance during the year ; in addition to
the several large development schemes which were launched last year, and which have been
operated continuously during the year with encouraging results, several others of equal
importance have been started this year.
Most of these developing projects consist of large tunnels to cut the ledges at considerable
depth ; some of them have attained great length and depth, with every prospect of becoming
in the near future equally as valuable as the properties which operated with such success in
the same localities some years ago ; in fact, some of the long tunnels are being bored with the
intention of cutting the continuations of the old ledges.
Upon inspection of the operating mines, I found them well ventilated and carefully
timbered. The manner of handling of the small amount of powder necessary in this district
has been discouraging, two serious accidents having occurred from unexploded powder, one
from gelignite, and one from gelatine.
It is difficult to become absolutely satisfied where the fault, if any, exists, as there are so
many ways it can occur : I especially mention this knowing it will receive your consideration.
Sheep Creek Camp, Ymir District.
The shipping mines in this district remain the same in number as last year ; the developing
of new properties is still very active, as is also the prospecting, with encouraging results, of
new finds.
I have invariably found, upon inspection, the mines in a safe and sanitary condition, well
ventilated and timbered, and the thawing of explosives being done in conformity with the Act.
Rossland Camp.
The mines of this camp are the deepest in the Province, and, I may say, in the Dominion ;
the Centre Star shaft is the deepest being 2,400 feet, others nearly equalling it. These great
depths require powerful equipment in machinery, ropes, cages, or skips, which, I have always
found upon inspection, are kept in good and safe condition.
These mines are all timbered by what is known as the square-set system ; consequently a
great quantity of timber is required, all of which is framed on the surface by machinery. Upon
inspection, I have found great care exercised in placing the timbers in position underground.
The hard nature of the ores and associated rocks in this district necessitate the use of large
quantities of a very high explosive, and I have found, upon all occasions when making inspec-
tions, especial care being exercised in the thawing, transportation, and handling of the explosive
underground.
K 236 Report of the Minister of Mixes. 1913
The ventilation is good, all the operating mines I >t -i i i^r connected underground to each
other in many places; the travelling-ways and ladder-ways I have always found in good
condition, ami the Acl in every respect observed.
Lardeau District.
In this district there lias not been any increase in the number of shipping mines during
the year; prospecting ami developing have been more active than usual, with every sign of
becoming very prosperous in the near future.
A [NSWOKTH I ►ISTBICT.
The number of shipping mines in this district has greatly increased during the year,
much activity prevailing, with the prospect for the future very bright.
Upon inspection of the mines in operation in this district, some of them having been
closed for years, I have found every care being taken in reopening them: the ventilation,
timbering, and travelling-ways are in good, safe condition, and the Act in all other respects
equally well observed.
Xi:r.so\ I liSTEH t.
There has been a marked improvement in this district during the year, by an increase in
the number of shipping mines, also by much greater activity in developing and prospecting;
altogether the future looks very bright for this locality.
Upon inspection. T found the mines in a safe condition, the Inspection Act being care-
fully observed in every respect. With regard to ventilation, timbering, and handling
explosives, I found care being exercised.
Ymik District.
Development has been the principal work carried on in this district during the year; the
number of shipping mines has not increased during the year, but very satisfactory results
have been obtained from the development which has been in progress.
Upon inspection of the mines which came under the "Metalliferous -Mine-- Inspection
Act," I found them in a safe condition.
Boundary District.
The minis of tins district have been operated continuously during tin- year, most of them
making an increased output. The system of mining that has been followed, known as the
pillar and open-stope system, makes it possible to dispense with timbers in the stopes ; the
large tonnage produced at the mines of this district necessitates the consumption of a great
amount of powder for breaking th vs in such large quantities.
Some idea of the system can be gathered when the average machine, drilling fourteen
hours, in underground stopes during the twenty four hours, breaks on an average 11(1 tons a
day.
In the B.C. Copper Company Moth r Lock mine in this district a somewhat unique system
has been adopted underground, where as many as 2,400 holes, averaging II feet in depth.
requiring aboul II tons of powder to charge them, have been blasted at one time. These
blasts re ved all the pillars, bridges, and sill Boors between the HU foot level and the
level, breaking as much as 17"), 000 tons of ore at one blast.
Upon inspection, I have found the mines of this district in a fairly safe condition, the
Act being conformed with in every re-;
Appended will be found a list of the accidents which occurred during the year in this
district.
3 Geo. 5 Inspection of Metalliferous Mines. K 237
EAST KOOTENAY INSPECTION DISTRICT.
Evan Evans, Inspector.
The only metalliferous mines in this district being actually worked during the past year
were the St. Eugene and Sullivan, both operated by the Consolidated Mining and Smelting
Company of Canada, with a small force employed at the Society Girl.
Fortunately no accidents occurred in these mines during the past year, so Mr. Evans has.
not made any report.
SIMILKAMEEN INSPECTION DISTRICT.
Report of Robert Strachan, Inspector.
I have the honour to submit my annual report, as Inspector of Metalliferous Mines for
the Similkameen District, for the year ending 1912.
The only metalliferous mine in this district in operation during the present year was the
Nickel Plate, belonging to the Hedley Gold Mining Company, Limited, Hedley, B.C. The
mine is situated almost at the top of the Nickel Plate mountain, about 4,000 feet above the
i iwn of Hedley, where the mill is situated. G. P. Jones, general manager ; Wm. Sampson,
mine manager ; Wallis Knowles, engineer.
The ore is gold-bearing and is mined by a "pillar and chamber" system, commencing
on the foot-wall and working upwards, using the broken ore as a floor for the miners t<>
stand on.
The rock is so strong that timber is rarely used, except in the tunnel entrances, and
chambers as large as 260 feet wide, 400 feet long, and 30 feet high, without any support, are
sometimes to be seen.
In leaving the roof of these chambers, great care is taken to bar or blast down all the
loose rock, and it certainly indicates with what thoroughness this is done that we have so few
accidents to report from falls of roof.
The property has been developed by tunnels driven through the country-rock until they
reach the ore-body ; No. 4 tunnel is the lowest of these, and all the ore below this is expected
to be reached by winzes from this level, the ore being drawn from the chutes and hoisted to an
ore-bin at No. 4 level.
The ore from this bin and from the pillars above is loaded into small ears holding 2 tons;
these cars, in trips of ten, are drawn by electric motor to the ore-bin at the top of the gravity-
tramway.
This gravity-tram is operated in two stages; in the first stage, the ore, which is loaded
into skips carrying 5 tons, is lowered down 4,000 feel ; during part of this distance an auxiliary
compressed-air locomotive assists the loaded skip. At the Central station the skip is trans-
ferred by means of a fast rope, the empty from the lower tramway being held by this fas! rope,
while the lower tramway rope is fastened to the loaded skip ; the top tramway rope is then
taken oft' and fastened to the empty skip, which continues its journey to the top, the loaded
skip proceeding to the bottom. An automatic dumping arrangement permits of the skip
unloading into an ore-bin, from which the ore is taken as required for the mill.
K 238 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
The incline has a three-rail track with a passing in the centre, and is equipped with both
electric hells and telephone. In running the incline, by an ingenious arrangement of weights,
the engineer takes the brakes off to allow the tram to run : should an accident arise to the
engineer or should he neglect his duty, the breaks immediately take effect and stop the skip.
All the ore mined goes to. the mill ; there is practically no waste, and no sorting is done
either at the mine or the mill ; the average daily output is about 200 tons, and, by a judicious
mixing of different grades, the average value is kept fairly constant, which allows of the treat
ment of much Low-grade ore, which it would be unprofitable to treat alone
The power plant, which is operated by water during the greater part of the year, is ids.,
fitted so that steam can be used when required, and consists of one 360-kw. 2,200-volt
Westinghouse generator driven by a 400-horse-power IVIton-typc water-wheel; a 500 horse
power Goldie-McCulloch Corliss condensing-engine, so placed that it can operate the generator
in the event of the water-power failing.
One two-stage, cross-compound, steam-condensing Corliss-gear Kami compressor, capacity
about 3,000 cubic feel of free air a minute, compressed to 1-5 lb. : this compressor is also
provided with a 26-foot Pelton water-wheel, and only uses steam when the water fails.
As an auxiliary is a 100-kw. generator driven by a water-wheel for Lighting purposes ; also
an 18- x 24-inch straight-line Rand compressor. The boiler plant consists of three 15o horse
power, two 100-horse-power return-tubular boilers, and one 100-horse-power Mumford boiler
used for heating purposes at 10 H>. pressure.
During my inspection of this mine T have always found the " Inspection of Metalliferous
Mines Act'' being strictly complied with, and it seems to me that great care is taken to
protect the workmen.
Special rules are provided, in addition to the Mines Act, and these rules must be read
before a workman is engaged.
In spite of all precautions, 1 regret to have to report three accidents, two of which were
fatal; the first accident, causing the death of two miners, was reported to James McUreLtor,
Inspector of Mines, Nelson, who at that time covered this district. The second occurred to a
drill-helper wlio was descending the slope; he left the side where a handrail was provided and.
in crossing over, slipped on the ice and rolled down the slope, receiving serious injuries. The
third accident was the result of the use of explosives, and had the special rules Keen carried
.out the accident should not have occurred.
A list of these accidents is attached.
COAST INSPECTION' DISTRICT.
Thomas Morgan and John Newton, Inspectors.
The only metalliferous mines of any size being worked in the Coast Inspection District
are the Britannia, on Howe Sound, employing upward of Too nun ,md mining 193,000 tons
of ore a year; the Marble Bay, employing seventy men and mining 17,870 tons of ore; and
the Little Billie, employing twenty-two men and mining 1,970 tons of ore.
From none of these has any accident been reported this past year, the only accident
reported by Mr. Newton being a slight accident to a timberman in the Reliance Minim;
Company's property at Yananda, Texada island.
3 Geo. 5 Inspection of Metalliferous Mines K 239
Report of Thomas Morgan.
I have the honour to submit my report of the metalliferous mines in my district during
the year 1912.
i[arble Bay Mine, Te.rada Island. — This mine is operated by the Taeoma Steel Company.
The shaft is sunk 1,350 feet, with levels turned oft' at regular intervals, and all the levels are
connected by a downcast slope, making a good ventilation. A good supply of fresh air is
circulating through this mine, caused bv all the slopes being connected from the surface to the
bottom of the shaft. This slope has a good ladder-way protected by handrails. The bottom
level in this mine is called the 1,350-foot level, and is in operation with several more level
workings.
'Machinery installed : Two boilers, 100 and 85 horse-power; one Canadian Rand
compressor, 10-drill ; five Lidgerwood hoists, three below and two on top; one electric
7-kw. dynamo.
Little Billie Mine, Texada Island. — This shaft is down 170 feet. A good ventilation is
circulating all through the workings. There is a good ladder-way, well protected. The mine
was in good condition. Two levels were turned <>rl' from the bottom of the shaft, East and
West. There w-as only the West level working when I was there. Fogle, superintendent.
Britannia Mine. — This mine is situated up Howe Sound, but twenty-eight miles from
Vancouver. It is four miles up the mountain from Britannia Beach, at an altitude of 4,200
feet above the sea-level.
The ore is brought down to the Beach by an aerial tramway for four miles to the crusher
at the Beach. When I last visited this mine I found the condition good, and well timbered
where it was necessary. The ventilation was good, caused by open portals being connected
with the open surface. A good ladder-way is connected from the lower level to the tup level.
All the ore runs down one large chute from the top level to the bottom, and is hauled out by
a 3-ton electric motor to the tramway bins, and from there conveyed to the beach by the
aerial tramway. There are six levels in operation and quite a lot of men employed.
Machinery installed : One Canadian Rand stage compressor, 2,400 cubic feet capacity,
driven by a Pelton wheel ; two 200-kw. A.C. generators, 6,600 volts, driven by a Pelton wheel ;
two No. 6 Champion crushers, conveyor-belts, etc., driven by electric motor ; 6 x 6 hoist,
double-cylinder, driven by compressed air ; one continuous-cable haulage system, driven by
electric motor; one timber-elevator, 6x6, double cylinder; also an 8-inch air-line conveying
the compressed air from the Beach to the mine, a distance of four miles. J. W. I). Moodie,
general manager, and Wm. A. Wvllie, mine manager.
K 240
Report of the Minister ok Minks.
19! 3
LIST OF ACCIDENTS IN METALLIFEROUS MINKS, 1912.
Report by James McGregor, Inspector, West Kootenay.
No.
Mine.
Date.
Name.
t Occupation.
1 >i tails.
1
Granby, Phoenix
Jan.
27
Tim Baldwin. .
Mucker-
| boss
killed mi Burface bj allowing muck
to drag him into chute.
2
Josie, Rossland
Feb.
1
J. Stefanich. . .
Cage-tender.
Killed in shaft by cage.
3
4
Granby, Phoenix
Rawhide, Phoenix
Feb.
Feb.
7
29
S. 11. ( 'uniiiiin
[get-
Edward
[Julsrud
Miner
Chuteman. . .
Killed by falling into ore-poi kel
Foot crushed on surface dump by
car, necessitating amputation.
5
6
l'lue Bull, Ainsworth. . .
Apr.
2
16
Manns
| M< Shane
Steve Aline li!
Miner
Suffocated by powder-gas in a raise
Hilled by falling from bench into
chute.
-
~
Foot crushed by falling rock in ■•
Exploded powder in muck while pick-
ing; eyes severely injured.
8
Lucky Jim, Slocaii
Sep.
s
Isaac LauriUa.
•
9
Lucky Jim, Slocan
Sep.
8 Alex. Norquist
„ ...
Slightly injured in same accident.
10
I'.i\ ue, Slocan
Oct.
17
<:. W. Clark. .
Foreman. .
Exploded powder in muck while pick-
ing : losl oni eye and injured.
11
Payne, Slocan. . . ...
Oct.
17 Einil Johnston.
Shoveller . . .
Same accident, injured about face and
eyes.
12
Payne, Slocan
Oct.
17 Mike Mai lick. .
■ i idenl slightly injured about
face.
13
No, 1 . Ainsworth ....
Oct.
I!'
James Currie.
Miner . ..
Drilled into a hole which had
blasted, and exploded same; powdei
still contained therein.
14
No. 1 , Ainsworth . . . .
Oct.
19
1 'at nek
|Mci iei hiii
and e\ es.
15
Molly ( iibson
Oct.
20
: us
[Satermoen
Right ankle broken when he jumpel
from ladder.
Repori n\ Robert Strachan, [nspector, Similkameen District.
16
Nickel Plate,
i Isoyoos
[M.D.
Jan.
18
A. McAllister.
Miner
1'ieked into missed hole, which
ploded and killed him.
17
18
Nickel Plate,
Nickel Plate,
( lsi.\ i H is
\l D
( Isoyoos
[M.D.
( Isoyoos
[M.D.
Jan.
May
is
14
Urn. ( toward. .
J, ll.u dman
rer. . . -
Killed in same accident.
Fell down slope; seriously injured.
19
Nickel Plate,
Jul\
13
.1. Roddick. . . .
i
Returned to pi . ,-, and n .-
killed by blast.
Report bi John Newton, Enspei tor.
20 Reliam e June '■> A. McPhi
Timberman. . Slightly injured on forehead.
3 Geo. 5
Inspection of-Metalliferous Mines.
K 241
Tabulated List of Accidents in Metalliferous Mines, 1912.
A
B
C
D
E
F
a
H
I
J
K
L
M
Cause of Accident.
Blasting .
Defective powder
Drilling into old holes containing powder . .
Powder in muck
Shafts and cages, accidents connected with .
Falling down shafts or winzes .
Falling down chutes
Mine-cars
Rock falling in stopes, levels, etc
Rock falling down chutes or openings
Timbering
Miscellaneous, underground . .
Miscellaneous, surface
Totals
Extent of In.
tTRY.
Fatal.
Serious.
Slight.
1
2
1
1
2
3
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
8
6
6
Total.
1
1
2
o
20
Accidents for each 100,000 tons ore mined .
Accidents for each 1,000 men employed . . .
0.296
0.222
0.222
2.10
1.58
1.5S
0.740
5.26
16
K 242
Report of the Minister of Minks.
1913
COAL-MINING IN BRITISH COLUMBIA.
By Wm. Fleet Robertson, Provincial Mineralogist.
The year 1912 proved to be, as far as statistics of production will show, one of the most
successful in the history of coal-mining in the Province.
During this year the total gross production of coal made in the Province was 3,ui'.").7"'.i
tons (2,240 lb.) of coal, which is only some 113,526 tons short of that of 1910, which is still
the " record year " in coal-mining.
Had it not been for the labour troubles, occurring in the later months of 1912, at the
mines of the Canadian Collieries on Vancouver Island, wherehv that company's output was
reduced to a point 150,000 tons lower than the preceding year, there is little doubt but that
1912 would have been the record year to date, instead of occupying, as it does, only second
place ; vet, with the exception noted, it is greatly in advance of any other year.
The total sales of coal made in 1912 was 2,230,565 tons (2,240 lb.), of which 1.L'<;:;.427
tons was sold in Canada, practically British Columbia: 858,981 tons was exported to the
United .States, including Alaska ; while 108,157 ton-, was exported to other countries.
The coke sales of the Province for the year was 267,564 tons (2.240 lb.), of which 217,307
tons was sold in British Columbia and 50,257 tons exported to the United States.
The following table shows, for the past six years, the output and the per capita production
of the various districts : —
Year.
1907
1'ins
1909
1910
1911
191-2
District.
East Kootenay District
Coast District
Whole Province
Gross Tons of
Coal mined
during Year.
Easl Kootenay District
Coast District
Whole Province
F.ast Kootenay District
Coast District
Wlmle Province
East Kootenay District
( east District
Whole Province
East Kootenay District
('east District
Whole Province
East Kootenay District!
Coast District
Whole Province
876,731
1,342,877
•-'.'J 19. BOS
883,20.-,
1,226,182
2,109,387
923,865
l,47li. 73.">
2,400,600
1,365,119
1.774,116
3,139,235
142,057
1,865,661
2,297,718
1,261,212
1.7H4. 497
3,025,709
T , lv Tons of Coal
Total Jno. ,
r t, , mined per
ot hmplovees .-, , r
. r. ii- - Emplovee
at Colherv. , ', ■
for l ear.
2.290
3.769
6,059
2,524
3.549
6,073
2,427
3,991
6,418
3. 1 1 1
4.ti47
7,758
2,197
4,676
6,873
2,410
4,720
7,130
3S3
356
366
350
345
347
380
370
374
439
382
41H
•201
397
334
523
374
424
Tons of Coal
Xumberof Men mined per
employed Underground
Underground. Employee
for Year.
1,527
2,862
4,389
1,746
L'.tist;
4.432
1.737
2,976
4,713
2.374
3,529
5,903
1,585
3,627
5.212
1,780
3,495
5,275
574
469
506
506
456
476
532
496
509
575
50-2
532
272
511
44o
708
504
574
3 Geo. 5 Coal-mining. K 243
While no figures can be given as to the actual cost of mining in the different fields, the
per capita production of these fields is of interest, as having a bearing upon the working costs
and as indicating the mining facilities existing and the improvement made in these conditions
from year to year.
It will be seen from the above table that the production per capita has steadily and
materially increased during the past three years. This increased effectiveness of the labour
employed is largely due to better methods, better equipment, and greater volume of output.
The figures given for 1911 are the actual statistics for that year, but they are in a way
misleading for comparison with other years as regards the per capita production of the whole
Province and of the East Kootenay field, since during that year the collieries of this latter
field closed for eight months owing to labour troubles, while in the Coast District they represent
a full year's work.
In the Coast District the effectiveness of the employee, both total and underground, has
not altered very materially in the last three years, and is considerably lower than in the East
Kootenay District.
In the East Kootenay field the effectiveness of the total employees has increased from 439
tons in 1910 to 523 tons in 1912, while the per capita output of the underground employee
has similarly increased from 575 tons to 708 tons, a very remarkable and encouraging
improvement.
The coalfields of the Province which are at present producing may be divided into two
main divisions — those of the East Kootenay District and those of the Coast District.
These fields from their geographic positions — the one at the extreme eastern boundary
of the Province, and the other at the extreme western edge — are in no way competitors in the
market, their markets being quite separate and ruled by completely different conditions.
The market of the East Kootenay field is provided primarily by the railways of the
south-eastern part of the Province and of the northern parts of the adjoining States of
Montana and Washington, approximately two-thirds of the coal sold as such being exported
to those States, while the other third went to supply the demands of the south-eastern part of
the Province — its domestic needs, its railways, steamboats, mines, and smelters.
Coke, a product of the coal-mines, is sold in the same markets, with the difference that
the local consumption — chiefly by the smelters of Trail and the Boundary District — takes over
80 per cent, of the product, while 20 per cent, is exported to the States mentioned.
As regards the marketing conditions in this field, the East Kootenay collieries are,
however, brought into direct competition with the collieries of Alberta just over the Provincial
boundary-line, all these collieries being in the same coalfield, with practically the same grade
of coal and working under similar conditions.
This competition has kept the price obtainable for coal at from $2.25 to $2.50 a ton, with
little probability of any material increase in price, owing to the facility with which new
collieries can be opened up and the very large reserve areas of coal limits in that district ; a
description of these reserves was given in the Report of this Bureau for the year 1909.
The Coast District may be subdivided into two fields — the Nicola-Princeton field and the
Vancouver Island field — in which the markets differ considerably.
In the former field the consumption is chiefly by the local railways, while a small amount
finds its way to Vancouver, even under the handicap of what seems to be an excessively high
freight charge.
K 244 Report of the Minister of Mines. L913
The Vancouver Island coal market is provided by the domestic and manufacturing
requirements of the Coast cities, and of the ocean-going steamers calling at these ports.
The demand for coal from the larger coasting steamers and from the railways has in the
past couple of years diminished, as the Canadian Pacific Railway main line engines are nearly
all burning California crude oil, and a huge coasting steamer burning coal is now an
exception.
Notwithstanding the heavy consumption of crude oil, the coal sales have remained about
constant, approximately 70 per cent, of the coal sold being tor use in British Columbia, 20
per cent, exported to the United States, and 10 per cent, to other countries, chiefly Mexico.
In the Coast District the demand for export coal has been so great and constant,
particularly on the seaboard, and the prices obtainable so satisfactory to the shippers, th.it
it has permitted of the domestic price being kept at a figure so high as to admit of the
importation from California of fuel oil as a competitive fuel, where conditions permit of
its use.
It would appear, therefore, that the present price of coal on the seaboard, of from $4 to
$ L.50 a ton f.o.b., it is not liable to decrease for some time.
As in former years, the greater proportion of this product was made by three larger
companies — the Crow's Nest Pass Coal Company, with two collieries in East Kootenay, and
by the Western Fuel Company, of Nanaimo, and the Canadian Collieries, Limited, formerly
the Wellington Colliery Company, these last two operating on Vancouver Island.
In addition to these larger shippers, vi-rv appreciable shipments have been made by the
Hosmer Mines, Limited, and the Corbin Coal and Coke Company, in East ELootenay : by the
Nicola Valley Coal and Coke Company, the Dian I Vale Collieries, and the Inland I
ami Coke Company, all of the Nicola Valley; by the Princeton Coal and Land Company, of
Princeton; and by the Pacific Coast Coal Mines. Limited, and Vancouver A: Nanaimo Coal
Mining Company, both operating on Vancouver Island, near Nanai
The details of the shipments made by each of these companies will be found in reports
of the Inspectors of the various districts.
During the year 1912 about 56.65 per cent, of the coal, sold as such, by the collieries of
the Province was consumed in British Columbia: about :1s. 51 per cent, was exported to the
United States, including Alaska ; and L84 percent, was exported to other countries, chiefly
to Mexico. Of the coke sold, about 81.23 per cent, was consumed ill British Columbia, and
the remaining IS. 77 per cent, was exported to the Tinted States.
3 Geo. 5
Coal-mining.
K 245
The distribution of this output of coal and coke is shown in the following table : —
Coal and Coke produced, exported, etc., by Province during Year 1912.
Sai.ks and Output for Year.
Coal.
Coke.
(Tons of 2,240 11).)
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
1,263,427
858,981
108,157
217,307
50,257
2,230,565
267,564
175,744
396,905
240,304
u under colliery boilers, etc
91
812,953
3,043,518
91
66,380
48,571
267,655
7,510
4,188
17,809
3,322
3,025,709
264,333
Coal (used as such) 2,628,804 tons = $9,200,814. Coke, 264,333 tons = §1,585,998.
Number of Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc.
Underground.
Above Ground.
Totals.
Character of Labour.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
310
2,503
.-,67
1,593
1,197
221
55
62
85
537
Average
Daily
Wage.
199
2,503
567
926
610
147
55
46
8S
137
Ill
Miners' helpers
667
587
74
16
400
1,855
7,130
Totals . .
5,275
COLLIERIES OF THE COAST DISTRICT.
The gross output of the Coast collieries, including the Nicola valley, for the year 1912
was 1,764,497 tons (of 2,240 ft.) of coal actually mined, while some 16,894 tons was taken from
"stock," making the actual consumption of coal 1,781,391 tons.
K 246
Report of the Minister of Mines.
1913
Of this gross consumption, 1,447,747 tons was sold as coal, 157,900 tons was consumed
by the producing companies as fuel, and 175,744 tons was lost in washing ; no coal was used
in making coke. Although no coke was produced, 4,266 was taken from stock and sold.
Formerly, in 1902, the Coast collieries exported to the United States 75 per cent, of their
coal ; in 1910 they exported there only 24.5 per cent, of their product, 71.3 per cent, of the
output being consumed in Canada. In 1911, 76.1 per cent, of the coal sold \v;is for consump-
tion in Canada, 21.6 per cent, was exported to the United States, and 2.3 per cent, to other
countries.
In 1912, 71.25 per cent, was sold for consumption in Canada, 21.25 per cent, exported to
the United States, and 7.47 per cent, to other countries.
The following table gives an aggregate summary of the output of the Coast collieries for
the year 1912' and shows the dispositions made of such product : —
Sales and Output for Year.
Coal.
Coke.
(Tous of 2,2401b.)
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
1,032,351
307,239
108,157
4,266
1,447,747
4,266
175,744
157,900
333,644
64,564
47,670
6,636
2,370
1,781,391
16,894
4,266
1,764,497
Number op Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc.
Underground.
Above Ground.
Totals.
Character of Labour.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
131
1,626
412
707
77
208
1,626
412
1 ,0.50
511
174
55
62
85
537
4,720
343
337
52
174
Boys 12-2
55
46
85
137
16
400
1,225
Totals 1 3.495
3 Geo. 5
Coal-mining.
K 247
The following tables show the output of coal, and the disposition made of it, in the
subdivisions of the Coast District : —
Coal-output, etc., 1912, Vancouver Island Sub-District.
Sales and Output tor Yeas.
Coal.
Coke.
(Tons of •2,240 It.. )
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Sold for consumption in Canada
846,098
303,673
108,157
1,257,928
Lost in washing
171,733
145,389
317,122
1,575,050
63,949
47,139
16,810
1,558,240
Coal-output, etc., 1912, Nicola-Princeton, Sub-District.
Sales and Output for Year.
Coal.
Coke.
(Tons of 2,240 ft. )
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Sold for consumption in Canada
186,253
3,566
189,819
4,011
12,511
16,522
615
531
206,341
84
206,257
K 248
Report of the Minister of Mixes.
1918
COLLIERIES OF THE EAST KOOTENAY DISTRICT.
The gross output of the collieries of the East Kootenay District for the year L912 was
1,261,212 tons (2,240 it).) of coal actually mined, which, with 915 tons taken from stuck, made
the actual consumption of coal 1,262,127 tons. Of this gross consumption of coal, 782,818
tons was si ili 1 as coal, 82,404 ton-, was consumed as fuel by the producing companies, while
396,905 tons was converted into coke, producing 264,333 tons, of which 91 tuns was used
under the companies' boilers, while 944 tons was added to stuck, making the coke sales for
the vear 263,389 tons.
The East Kootenay collieries exported to the United States about 70.5 per cent, of tin-
coal sold and about li. 1 per cent, of the coke.
The following table gives an aggregate summary of the output of the East Kootenay
collieries for the year 1912, and shows the dispositions made of such product : —
Sales and Output for 5
< k>AL.
Coke.
(Tons of 2,2401b.)
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
231,076
5.-.1.74-2
213,041
50,257
782,818
263,298
39ii,! 105
82,404
91
479,309
874
1,818
91
1,816
901
Stocks on hand first of year
a last of year
1,262,127
263,389
+915
•944
1.261,212
264,333
Ximukk of Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc.
Underground.
Above
' ND.
Totals,
( II CRACTER OF L U'.oru.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
A\. rage
YV
No. em-
ployed.
Avei .
Dailj
Wage.
Supervision and clerical assistance
CS
S77
155
219
436
25
%
34
§
102
s77
1 55
543
686
17
324
250
■>■>
1.7S0
631 )
2.410
3 Geo. 5 Coal-mining- K 249
COAL POTENTIALITIES OF BRITISH COLUMBIA.
In addition to the coal-mines actually producing and whose outputs are included in the
foregoing tables, there are a number of important fields which have not as yet reached the
producing stage — some of these partly developed and equipped, and others only prospected.
That these fields contain a large reserve of coal there is absolutely no doubt, and many of
them will be developed and producing as soon as the market demands it and the transportation
facilities can be provided.
The great unworked and only partly developed coal-seams in the Rocky Mountains coal-
field lying to the north of the field now being exploited was fully described by the writer in
the 1909 Report, since when no great amount of development-work has been done. Very
successful development has been going on in the Flathead valley.
Near Princeton, in addition to the colliery of the Princeton Coal and Lmd Company,
which shipped some 21,386 tons of very good lignitic coal, a new colliery has begun shipping —
the United Empire — making a start this year by shipping 500 tons.
In the same section the Columbia Coal and Coke Company has continued development all
year with a force of seventy men, but has not as yet begun shipping.
In the Nicola valley the Pacific Coast Coal and Coke Company has continued development
with a small force, and, although not shipping, reports indicate that the development has been
successful in proving seams of good coal.
The coalfield of the Peace River valley is described elsewhere in the Report by Mr.
( lalloway, which indicates that, although the seams are thin, the coal is of exceptionally good
quality.
The Groundhog coal field was visited by the writer during the summer, an account of
which will be found on page 81 et seq. of this Report. The extent of the coalfield proved to
be all that was claimed, but the quality of the seams as exposed in the openings seen in the
southern end of the field was very disappointing. The field has only been tested in one part,
and it seems quite probable that further prospecting will develop cleaner seams of coal ; the
number and thickness of the seams is all that could be desired.
The coalfields on the Bulkley, Telkwa, and Zymoetz rivers, near the line of Grand Trunk
Pacific Railway east of Hazelton, have all been undergoing development, but it is as yet
premature to say how important they may prove to be.
On the southern end of Graham island, on Skidegate inlet, a colliery (the British Pacific)
has been partly equipped, but so far the output has been unimportant.
In the interior of Graham island to the east of the coal-outcrops at Camps Robertson and
Wilson, systematic boring has been in progress all year, but without demonstrating workable
coal. It would appear that the coal-measures had been laid down on a very uneven floor of
igneous rock, many of the bosses of which were higher than the depth of the coal-deposit, so
that they are now found protruding through ; it was on one of these bosses that the first bore-
holes happened to be put down. The work is to be continued this year in other spots.
Drilling has been going on in the northern part of the island near Masset, but no word lias
been received of commercial coal-seams having been proved.
But slight development has been done on the coal-area near Bear lake, in the Cariboo
District.
K 250 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
On Vancouver Island the coalfield on Quatsino sound has been undergoing development
in a small way, with as yet no definite results.
The large producing companies have all been quietly doing extensive development-work —
the Canadian Collieries, near Campbell river and south of Cumberland, and it is underst 1
much of this has been satisfactory, but details are not available for publication
The Western Fuel Company has been engaged in opening a new shaft — the Reserve
shaft — which will develop a new and very extensive seam of coal. Two shafts, each In x 26
inside of timbers and 350 feet apart, are being sunk ; no expense or trouble which would tend
to increase the safety or economy of future work is being spared in opening up this new
colliery — a policy for which the present management has already acquired an enviable
reputation.
The Pacific Coast Coal Mines, Limited, has continued the development of its Suquaah
Colliery, and has this year mined about 4,500 tons of coal
3 Geo. 5 Coal-mining. K 251
INSPECTION OF COAL-MINES, 1912.
VANCOUVER ISLAND AND COAST DISTRICT.
This district, comprising as it does, the coalfields of Vancouver Island and the Coast, as
well as those of the Nicola and Similkameen valleys, has been subdivided, for inspection
purposes, into three Inspection Districts, each under the charge of a District Inspector, as
follows : —
NANAIMO INSPECTION DISTRICT.
Thomas Morgan, Inspector (Office, Nanaimo).
The collieries operating and producing coal during the year in this Inspection District,
including the new mines that have been started, were : —
Nanaimo : The Western Fuel Company — No. 1 shaft, Protection shaft, and No. 4 shaft,
Northfield mine, and sinking shafts at Reserve Colliery.
Extension : The Canadian Collieries (Dunsmuir), Limited (formerly the Wellington
Colliery Company) — Nos. 1, 2, and 3 mines, all worked from what is known as the No. 1
tunnel, and No. 4 mine, worked by a shaft.
Pacific Coast Coal Mines, Limited — Fiddick Colliery, South Wellington, Cranberry
District, Nos. 1 and 2 slopes, and the new shafts at the Morden mine.
Vancouver-Nanaimo Coal Mining Company, Limited — New East Wellington Colliery,
Mountain District, Nanaimo, No. 1 slope.
COMOX INSPECTION DISTRICT.
John Newton, Inspector (Office, Nanaimo).
The collieries operating and producing coal during the year in this Inspection District,
including the new mines that have been started, were : —
Cumberland : The Canadian Collieries (Dunsmuir), Limited — Nos. 4 and 7 slopes, and
Nos. 5 and 6 shafts, and two new shafts at No. 8.
Pacific Coast Coal Mines, Limited, Suquash Colliery, Nos. 1 and 2 slopes, and shaft.
NICOLA-PRINCETON INSPECTION DISTRICT.
Robert Strachan, Inspector (Office, Merritt).
The collieries operating during the year in this Inspection District, including the new
mines, that have been started, were : —
Nicola Valley : The Middlesboro Colliery of the Nicola Valley Coal and Coke Company,
Merritt — Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 mines.
Inland Coal and Coke Syndicate, Merritt — One shaft and slopes.
Diamond Vale Colliery Company, Merritt — No. 3 mine.
Pacific Coast Colliery Company, Merritt — No. 1 slope and No. 1 shaft, adjoining the
Middlesboro Colliery.
K 252
Report of the Minister of Mines.
1913
Princeton : Princeton Coal and Land (' pany s Princeton Colliery.
United Empire Mining Company — One adit tunnel.
Coalmont : Columbia Coal and Coke Company, Limited developing only.
I'lie headquarters of the Inspectors of both the Nanaimo and Comox Inspection Districts
i-. at Nanaimo, which permits of one of the Inspectors being constantly at headquarters while
the other is making inspections ; it also permits of the shifting of inspection duties bo that
each Inspector knows both districts.
NANAIMO INSPECTION DISTRICT.
Report op Thom\s Morgan, Inspector.
1 have the honour to herewith submit my annual report for the collieries in my Inspection
District for the year ending o 1 st December. l'.Ui', together with a list of all accident-- and the
colliery returns.
The Western Fuel Company.
Head Office — San Francisco, Cal.
Capital. $1,500,000.
Officers.
John L. Howard, President or Chairman,
Jas. B. Smith, Vice-President or Vice-Chairman,
D. C. Norcross, Secretary,
Joseph L. Schmidt, Treasurer,
Thomas R. Stockett, General Manager.
Thomas McGuckie, Mine Manager,
The above company has operated the following collieries at Nanaimo during the past
year, viz.: No. 1 or Esplanade shaft, Nanaimo; Protection Island mine. No. 4 Northfield
mine, and the Douglas slope.
The following returns shou the combined output of all the company's mines for the past
year :—
Returns from Western Fuel Company's Mines for Year 1912.
Address.
San Francisco, Cal.
San Francisco, Cal.
San Francisco, Cal.
San Francisco, Cal
Nanaimo, B.C.
Nanaimo, C.C.
Sales and Output for Year.
1 "AI..
Coke.
(Tons of 2,240 lb.)
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
a export to United States
241,331
177,933
92,846
512,110
• 687
6S.t -"
580,797
5,411
1.411
4,000
576,797
3 Geo. 5
Coal-mining.
K 253
Number of Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc.
Underground.
Above Ground.
Totals.
Character of Labour.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
WTage.
Supervision and clerical assistance ....
25
435
29
451
79
52
22
47
435
29
473
161
75
Miners' helpers
22
82
23
Mechanics and skilled labour .
131
131
Indians
1,071
280
1.351
No. 1 Shaft, Esplanade, Nanaimo.
Thomas McGuckie, Manager ; John Hunt, Overman.
No. 1 shaft mine of the Western Fuel Company is located on the south end of the
Esplanade, in the city of Nanaimo. It has been in operation for thirty years past, and has
many years of productive capacity ahead. The present operations are at a depth of 600 to
1,200 feet below the surface, with a large portion of the workings under the sea. The
hoisting-shaft is 18 feet in diameter and 640 feet deep, with an air-shaft 13 feet in diameter
and the same depth. There is also a hoisting and ventilating shaft located on Protection
island which has a depth of 650 feet, and also a hoisting and ventilating shaft on Newcastle
island, 347 feet deep. Both of these shafts are connected with and are part of No. 1 mine.
Mining is being carried on in both the Newcastle and Douglas seams.
The company has one of the most modern rescue-stations on the Pacific slope, fully
equipped with apparatus ; during the year sixty-three certificates of competency have been
issued.
Rescue Apparatus on Hand. — Four 2-hour Draeger apparatus, four 2-hour Proto apparatus.
three 1-hour apparatus, twelve storage-tanks, one oxygen stretcher. In addition to this, the
Government has stored in the company's station four 2-hour Draeger apparatus fitted up with
1912 type helmet, four J -hour Draeger apparatus fitted up with 1912 type helmet, pulmotor,
oxygen-tanks, electric lamps, and a fully equipped rescue device.
A contract has been let by the Government, for the construction of a new rescue-station,
which, when completed, will be the most modern and up-to-date rescue-station on the
Pacific slope.
Newcastle Seam. — This seam is operated from No. 1 North level and is penetrated at
three different points — namely, Nob. 1, 2, and 3 slopes. These slopes are sunk to a length of
3,000 feet and cover a large underground area.
Xiis. 2 and 3 slopes are connected with one another, and No. 1 will be connected within
two months, making one continuous face. No. 2 slope alone has over one mile of working-
face, reaching from what is called the upper portion of the Big Incline section, below Protection
shaft. Half of the output from these slopes comes from No. 2 slope. The coal varies from 3
to 3i feet in thickness and is of a very hard nature.
K. 254 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
This seam is worked on the long-wall system ; mining-machines of the " pick quick " (or
Bar machine) and puncher types are used and are well adapted to this scam. The Bar
machine alone undercuts from 300 to 370 lineal feet, 6 feet deep in the eight hours. The
haulage is done by electric motors of the trolley type.
During the year the ventilation system of the north side has been greatly improved. The
main haulage being entirely on the intake air. The ventilation in the long-wall workings has
been greatly improved by driving an upcast shaft through tin- rock to the I' team,
which greatly reduces the "drag " on the air.
Protection Shaft.
This shaft is used for lowering and hoisting all the men working on the north side of the
No. 1 mine. A 2,500 cubic feet of air a minute compressor is installed for the purpose of
supplying air for the cutting-machines and winches. The air is conveyed by a 7-inch air-line
connecting with one of the same size from No. 1 shaft, making a complete circuit, so that if
anything goes wrong with one compressor the mine does not suffer to any extent.
Pillars are being extracted in this mine for the purpose of supplying fuel for generating
power for the machinery on the surface.
The ventilation of the mine is produced by a Guibal rope-driven force-fan, running se\ enty-
t wo revolutions a minute and producing 90,000 cubic feet of air a minute, with a 1^-inch
water-gauge ; size of fan, 9 x 18 feet, using 100 horse-power.
There is also an emergency exhaust-fan situated at the Newcastle shaft, in ease of
accident ; this fan is always ready for use.
On my last inspection there was 70,000 cubic feet of air passing into this No. 1 level,
divided into three splits.
No. 1 Slope. — There was 14,000 cubic feet of air a minute passing in this slope for the
use of fifty-six men and six mules, or an average of nearly 190 cubic feet of air for each unit
employed. No explosive gas found. The timbering and roadways were in good order.
Xo. 2 Slope. — There was 30,000 cubic feet of air a minute passing into this slope, di\ ided
into two splits.
North Side Split. — There was 12,000 cubic feet of air a minute passing into this split for
the use of fifty men and eight mules, or an average of 162 cubic feet of air a minute for each
unit employ ed.
South Side Split. — There was 12,250 cubic feet of air a minute passing into this split for
the use of fifty men and seven mules, or an average of 172 cubic feet of air for each unit
employed. No explosive gas found in this slope. The timbering and roadways were in
good order.
.V... •-' Slope. — There was 15,000 cubic feet of air a minute passing into this slope for the
use of thirty-seven men and six mules, or an average of 272 cubic feet of air for each unit
employed. Xo explosive gas found. The timbering and roadways wire in good order.
Douglas Seam.
The workings on the Douglas seam forms the deepest workings of the No. 1 mine, and
is reached by the Main and Diagonal slopes operated by main-and-tail ami endless-rope
systems.
During the past year the main and tail haulage was extended east a distance of 2.000
feet, and a new haulage-way is under construction to further extend this .system northward to
the Main slope, which will greatly increase the productive capacity of the south side and
enable the present Diagonal slope to be used as the main return airway of the south side.
3 Geo. 5
Coal-mining.
K 255
The portion of the main return airway paralleling the Main slope is being retimbered
with steel "timbers" made of 56-lb. rails. If the experiment is successful, it will be continued
so as to take in all the main air-courses.
On the surface, a second Sirocco fan has been installed and is used alternately with the
original Sirocco fan ; both are kept under steam so as to be ready for any emergency. These fans
are 90 inches in diameter, of the double type, and are in every way modernly equipped for efficient
work. The Protection head-frame was renewed by an entire new structure during the year.
This mine worked 301 days during the year, producing 434,522 tons, all of which was
produced on the single-shift system of operating. Approximately 43 per cent, of the produc-
tion was from the Douglas seam and 57 per cent, from the Newcastle seam.
The ventilation of this slope is produced by a Sirocco fan, rope-driven, ratio 3A to 1, size
90 inches, running 250 revolutions, producing 195,000 cubic feet of air a minute, with a
4-inch water-gauge ; 225 horse-power.
When I made my last inspection there was 70,000 cubic feet of air a minute passing
down the Diagonal slope, divided into three splits.
No. 1 Split. — There was 13,000 cubic feet of air a minute passing into this split for the
use of twenty-five men and five horses, or an average of 325 cubic feet of air for the use of
each unit employed. No explosive gas found. The timbering and roadways were in good order.
No. 2 Split. — There was 13,000 cubic feet of air a minute passing into this split for the
use of thirty -seven men and five horses, or an average of 251 cubic feet of air a minute for
each unit employed. No explosive gas found. The timbering and roadways were in good order.
No. 3 Split. — There was 15,000 cubic feet of air a minute passing into this split for the
use of fifty-seven men and twelve horses, or an average of 161 cubic feet of air for each unit
employed. No explosive gas was found. The timbering and roadways were in good condition.
Certificated Officials, No. 1 Shaft. — T. McGuckie, manager ; J. Hunt and T. Jackson,
overmen ; R. Adam, J. Stubbard, E. Courtenay, J. Weeks, W. Johnson, T. Miles, R. W. Morton,
E. Frances, W. Neave, J. Graham, J. Hamilton, and G. Bradshaw, firemen ; J. Perry, J. Reid,
J. Price, M. Woodburn, J. W. Jemson, D. John, J. Wallbank, and F. Green, shotlighters.
The following are the official returns from the No. 1 shaft and Protection Island collieries
for the year 1912 : —
Sales and Optput for Year.
Coal.
Coke.
(Tons of 2,240 lt>.)
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Sold for consumption in Canada
224,5X9
100,399
73,380
398,374
39,728
39,728
4,941
1,3I>1
438, 102
3,580
434,522
K 256
Report of the Minister oe Mines.
1913
Number of Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc.
Underground.
Above Ground.
Totals.
Character of Labour.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Dailj
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
A\ .-i . I'.'''
Dailj
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
Supervision and clerical assistance
15
262
24
305
63
38
$
3.30 - 7.00
2.86
2.86 - 3.30
2.86 - 3.57
1.10 - 2.45
13
9
28
262
24
320
121
55
.-
15
58
17
2.75
3.IK) - 4.50
.50 - 1.65
Boys
S3
1.50 ■ 1.S8
83
707
186
803
Mine worked 301 days during the year.
NoRTHFIELD MlNE, NaNAIMO CoLLIERV.
J. \Y. Montgomery, Manager.
Thus. Reid, Overman; Wm. Roper, John Sullivan, Thos. Parkinson, George Farrow, Robert
Russell, Jack White, Archie Mc Broom, -'as. Richard, anil Ld. Devlin,
Firemen and Shotlighters.
This mine has worked continuously during the year and is an importanl producer, as
shown by the returns. The workings are in the Upper and Lower rims, and have good coal
all over. The travelling road into the mine is by a slope from the surface, with an easy gradi .
which is lighted nearly all the way down by electricity, as is also the slope. The hoisting i~
done through a shaft 60 feet deep, from the bottom of which a slope extends aboul a mile.
passing under Exit passage and Newcastle island, to where the coal is being mined. Tin al
is hauled up the slope by an endless-rope system to the shaft bottom, where LI is hoisted to
the surface; the workings of this slope are designated Etightor Left levels; to the righ< of the
slope there were Xos. 2 and 3 levels, lint now there is only No. •">. as No. L' level is finished :
to the left, where there were Nds. •">, 1. 5, and (i levels, now there are only Nos. ■'•. I. and o ;
these are all working at the present time. The mining in this Lower seam is all long-wall,
and it also is in the top Upper seam. The coal is from 30 to Id inches thick in the Lower
seam and from 5 to 7 feet thick in the Upper seam, and is of very g I quality. < >n my visit
to the mine on December 2nd and 3rd, I found the conditions good, well timbered, and cogged.
For the use of fifty live men and five mules in No. 3 Right level, there was 11.500 cubic
of air a minute ; for the use of fifty two men and live mules in No. 3 1 1 1 1 level, there was
10,000 cubic feet a minute; for the use of sixty-eighl men and eight mules in Nos. i and 5
Left levels, there was 13,000 cubic hit a minute ; for the use of seventeen men and two nudes
in the Top seam, there was 5,000 cubic feel a minute. Total air around the workings was
:;'.!, .".()() culiie feet a minute; total air at the fan shaft in the return was 60,000 cubic feet a
minute, leaving 20,500 cubic hit for leakage through doors, stoppings, and old worku
Fan makes lln revolutions a minute, with a 2-inch water-gauge.
3 Geo. 5
Coal-mining.
K 257
The following are the official returns of the Northfield Colliery for the year ending the
31st December, 1912 :—
Sales and Output for Year.
Coal.
Coke.
(Tons of 2,240 tt>. )
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
16,694
77,534
19,397
113,625
28,323
28,323
470
50
141,948
420
Output of colliery for year
141,528
Number of Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc.
Underground.
Above Ground.
Totals.
Character of Labour.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed .
8
Average
Daily-
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
Whites — Miners
8
156
5
141
16
14
$
16
156
5
147
36
20
$
3 30 - 5.50
2.86
2.86 - 3.30
2.86 - 3.57
1.1(1 - 2.20
6
20
6
2.75
3.00 - 4.00
1.00 - 2.25
Mechanics and skilled labour ....
Boys
38
1.50 - 1.88
38
Totals
340
78
418
Mine worked 300 days in the year.
Douglas Mine of the Western Fuel Company.
George Bradshaw, Manager ; John White, Fireman.
This mine is a slope-opening in the Newcastle seam, and is located on Chase river, just
south of the city of Nanaimo. It was started March 1st, 1911. This slope was down 1,700
feet, and the counter-slope was down 1,G00 feet; size of the slope is 11 x 6 feet, and the
counter-slope is the same. Motive power for ventilation is a fire-grate, but a fan of the
Sirocco type has been installed, and is ready to start at any moment if necessary. The roof
in this slope is good hard rock. The slopes are well timbered from the top to the bottom
with sets. For the use of nine men, there was 11,760 cubic feet of air a minute going down
the slope at the time of my inspection.
IT
K 258
Report of the Minister of Mixes.
1913
The mine was worked in a small way during the first four months of the year, when it
was temporarily abandoned.
The following are the official returns from the Douglas mil f the Western Fuel
Company for the year 1912 : —
Sales am> Output: fob Year.
Coal. 1 Iokje.
(Tons of 2,240 1b.)
Tons.
Tons. Tons.
Tons.
18
63
in
036
636
747
^ taken from ) °J
747
Number of Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc.
Underground.
Abo\ i: Ground.
Totals.
Character of Laboi k.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
Nil era-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wag',-.
17
$
1
$
3
17
4 50
5
2.86- 3 30
1
4
3.00-4.00
i
10
1.50
10
24
115
40
Mine worked seventy-six days during January, February, and March, and during April
was temporarily abandoned.
I! ESEE\ i: Mink.
This is a new shaft mine being opened by the Western Fuel Company in the Cranberry
District near the centre of a 2,500-acre virgin coalfield in Nanaimo and Cranberry Districts,
the main shaft being Located about 1,700 feet east of Nanaimo river.
The first sod was turned in duly. L910. The mine is being opened by two shafts (Main
and Auxiliary), which are to be Sunk to the Douglas seam, a depth of approximately I." )< >< >
feet. The shafts are •">">n feel apart and are rectangular in shape, each being 1" \ 26 I
3 Geo. 5 Coal-mining. K 259
inside of timbers, and divided into three compartments, two hoisting and an air compartment
10 x 10 feet. On December 31st, 1912, the Main shaft was down 820 feet and the Auxiliary
shaft was down 528 feet ; if nothing interferes, it is expected the coal will be struck in the
Main shaft early in March, 1913.
Both shafts are being equipped on the most modern and approved system and are being
sunk with the latest appliances, the shafts being lighted with electric lights and ventilated
with small exhaust Sirocco fans direct-driven with upright engines. The temporary hoisting-
engines have been replaced by modern hoisting-engines of Scotch make, equipped with Corliss
valves and all the latest improvements for controlling the hoisting and preventing overwinding.
The engine at the Main shaft has cylinders 30 x 60 inches and two drums 14 feet in diameter ;
the engine at the Auxiliary shaft has cylinders 24 x 54 inches, with two drums 12 feet in
diameter. Both engines are set in heavy concrete foundations and are enclosed in substantial
and well-lighted iron-clad houses. The power-house contains a Canadian Rand compressor of
2,500 cubic feet capacity, and provision has been made for a duplicate compressor when
required. Two electric-lighting plants have also been installed, one of the steam-turbine type.
The boiler-house contains two 84-inch x 16-foot return-tubular boilers of British Columbia
manufacture, and provision has been made for installing four additional boilers of same type,
two of which will be installed during March.
The machine and blacksmith shop has been equipped with modern tools, and also a drill-
sharpener for sharpening the drills used in shaft-sinking.
An office and supply building has been erected, and later on a safety-lamp building will
be erected. In addition to these buildings, there is a wash-house equipped with hot- and cold-
water baths and showers and a dry-room and change-room for the use of the shaft-sinkers.
Provision has been made for the installation of a double 90-inch Sirocco fan, the fan being
now en route, and will be ready for use before the two shafts are connected underground.
The permanent head-frames for both shafts and the tipple building, with yard-tracks,
will be erected during the early spring and summer.
The railway connecting this mine with the shipping wharves of the company on Nanaimo
harbour is completed up Nanaimo river, at which point a two-span Howe-truss bridge is being
erected and will be ready for use early in February.
Both the surface and underground plans call for equipping and developing the mine on
the most modern lines, and with an ultimate capacity of 1,500 to 2,000 tons a day. It is
expected the production will be from 500 to 1,000 tons a day by the end of 1913, and the
maximum capacity will .be reached during 1914.
K 260
Report of the Minister of Mines.
1913
Canadian Collieries (Dunsmuir), Ltd.
Head Office — Victoria, B.C.
Capital, $15,000,000.
Officers.
Sir William Mackenzie, President,
A. D. McRae, Vice-President,
R. P. Ormsby, Secretary,
A. J. Mitchell, Treasurer,
C. F. Compton, Asst. Secretary,
W. L. Coulson, General Manager,
Address.
Toronto, Ont.
Vancouver, B.C.
Toronto, Ont.
I'm onto, Ont.
Victoria, B.C.
Victoria, B.C.
The Canadian Collieries (Dunsmuir), Limited, during the year L911 acquired all the
holdings of the Wellington Collieries Company, Limited, and has been operating the following
mines during the past two years under the general management of W. L. Coulson : —
The Extension Colliery, in the Cranberry District (Extension); J. H. Cunningham,
manager.
The Union Colliery, in Comox District; R. Henderson, J. H. McMillan, T. A. Spruston,
managers at the several mines.
Note. — This latter colliery is in the Inspection District of Inspector Newton, in whose
report will be found a description of the property and the details of production.
The following table shows the combined output of all this company's collieries during the
past year : —
Returns prom Canadian Collieries Mines foe Year 1912.
Sales and Cttpct for Year.
Coal.
Coke.
(Tons of 2,240 ft.)
Tons.
Tuns.
Tons.
Tons.
426,493
102,818
15,311
4,266
544,622
4,266
164,854
.VI. 174
219,028
24,953
2,872
763,650
6.636
2,370
22,081
4,266
741,569
Nil.
3 Geo. 5
Coal-mining.
K 261
Number op Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc.
Underground.
Above Ground.
Totals.
Character of Labour.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
47
22
69
680
319
209
193
76
55
62
85
331
2,079
680
319
Miners' helpers
149
140
17
Boys 59
Japanese miners | 55
16
85
137
Totals
194
538
1.541
EXTENSION COLLIERY.
J. H. Cunningham, Manager.
The general supervision of all the mines of this colliery are entrusted to J. H. Cunningham,
who has an overman in charge of each separate mine.
No. 1 or Tunnel Mine.
Robert Bonar, Overman ; Evan John, Wra, Gilchrist, John Davidson,
David Morrison, and James Strang, Firemen and Shotlighters.
Most of the mining done at this colliery is "pillar and stall " and the extraction of pillars.
There is a little long- wall work in the 1st level, left of the slope, the work being all to the dip
of the tunnel level. There are three levels to the right and to the left of the slope. I may
say that I visited this mine every month and found all in good order, well timbered and
cogged, and the ventilation good. This mine has not been worked since September 18th last,
owing to labour trouble, but the firemen are in the mine all the time, and the fan is kept going
right along. On my last inspection, when the men were in the mine, in September, there was
15,000 cubic feet of air a minute going through the district for the use of forty-five men and
four mules ; on December 18th there was 12,250 cubic feet going through to keep them clear ;
the total air at the fan-shaft was 22,000 cubic feet, with a water-gauge of f inch.
No. 2 Mine, Extension.
Wm. James, Overman ; Hugh Fulton, David Davidson, Arthur Smith, Harry Mitchell,
Samuel McLochlan, Wm. Simpson, Wm. Clifford, David Gordon, Wm. Bradley,
Thos. Strang, Wm. Cosier, and James Nimmo, Firemen and Shotlighters.
No. 1 District, or Old Slope. — This mine is entered by a rock tunnel about a mile long.
There are two slopes in this mine sunk from the motor-road, by which the coal is gathered
together to make a trip for the motor to take out of the tunnel to the tipple. The Old No. 2
slope comes out on the hill above the tunnel, and the men and mules can go out that way if
K 262 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
necessary. The ventilating-fan is on the hill near the slope over this airway. This No. 2
slope goes down past the inside end of the tunnel to the basin of the coalfield from which the
coal is being taken. The mining is done by pillar and stall and by extraction of pillars; there
was also a little long-wall done in the mine when it was working, but the mine has not worked
since September 18th ; a few men are working in No. 2 West level, oft" the Old slope, to take
some coal out to feed the boilers for running the fan. On my visit to this mine on December
1 7th, there was 8,400 cubic feet of air a minute for the use i if eight nun and one mule in No. 2
West level ; at the mouth of the Old slope there was 16,000 cubic feet a minute K°i')g down :
on the left side of the Old slope there was 14,000 cubic feet a minute goini; through to keep the
mine clear. No work was going on.
No. .3 District of No. 2 Mine, or No. 4 Motor Level, East District. — It is nearly all pillar-
and-stall work in this district, with a little narrow work up No. 21 incline ; all the balanoe is
long-wall. At present there is no work going on here, but the air is kept circulating around
the workings. On December 17th there was 14,000 cubic feet a minute goint,' through the
district; the total air at the fan-shaft was 80,000 cubic feet, with a 2-inch water-gauge.
No. 3 Mine, Extension.
David McKinnel, Overman; Jamas Glen, John Boss, Wm. Bauld, James Nelson,
George Smith, John Barclay, Dan Campbell, ami Pat Malone,
Firemen and Shotlighters.
This mine is the continuation of No. 4 West level from the rock tunnel. The method of
working in the mine is the pillar and stall and the extraction of pillars. All working to the
rise of No. 4 level is extraction of pillars. There is a lot of pillar coal in this district, and
the coal varies in thickness from about 5 to 12 feet. There are two connections upwards from
this mine to the surface, from No 4 North level. The Old slope goes right through to tin-
surface and is the airway to the fan. The ventilation was good all through the district. For
the use of twenty-five men and three horses, there was 1(5,000 cubic feet a minute going
through the High Line district ; there was 14,000 cubic feet a minute circulating for the use
of forty-five men and six mules in the Slope district when the mine was working in September,
but the mine has not worked since September 18th owing to labour trouble. The total air at
the fan shaft was ")7,000 cubic feet, with a water-gauge of 1 :,! inches.
No. 4 Mine, Extension.
Thos. Mills, Overman : John McMurtrie, Tom Mordy, Wm. Reid, James Glenn,
and 1 >an Fagan, Firemen and Shotlighters.
This mine has not been working since August 1st. when the company closed the mine
down for some reason. The hoisting shaft is down 290 feet ; it used to be both downcast and
upcast, but the upcast shaft has been finished and the fan moved to that shaft, which is now
used for the upcast : it is 290 feet deep and is S \ l(i feet. This mine i- about one and one-half
miles to the south from the Extension tunnel. It was extended quite a bit during the year,
and was kept in good order all through. On my %isit to the mine on August 1st. I found the
workings in g 1 order, well timbered all through, and the ventilation good. Pol the use of
thirty-four men and three mules on the east side, then' was 12,000 cubic feet a minute; for
the use of twenty-four men and one mule on the west side, there was 14,000 cubic feet a
minute : for the slope, not working, there was 13,750 cubic feet a minute.
3 Geo. 5
Coal-mining.
K 263
The following are the official returns of the Extension Colliery for the year ending the
31st December, 1912 :—
Sales and Output foe Ykar.
Coal.
Coke.
(Tons of 2,240 lb. )
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
.Sold for consumption in Canada
/> export to United States
157,473
45,141
202,614
.50.608
13,918
64,526
267,140
Stocks on hand first of year
1,465
91
1,374
265,766
Number of Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc.
Character of Labour.
Supervision and clerical assistance ....
Whites — Miners
Miners' helpers
Labourers
Mechanics and skilled labour.
Boys
Japanese
Chinese
Indians
Underground.
No em-
ployed.
4
375
258
15
38
Totals.
698
Average
Daily
Wage.
4.00 - 6.00
3.50 - 5.00
2.75 - 3.30
2.75 - 3.02
1.10 - 2 20
1.60 • 1.65
Above Ground.
Totals.
No. em-
ployed.
14
/
48
5
4
86
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
3.50 ■ 6.00
164
2.75 - 3.02
2.75 - 4 40
1.10 - 2.20
1.50
1.35 - 1.75
18
375
258
63
43
4
94
Average
Daily
Wage.
862
Name of seams or pits — Wellington, Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Description of seams, tunnels, levels, shafts, etc., and number of same— One tunnel connecting
Nos. 1, 2, and 3 mines : No. 4 shaft situated one mile south of the tunnel.
Pacific Coast Coal Mines, Limited.
Bead Office— Victoria, B.C.
Capital, §2,000,000.
Officers.
C. C. Michener, President,
Luther D. Wishart, Vice-President,
J. F. Mosby, Secretary,
G. R. Hughes, Treasurer,
George Wilkinson, Superintendent,
Value of plant, $424,226.
Address.
Victoria, B.C.
New York.
Victoria, B.C.
Victoria, B.C.
Nanaimo, B.C.
K 264
Report of the Minister of Mines.
1913
This is a recently organized company and includes in its holdings the Fiddick Colliery of
the former South Wellington Mines, Limited, and certain property at Suquasb, on the east
coast of Vancouver Island, near Malcolm island, where the company lias, within the past two
years, opened up a new colliery, which is now producing coal. The output of coal made by
the company from these two collieries combined during the year 1912 is shown in the following
table : —
Sales and Output for Year.
Coal.
Coke.
(Tons of 2,240 It).)
Tons.
Tons.
Tens.
Tons.
111,504
6,992
118,496
li.STli
17,384
24,263
142,759
33,185
42,01.3
„ last of year
Difference added to stock during year
8,830
151,589
Number of Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc.
Underground.
Above Ground.
Totals.
Character of Labour.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily Wage.
No. era-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
Supervision and clerical assistance .
12
112
45
43
30
9
t
19
112
45
60
66
13
17
36
4
50
50
Totals
251
114
365
FIDDICK CoLLIEKY. SOUTH WELLINGTON.
George Wilkinson, General Manager; Harry Devlin. Mine Manager.
South Wellington Mine, Nos. 1 and - Slopes.
This mine is situated about four miles south of Nanaimo, in Cranberry District, and is
worked from two slopes. No. 1 on the Fiddick Estate and No. 2 on the Richardson Estate.
No. 1 slope is now down 2,550 feet and No. 2 slope about 1,300 feet. Coal is being mined in
No. 1 slope from Nos. 2 and 3 North levels, and from Nos. 1 and 2 South levels and No. 2
North.
3 Geo. 5
Coal-mining.
K 265
The method of working is pillar and stall, but in some places where the coal is thin it i^
mined on the long-wall system. The coal averages from 3 feet to 28 feet in thickness. The
ventilation is produced by a Sheldon single entry reversible fan 9i feet in diameter, driven by
a 9i x 14 steam-engine, direct-connected, and is capable of producing 85,000 cubic feet of air
a minute, with a lj-inch water-gauge.
The coal is hauled from the two slopes by a double-drum, friction haulage-engine. The
slopes are electric-lighted, with a 16-candle power lamp every 25 feet. The coal from the two
slopes is emptied into the same tipple, which is capable of handling 1,500 tons a day. The cars
are dumped by a Phillips crossover dump. The tracks are so arranged that handling of the
cars are nearly automatic, requiring very little labour. The power for the mine is generated
by three 100-horse-power return-tubular boilers.
The power-house contains one Canadian Rand straight-line air-compressor, capacity 480
cubic feet of air a minute ; one Norwalk air-compressor, simple steam compound, with
a capacity of 707 cubic feet of air a minute ; the first unit of a cross-compound Rand
air-compressor, total capacity 21,000, present capacity 850 cubic feet a minute. These
compressors furnish power for winches and pumps underground. The power-house also
contains an electric unit, a 50-kw. generator A.C., with 25 horse-power D.C. exciter attached ;
these are driven by a steam-engine 9x16 inches.
In connection with the mine there is a large stable with accommodation for thirty horses ;
all the horses are brought out of the mine at the end of each shift.
At the mine there are fifteen dwelling-houses and a boarding-house, also offices, a store
and supply-house. In connection with the mine there is seven miles of standard-gauge rail-
road by which the coal is conveyed to Boat harbour, the shipping point. Two locomotives and
thirty Hart-Otis 40-ton capacity and twenty-five hopper-bottomed 30-ton capacity cars are in
use. At Boat harbour bunkers of 4,000 tons capacity are erected. The loading is done with
a rubber coaveyor-belt with a capacity of 750 tons an hour.
The following are the official returns of the Fiddick Colliery for the year ending the 31st
December, 1912: —
Sales and Oitput for Year.
Coal.
Coke.
(Tons of 2,240 1b.)
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Sulci for consumption in Canada
108,479
6,991
Total sales
■
115,470
Lost in washing
6,879
16,699
23,578
33,185
41,234
Stocks on hand first of year
» last of year
Difference added to stock during the year
139,048
8,049
147,097
K 266
Report of the Minister of Mines.
I9i:s
Number of Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc.
Underground.
Above Ground.
Totals.
Character ok Labour.
No. em-
ployed.
A\ erage.
Daily
\\ age.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
Supervision and clerical assistance
10
102
$
5
$
IS
102
*
3.30 - 6.00
3.30 - 6.00
Labourers
■"Mechanics and skilled labour. . . .
Boys
41
30
9
2.25 - 2.85
2. 85 - 3.30
1.25 - 2.25
19
4
2.75-3.60
1.00
41
49
13
2.25 - 2.85
2.75 - 3.6d
1.00 - 2.25
40
1.50 - 1.7.5
40
1.50 - 1.75
68
Totals . .
192
21 id
*Note. — Skilled labour underground includes timbermen, trackmen, bratticemen, pumpmen, pipemen :
above ground, machinists, blacksmiths, engineers, railroad train crew, washery and loading stall', lampnim,
stablemen: supervision and clerical assistance includes mine manager, overmen, firebosses, shotlightei
and clerical staff; labourers includes drivers, pushers, rope-riders, etc.
Name of seams or pits — Douglas seam ; No. 1 slope (Fiddiek) ; X». 2 slope (Richardson).
I >escription of seams, tunnels, levels, shafts, etc., and number of same — Two slopes, two levels,
and one shaft 10 x 12, making five outlets to surface. Coal has been mined this year in
No. 1 slope from Nos. 3 and 4 West levels, Nos. 1, 2, and 3 North levels, and Xos. 1 and
2 South levels. The coal averages from 3 to 28 feet in thickness. Coal has been mined
this year in No. 2 slope from Xos. 4, 5, and (i [South levels and from No. '-' North level.
Description and length of tramway, plant, etc. — At this mine the plant consists of three return-
tubular boilers, 100 horse-power each: three air-compressors (1 Canadian Hand, capacity
500 cubic feet a minute; one Norwalk, 707 cubic feet a minute; the first unit of a
Canadian Rand cross-compound, SOU feet a minute) : one 50-kw. A.C. generator, with
2:i-h"rse-] lower l>.C. exciter attached, and '.) x 11 steam engine for driving same; two
Fairbanks-Morse pumps for supplying water to boilers, 7 x 5 12 duplex: Cockrane
teed water beater and purifier; one thoroughly equipped tipple, Capacity 1 ,51 10 Ton-, a day:
one thoroughly equipped machine-shop : double drum hoist ing engine for hauling coal from
slopes, 200-horse-power ; one Sheldon fan capable of producing 85,000 feet of air. with
1.1 inches of water-gauge; one mine-rescue station containing two 2 hour apparatus and
"no |-hour apparatus, with necessary sup] 'lies and equipment for recharging. Under
ground plant consists of two winches 6| \ 8, two 5 x 7, one 5 x 8, anil one 'J x 11 inches.
Pumps, one 300-gallon electric-turbine pump: one liOU-gallon Cameron piston-pump: two
Fairbanks-Morse pumps, duplex, one 5] x .'>.' x 5 and one 7 x 5 x 7 : and three small
duplex pumps, one 3x2x5 and two t \ 3 x (i : 250 mine-ears, and approximately ten
miles of narrow-gauge track in mine.
3 Geo. 5 Coalmining. K 267
MORDEN COLLIERY, SOUTH WELLINGTON.
Morden Mine, Nos. 3 and 4 Shafts.
Joseph Foy, Overman,
This is a new mine being opened up by the same company on Section 11, Range 8,
Cranberry District, two miles east of South Wellington. Two shafts are being sunk, the
main shaft 9 x 16 and the air-shaft 9x12 on the clear; these shafts were started in March.
The hoisting-shaft is now down about 550 feet and the air-shaft about 450 feet. Coal is
expected to be reached by the end of the year. The shafts are timbered solid with 6x12
sized lumber, with 10 x 12 bearing sets; buntons are put in with 6-foot centres. The
hoisting is accomplished by buckets of 1-ton capacity. Doors are used in the shaft which
automatically close after the loaded bucket passes through, so that nothing can fall down the
shaft. After the bucket reaches the surface it is swung clear of the shaft by the bull chain
and dumped down a chute into the railroad-cars.
Canadian Rand rock-drills are used for drilling, " Little Giants " 3 \ cylinders and
"New Shippers" 3^ cylinders. Power is furnished for these by an Ingersoll straight-line
compressor.
Steam is furnished by two 100-horse-power return-tubular boilers. The hoisting is done
by two engines, one 16 x 32 direct-acting, with 5-foot drum ; the other a 10 x 18 geared hoist,
4-foot drum.
The plant is electric-lighted and cluster lights are suspended in the shaft just above the
sinkers, which makes ideal conditions. The blasting is done by electricity, primers being used.
The shots are fired from the power-house after all men are out of the shafts.
This mine will be equipped with the most modern machinery, to handle an output of 1,500
tons a day of nine hours.
No. 1 Mine of P.C.C.
H. Devlin, Manager ; J. Ovington, Overman ; A. Manifold, M. Stafford, and
R. Rallison, Firemen.
The company has built a small rescue-station with a fully equipped rescue apparatus
consisting of four 2-hour Draeger oxygen apparatus, and has a fully trained staff of workmen
ready in case of an emergency. The ventilation is produced by a reversible Sheldon fan
making 150 revolutions a minute, with a |-inch water-gauge, producing 50,000 cubic feet of
air a minute.
When I made my last examination there was 27,000 cubic feet of air a minute passing
into this mine, divided into two splits.
No. 1 Split. — There was 9,000 cubic feet of air a minute passing into this section of the
mine for the use of eighteen men and one horse, or an average of nearly 300 cubic feet of air
a minute. Xo explosive gas found in this mine. The timbering and roadways were in good
order.
No. 2 Split. — There was 1 2,000 cubic feet of air a minute passing into this split for the
use of seventeen men and two horses, or an average of 521 cubic feet of air for each unit
employed.
K 2G8
Report of the Minister of Mines.
1913
No. 2 Mine.
J. Neen, J. Black, and F. Hilley, Firemen; G. Moore, and A. Bryden, Shotlighters.
I examined all parts of this mine and found the following conditions : There was 27,500
cubic feet of air a minute passing into this mine for the use of forty-four men and six moles,
or an average of 490 cubic feet for each unit employed. Xo explosive gas found in this mini-.
The timbering and roadways were in good condition.
This mine is only being opened up and no output has yet been made.
Number of Hands km ployed, Daily Wages paid, etc.
Underground.
Above Ground.
Totals.
Character of Labour.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
Supervision and clerical assistance
1
45
$
1
3
2
45
14
15
14
15
10
10
4ti
---
40
Total
86
Description of seams, tunnels, levels, shafts, etc., and numl>er of same — Two shafts in course
of being sunk — hoisting-shaft, 9 x 16 in the clear ; air-shaft 9 x 12 in the clear.
Description and length of tramway, plant, etc. — Two return-tubular boilers, 100 horse-po\v.-r
each; two hoisting-engines for hoisting rock out of shafts: two IngersoU Rand air-
compressors for furnishing air for rock-drills ; live rock-drills; two Cameron sinking
pumps; one boiler-feed pump.
3 Geo. 5 Coal-mining. K 269
The Vaneouver-Nanaimo Coal Mining Co., Ltd.
Head Office — Vancouver, B.C.
Capital, $1,000,000.
Officers. Address.
Alvo. V. Alvensleben, President, 744 Hastings Street, Vancouver, B.C.
H. W. Maynard, Vice-President, 98 Powell Street, Vancouver, B.C.
Willibald Imhoff, Secretary-Treasurer, 744 Hastings Street, Vancouver, B.C.
H. N. Freeman, Superintendent, P.O. Box 283, Nanaimo, B.C.
Value of plant, $500,000.
NEW EAST WELLINGTON COLLIERY.
Harry N. Freeman, Manager ; J. Dixon, Overman ; W. H. Moore, R. Reid, and J. Saunders,
Firebosses ; N. Bevis, J. E, Knowles, J. Bennie, W. Reid, I. Nash, and
J. Nicholson, Shotlighters.
This mine is situated about two miles from Nanaimo and is known as the Old Wellington
seam. The mine is opened from the surface by two slopes running N. 70° E. and pitching
about 35 degrees, and is down a distance of 1,400 feet. At this point two main headings are
turned off N. 65° E., and one up a distance of 1,400 feet. Levels are turned off these headings
every 200 feet, the coal ranging from 4 to 8 feet in thickness.
The stalls in this section are worked on the pillar-and-stall system, with 20-foot stalls and
GO x 1 20-foot pillars. On the north side the coal varies 1 to 4 feet and is worked on the long-
wall system, a very satisfactory method. The coal is of a very hard nature and free from
impurities. All coal is hand-mined ; 30-per-cent. giant powder is used. All shots are fired by
batteries.
The hoisting plant consists of a direct-haulage 10 x 12 Washington hoist. The coal is
screened over a Marcus screen. The power plant consists of two return-tubular boilers, 68
horse-power; anew 100 horse-power boiler is being installed ; a Canadian Rand compressor,
capacity of 750 feet of free air.
This mine is connected by two miles of railway to a shipping point situated on Newcastle
townsite; the railway also connects with the E. & N. Railway.
The coal is dumped into bunkers having a capacity of 1,000 tons, from which it is conveyed
to ships by a self-acting incline.
The ventilation of this mine is produced by a Sheldon fan, 4x9, driven by a 10 x 12
Sheldon engine, producing 30,000 cubic feet of air a minute, with a 2i-inch water-gauge.
When I made my last inspection there was 30,000 cubic feet of air a minute passing into
this mine, divided into two splits.
Ho. 1 Split. — There was 7,500 cubic feet of air a minute passing into this split for the
use of thirty men and one mule, or an average of 237 cubic feet of air for each unit employed.
No. explosive gas found in the mine. The timbering and roadways were in good order.
No. 2 Split. — There was 18,000 cubic feet of air a minute passing into this split fur the
use of fifty men and six mules, or an average of 26 1 cubic feet of air tor each unit employed.
K 270
Report of the Minister of Mines.
1913
The following arc the official returns from the New East "Wellington Colliery for tin-
year 1912:—
Sales and Output for Year.
Coal.
Coke.
(Tons of 2,240 lb.)
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
f.ii, 77o
15,930
.:::::::::
82,700
5,112
5,112
400
841
S7.S1-J
fi last of year
441
88,253
Number of Hands employed, Daily Wares paid, etc.
Underground.
Above Ground.
Totals.
Character of Labour.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
A \ erage
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
Supervision and clerical assistance
8
loo
%
3.57
5.00
5
$
13
100
%
5.00
1
2
2 86
3.30
1.50
50
7
■j
■■ 86
Mechanics ami skilled labour ....
Boys
6
3.50
3.40
1.50
15
1.65 15
1 65
Totals
161
3.25
26
2 . 57
187
2.90
Name of seams or pits — New East Wellington mine. Nanaimo, B.C., working the < Md
Wellington scam.
Description of scams, tunnels, levels, shafts, etc., anil number of same — The mine is entered
by a slope, the bottom of which touches the seam, and from here the workings start.
There are two haulage-roads, one running almost due east and one west from the slope
bottom.
Description and length of tramway, plant, etc. — Tramways run down tin- length of the slope
and iii and about the various crosscuts and haulage-roads in the mine. The mine is
operated hv steam, and there is one small dynamo used for lighting the surface works,
down the slope, and about the vicinity of the slope-bottom. The mine is ventilated
, mechanically.
3 Geo. 5 Coal-mixixg. K 271
Oyster Harbour Collieries (Limited), (N.P.L.).
Some prospecting has been done at Oyster Harbour, about four miles from Ladysmith,
by the side of the E. & N. Railway, by putting down a shaft about 110 feet. It has been
standing about five months and nothing done since. E. P. White was looking after the
sinking.
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF VANCOUVER ISLAND.
Report of John Newton, Inspector.
I beg to submit my report as Inspector of Mines for the Northern District of Vancouver
Island for the year 1912.
Canadian Collieries (Dunsmuir), Ltd.*
These mines were formerly operated by the Wellington Colliery Company, but were taken
over by the Canadian Collieries (Dunsmuir), Limited, in the middle of 1910.
The mines are situate in the Comox District, about sixty miles from Nanaimo. A railway
about twelve miles in length connects the different mines to a shipping point at Union Bay,
over which the whole coal output is conveyed.
Since this company took possession of these mines, a large outlay of capital has been
invested to bring them up to a higher standard of efficiencv.
This company is operating in Cumberland mines known as Nos. 1, 5, 6, and 7, situated
about twelve miles from Union Bay.
A railway operating between these points is nearly all laid with 80-tt). steel rails to meet
the requirements of a heavy rolling stock, consisting of 150 steel cars, each having a capacity
of 50 tons.
A new piece of railway is being constructed, leaving the main line about five miles from
Union Bay, at a point called Roys beach, striking along the beach around to Nos. 7 and *
mines, thereby cutting off the heavy grade. By the construction of this branch road the
company will be able to haul heavier trains, as the grade will be considerably reduced.
The company has, during the past year, made considerable progress in the installation of
their hydro-electric power plant at Puntledge river, which is expected to be in operation about
April 1st, 1913. All the dams are built and nearly all the machinery is on the ground,
transmission-poles are erected from the power-station, and wires strung to the different mines.
When completed, all the power used for operating these mines and railways will be furnished
by electric power.
These mines have been operating continually up to September lGth, 1912, when.
unfortunately, labour troubles arose between the company and the workmen, the miners
(•inning out on strike on that date, and at the present time are still out.
All the mines are being operated at the present with a reduced staff of workmen, only
one shift working.
The company has erected at No. 6 mine a new rescue-station, 40 x 21 feet, with smoke,
dressing and work rooms, while a room for teaching "first aid" is attached. Four 2-hour
Draeger rescue apparatus are on hand, with oxygen-tanks and a fully trained staff of workmen,
in case of emergencies.
*See also page '20i >.
K 272 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
COMOX COLLIERY.
No. 1 Mink.
R. Henderson, Manager: C. Parnham, Overman: H. Sloan, W. James, J. Dando,
A. McLaughlan, W. Jones, 8. Horwood, and T. Bickle, Firemen.
This mine is situated about one and one-half miles from Cumberland and about thirteen
miles from the shipping point. During the present year a new Sullivan fan of the 1912 type
has been installed, which started August 4th, 1912, making 180 revolutions and producing
98,000 cubic feet of air a minute, with .'U -inch water-gauge, driven by direct-coupled engine
18 x 18, generating 130 horse-power and giving 64 per cent, efficiency.
During the year a gob fire started in No. 11 West level, which caused all the sections
west of the Main slope to be sealed off.
Owing to existing conditions in this mine, safety-lamps of the Wolf type' and permitted
explosives have been exclusively used.
The coal-seams are reached by two slopes, Nos. 1 and 2; a direct haulage-system being
in use.
Xn. J Slope.
This slope is down a distance of 7,000 feet, running due north. A diagonal slope of
l.UIIH feet from the entrance of the mine, running X. i5 E., is down a distance of 2,000 feet,
where levels are turned off east and west — Xos. 15, L6, 17. L8, and 19 West levels, and Nos.
16, 17, is. and 19 East levels. Chinamen and Japanese dips are all extracting pillars; the
other levels are worked on the pillar-and-stall system, all in good coal ranging from 5 to 5J
Ei et in thickness, of good hard coal, with a band of rock running through the centre ranging
from 1" to 12 inches in thickness, and having a fairly good clay roof.
The ventilation is produced by a reversible Sullivan fan making 180 revolutions a
minute.
During my inspection in December there was 28,000 cubic feet of air a minute passing
into this slope for the use of fifty men and nine mules, or a total average of 363 cubic feet of
air a minute for each unit employed. Explosive gas was found in No. 33 stall, No. 15 Wi I
level; No. I stall, No. 18 East level; and a small gas-cap in the -laps and Chinamen
pillars; all the rest of the mine was free of gas. The timbering and roadways were in s
condition.
Xo. ..' Slope.
This slope branches off No. 1 slope a short distance from the mouth of the tunnel, running
X. 45 E., and is down a distance of 8,000 feet, forming the deepest workings of the mine.
The slope has been standing during the present year.
Levels are turned off east and west of this slope, namely : Nos. 15, 16, 17. 18, and 19 on
the east side, and Xos. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17. and 18 on the west side. No. 15 on the east side
Ncis. 13, 1 1, 15, and 16 on the "est side are extracting pillars. The other levels are in .
coal ranging from t.l to 5 feet in thickness, with a band of rock from 12 to 15 inches in
thickness. The roof is of a friable fireclay, which, coming down with the coal, makes it very
dangerous tor the miners and hard to keep the coal clean; SO percent, of the accidents in
this mine are caused by this overlaying strata. All the levels are worked on the pillar and stall
system: all shots are tired by electric battery, and Only Monabel powder is used.
Itcs.iir SihiiuI M ill illcslio rn Col I !<»!•> \iroln V:iI1i-> .
itcNcuc Stiiiini — Pacific Ca&xi Coal MftieHi
3 Geo. 5 ■ Coal-mining. K 273
During my inspection in December I examined all parts of the above slope and found the
following conditions : There was 44,000 cubic feet of air a minute passing into this slope,
divided into two splits.
East Side Split. — I found 12,500 cubic feet of air a minute passing into this split for the
use of forty men and seven mules, or an average of 204 cubic feet of air for each unit employed.
Explosive gas was found in No. 8 stall and a little in the face of No. 18 East level ; all the
rest of the mine was clear of gas. The timbering and roadways were in good order.
West Side Split. — In this split I found 11,000 cubic feet of air a minute passing into this
split for the use of fifty -three men and six mules, or an average of 155 cubic feet of air a
minute for each unit employed. No standing gas found, but I got a gas-cap \ inch long in
Nos. .13 and 14 pillars. The timbering and roadways are in good order.
There was 98,000 cubic feet of air a minute passing out at the fan-shaft. At No. 6 level
in the main intake there was 44,000 cubic feet of air a minute passing, and at No. 17 level
there was 30,000 cubic feet of air a minute passing, making the total leakage loss between
these two points 14,000 cubic feet of air a minute.
No. 5 Mine.
J. H. McMillan, Manager of Nos. 5 and 6 Mines ; J. Gillespie, Overman of No. 5 ;
D. McKinnell and J. Brown, Firemen.
This seam is reached by a shaft at a distance of 600 feet. Only the Upper seam is
working at the present time, at a distance of 300 feet above the Lower seam. The Lower seam
has been abandoned, allowing it to fill with water, the pump and rails having been taken out.
This seam is connected by a travelling-road with No. 6 mine, each having a separate intake
and return, and being divided by double doors. This shaft acts both as an intake and return,
being divided by a strong midwall between the hoisting and upcast shafts.
Nos. 1 and 2 inclines are in operation " to the rise " of the seam, and Nos. 1 and 2 slopes
" to the dip " of the seam. The Main level is standing, having run up against a fault, and
operations in this level have been abandoned.
This mine is worked on the pillar-and-stall system. The coal is of a very hard nature, and,
i iwing to impurities between the coal, it is very hard to keep clean, the rock breaking up when
the coal is shot down ; 30-per-cent. Giant powder is being used, and the shots are fired by
electric battery. The coal ranges from 'i\ to 4 feet in thickness ; the No. 1 incline and dips
are in solid coal.
This mine is ventilated by a Guibal fan running 120 revolutions a minute, with a water-
gauge of 1 inch, producing 42,000 cubic feet of air a minute; the engine-cylinders are 14 x IS
inches.
In December, when I mack' my inspection, there was 30,000 cubic feet of air a minute
passing, divided into two splits.
Xo. 1 Split. — I found 8,400 cubic feet of air a minute passing into this split for the use
of twenty men and four mules, making an average of 263 cubic feet of air for each unit
employed. No explosive gas was found in this mine ; the timbering and roadways were in good
order.
No. ,' Split. — I found 9,600 cubic feet of air a minute passing into this split for the use
of forty men and eight mules, or an average of 150 cubic feet of air for each unit employed.
18
K 274 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
No. 6 Mine.
I >. Walker, Overman; .). Thompson, Fireman.
This shaft, like No. 5, is sunk to the Lower seam, al ' feel deep, Imt only the Upper
seam is being worked. It is worked practically the same as is No. 5 shaft, operating on both
sides of the shaft. There is not much solid work going on in this shaft. Only a little up the
No. 1 incline and a little in the dips on the west side of the shaft ; all the rest of the workings
is splitting of pillars.
This coal is like that in No. 5 shaft, of a very hard nature, with bands of rock running
through the coal, making it hard to shoot and to keep clean ; 30-per-cent. Giant powder is used,
and shots are fired by electric battery.
The ventilation is produced by an exhaust fan of the Guibal type, making 106 revolutions
a minute, producing .'50,000 cubic feet of air a minute \\ ith 1 inch wati r gauge.
The shaft is divided by a strong midwall between the hoisting and upcast portions, each
being 5 x 6 feet in section.
When T made mv inspection ill I lecember last, tie -re was 2 1, 100 Cubic feet of air a 111 ill lite
passing into the mine, divided into two splits. No explosive gas was found in this mine, and
the timbering and roadways were in good order.
No. I Split. -I found 12,000 cubic feet of air a minute passing into this split for the use
of fourteen men and three mules, or an average of 461 cubic Eeel of air for each unit < mployed.
No. 2 Split. -There was 12,600 cubic feet < if air a minute passing into this split for the
use of thirty-four men and six mules, or an average of 200 cubic feet of air for each unit
employed.
No. 7 Mini:.
T. A. Spruston, Manager; F. Jaynes, Overman; II. Clifford, N. Huby, R. Bonner,
and II. Dai idson, Firemen.
This mine is situated about five miles from Cumberland ami about seventeen miles from
the shipping point at Union Bay.
During the year there have been twenty-five additional houses built, making in all 100
cottages. In addition to these, there has been built a mine manager's house, a large store, and
an up-to-date hotel. The town has been called I '.even. .V new school house is in the course of
erection.
The mine is entered by means of two slopes running N. ."••"> E., and is down a distance of
5,600 feet, having been driven 621 feet during tin ir ; owing to labour troubles the
development-work has been retarded. At a point 2,000 feet down the Main slope, No. 3 Mast
Diagonal slope branches oil' and is down a distance of 1,500 fi
During the past year the pillar and-stall system has been practically abandoned in favour
of the Ion- wall system ; the coal, ranging from 21 to 3 feet in thickness, is of a very hard
nature, being well adapted to this method of working.
No. 1 Main Slope.
From this slope levels are turned off east and west Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 on the
side, and Nos. .",. 6, 8, and 9 on the east side. The thickness of the coal varies from U> inches
to 3 feet.
3 Geo. 5 Coal-mining. K 275
No. S East Diagonal.
This slope is driven off No. 3 East, at a distance of 500 feet from the Main slope, and is
running north-east. Levels are only driven on the east side of this slope owing to there being
a large fault on the west side. The levels are in good coal and are being worked by the long-
wall method.
During the year the improvements at this mine consisted of the erection of the new tipple
and the installation of two No. 3 Marcus screens, and picking-tables capable of handling 1,800
tons of coal a day.
The cars are dumped in a Phillips improved crossover dump, where the empty cars are
returned by a " link-belt " car-haulage.
The ventilation is produced by a small Murphy exhaust-fan running 140 revolutions,
producing 49,500 cubic feet of air a minute with a water-gauge of H inches. A new Sirocco
fan to be driven by electricity, has been ordered, with a capacity of 270.000 cubic feet a
minute.
When I made my inspection in December, there was 39,500 cubic feet of air passing into
this mine, divided into three splits.
No. 1 Split East. — There was 18,500 cubic feet of air a minute passing into this split for
the use of fifty-four men and five mules, or an average of 2fi8 cubic feet of air a minute for
each unit employed. No explosive gas was found in this split, and the timbering and roadways
were in good order.
No. 1 Split West. — There was 4,400 cubic feet of air a minute passing into this split for
the use of twelve men and one mule, or an average of 293 cubic feet of air a minute for each
unit employed. No explosive gas was found, and the timbering and roadways were in good
order.
No. 2 Split West. — There was 15,000 cubic feet of air a minute passing into this split for
the use of forty men and three mules, or an average of 288 cubic feet of air a minute for each
unit employed. A little explosive gas found in the No. 1 slant and in No. 8 level ; all the rest
of the split was clear. The timbering and roadways were in good order.
No. 8 Mine.
T. A. Spruston, Manager.
This mine is situated about one and one-half miles east of No. 7 mine and about four and
one-half miles from the town of Cumberland. This company has erected a sawmill with a
capacity of 20,000 feet of lumber a day.
Two shafts are being sunk. The main shaft is 11 x 22 and the air-shaft 11 x 18. The
main shaft is down a distance of 300 feet.
The plant consists of a Sullivan air-compressor with a capacity of 1,200 cubic feet free air,
two return-tube boilers of 107 horse-power, and two hoisting-engines.
Twenty-five houses are nearing completion, and the railway-sidings are being excavated
by a steam-shovel. In all, large sums of money are being spent to make this mine an
up-to-date concern.
K 27K
Report of the Minister of Mines.
1913
The following are the official returns from the Comox Colliery for the year 1912 :-
Sales and Output for Year.
Coal.
Coke.
(Tons of 2,2401b.)
Tons.
269,020
•"■7. Ii77
15,311
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Sold for consumption in Canada
a export to United States
4,266
342,008
4,266
114.246
40.256
154,502
496,510
23,488
2,781
6,636
2,370
Stocks on hand first of year
20,707
4.266
Output of colliery for year
475,803
Xil.
By-products — Fireclay. .'!,819 tons.
Number of Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc.
Unoeroround.
Above Grocxd.
Totals.
Character of Labour.
Xo. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
W age.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
Supervision and clerical assistance
42
10
60
38
21
.v.
46
85
129
S
3.57 - 9.00
3.30 - 5.50
3.00
2.47 - 3.30
3.3(1 • 3 85
1.37 • 2.47
350
1.75
3.50
1.75
7
4.00 • 6.00
4!l
■>i
10
98
7S
33
55
58
85
237
38
40
12
12
2.47 - 3.02
3.30 - 3.85
1.10 - 1.65
a labourers
1.40 - 1.65
108
1.40 - 1.65
Totals
766
217
983
Pacific Coast Coal Mines, Limited.*
SUQUASH COLLIERY.
.lames Kenny, Overman : John Jenkins, Fireboss.
Tins colliery is owned by the Pacific Coast Coal Mines. Limited, and is situated on the
northern part of east coast of Vancouver Island.
A shaft 6 x 1" feet in the clear is down 170 feet, with a midwall between the hoisting
and the upcast compartments. Two levels are turned off from the shaft-bottom, N. 17) W .
See also page 263.
3 Geo. 5
Coal-mining.
K 277
and S. 45° E. respectively. The North-west level has not been advanced during the year ; the
South-east level is in quite a distance, and long-wall work exclusively has been opened out in this
level. The coal ranges from 4 to 6 feet in thickness, with small bands of rock running through
the coal ; this seam is well adapted for the long-wall work, and mine should make an ideal one
for this system. Two slopes are turned off 500 feet from the shaft-bottom on this level, running
N. 45° E., and are down 1,700 feet, but have not been worked during this past year. All the
work done was in opening out the South-east level on to long-wall system. The coal is of
excellent quality and is in great demand.
On my inspection, I found the mine in very good order, well timbered and cogged, and
with a very good roof. For the use of ten men and one horse, there was 13,000 cubic feet
of air a minute going through the mine and around the long-wall workings, the ventilation
being produced by a Sheldon fan, 4 x 21 feet in size, making 125 revolutions a minute, with a
water-gauge of l\ inches.
The following are the official returns from the Suquash Colliery for the year 1912 : —
Sales and Output for Year.
Co
AL.
COKE.
(Tons of 2,240 It). )
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
3,026
3,026
685
685
3,711
7S1
781
4,492
Difference added to stock during year
Number of Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc.
Underground.
Above Ground.
Totals.
Character of Labour.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily-
Wage.
1
10
8
1
$
2
10
$
4.00
4.00
2
3.00
3
•2
3.00
3.50
5
2
3.00
3.50
Total
13
6
19
K 278
Report of the Minister of Mixes.
1913
Name of seams or pits — Suquash No. 1 mine (upper seam).
Description of seams, tunnels, levels, shafts, etc., and number of same — One shaft 6x10 feet,
with midwall one side for hoisting and one side for ventilation. From the shaft^bottom
two levels are driven south-east for a distance of about 1.2"<i feet. Two slopes arc
driven down a distance of about 1,200 feet north-east. Seam is from 5 to 6 feet in
thickness and of good quality, being practically smokeless and giving off great heat.
Description and length of tramway, plant, etc. — One donkey-engine with vertical boiler
attached (for hoisting) ; one small fan for ventilation, producing about 14,000 cubic feet
a minute ; one duplex pump, capacity 50 gallons a minute, for pumping water from
mine ; a small pit-head and screening arrangements capable of handling 200 tons daily.
A narrow-gauge tramway runs from pit-head to wharf, a distance of about 400 feet.
The loading arrangements are suitable for loading scows and small craft. Underground
there is about one mile of narrow-gauge track and sixteen mine-cars.
British Pacific Coal Co., Ltd.
The British Pacific Coal Company, Limited, has, for the past couple of years, been
developing coal-seams on the south end of Graham island, one of the Queen Charlotte group.
These seams are near Skidegate channel, on which the shipping wharf has been built.
Considerable development- work has been done and a few tons of coal sold but the property
has scarcely as yet entered the list of actnal producers.
The following are the official returns of the property for the year 1912 : —
Sales and OcrrrT for Year.
Coal.
Coke.
(Tons of 2,240 lb.)
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Sold for consumption in Canada
« export to United States
Used in making coke
Used under colliery boilers, etc
32
32
Total for collisrv use
Stocks on hand first of year
n last of year
Difference added to stock during year
Output of colliery for year
32
3 Geo. 5
Coal-mining.
K 279
Number of Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc.
Underground.
Above Ground.
Totals.
Character of Labour.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
Supervision and clerical assistance
1
6
3
$
4.00
4.00
3.75
$
1
6
IS
15
3.50
10
15
25
Name of seams or pits — Coal Creek tunnel.
Description of seams, tunnels, levels, shafts, etc., and number of same — Seam A, 5 feet 9 inches,
graphite ; seam B. 5 feet 10 inches, 4 feet 4 inches coal ; seam C, 5 feet 4 inches, 4 feet
coal; seam D, 5 feet 4 inches, 4 feet coal; seam E, 5 feet, 2 feet coal; tunnel, 757 feet.
Description and length of tramway, plant, etc. — Tramway, one and three-quarter miles long,
operated by logging-engine; wharf (with approach), 600 feet long; powder-magazine near
sea-beach. Buildings in camp, bunk, wash, cook, and foreman's house, and stable ;
buildings at mine, blacksmith-shop and powder-house ; at portal, one 5-horse-power Pelton
water-wheel, with small fan for ventilation purposes.
NICOLA-PRINCETON INSPECTION DISTRICT.
Report of Robert Strachan, Inspector.
I have the honour to submit my annual report as Inspector of Coal-mines for the Nicola-
Princeton Inspection District for the year 1912.
The Nicola-Princeton District, which was created a separate Inspection Division of the
Coast District in the latter end of May, 1912, comprises the mines of the Nicola Valley Coal
and Coke Company, Limited, Middlesboro ; Inland Coal and Coke Company, Merritt ;
Diamond Vale Colliery Company, Limited, Merritt ; Pacific Coast Colliery Company, Merritt,
in the Nicola District; Columbia Coal and Coke Company's Mount Carbon Colliery, Coalmont ;
Princeton Coal and Land Company, Limited, Princeton ; United Empire Mining Company,
Princeton, in the Princeton District.
The accidents previous to June 1st, when I was transferred here, were reported to
Inspector Morgan, since when I have only seven to report, none of which are fatal ; of these,
four were due to haulage and three to "falls of top coal." A list of these accidents is attached.
Since June there have been two prosecutions, one for a shotfirer charged with shooting
off the solid, the case being dismissed ; one for a miner smashing his safety-lamp, contrary to
Special Rule 79 — the accused fled the country ; and in one case the Hon. the Minister of
Mines directed an inquiry to be held as to the competency of a miner who had faked tamping
cartridges, using coal-dust in the centre, with clay at each end.
K 280 Report of the Minister of Minks. 19 1:}
Nicola Valley Coal & Coke Co., Ltd.
Head Office — Vancouver, B.C.
Capital, $1,107,700.
Officem. Address.
John Hendry, President, Vancouver, B.C.
Alexander McLaren, Vice-President, Vancouver, B.C.
W. H. Armstrong, Managing Director and General Manager, Vancouver, B.C.
J. J. Plommer, Secretary-Treasurer, Vancouver, B.C.
Charles Graham, Mine Manager, Vancouver, B.C.
Value of plant, 8170,000.
MIDDLESBORO COLLIERY.
Charles Graham, Manager.
The above colliery is situated about one mile from Merritt, and at present only Nbs. - and
4 mines are being operated.
No. 2 Mine.
Robert Fairfoull, Overman.
This mine, which is situated in the Coldwater hill, is operated by a slope driven on tin-
coal-seam ; the coal is 5i feet thick, dipping at about 20 degrees to the west ; the pillar-and-
stall method of mining is used, the stalls being about 30 feet, leaving a pillar of 20 x 30 feet.
The coal is all mined by hand. Monabel powder being used for blasting, fired by an electric
detonator and battery. In the interior of the mine the coal-cars are hauled by compressed-air
hoists to the main landings, from where it is lifted by a tail-rope to the head of the slope : a
15 x 18-inch steam-hoist works the tail-rope.
At the No. 2 mine there is one return-tubular boiler ((ioldie McC'ulloch) of 1 ~>0 horse-power
capacity for providing steam for the hoist, and a 14- x 18-inch Canadian Hand compressor,
having a direct steam end, compounded on the air end ; this provides the compressed air to
operate the inside hoists and pumps.
The coal from this mine is hauled by a steam locomotive to the No. 1 tipple. \ entilation
is provided for by a 06- x 36-inch belt-connected Sheldon fan, drived by a 15- x 1 I inch steam
engine ; engine-speed, 1G6 revolutions a minute : fan-speed, 30'J revolutions a minute.
I have inspected this mine every month and have always found conditions very g 1.
both in respect to timber, roads, and ventilation.
In the No. 2 split (lower workings) I found a very faint cap of gas with the Cadman-
Cunninghame gas-detector, fitted into a CrariSer-Wolf safety-lamp; this part of the mine i-
worked by safety-lamps exclusively.
The No. 1 split is worked by open lights, and T have never found any trace of gas : the
division between the Safety-lighi and open light district is well marked with danger hoards and
safety-lights showing a red or danger colour. There was. at my last inspection, 2(>,0ou cubic
feet of air a minute provided for the use of eighty men and live horses, allowing 273 Cubic feet
of air a minute for every unit in the mine (a horse equals 3 units).
Since taking charge of this district 1 have not had a single accident to report
3 Geo. 5 Coal-mining. K 281
No. 4 Mine.
David Brown, Overman.
This mine is reached by a crosscut tunnel from the main level of the No. 5 mine, which has
been abandoned, and has generally been considered as in the top seam of the Coal Gully series,
but during the past summer a tunnel has been driven from the top of the No. 4 slope which
has uncovered another seam situated about 150 feet higher up. The coal is about 10 feet
thick, dipping at an inclination of "25 degrees to the south. The method of work is pillar and
stall, the stalls being 12 feet wide and the pillars 60 x 30 feet.
As mentioned above, another seam has been discovered by a crosscut tunnel 400 feet long
driven level from the top of the No. 4 slope ; this new seam is termed the No. 6, and is 5 feet
thick, dipping at same rate and direction as the No. 4 seam. The present intentions are to
open this up on the long-wall system, and, although in the initial stages, all work at present
being done is in this direction.
Haulage in the No. 4 seam is by hand to the slope, hoisting up the slope by a 12- x 15-inch
air-hoist ; horses take the cars from top of slope to the tipple.
Ventilation is provided by a Sheldon fan 81- feet diameter, having a capacity of 100,000
cubic feet a minute, with a 4-inch water-gauge ; at present the quantity of air circulating is
60,000 cubic feet a minute for the use of sixty-two men and five horses, allowing 778 cubic feet
of air a minute for each unit in the mine ; water-gauge, 4 inches. Speed of fan-engine, 184
revolutions a minute ; speed of fan, 220 revolutions a minute.
I have examined this mine every month and have generally found conditions fairly good ;
at my last inspection I found a small quantity of explosive gas in an abandoned place, which
was, however, fenced off, all the other places being clear and fairly well ventilated. The roads
and working-places were all well timbered and in good condition ; Wolf safety-lamps are
exclusively used in this mine. Blasting is done with Monabel powder fired by electric
detonator with battery.
All the safety-lamps used in the mines (both Nos. 2 and 4) are cleaned and tested as
provided for by section 91, Rule 10, "Coal-mines Regulation Act," at the lamp-room near the
tipple, and again examined by the fireboss previous to being allowed to enter the mine.
As required by Rule 4, the firebosses are equipped with Cramer- Wolf safety-lamps fitted
with the Cadman-Cunninghame gas-detector, so as to enable them to detect smaller percentages
of gas than can be detected with the ordinary safety-lamp.
The tipple, which is of wooden construction, handles the coal from both mines ; the cars,
which have a capacity of 1.5 tons, have a door at one end, and are built at the mine, of 2-inch
plank with iron fittings. The cars are dumped by a Phillips crossover dump, the coal passing
to a shaking screen which allows all slack under 2\ inches to pass into a hopper ; the round or
lump coal being taken over a picking-table, 42 feet long, where the refuse is picked out by
hand, the coal being then conveyed by a scraper conveyor to the lump-coal bin. The screenings
or slack coal is fed to a Stewart washer erected by the Roberts & Schaefer Company, Chicago,
capable of treating 100 tons an hour. Three grades of coal are made — namely, " lump," " pea,"
and " slack." The scraper conveyor is so arranged that the coal from the picking-table and
washer can be put either directly into the bin, of 350 tons capacity, or carried direct to the
loading chute. A portable Christy box-car loader is used to load box cars.
The plant at the No. 4 mine consists of four 1 50-horse-power return-tubular boilers ; one
Canadian Rand cross-compound air-compressor, capacity 2,000 cubic feet free air a minute ; and
one 27J-kw. generator for electric-lighting purposes.
A rescue training-station is also maintained, fitted with four 2-hour Draegers, two i-hour
Draegers, recharging-pump, pulmotOT, water-gauge for testing feed, and .-in ample supply of
regenerators and oxygen.
K 282
Report of the Minister of Mixes.
1913
All the certificated officials have either taken a course in rescue-work or are doing so at
present, as are also many of the miners.
During the past year twelve certificates were granted to those who had taken a satisfacl i >rv
course, and the granting of these certificates is giving great encouragement to others to qualify.
Note by Management.
During the past year the output has been decreased by about 50,000 tons, due principally
to the shutting-off of No. 1 mine on March 22nd, owing to fires having broken out in this
mine. The principal operations during the year were in Nos. 2 and 4 mines. During the year
a new seam (No. 6) about 5 feet thick was discovered, and a tunnel driven in 400 feet to open
up this seam. This was completed late in December, and is a continuation of the tunnel driven
from old No. 5 to No. 4. No new equipment or improvements of any other kind have been
made during the past year.
The following are the official returns from the Middlesboro Colliery for the year 1912 : —
Sales and Output for Year.
Coal.
Coke.
(Tons of 2,240 It.. )
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
134,803
134,803
8,354
8,354
615
431
143,157
« last of year
184
142,973
Number of Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc.
Underground.
Above Ground.
Totals.
Character of Labour.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
22
140
S
3.50 - 4.00
3.30 - 5.50
7
S
29
140
7.'.
2.75 - 3.30
40
20
6
2.75 - 3.00
3.30 ■ 4.25
1.25 - 2.00
20
6
Totals
237
73
310
3 Geo. 5 Coal-mining. K 283
Inland Coal & Coke Company, Ltd.
(Formerly the Coal Hill Syndicate.)
Head Office— Merritt, B.C.
Officers. Address.
Geo. I. Wilson, President, Vancouver, B.C.
W. L. Nichol, Vice-President, 1200 Comox Street, Vancouver, B.C.
K. C. Smith, Secretary-Treasurer, Pacific Block, Vancouver, B.C.
Joseph Graham, Vice-Pres. and Gen. Man., Merritt, B.C.
Andrew Bryden, Mine Manager, Merritt, B.C.
Value of plant, $3,000.
Andrew Bryden, Manager ; Geo. Hudson, Overman.
This company's property is situated west, and about 500 feet higher up the hill than the
Nicola Valley Coal and Coke Company's mines ; five seams have been opened, varying from
8 to 16 feet thick.
During the past year all the work has been confined to the No. 3 seam ; this seam is 10
feet thick, and at an inclination of 35 degrees. The method of work is pillar and stall ; the
pillars are 48 x 100 feet, stalls 15 feet. The coal is taken from the face by chutes, loaded into
cars holding 1 ton, and then delivered to the hoist. The main slope is now down about 600
feet, with five levels to the right-hand side and four to the left. This seam has a strong sand-
stone roof and floor, very little timber being used, although lately there has been a tendency
to use more, with a view to the prevention of falls from unseen slips.
During my inspection I have generally found this mine in good condition ; I have never
found any trace of gas, and there is sufficient water to keep the roadways damp. At my last
inspection I found 18,000 cubic feet of air a minute for the use of eighteen men. The speed
of the fan was 180 revolutions a minute. Open lights are used in this mine, the inspections
being made with safety-lamps of the Wolf type. Blasting is done with a 40-per-eent. Giant
and fuse. Copies of the Mines Act, special rules, and a plan of the mine are all posted at the
entrance to the mine.
The plant consists of two 50-horse-power boilers of the Leonard type, one of which is at
present used for steam purposes; the hoisting-engine is an 8- x 10-inch double-drum Beatty
engine, one drum of which is used for hoisting up the mine slope, the other for lowering the
loads to the top of the gravity-plane and hauling the empties back.
Ventilation is produced by a single-entry fan of the Sheldon type, capable of producing
50,000 cubic feet a minute. The fan is driven by belt from a 12- x 16-inch steam-engine, ratio
of fan to engine being 4A to 4 ; an alternating dynamo has also been installed for lighting
purposes.
The gravity -plane is a three-rail track 1,760 feet long, with a passing at the half-way ; the
coal is delivered to a tipple, 400 feet long, with bunker capacity of 400 tons. The coal is
picked in a primitive fashion before being delivered into the bunkers, from which it is drawn
as required to load the cars. The tipple is connected to the Canadian Pacific Railway by a
standard-gauge track one mile long, on which is a pair of Fairbanks railroad scales for weigh-
ing cars.
K 284
Report of the Minister of Mixes.
1913
During the past summer it was found necessary to install a plant to pump water to the
mine for steam and other purposes; a 5- x 3£-inch pump at the Coldwater river pumps to a
water-tank, capacity :i0,000 gallons, situated near the tipple, where another pump then delivers
the water to the mine.
Rescue apparatus to the extent of two 'hour Draeger apparatus, with supplies of oxygen
and regenerators, have been provided, and in the near future we expect all the officials, and
many of the miners, will be sufficiently trained to he able to use these efficiently, should the
necessity arise.
The following are the official returns of the Inland Colliery for the year 1912 : —
Sales and Output for Year.
Coal.
Coke.
(Tons of 2,240 ft.)
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Sold for consumption in Canada
30,000
30,000
1,200
1,200
31,200
a last of year
100
100
31,300
Number of Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc
Underground.
Above Ground.
Totals.
Character of Labour.
No. em-
pli iyed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
Xo. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
4
20
5
2
1
S
4.00
3.50
3.00
3.00
4.00
3
$
4. :xl
7
20
5
to
4
4.40
■.{ . .-,( i
Miners1 helpers
Labourers
Mechanics and skilled labour ....
3.00
3
3.00
4.00
3.00
4.00
14
46
Totals
32
3. 75
3.60
:s so
Name of scams or pits — Nos. 1, ~2, 3, 4, and •">.
Description of seams, tunnels, levels, shafts, etc., and number of same — The Xos. 1 and J
seams "ere not worked during the year. The Xo. 1 i-. 2 feet il inches thick with a clay
roof, and the No. •_' is 8 feet thick with a slate roof. The original prospect-shaft cut the
3 Geo. 5 Coal-mining. K 285
No. 1 at 30 feet and the No. 2 at 100 feet depth. A slope has been driven on the No. 1
300 feet and the No. 2 500 feet. The work done and the coal won during the past year
has been from the No. 3 seam exclusively ; the slope, which has an average pitch of 35
per cent., has been deepened ; and all the levels down to the No. 6 have been extended.
Both the roof and floor are sandstone and the seams average 10i feet thick of coal. There
is very little water, and is not sufficient for the boiler plant. No explosive gas has ever
been found in any of the workings. No. 4 seam is 16 feet thick, but no work has been
done on it ; No. 5 is 9 feet thick, and no work has been done on it, but it is the intention
to open it up this year, as it lies between Nos. 2 and 3 seams.
Description and length of tramway, plant, etc. — The hoist is a 25-horse-power Beatty double-
drum type ; two 50-horse-power boilers, Leonard type, one of them only in use, furnish
steam. The fan was supplied by the Robert Hamilton Company, and has a capacity
of 55,000 cubic feet. The coal from the mouth of the slope is let down 1,500 feet on a
3-per-cent. grade to head of the gravity tram, which is 2,000 feet long, with an average
grade of 25 per cent., and handles 10- or 12-ton loads quite easily, connecting at the foot
of the hill with the trestle which leads to the bunkers, which have a capacity of 400 tons,
horses doing the hauling on the trestle. The coal is remarkably free from rock and dirt,
but is cleaned by hand before going into the bunkers. A Fairbanks railroad scale is at
the bunkers, and after being weighed the cars are run over the company's railroad, one
mile long, to the C.P.R. tracks near Merritt for shipment. An electric-lighting plant has
been installed of fair size. A water system from the Coldwater river was laid during the
year to the mine, a distance of one and a half miles.
Diamond Vale Collieries, Limited.
Head Office — Vancouver, B.C.
Capital, $750,000.
Officers. Address.
T. J. Smith, President, Pacific Building, Vancouver, B.C.
F. J. Lumsden, Vice-President, Vancouver, B.C.
J. A. Mclnnes, Secretary-Treasurer, Vancouver, B.C.
A. E. Smith, Mine Manager, Merritt, B.C.
Value of plant, $50,000.
DIAMOND VALE COLLIERY.
A. E. Smith, Manager ; A. Horroeks, Overman.
This company's property lies immediately to the south of the Middlesboro Colliery, the
Coldwater river being the boundary between them. The two shafts mentioned in the previous
reports are not being continued, and the machinery has been removed.
No. 3 Mine.
During the past year only the slope (No. 3) has been in operation, and since the explosion
in March last there has been very little work done in it, until November, when it was reopened
for repair and to be put in shape for producing. The No. 3 slope has been sunk on the seam
K 286
Report of the Minister of Mines.
1913
for a distance of 650 feet ; one level (No. 3) has been opened for a distance of 800 feet on the
east side, and ~No. ± on the west side for 550 feet. The dip is about 35 degrees, and seven
double-stalls have been driven on the east side and three double-stalls on the west side. In
the working of these double-stalls the custom has been to connect them, about 25 feet up, so
as to form a counter-gangway, then drive the stall 36 feet wide up the pitch, the refuse being
packed in the centre to support the roof and to provide the means to conduct the ventilation
to the face. The pillars were generally 36 feet thick.
Since reopening, the fan has been removed so as to comply with the "Coal-mine-,
Regulation Act "; safety-lamps of the Wolf type have replaced the open lights formerly used,
and apparatus for testing the lamps installed, while the firebosses have been equipped with
Cramer-Wolf safety lamps fitted with the Cadman-Cunninghame gas-detector ; crosscuts have
been driven to effect communication between the various stalls and provide a return airway ;
sanitary provision has been provided; special rules have been adopted ; an ambulance box
acquired, while rescue apparatus of the Draeger type is expected at an early date.
The power plant consists of one 30-horse-power and one 10-horse-power boiler; an
8- x 12-inch hoist for hauling coal up the slope; a pump for pumping water from the river to
boilers; the fan-engine, 8x8 inches, drives a 2| foot fan direct.
New offices, a workshop, and engine-room have been built, and early in the new year a
larger fan will be installed to cope with the increasing development of the mine.
At my inspection in December I found no trace of gas; there was a good currenl of air
circulating at the faces, and I found 6,270 cubic feet a minute tor the use of 1 L' men; the
roads and timbering were in good condition, and so far as I could observe, the Mine-. A.< '
was being complied with. Copies of the Act, special rules, and a plan of the mine were posted
at the entrance to the slope. The only blasting permitted in this mine is in rock work, where
30-percent. Giant is used.
The following are the official returns from the Diamond Vale Colliery for the year
1912:—
Sales and Output for Veak.
Coal.
Coke.
(Tons of 2,240 lb.)
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
3,130
3,130
lso
ISO
3.310
^ taken from l ^> •>
3,310
3 Geo. 5
Coal-mining.
K 287
Number of Hands employed. Daily Wages paid, etc.
Underground.
Above Ground.
Totals.
Character of Labour.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
Supervision and clerical assistance
3
18
$
4.00
3.50
2
$
4.50
5
18
$
4.25
3 50
Miners' helpers
9
3.25
7
5
3.00
3.50
i6
5
3 12
3 50
30
3.67
3.58
14
44
3 79
Name of seams or pits — No. 3 slope, Diamond Vale Colliery.
Description of seams, tunnels, levels, shafts, etc., and number of same — The seam of coal in
this mine is ih feet thick, with two bands of rock in it, each band 6 inches thick. It
pitches at an angle of 45 degrees.
Description and length of tramway, plant, etc. — The plant consists of one locomotive-type
boiler, 30 horse-power, and two vertical boilers, a small hoist, and an exhaust-fan 2J feet
in diameter. The slope is down 650 feet ; there are two levels turned off to the east,
No. 1 East level being in 400 feet and No. 2 East 850 feet. There is also one level to
the west which is in 550 feet.
Pacific Coast Colliery Co. of B.C.
Head Office — Minneapolis, Minn.
Capital, $500,000.
Officers.
Jas. C. Andrews, President, 215 N.Y. Life Building,
G. B. Norris, Vice-President,
G-. H. Deny, Secretary,
J. S. Sherril, Treasurer,
W. E. Duncan, Consulting Engineer,
Howell John, Overman.
A ddress.
Minneapolis, Minn.
Minneapolis, Minn.
Minneapolis, Minn.
Minneapolis, Minn.
Merritt, B.C.
The Pacific Coast Colliery Company's property is situated north and adjoining the Nicola
Valley Coal and Coke Company's mines. During the present year very little work has been
done on this property, and in the month of August all underground work was stopped, and I
understand arrangements have been made to test the field by diamond-drill.
The No. 2 slope, which has been driven 300 feet, is 7 x 8 feet, and has not been
operated during the present year. No. 2 shaft, which is sunk to reach the coal-seam at 147
feet, has a slope driven from the bottom for a distance of 700 feet, with several short levels on
either side.
K 288
Report of the Minister of Mines.
1913
During my inspections of this mine I found general conditions fair, but the ventilation
poor, the fan provided being inadequate for the purpose. The equipment is small, consisting
nt two 10-horse-power boilers of the tubular type ; the hoist for the shaft is a 7- x 10-inch
reversible-motion hoist; the hoist for the No. 2 shaft slope is a 6- x 8-inch double-cylinder
hoist.
The following are the official returns for the Pacific Coast Colliery for the year ending
1912 : —
The company has been engaged in developing its property and no output of coal was made.
Number of Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc.
Underground.
Above Ground.
Totals.
Character of Labour.
No. em-
ploye. 1.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
Supervision and clerical assistance
1
4
s
5.00
4 (Ml
2
5.00
3
4
>
5
1 (HI
Miners' helpers
1
3.00
1
1
3.00
3.50
I
■A 00
■A .50
6
4
Totals
$12. 00
$11.50
10
$15.50
Name of seams or pits — No. 1 slope, No. 2 shaft.
Description of seams, tunnels, le\els, shafts, etc., and number of same— No. 1 slope is driven
from the surface to a distance of 300 feet at an angle of 30 degrees. The size of this slope-
is 7 x 9 feet, and has not been worked during the past year. No. 2 shaft is down 147
feet, 12 feet of which is used as a sump. A level, 7x8 feet, is driven foi !Mi feet from
the bottom of the shaft, from whence a slope is driven for 610 feel with the dip of the
seam, which dips at an angle about 20 degrees. The thickness of this seam in the shaft
is 18 feet, with a few bands of rock in between. There are four levels turned to the left
oll'the main entry and two levels to the right. This mine is ventilated by means of
natural ventilation.
Description and length of tramway, plant, etc. -There are two 10-horse-power vertical tubular
boilers, at No. 2 shaft, also two hoisting engines ; one (i x 8 double-cylinder single -friction
drum hoisting engine, which is used for hoisting the cars from the slope in No. 2 shaft.
For hoisting out of the shaft we have an engine size 7 x 10. reversible-link motion, fitted
with a throw ing-out clutch, also a depth indicator.
» i
;«Mnl
to
l*riii<*«'toii < oliii'i-t — I If nil works :i nil Tippl
y\ i. 4 ii i'Immi Collier j — i oi ii in hi 11 < mil a Colce Co,
3 Geo. 5
Coal-mining.
K 289
Princeton Coal and Land Company, Ltd.
Head Office — 15 Great St. Helens, London, E.C.
Capital, 8200,000.
Officers. Address.
A. St. George Hamersley, Chairman, London, Eng.
Sheffield Neave, Director, Lundon, Eng.
Alex. Crerar, Director, London, Eng.
Arthur Hicklin, Advisory Director, London, Eng.
Oswald J. Bambridge, Director, London, Eng.
E. S. Neave, Secretary, London, Eng.
Ernest Waterman, General Manager, Princeton, B.C.
Jas. Holden, Mine Manager, Princeton, B.C.
Value of plant, $77,000.
This company began operations in December, 1909, and was formerly the Vermilion
Forks Mining and Development Company.
James Holden, Manager ; Andrew McKendrick, Overman.
This company's property is situated at the junction of the Tulameen and the Similkameen
rivers, at the town of Princeton, in the Similkameen Mining Division. The mine, which is
situated on the bench above the Similkameen river, consists of a slope, which has been driven
down on the seam for a distance of 1,100 feet. On the west side three levels have been driven,
while four have been driven on the east side. The seam is 24 feet thick, intersected with
bands of clay ; only the upper 9 feet of the seam is worked at present.
The following is a section of the seam : —
24" coal
12" ii
24" .,
6" clay
6" coal
- Portion
48" .,
6" ,, J
9" fired
12" coal.
ly.
12" soapstone.
16" coal.
24" .,
10" clay and bone
24" coal.
18" ,.
6" ii
24" ,.
24' 0"
Most of the bands are clay and vary from | inch to f inch in thickness. The coal is of
lignitic nature and is worked bv pillar-and-stall method ; coal is mined and sheared by post coal-
cutting machines, of either the Hardy or Rand type ; by this means the coal is blasted down
with the minimum of explosive and giving the maximum of round or lump coal. Monabel is
used for blasting, with fuse.
Ventilation is produced by a 6- x 30-foot fan, Guibal type, driven by a 25-horse-power
engine, belt-drive gear 2 to 1. The mine, which is very free from gas, is well ventilated, the
above fan producing 36,000 cubic feet of air a minute for the use of sixty men and three
horses, allowing an average of 521 cubic feet a minute for each unit in the mine. Speed of
fan, 136 revolutions a minute ; water-gauge, \ inch.
19
K 290
Report of the Minister of Mines.
1913
I have always found the roads and places well timbered and in good condition ; copies of
the Act, special rules, a plan of the mine posted at the entrance to the mine, and. generally,
the Mines Art is strictly adhered to. Open lights are used in this mine, the inspection being
made with safety-lamps of the Wolf type.
The mine-ears have a capacity of 1.5 tons, and are hauled up to the tipple in trips of i\
by a ~)0 horse-power Jenks hoist. The tipple, which is situated I I feel above the level of the
ground, is built of timber ; here the coal is dumped and screened into three sizes; all over 1
inches is termed ''lump,'' from 2 to & inches is termed "egg," and § to 2 inches is termed "nut":
the various sizes of coal are then taken by belt-conveyor to the bunker, where each size is kept
separate; the hunker has a capacity of -MO tons. In drawing the eoal from the bunker a
conveyor is used to take the coal to the box-car Loader; therefore any kind of coal can be
loaded as required.
The boiler plant consists of two 27"i hoi ,,e power < oildie-MeCulloeh boilers and one
50-horse-power Gray boiler, the feed water being heated by the exhaust from the compressor.
The power plant consists of one Kami compressor of a capacity of 711 cubic feel free air
a minute, and one 6-kw. direct -current generator for lighting purposes. One 35-horse-power
and one 25-horse-power engines, both of the Link Bell Company's make, are used for driving
the picking-table belts. The box-car loader is of the Victor type. The machine-shop is
equipped with a McDougal lathe, a 350-B). steam-hammer, drill-press, a 2-inch .Verne holt-cutter.
a Merrill pipe-machine, a 20-inch shaper, a hack saw, and emery-grinder. .V 12- .\ 7- \ 12-inch
pump is used for fire-protection purposes, pumping into a water tank with a capacity of 30,000
gallons, giving a pressure of 200 Iti. to the square inch.
The above forms a very efficient plant for handling the eoal, up to a capacity of aboui
(iOO tons a day.
Rescue apparatus of the Draeger type has been acquired; one 2-hour type, one |-hour
type, one pulmotor for resuscitation, with an inhalation device attached, pump, wat
and a sufficient supply of OXgen and regenerators are kept on hand ; most of the officials have
or are taking lessons, so as to enable them to use the apparatus efficiently.
The following are the official returns from the Princeton Colliery for the year 1912 : —
Sales and Output for Year.
Coal.
1 "ICE.
(Tons of 2,240 1b.)
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
18,220
3,166
21,386
4.011
■J.::;
6,788
1 baken from 1 h J ' ' '
28,174
3 Geo. 5
Coal-mining.
K 291
Number of Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc.
Underground.
Above Ground.
Totals.
Character of Labour.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. era-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
Supervision and clerical assistance ....
6
32
12
14
10
$
4.50
5.00
3.00
3.30
3.75
3
$
4.50
9
32
12
32
24
1
8
4 . 30
5 00
3 00
18
14
1
3.00
3.50 - 4.00
1.75
3 00 - 3 30
Mechanics and skilled labour .
3.50 - 4.00
1 75
74
3.00 - 5.00
36
3 00 - 4 50
110
3 00 - 5 00
Name of seams or pits — No. 1 slope.
Description of seams, tunnels, levels, shafts, etc., and number of same — The seam is 24 inches
thick and lies at an inclination varying from 1 6 to 9 degrees. The top 9 feet is worked,
and is a good-grade lignite and has jet-black appearance. The slope is down a distance
of 1,050 feet, driven on full pitch of the seam, with main and counter levels on strike of
the seam, and 500 and 1,000 feet respectively both east and west. There is an air-shaft
down to the seam and has a depth of 60 feet. Nos. 2 and 3 East levels are in 1,200 feet ;
No. 4 and No. 4 East counter 500 feet ; No. 1 West level 600 feet ; No. 2 West level
and counter are in 100 feet. The coal is mined by post machines, of which six are used.
1 'escription and length of tramway, plant, etc. — The plant consists of tipple having a length
of 250 feet, with rotary dump, reciprocating feeder, shaking screen, picking-belts, and
bunkers having a capacity of 240 tons ; conveyor-belt and Victor box-car loader ; two
75-horse-power and one 50-horse-power boilers ; machine-shop containing lathe, shaper,
pipe-threader, bolt-cutters, hack-saws ; blacksmith and carpenter shops with steam-hammer
and all necessary equipment.
United Empire Mining Co.
Capital, $500,000.
Officers. A dr/ress.
W. C. McDougall, President, Princeton, B.C.
E. P. Gaillac, Vice-President, Princeton, B.C.
L. E. Marston, Secretary-Treasurer, Princeton, B.C.
W. G. Simpson, Mine Manager, Princeton, B.C.
Value of plant, $650.
K 292
Report of the Minister of Mines.
1913
UNITED EMPIRE COLLIERY, PRINCETON, B.C.
W. G. Simpson, Manager.
This company's property is situated on the One-mile creek, about one and one-half miles
from Princeton. The main tunnel is in about 1,100 feet. The coal is lignite, the seam being
.">', feet thick, at an inclination of 60 degrees. The main tunnel strikes the coal at 900 feet in,
at which point the counter-entry commences ; from the counter-entry a raise has been put
through to the surface, a distance of 230 feet. Ventilation is by natural draught, but a fan
is to be installed in the near future. This mine was shut down all summer and was only
leopened in December, at which time I found conditions rather unsatisfactory. Thi
gangway was under repair, and, although I found no trace of gas, I had occasion to find fault
with the methods of ventilation. A mine manager, Mr. Simpson, has now been appointed, and
I expect in future to find that the Mines Act is strictly attended to. There is no steam plant
of any kind at present, all the workings being above water-level. Railway connection has now
been made to this mine by the Great Northern Railway.
The following are the official returns for the United Empire Mining Company for the year
ending 1912 : —
Sales and Output for Year.
Coal.
Coke.
(Tons of 2,240 tb.)
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Sold for consumption in Canada
100
400
500
Total for colliery use
Difference taken from stock during vear
500
Number of Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc.
Underground.
Above Ground.
Totals.
Character of Labour.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
.\ v. rage
Daily
Wage.
1
7
5
s
3.50
3.50
3.00
$
1
5
1
3.00
Miners' helpers
3 30
1
2.00
1
2 50
13
2
Totals ,
15
3 Geo. 5 Coal-mining. K 293
Name of seams or pits — No. 1 seam or tunnel.
Description of seams, tunnels, levels, shafts, etc., and number of same — Tunnel 900 feet long
when coal was struck, 4 feet thick, of a hard black lignite mixed with cannel ; the seam
pitches from 60 to 70 degrees, with a sandstone roof and a soft bottom composed of coal
and fireclay. The gangway is driven on the strike of the vein, 6 feet 6 inches high and
5 feet wide at collar, and 7 feet 6 inches wide at bottom of props.
Description and length of tramway, plant, etc. — Tramway outside of tunnel, about 600 feet ;
no plant.
Columbia Coal and Coke Company, Limited.
Capital, $4,000,000.
Officers. Address.
Hon. C. H. Campbell, President, Winnipeg, Man.
J. L. Johnston, Vice-President, Coalmont, B.C.
W. L. Parrish, Secretary-Treasurer, Winnipeg, Man.
G. L. Fraser, General Manager, Coalmont, B.C.
J. W. Powell, Mine Manager, Coalmont, B.C.
MOUNT CARBON COLLIERY.
This colliery, which is situated on the Tulameen river, between Granite creek and Collins
Gulch, has a tunnel driven 2,300 feet, so as to crosscut the coal-seams which outcrop further up.
This tunnel is situated 710 feet above the Tulameen river, and strikes the first seam at 1,900
feet ; this seam is 16 feet thick, dipping at 40 degrees. Levels have been driven on both sides
of the tunnel, that to the east for 400 feet, and that to the west for 850 feet. All the work
this year has been concentrated on the west side, and consists of driving the main and counter
gangways with crosscuts. Great trouble has been experienced in keeping the roadways open ;
consequently, the air-shaft, for a return, was driven in the foot-wall. This air-shaft runs
parallel to the coal-seam for a distance of 530 feet, where it is intersected by a tunnel driven
in the underlying rock 350 feet long.
In addition to the above, prospecting-work has been carried on at the " Bear's Den," which
is situated about 3,500 feet north-west of the main tunnel, and about 1,000 feet higher. Here
the No. 1 drift, B.D., has been driven 250 feet on the No. 3 seam ; a crosscut from this seam
cuts the No. 2 seam at 150 feet, and the No. 2 seam has been opened up for a distance of 100
feet.
During my inspection of the above mine I have generally found conditions good, both in
respect to timber and ventilation. Although a fan has been installed, owing to the difference
in elevation of the two entrances there is a natural ventilation amounting to 9,000 cubic feet
a minute for the use of eight men. At the " Bear's Den " there were only two men at work ;
the tunnels were well timbered and there was no trace of gas.
The plant consists of two locomotive boilers, and a small air-compressor, situated about
half-way between the river and the tunnel, from which the air is conveyed in 4-inch pipes to
the mine.
There has been no production of coal from this mine, unless such as has been taken out in
development or prospecting.
K 294
Report of the Minister of Mines.
1913
The following are the official returns for the Columbia Coal and dike Company for the year
ending 1912 : —
Number of Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc.
Underground.
Above < [round.
Totals.
Character of Labour.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Dailj
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
s
3
7.00
3
15
15
17
10
I
7.00
15
15
3.50
3.110
:
3.50
Miners' helpers
3.00
15
10
3.00
4.00
3 00
4.00
10
■_' 25
10
38
70
Totals
32
Name of seams or pits — Nos. 1, 2, and 3.
Description of seams, tunnels, levels, shafts, etc., and number of same — No. 1 tunnel, 2,000
feet, driven in the underlying rock below the seams. No. 1 West drift. 700 feel on No. 1
seam; from this point an upraise 600 feet to intersect No. 2 tunnel. No. 2 tunnel driven
a distance of 350 feet in the underlying rock ; No. I drift, Kl>., 250 feet of No. 3 Beam
crosscut from this seam to No. 2 seam in the underlying strata, 160 feet ; drift on No. 2
seam, 100 feet.
EAST KOOTENAY DISTRICT.
Until within the year 11)09 there was only one company actually producing coal in the
East Ivootenay District — that is, the Crow's Nesl Pass Coal Company, although this company
operated three separate collieries : but during that year two new companies began to produce —
namely, the Hosmer Mines, Limited, at Hosmer, and the Corbin Coal and Coke Company, at
Corbin. These new companies only began to ship coal tow a ids the latter part of L 908, and,
consequently, their outputs have not been large, but they have extensive and fully equipped
colli, i-ics, and in the future will be important factors in the production of the district.
The district is divided into two separate Inspection Districts. The Southern East
Kooten.iv District, under Inspector Evan Evans, with headquarters at Fernie, includes the
Coal Creel Collieries and the Carbonado Collieries of the Crow's Nest Pass Coal C pany,
although this latter colliery has not been worked this past year. The Northern East Kootenay
District, under Inspector T. H. Williams, witli headquarters at Fernie. includes the Hosmer
Colliery of the Eosmer Mines, Limited, the Michel Collieries of the Crow's Nest Pass Coal
Company, and the Corbin Colliery of tin- Corbin Coal and Coke Company.
Both Inspectors now have their headquarters in the Government Rescue-station at Fernie.
3 Geo. 5 Coal-mining. K 295
SOUTHERN EAST KOOTENAY INSPECTION DISTRICT.
Report of Evan Evans, Inspector.
I have the honour, as Inspector of Coal-mines for the Southern East Kootenay District,
to submit my annual report for the year 1912.
In the early part of the year the Inspector's office was transferred from Cranbrook to
Femie, thus enabling me to be nearly constantly in the coal-producing district.
During this past year the Government erected a permanent Mine-rescue Station at Feroie.
which has all the necessary facilities and appliances for training persons in the use of the
rescue apparatus for mine-rescue work. There is installed at the station eight 2-hour Draeger
apparatus, four 2-hour of the 1909 type, four 2-hour of the 1911 model, and two £-hour
apparatus. The station has twenty-four tanks for supplying oxygen ; one oxygen litter for tin'
purpose of conveying a person through a body of irrespirable gases, at the same time giving the
person a supply of oxygen ; also one Draeger puhnotor for artificial respiration and a full
supply of the necessary equipment. The rescue-station is under the supervision of an instructor
who is always precent to instruct persons in the use of mine-rescue apparatus. I may state
that a large number of persons are undergoing instruction.
I regret to state that the number of fatal accidents in and about the mines was large ;
most of the accidents are attributed to falls of coal or rock and to haulage, some of the accidents
occurring under very peculiar circumstances.
At Coal creek a serious accident occurred on the surface on December 30th by a snow-
slido demolishing the carpenter-shop and electric shop, thereby causing six fatal accidents, six
seriously and two slightly ; the snowslide occurred a few minutes after 7 in the morning, at
the time the miners were entering the mines ; the alarm was given, when all the miners returned
and rendered assistance to recover and rescue the men entombed under the snow and debris.
This accident was not attributable to the getting of coal.
Crow's Nest Pass Coal Co., Ltd.
Capital, $3,500,000.
Officers. Address.
Elias Rogers, President, Toronto, Ont,
E. C. Whitney, Vice-President, Ottawa, Ont.
R. M. Young, Secretary, Fernie, B.C.
Elias Rogers, Treasurer, Toronto, Ont.
John Shanks, Colliery Manager, Fernie, B.C.
The above company is now operating the following extensive collieries on the western
slope of the Rocky mountains in the Fast Kootenav District, viz. : —
Coal Creek Collieries, situated on Coal creek, about five miles from the town of Fernie,
on a branch railway to the mines, commecting at Fernie with the tracks of the Canadian
Pacific Railway and also those of the Great Northern Railway.
Carbonado Collieries, situated on Morrissev creek and connected by a branch railway
with the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Great Northern Railway at Morrissey. The
colliery is about fourteen miles from Fernie by rail, in a south-easterly direction. This colliery
has been shut down for more than a Pear.
K 290
Report of the Minister of Mines.
1913
Michel Collieries, situated on both sides of Michel creek, on the line of the Canadian
Pacific Railway, being twenty-three miles in a north-easterly direction from Fernie. This last
colliery is in the Northern Inspection District.
The total gross output of the company's collieries for the past year was 950,706 tons. I >f
this, 324,324 tons was used in the manufacture of coke, yielding 218,954 tons, of which 167
tons of coke was added to stock, making the amount of the coke sold 218,787 tons, of which
168,530 tons was sold for consumption in Canada, and 50,257 tuns was exported to the Ohited
States. The coal exported to the United States amounted to 504,250 tons, while 66,547 tons
was sold for consumption in Canada.
The amount and disposition of this combined output of the company's collieries is more
fully shown in the following table : —
Sales and Output for Year.
Coal.
Coke.
(Tons of 2,240 It). )
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
66,547
.".04,250
168,530
50,257
570,707
218,787
324,324
55,508
379,832
129
206
607
774
950,629
77
167
950,706
218,954
Number of Hands employed, Daily Wac.es paid, etc.
Underground.
.\r."\ E GrROl SB.
Totals.
Character of Labour.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
63
717
Average
Daily
Wage.
Supervision and clerical assistance
48
717
15
139
393
25
2( 16
208
7
345
601
32
Boys
436
Totals
1,322
1,758
3 Geo. 5 Coal-mining. K 297
CARBONADO COLLIERY.
The Carbonado Colliery was not operated during the year 191:
COAL CREEK COLLIERY.
John Shanks, Manager ; Wm. McFegan, Overman ; W. J. Mazey, Fireboss.
The colliery is five miles east of Fernie. Transportation is afforded by a branch railway
making connection with both the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Great Northern Railway
at. Fernie.
The colliery was operated continuously during the year ; the coal trade was dull during
the first six months of the year, but during the latter six months of the year it revived and
the colliery operated at its full capacity ; the output of the colliery during the year was 696,844
tons.
In the several mines there was used, in the getting of coal, 22,045 tt>. of Monabel explosive
and 11,957 B>. of Saxonite explosive in rock-work. There were 42,971 detonators and shots
fired in coal, and 5,869 shots in rock ; all shots are fired with the electric battery.
Two new tunnels have been opened about 2,000 feet north-east of the tipple ; the tunnels
struck the coal at a distance in of 150 feet ; the size of the tunnels is 10 x 8 feet. The seam
is about 6 feet thick ; the coal has to be lowered over an incline to the tipple, but as yet no
commercial shipping of coal has been made from this mine.
The general strike of the seams is approximately north and south, the seams dipping to
the east at an average inclination of from 10 to 18 degrees ; in exceptional cases some of the
seams have considerable undulation. The mines operating during the year are : No. 1 North
mine, No. 5 and No. 9 mine, on the north side of the valley ; No. 1 south mine, No. 2, No. 3,
and No. 1 east mine, on the south side of the valley. The coal from all the different mines is
conveyed to the same tipple, a steel structure of 840 feet in length extending across the valley
of Coal creek. The tipple is equipped with two revolving dumps, two picking-tables and
screens, and two box-car loaders.
No. 5 Mine.
Jas. Stewart, Overman ; John McAlpine, Carmiehael McNay, Jos. Lane, Harry Dunlap,
Peter Millar, and E. T. Davies, Firebosses.
This mine is situated 3,800 feet west of the tipple ; the main entrance is by means of two
tunnels ; the main tunnel is 4,200 feet in length ; the second tunnel is partly parallel with the
main tunnel and, continued to No. 19 incline district, is used for both ventilation and a
separate travelling-road. The dip workings of this mine are worked from No. 2 slope, which
is driven to the dip for 2,450 feet from the mouth of the main tunnel. The upper workings
are worked from No. 4 South level, which is at about 350 feet higher elevation than the main
tunnel. No. 19 incline is driven to the full rise from a point 1,040 feet in from the mouth of
No. 4 South level. The coal from No. 4 South level is lowered over a gravity-plane 1,100 feet
in length, about one mile from the tipple.
The seam is from 8 to 16 feet thick, and is worked on the pillar-and-room system; levels
are turned off the inclines and slope 250 feet apart; rooms 14 feet wide are driven up the
pitch of the seam ; the pillars between the rooms are generally from 40 to 60 feet wide,
depending upon the thickness of the seam and nature of the roof ; all rooms and levels are
timbered with framed sets.
K 298 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
Over the incline and slope the cars are hauled by the tail-rope system and direcl method
of haulage, and on the main levels by compressed-air motors.
During my inspection of this mine I seldom found ;:as in No. 19 incline district, the
ventilation was always good ; in Xo. 2 slope district the coal makes gas lively, ami on my
inspection of this district, in December, I discovered gas in the faces of Nos. 3 and 1 r< is.
No. I South level. 1 also found the ventilation in No. .; North and Xo. 1 South levels had
from 1 to 1 .', per cent, of gas in the air. The roadways through the mine are generally in good
condition, except that there is considerable crushing of the timber in No. 2 slope district, due
to thick coal.
Shot-firing is confined to a few places only, near the outcrop in No. 10 incline district;
Wolf safety-lamps are exclusively used.
(in December 6th, for Xo. 19 incline, I obtained :'.O,000 cubic feet of air a minute for
fifty men and four horses; on December 13th, for No. 2 slope district. 1 found 18,300 cubic-
feet of air a minute for forty-two men and three horses. At the fan drift 1 measured 127,000
cubic feet of air a minute. The ventilation is produced by a Chandler fan. 16 feet in diameter
and -1 feet 8 inches wide, running 138 revolutions a minute, with a wa* of 2.2 inche .
No. '.i Mine.
Win. McFegan, Overman : R. J. Brown and John Moore, Firebosses.
This mine is situated 400 feet from the tipple ; the entrance to the mine is by two adit
tunnels; the main tunnel is 3,350 feet in length and driven on the strike of the seam. A'
present op ■ ire carried on in Xo. 3 incline, which has been turned to the ra
distance of 2,920 feet from the mouth of the main tunnel. The mode of working is long-wall :
levels are turned from the incline 200 feet apart, and stall roads turned from the levels at
40-foot centres. Cogs are set along the side of the roadways 1 feet apart and packed with
rock from the roof. The coal is soft and the roof is inclined to lie frail. The coal from
too; of the incline is conveyed to the tipple by compressed-air motor. There is a little shot-
tiring in this mine in rock ; shots are tired during the night shift ; Wolf safety-lamps are used
exclusively. I seldom found gas in this mine ; on December lTth I found the mine clear of
gas and the ventilation good. The timbering and roadways are generally in good condition.
1 found 23,000 cubic feet of air a minute for twenty-eight men and three horses; at the fan-
drift 1 measured 54, :ubic feet of air a minute. The size of the fan is 16 feet in diameter.
and is driven by a 16- x 18-inch engine making ninety-six revolutions a minute, wa
1.2 inches.
No. 1 North Mine.
Wm. Wilson. Overman : Robt. Adamson, John Chester, (has. O'Brien,
Walter Joyce, and Wm. Wesnedge, Firebosses.
This mine is situated on the north-west of the tipple ; the opening is by a tunnel 3"
vertically higher than the tipple; a second level has been driven parallel, and for part of the
way this, with the main tunnel, is used for ventilation. The coal from the main tunnel is
lowered over a gravity-plane. 3,000 feet from the tipple. The seam varies from - et in
thickness ; at present only the lower portion of the seam is worked.
Nos. 2 and 3 inclines have been driven to the rise. 1,000 feet apart; in No. 2 incline
workings rooms are turned oil' the incline 60 feet apart, and the rooms an i by
crosscuts 'id feet apart, making the pillars 60 x 60 r
3 Geo. 5 Coal-mining. K 299
In this district I seldom found gas and the ventilation was good ; the timbering and
roadways were also in good condition. In this district I measured 11,200 cubic feet of air a
minute passing for thirty-two men and two horses. In No. 3 incline district the rooms are
turned off the incline 150 feet apart, and are connected by crosscuts 80 feet apart, thus making
the pillars 150 x 80 feet. All the roadways are timbered with framed sets 8 feet high.
In this district the coal is very thick, averaging 35 feet. About 2 to 4 feet above the
timbers there is interbedded in the coal-seam a bed of soft shale 18 inches to 2 feet thick ; this
causes the timbers to be much crushed along the roadways, and a large force of men has to be
kept to repair the roadways ; the lower portion of the seam is of good quality. The coal in
this district makes gas freely, and on a few occasions I have found gas in a few places in this
district.
The ventilation generally is good throughout the district. In this district I measured
20,800 cubic feet of air a minute passing for fifty-two men and six horses. Shot-firing is
confined to No. 2 incline district, and Wolf safety-lamps are exclusively used throughout the
mine. The ventilation is produced by a force-fan, 5 feet in diameter and 2 feet wide, running
300 revolutions a minute and moving 38,000 cubic feet of air a minute.
No. 1 South Mine.
A. G. Watson, Overman ; Thos. Ratcliffe, Wm. Stockwell, and Wm. Commons, Firemen.
This mine is 2,500 feet south-west of and 200 feet vertically higher than the tipple ; the
entrance is by two adit tunnels, 1,800 feet in length, driven on the strike of the seam. The
main incline is 900 feet in length and driven to the rise at a distance of 1,300 feet in from the
mouth of the main tunnel. The seam averages 30 feet thick ; the mode of working is by pillar
and room ; about 10 feet of the upper portion of the seam is worked. Rooms are turned oft*
the incline 150 feet apart, and these are connected by crosscuts from 60 to 150 feet apart,
turned up from the rooms. All roadways are timbered with notched timbers. The cars on
the incline are lowered witli the tail-rope system of haulage, conveyed to the mouth of the
tunnel by horses, and then lowered over a gravity-plane to the main tram-road, on which it is
conveyed to the tipple by an electric motor.
On my last inspection, in December, I found a small quantity of gas in face of crosscut
off 4 right ; the ventilation is good throughout. The timbering and roadways are generally in
good condition. I found 22,500 cubic feet of air a minute passing through for fifty-one men
and six horses. There is no shot-firing in this mine, and Wolf safety-lamps are exclusively
usee] throughout. The ventilation is produced by a force-fan, 5 feet in diameter by 2 feet
wide, running 450 revolutions a minute, water-gauge £ inch.
No. 2 Mine.
Win. Lancaster, Overman; Frank Landers, Jas. Bushell, and H. Lanfear, Firemen;
Walter Clarkson, Shotlighter.
This mine is situated on the south side of the valley and in line with the tipple; the
opening is by means of a tunnel ; the workings arc at present in No. 1 or Highline district
and No. 2 or Rock tunnel district. In both districts the mode of working is by pillar and stall.
No. 1 District. — In the No. 1 district the workings arc in the upper part of the incline,
which is at a distance of 1,400 feet in from the mouth of the tunnel. When inspecting this
district I have always found the working-places clear of gas and the ventilation good, and the
working-places well timbered. I found 36,000 cubic feet of air a minute in circulation for
twenty-two men and three horses.
K 300 Report of the Minister of Mines. 1913
No. 2 District (or Rock Tunnel). — About 1,450 feet in from the mouth of the tunnel a
slant was driven to the left from the main tunnel, and was continued parallel with the rock
tunnel after the slant had reached the level course. When I made my inspection of this
district, in December, I found the working-places clear of gas and the ventilation good, with
the roadways in good condition. I measured 9,000 cubic feet of air a minute for ten men and
one horse.
These districts are ventilated by the No. 2 Highline fan, and 1 found 96,000 cubic feet
of air a minute travelling in the fan-drift. The size of the fan is 18 feet in diameter and 8
feet wide, running 120 revolutions a minute, against a water-gauge of 2.9 inches. Shot-firing
is confined to the upper part of the Highline district, and Wolf safety-lamps are used in the
mine.
At present the old rock tunnel is being reopened ; it is the intention of the management
to open up entirely new work in a new region, on the rise side of the rock tunnel. I may
state that connection has been made by a rock-drift from the old rock tunnel to the Old South
le\ el in the Highline district ; this will be used for the return airway from the new district
and will be ventilated with the No. 2 Highline fan.
No. 3 Mine.
H. E. Miard, Overman ; John Biggs, John Worthington, and W. R. Puckey, Firemen.
In this mine the same seam is being worked as in No. 2 mine ; all the workings are to the 'lip.
The mine is entered by means of a slope 2,250 feet in length, commencing from underneath
the tipple. At a point 1,450 feet in from the mouth of the slope, No. 2 South level, 1,950
feet in length, has been driven towards the south ; at its termination, No. 3 slope has been
sunk to a depth of 1,800 feet, where it struck some rock ; the coal is of good quality and the
seam is 3 to 4 feet thick. The system of working is long-wall ; levels are turned off, on both
sides of the slope, 200 feet apart ; 125 feet from the slope, slants are driven up half across the
pitch from the levels, and stall-roads are driven off the slants at 40-foot centres ; cogs are set
along the side of the roads 4 feet apart, and the waste or gob is filled and packed from the
floor-brushings.
With one exception, I have always found this mine free from explosive gas and the
ventilation good, except a small percentage of gas in the air in faces of the 2nd right off tin-
slope. The timbering and roadways are generally in good condition. Shot-tiring is carried on
in this mine and Wolf safety -lamps are used exclusively.
In No. 3 mine I found 38,000 cubic feet of air a minute passing for fifty-three men and
eight horses. This mine is ventilated with the old No. 2 fan; at the fan-drift 1 measured
132,400 cubic feet of air a minute, with the fan running 100 revolutions a minute and a
water-gauge of 1.9 inches. The size of the fan is l<i feet in diameter and 8 feet wide, of the
Wilson type.
No. 1 East Mine.
David Martin, Overman; John Caulfield, Tom Wilson, and John Bagglev. Firemen :
John Bfawson and Alex. McFegan, Shotlighters.
Practically, this is a new mine situated 800 feet to the east of the tipple ; the entrance is
1>V means of a rock tunnel 215 feet in length ; the tunnel is 90 feet vertically higher than the
tipple : the size of the tunnel is 11 x 8 feet : the seam is from 8 to 9 feet thick, although
considerably more in places.
3 Geo. 5
COAL-MINIXG.
K 301
The total length of the main entries from the mouth of the tunnel is 1,800 feet, anil
driven towards the south ; from the main entries at 1,600 feet in a pair of entries are being
driven to the right and left. A diagonal entry, 1,500 feet in length and running south-east is
being driven, commencing from a point 300 feet from the entrance of the tunnel. The main
dip, 1,200 feet in length, is being driven on the "full dip" of 10 degrees, commencing from a
point 400 feet from the tunnel-mouth. The size of the entries is 10 x 8 feet ; the system of
working is mainly pillar and stall ; the rooms and crosscuts are arranged to have pillars 150 x
300 feet. All places are timbered with notched timbers ; parts of the mine are very wet.
The haulage from the main dip is by direct system of haulage operated by a 75-horse-power
electric motor. The cars from the mine are lowered to the tipple over a gravity-plane 800 feet
in length. Shot-firing is carried on in parts of this mine and Wolf safety-lamps are used.
On my inspection, in December, I found a little gas above the timbers in Nos. 7 and 8
rooms off the diagonal and in No. 1 water level. The ventilation was good; both timbering
and roadways were in good condition. For the right side of the mine I found 24,600 cubic
feet of air a minute passing for sixty men and five horses ; for the left side I measured 32,000
cubic feet of air a minute for thirty men and four horses.
No. 1 East mine is ventilated by the old No. 2 fan ; the main return airway is a rock
tunnel, rising 1 in 4, driven from No. 2 dip entry, 550 feet from the mouth of No. 2 tunnel ;
the air return to the fan is through No. 2 dip workings. In the return airway I measured
70,000 cubic feet of air passing a minute.
In compliance with section 106, "Coal-mines Regulation Act," there is installed at the
colliery the following appliances for mine-rescue work : Two 2-hour Draeger apparatus, two
2-hour apparatus of the Proto type, six i-hour apparatus of the Draeger type, two Draeger
pulmotors, and one respirator, also 750 cubic feet of oxygen and other necessary equipments.
The general and special rules are posted up at the entrance of each mine.
The following are the official returns for the Coal Creek Colliery for the year 1912 : —
Sales and Output for Year.
Coal.
Coke.
(Tons of 2,240 ft. )
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
107,418
41,952
Tons.
Sold for consumption in Canada
55,294
384,658
439,952
149,370
221,363
35,537
256,900
111
103
446
Stocks on hand first of year
» last of year
696,852
446
696,844
148,924
K 302
Report of the Minister of Mines.
1913
Number of Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc., includim; Feknie Coke-ovens.
Underground.
Ar.u\ E GRO
Totals.
Charactkr of Labour.
No. em-
pl«i\ rd.
Average
Daily
\Y age.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
Supervision and clerical assistance .
36
493
122
305
25
8
44
493
257
468
135
163
6
Bo
31
Totals
981
312
1 ,293
Name of seams or pits — No. 1 North, No. 1 South, No. 1 East, No. 2, No. 3, No. 5 North, and
No. 9 ; No. I! scam under development.
Description of seams, tunnels, levels, shafts, etc., and number of same Same as last year
No. R seam is being developed on the four way system.
Description and length of tramway, plant, etc — Same as last year. A Wilson fan, 16 feet in
diameter. 8-foot blade, was installed during the latter pari of 1910 and completed in 1911
on the Highline workings of No. 2 mine. Tin a capacity of 1 .'10,000 cubic feet
of air a minute, against a 3-inch water-gauge.
NORTHERN EAST KOOTENAY INSPECTION DISTRICT.
Report of T. It. Williams, Inspector.
I have the honour to submit the annual report as Inspector .if Coal-mines for the Northern
East Kootenay Inspection District for the year 191:!.
This district was in 1911 created a separate division with headquarters at Hosmer, and
includes all the mines from Hosmer to the eastern boundary of British Columbia.
The office of this district, formerly located at Hosmer, "as. in March. 1912, removed to
Fernie, temporary quarters being provided in the Government building, pending the erection
of the Mine-rescue Station, which is the present headquarters for the whole of the I
Kootenay 1 aspect ion I district.
The mines at present being operated are as follows: Hosmer Colliery, by the Hosmer
Mines, Limited; Michel Colliery, by the Crow s Net Pass Co il Company, Limited : and Corbin
Colliery, by the Corbin Coal and Coke Company, Limited.
1 regret to state that the number of accidents during the year has 1 D large, -i\ fatal and
twenty seven lion fatal being reported. Two of the fatal one- were caused by a fall of coal,
two by a fall of rock, and two by hauls
3 Geo. 5 Coal-mixing. K 303
Crow's Nest Pass Coal Company*
MICHEL COLLIERY.
B. Caufield, Manager.
This colliery, operated by the Crow's Nest Pass Coal Company, Limited, is situated on
both sides of Michel creek, and comprises Nos. 3, 4, 5, and 3 East on the south side of the
creek, and Nos. 7 and 8 on the ninth side.
Operations were confined chiefly during the year to the south side, no attempt having
been made to reopen No. 8, which, owing to a fire, was sealed off in May, 1911.
No. 3 Mine.
W. Robinson, Overman ; R. Spruston, A. Frew, A. Matuskey, J. Touhe}-, M. Littler,
and J. Henney, Firebosses.
This mine is 970 feet from the mouth of the main tunnel, which successively cuts Nos. 5,
4, and 3 seams. As mentioned in the last report, the method of working this mine was changed
from pillar and stall to long-wall, but after experimenting for some little time the management
decided to revert to pillar and stall, which is the present method of work. The whole of the
coal coal produced during the year was from Nos. 2 and 3 slopes, which have reached a depth
of 1,500 and 900 feet respectively.
Upon my last inspection I found explosive gas in No. 8 East, off No. 2 slope. With the
exception of a few places, in which the centre posts were too far back from the face, the
timbering was good, and all roadways and airways were in good condition. The ventilation is
effected by three splits, as follows : East side of No. 2 slope, 16,875 cubic feet a minute for
thirty men and four horses; west side of No. 2 slope, 22,500 cubic feet a minute for twenty-
eight men and six horses; No. 3 slope, 15,300 cubic feet a minute for twenty men and four
horses. This ventilation is produced by an 8- x 16-foot Wilson fan, giving 12,000 cubic feet a
minute, with a 3-inch water-gauge, while running at a speed of 150 revolutions a minute.
Considerable work has been done towards improving the ventilation in this mine during
the past year, a new rock tunnel is being driven from No. 5 to No. 3 seam, which, when
completed, will permit No. 3 mine to be ventilated with No. 5 fan (instead of with No. 1
fan as at present), thus greatly reducing the length of the return airway, and doing away with the
long circuitous route which the air has to travel to this fan. A new line of stoppings has been
built on each side of No. 2 slope, and a great deal has been done in enlarging old airways and
making new ones. The rock tunnel referred to is in 600 feet, and is expected to be complete
early in February. The No. 5 fan, which will then be used to ventilate this mine, is a 6- x 12-
foot Sullivan, capable of producing 150,000 cubic feet of air a minute with a 2-inch water-
gauge.
The coal is all pick-mined, and no blasting is done.
No. 3 East Mine.
T. Cunliffe, Overman ; E. Hayes, J. Mason, and W. AVhitehouse, Firebosses.
This mine is situated about 2,000 feet south-east of the tipple, and is known also as No. 8
South. The seam is 12 feet in thickness and is worked on the pillar-and-stall method. The
main slope is down 1,400 feet, at which point it met with a down-throw fault.
At the time of my last inspection I found small quantities of explosive gas in four places ;
with these exceptions, the mine was in good condition and well timbered.
See also page '295.
K 304
Report of the Minister of Mines.
1913
The small fan which formerly ventilated this mine has been replaced by an Allis-Chalmers-
Bullock fan 8 feet in diameter, and capable of produciag 80,000 cubic feet of air a minute,
against a 2-inch water-gauge. The ventilation showed 56,000 cubic feet a minute for the use of
forty-eight men and eleven horses, divided into three splits, as follows : No. 1 East split, 9,000
cubic feet a minute for ten men and five horses ; East side of slope, 20,000 cubic- feel a minute
for eighteen men and three horses ; West side of slope, 20,000 cubic feef a minute for twenty
men and three horses. The fan was making 280 revolutions a minute, against a 1-inch
water-gauge. Horse-haulage is employed to take the coal from the mine to the tipple.
The only work done on the north side has been the driving of a prospect tunnel to locate
No. 8 seam. This tunnel has an elevation of 47o feet above the tipple, and is l'.ihmi feet north
of the entrance to No. 8 mine. Upon my last inspection it was in about 80 feet, and had
struck the coal. Owing to the inclemency of the weather, operations were suspended early in
December. Wolf safety-lamps are used throughout at this colliery.
The following are the official returns from the Michel Colliery for the year 1912 : —
Sales and Cttpct for Year.
(Tons of 2,240 ft.)
Sold for consumption in Canada. . .
a export to United States .
a a other countries
Total sales .
Used in making coke
Used under colliery boilers, etc.
Coal.
Tons.
Tons.
11,253
119,592
Total for colliery use.
Stocks on hand first of year.
a last of year
Difference added to stock during year
Output of colliery for year
102,961
19,971
18
103
130,845
122,932
253,777
85
253.862
Coke.
Tons.
61,112
8,305
161
774
Number of Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc., inch him- Coki:
Tons.
69,417
613
70.030
0\ ENS.
Undergkoi mi.
Above Ground.
Totals.
Character of Labour.
No. em-
ployed.
A verage
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
A verage
Daily
Wage.
Supervision and clerical assistance
12
224
7
19
224
Labourers
17
88
71
45
1
88
133
1
341
Total
124
465
•Note. — Mechanics and skilled labour include: Underground — Drivers, motormen, rope-riders, hoist -
men, trackmen, bratticomen, timbermen, pumpmen, faunien, and carpenters. Above ground— Lampmen,
weighmaster, tipplemcn, firemen, machinists, carpenters, blacksmiths, engini ers.i >t. and plumbers.
:> Geo. 5 Coal-mixing. K 30."
Name of seams or pits — No. 3 East, No. 3.
Description of seams, tunnels, levels, shafts, etc., and number of same — Same as last year.
There was completed during the year the driving of a tunnel 600 feet long through the
rock measures for main return airway for fan which was reported last year.
Description and length of tramway, plant, etc. — Same as last year. The fan which was
relieved at No. 5 mine has been installed to ventilate No. 3 East mine. This is an
Allis-Chalmers-Bullock fan 8 feet in diameter, capacity 80,000 cubic feet a minute,
against a 2-inch water-gauge.
Hosmer Mines, Ltd.
Head Office — Montreal.
Capital, §1,500,000.
Officers. Address.
W. D. Matthews, President, Toronto, Ont.
Lewis Stockett, General Superintendent, Calgary, Alta.
A. R. G. Heward, Secretary, Montreal, Que.
H. E. Suckling, Treasurer, Montreal, Que.
David G. Wilson, Mine Manager, Hosmer, B.C.
Value of plant, §1,000,000.
HOSMER COLLIERY.
David G. Wilson, Manager ; John Musgrave, Overman, A Level ; Jas. McKelvie, Overman, B
Level ; G. Rankin, R. Smith, S. Lynch, T. Manson, T. Wakelem, W. Rankin, J. Malt-
man, M. Robinson, T. J. Fitzpatrick, R. Anderson, and A. Allan, Firebosses.
This colliery has mines producing coal from two different levels, known as A and B.
A Level.
John Musgrave, Overman.
The coal on this level is reached by an adit tunnel driven through the measures for a
distance of 4,931 feet, crosscutting ten seams, but only three of these, Nos. 2, 9, and 10,
produced coal during the year.
No. 2 Seam. — This seam has an average thickness of about 12 feet and a dip of about 60
degrees ; it is worked on the pillar-and-stall system, a gangway and a counter-level being
driven north and south from the main tunnel. Every 400 feet a pair of chutes are driven up
the pitch at an angle of 45 degrees, from which rooms 12 feet wide, with a 38-foot pillar
between them, are driven across the pitch for a distance of 200 feet. The coal from these
rooms is loaded into small cars, which are pushed back by the men and dumped into the
chutes. The south gangway is 3,940 feet long, and has a pillar of coal 80 feet in thickness
between it and the counter-level above.
The ventilation is by two splits : Ninth side 14,490 cubic feet a minute for twenty-five
men ; South side, 35,800 cubic feet for fifty -seven men. Upon my last inspection I found a
little explosive gas in the south gangway : all other places were in good condition and well
timbered.
No. 9 Seam. — The coal in this seam is about 5 feel in thickness, having an inclination of
about 10 degrees, which enables the regular mine-cars to be taken to the face. It is worked
on the pillar-and-stall method. Most of the work done during the past year has been on the
south side, the main entry of which is in 2,211 feet.
20
K 300
Report ok the Minister of Mines.
l'.H:;
The ventilation is by two splits: North side split, 3,500 cubic feet a minute tor six men ;
and South side split, . "54,000 cubic feet a minute for forty men. Upon my last inspection I
found it clear of explosive gas and well timbered.
A"o. 10 Seam. — This seam, which is nearly 5,000 feet from the main tunnel entrance,
has been permanently abandoned on the south side, and operations haw Keen temporarily
suspended on the north side. At the timo of my last inspection I found explosive gas in the
counter gangway ; all the other places were clear and in good condition.
The ventilation on A level is produced by a Walker reversible fan, which gives 135,000
cubic feet of air a minute, with a 2.7-inch water gauge. It is driven by a pair of 38 \ Ml inch
engines at a speed of 1 12 revolutions a minute.
The coal in parts of No. 2 seam is mined with coal-cutting machines, and blasted with
Monabel powder fired by electric detonators. No blasting is done in the coal in No. 1) seam.
B Level.
J. McKch ie, < Herman.
This level, which is at an elevation of 500 feel above A level, has two producing mines.
No. 2 North and No. 2 South. The main gangway of No. 2 North is in 1,200 feet, and that
of No. 2 South 2,000 feet. The workings of No. 2 South, which is the principal mine, are
separated from those of No. 2 South, A level, by a barrier pillar 100 feet in thickness. The
same method of work is practised as in this seam on A level. I have never found any gas in
either of these mines, and upon my last inspection I found them well-timbered and in good
condition.
Each mine is ventilated by a 6-foot fan of the Guibal type, driven by a 20-horse-power
electric motor, producing, in No. 2 North, 12,000 cubic feet a minute for twelve men and one
Ik. rsc ; and in No. 2 South, 12,500 cubic feet a minute for fifty-seven men and three horses.
A Braun sampler, consisting of a pulverizer, Chipmunk crusher, and cone sampler, has been
installed at this colliery to facilitate the assaying of the coal and coke. With this exception
the plant is the same as last year.
The timber is all framed on the outside before being sent into the mine for use. Wolf
safety-lamps are used throughout on both levels.
The following are the official returns of the Hosmer Colliery for the year ending 31sl
I (eceinber, I !) 1 - :
Sales and Output for Yeas.
Coal.
CORK.
(Tons of 2,240 lb. )
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
14,511
Tons.
92,818
92,818
4i..".ll
72,681
23,836
91
96,417
ill
1.687
695
267
1,044
189,235
44,6(12
992
777
ISS.243
45,379
3 Geo. 5
COAL-MINING.
K 307
Numbeb of Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc.
Underground.
Above Ground.
Totals.
Character of Labour.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily-
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily-
Wage.
Supervision and clerical assistance
14
100
100
80
35
$
3.50 - 6.00
3.00 - 7.00
2.75
2.75
3.00 - 3.75
11
i
3.00 - 13.00
25
100
100
168
71
15
Miners' helpers
88
36
15
2.47 - 3.00
3. 00 - 3.85
1.37
329
150
479
Name of seams or pits — A level, Nos. 2, 9, and 10 seams ; B level, No. 2 seam.
Corbin Coal & Coke Company, Limited.
Head Office — Spokane, Wash.
Capital, $10,000,000.
Officers.
D. C. Corbin, President,
Austin Corbin 2nd, Vice-President,
A. T. Herrick, Secretary-Treasurer,
E. J. Roberts, Superintendent,
R. T. Stewart, Mine Manager,
Address.
Spokane, Wash.
New York, N.Y.
Spokane, Wash.
Spokane, Wash.
Corbin, B.C.
Value of plant, $311,115.
CORBIN COLLIERY.
R. T. Stewart, Manager ; S. Richards, Overman ; J. Sharp, M. McLean, It. Garbett,
J. Mackie, and H. Massey, Firebosses.
This colliery, which is situated on the East fork of the South branch of Michel creek, is
about fourteen miles from McGillvray Junction, on the Crowsnest branch of the Canadian
Pacific Railway, and is connected to it by the Eastern British Columbia Railway.
Nearly all the coal produced last year was from No. 1 mine, in which there are two seams,
dipping nearly vertical, and varying in width from 4 to 150 feet. These are known as "A"
and "A prime." The main entry of the latter, which is in about 2,000 feet, has not been
advanced any during the year. There are four main tunnels, A, B, D, and E; A being the
main haulage tunnel, and B, which is a counter to it, the main air-intake tunnel. In addition
to the above levels, Nos. 2 and 4 in the A seam have been driven to the surface, and are
maintained as travelling-roads, thus providing six exits.
K 308
Report of the Minister of Mixes.
1913
The method of working is pillar and stall, main raises being driven up at an angle of
about 65 degrees, from which levels are turned off at right angles, and about 40 feet apart.
These levels are driven parallel with the seam, rooms being turned off them at right angles and
driven to the wall. The coal from these places is Loaded into cars having a capacity of 1 tun,
which arc pushed back by the men and dumped into the chutes.
During my inspection of this mine I found it free from gas, well-timbered, and in good
condition. The timber used in the levels, rooms, and raises is framed on the outside before
1 icing sent into the mine.
The ventilation is produced by a -I- x 12-foot fan, which gives 38,000 cubic feet of air a
minute, with a j^-inch water-gauge. This air is divided into four splits, as follows : A Split,
3,000 cubic feet a minute for four men ; A Prime split, 12,500 cubic feet a minute for thirty
men; D split, 16,000 cubic feet a minute for thirty six men and one horse; E split, 4,000
cubic feet a minute for eight men.
Monabel powder is used for blasting the coal, and is find by electric detonators. Wolf
safety-lamps are used throughout the mini-.
The equipment of Draeger rescue apparatus has been augmented during tin' year by a
puhnotor. The length of tramway and description of plant is the same as last year.
As mentioned in last year's report, steps were taken to wash the surface off what i-
generally supposed to be a continuation of these seams at a point about two mile, south of No. 1
mine, and which is known as the " Big Showing'' or No. 3 mine. The coal that was exposed
after washing was mined in an open-cut, and loaded into dump-cars, which were conveyed by
hand to a bunker, from where it was taken by teams to a temporary tipple near No. 1 mine,
and reloaded into railway-cars ; this method did not prove sati factory and was abandoned
early in the year.
Operations were resumed in the summer, considerable work being done towards developing
this mine and putting it on a shipping basis. The railway was extended from Corbin to the
mine, and a stripping-machine installed to remove the cover overlying the coal at this place,
but, owing to the early advent of winter and an exceptionally heavy snowfall, work was
suspended for the season about the middle of < )ctober, before the actual mining stage was reached-
The following are the official returns from the Corbin Colliery for the year 1912 : —
Sales and Octitt for Year.
Coal.
( oKE.
(Tons of 2,240 It). )
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
Tons.
71,711
47,492
119,203
3,060
Difference -' •'"','1'''' .'" Utock durine vear
Lnnercnci ^ t;ik^n from /5lucK """"fe „>
122,263
3 Geo. 5
Coalmining.
K 309
Number of Hands employed, Daily Wages paid, etc.
Underground.
Above Ground.
Totals.
Character of Labour.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Avorage
Daily
Wage.
No. em-
ployed.
Average
Daily
Wage.
6
60
55
8
14
60
55
30
14
30
6
Mechanics and skilled labour ....
8
129
173
Totals
44
Name of seams or pits — A and A 1.
Description of seams, tunnels, levels, shafts, etc., and number of same — Strike of seam is S.
18° W. and dip 70 degrees east to vertical. Outcrop along crest of ridge running south,
width 4 to 150 feet. There are four main tunnels, A, B, D, and E. A is the lower and
main haulage tunnel, 9x14 feet in the clear and 2,200 feet long ; B, D, and E are 9 x 10
feet in the clear. There are five levels, about 40 feet apart, between B and D tunnels,
and six levels, 40 feet apart, above E tunnel. There are no shafts, the tunnels and levels
being connected by 6- x 10-foot raises.
Description and length of tramway, plant, etc. — Tramway is 950 feet long ; 360 feet of thin
on trestles leading to coal-bins, having 1,000 tons capacity. Power plant — Two 50-horse-
power boilers, locomotive type; two 1 20-horse-power boilers, tubular type ; one 80-horse-
power engine and dynamo ; one Rand high-pressure air-compressor ; two Porter air-
locomotives ; one fan-engine and 4- x 12-foot ventilating-fan.
K 310
Report of the Minister of Mines.
191:
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K 312
Report of the Minister of Mines.
1913
ANALYSES OF ACCIDENTS DURING YEAR 1912.
No. or Agctdxcts inn 1,000 Mkn employed.
Tonm of Coal siiskd pbr Accident.
Fatal.
Serious.
Slight.
Total.
Fata!.
Serious.
Slight.
Total.
5.35
3.18
8.30
5.08
7.47
6.14
21 . 12
14.40
97,016
117,633
63,061
70,070
60,845
24,730
25,948
3.93
8.17
6.59
16.69
108,061
e8,766
64,376
25,426
PER CAPITA PRODUCTION OF COLLIERIES.
Gross tons of
coal mined
in 1912.
Total number of
men employ ed
by collieries.
ions oi coai mmeu , . , ions or coai nun en
permanempluV-.l ' ' ^J-,,, ■ ^ * i i*r man employed
,- underground.
at colliei i
Bast Kootenay District
1,261,21!
1,764,1:17
2,410
4,720
7,130
523
353
1,780
3,495
5,275
709
505
Total for Province
3,025,709
4!4
573
3 Geo. 5
Coal-mixing.
K 313
DETAILED STATEMENT OF ACCIDENTS IN B.C. COLLIERIES DURING 1912.
COAST COLLIERIES.
Reported by Thomas Morgan and John Newton, Inspectors.
No.
Colliery.
Date.
Name.
Occupation.
Details.
]
East Wellington .
(V. &N.)
Jan. 4
Thos. Rimron
Miner
In No. 2 Dip stall off East level, a
piece of roof- rock fell through lag-
gings and bruised him.
•2
Nanaimo
(W. Fuel)
8
Wm. Moore
Timberman's
[helper.
Moore, who had taken the place of the
pointsman, was standing between an
emptj- trip attached to a motor, and
two loads moving towards the shaft,
the motor started, causing one car
to jump the track and others to over-
turn ; he was caught and sustained
crushed hip and back ; died Jan. 12.
:i
Extension
(Can. Coll.)
19
Eugene Santi
Miner
Leg broken below the knee. He was
standing at the face of his roadway,
when a piece of coal fell from the
face, No. 2 West level, No. 2 mine.
4
Extension
31
David Davidson . . .
Fireboes . ...
He went in to examine the place when a
piece of cap-rock fell on him ; a shot
had been tired the previous shift.
5
South Wellington
(P.C.C.M.)
Feb. 13
George Spowart . . .
Miner
Was occupied in replacing a prop,
knocked out by a shot, when a piece
of rock fell and bruised him about
head and back.
6
Extension
Mar. 5
Mike Lynan
"'
A piece of rock fell from the rib,
breaking his leg.
7
South Wellington
(P.C.C.M.)
6
George Moore
Shotfirer
Was sounding the overhanging top
coal after tiring a shot when it came
away and bruised his shoulders and
chest.
8
(W. Fuel)
12
Louie Korchuk ....
Sitting on first car driving a mule, he
fell and was run over by three cars;
right arm and right leg broken and
internal injuries ; died on March 27.
9
Extension
Apr. 1 1
Andrew Jack
Miner
Was standing on inside of haulage-rope
while lowering a car when rope came
off pulley and pinned him to the
wall, burning his leg.
10
11
David Wilson
He was sitting under a piece of cap-
rock known to be loose, was stooping
to pull a piece of coal when the rock
fell and sprained his back.
II
12
Jas. Provin
He had gone into the gob out of his
working-place with the driver-boss
to show him some rails, when a piece
of rock fell and broke his pelvis.
12
tt
26
Alex. McKinnon. . .
The fireboss had examined his place
an hour previously and found it
clear, but, on drilling a hole,
McKinnon struck a feeder of gas,
which he lighted.
K 314
Report of the Minister of Mines.
1913
ACCIDENTS IN COAST COLLIERIES.— Continued.
No.
Colliery.
Date.
Name.
Occupation.
Details.
13
Extension
May 7
Andrew Dickie. . . .
Miner
On No. 1 incline, No. 3 mine, the
loaded ear jumped the track and
broke the rope, and the empties
dropped and cut and squeezed his
legs-
14
"
10
Ed. Humes
Squeezed about the hip when brake
was taken off loader) ear without
his having been notified.
15
20
Miner
Coal falling from face bruised him
about hip.
16
Oyster Harbour. .
•Tune 1
August Mestolugh
'/
Hoisting-bucket tore off piece of slid-
ing-board, which fell 40 feet, cutting
his head.
17
Extension. . . .
July 9
Samuel Juikish ....
When he was timljering a pie.
rock fell and Btruck him on tin- back:
he had been warned by overman and
fireman that his place should be
limbered.
18
"
11
\V. Wilkie
Elope came nil' eleves and empty car
ran down slope, striking him and
causing broken collar-bone.
19
"
13
Thos. Richardson . .
Miner
Weight of roof swayed timber out
and he was jammed and sustained
broken thigh-bone.
20
Aug. 7
Labourer
Was levelling-off a cave in the return
airway and lit a small accumulation
of gas with naked light : burned.
21
No. 1 Nanaimo. .
(W. Fuel)
Dec. 20
Bock-miner . . .
Charging a hole with dynamite when
charge exploded, dnvmg tamping
bar into Ins fai e and neck, i a
blood to enter lungs ; killed.
22
Jan. 9
Miner
Fall of roof-coal broke his arm.
23
"
„ •>>
Kimoto
"
Fall of rock from between stringers.
breaking his jaw and crushei
shoulder.
24
23
Jos. Santoni
Was helping to adjust a timber oi a
stopping when some lime w as squi't
ed out into his eve.
25
26
Vivian Keene
Runner
Lowering empty ear against his >ack
when ear over ran him and clashed
his foot.
26
Feb. 5
I'. Pasquala
Miner
Fall of rock crushed foot.
27
"
it i
Matt. Cinda.
Ignited gas coming from cav<, which
occurred after the fireb'ss had
examined place.
_'S
" ....
27
,1. Ridpath
Runner
Caught between cars and sustained
broken collarbone.
29
rt
Mar. 16
Chu Wee
Tracklayei .
A shot broke tli rough fom another
place and killed him.
30
Apr. 4
S. I). Williams....
Miner
Fall of rock bruised fort.
3 Geo. 5
Coal-mining.
K 315
ACCIDENTS IN COAST COLLIERIES.— Concluded.
No.
Colliery.
Date.
Name.
Occupation.
Details.
31
May
23
Miner
Fall of rock from face killed him.
32
//
29
Angelo Murletti . . .
Was timbering when a fall of rock
caused compound fracture of fibula.
33
(W. Fuel)
n
30
Victor Mackey . . . .
Machine driller
Fall of rock fractured right thigh and
ruptured kidney.
34
Van. -Nan. C. Co.
June
16
Harry Mainwaring.
Engineer
Draining boiler and was scalded on leg.
35
n
20
MahSu
Miner
An empty trip jumped the track and
crushed him against the rib, causing
dislocated hip.
36
a
23
H. Anderson
Driver
Working at pump, was struck by a
lever ; concussion of the brain.
37
a
23
L. Shearer
Fireboss
Same accident ; fracture of base of
skull.
38
July
17
Alex. Boruski
Miner
Letting car down from his place when
it ran over him and killed him.
39
Pacific Coast O.C.
Aug.
5
Henry Barkhause. .
Easing cars down grade when his foot
was caught in track ; cars struck
him, bruising back and side.
40
Cumberland
//
26
Ezra Coleman
"
Riding on trip, he stood up and was
struck by a stringer; sprained back
and fractured ribs.
41
( \V. Fuel)
Sep.
10
Wm. J. Brown. . . .
"
Whilst leading horse past trip his arm
was caught between horse-collar and
a post and broken.
42
43
(W. Fuel)
(W. Fuel)
„
11
16
Chas. Smith
Machine-helper
Rope-rider. . . .
Fall of rock bruised him about back.
Fell under car of trip and sustained
broken leg.
44
Nanaimo
(\V. Fuel)
24
Samuel Woodcock .
Fall of rock ; bruised about back and
hip.
45
V.N.C.C
■i
27
Charles Scott
Fell off ladder and injured knee.
46
Cumberland
Oct.
16
Mick Wlakovitch . .
Labourer
Fall of rock fractured skull.
47
Van. Nan. C. Co.
"
21
John Stevenson ....
Jammed while coupling cars, sustained
cracked collar-bone.
48
Cumberland
Nov.
29
Chung Sam
■>
Crushed by car ; leg broken.
49
-/
Dec.
27
Mah Fung Sing
Miner
Fall of coal killed hiin.
NICOLA COLLIERIES.
:,n
51
Nicola Vallev
[C."& c
Reported by Thomas Morgan and Robert Strachan, Inspectors,
Jan. 9 Jos. Stanhouse .... Miner ....
'J'.'
John Manson Driver.
Was sounding the roof when a piece
of rock fell trom side, breaking his
ankle.
Riding on his trip, fell off car and was
crushed between cars and side of
road ; died, broken back.
K 310
Report of the Minister of Mixes.
1913
ACCIDENTS IN NICOLA COLLIERIES.— Concluded.
69
71
72
73
74
7--.
No.
Colliery.
Date.
Name.
Occupation.
Details.
52
Diamond Vale . . .
Mar.
7
Pusher
Killed by an explosion of gas and
dust caused l>v a small quantity ol
gas and dust being ignited in NOB.
13 and 14 stalls, the resulting ex-
plosion extending over a large area.
53
•
7
Wm. Hurd
Same accident ; killed.
54
tl ...
»
*
Henry J. Grimes . .
Fireman
it n
55
'/ ...
"
i
Franklin Kallia. . . .
»
56
„
It
7
Wm. Baxter
»
a a
57
'/ ...
»
7
Jno. Pattie
it a
58
It ...
n
i
Jno. Templeton . . .
it i<
59
II ...
"
7
Pusher
Same accident ; severely burnt about
face and hands.
60
tl ...
"
t
Harry Hogg
Rope-rider ....
Same accident ; burnt, face and hands.
61
Xir.V.C.&C.Co.
( Middlesboro. )
May
14
Pusher
In front of car removing blocks when
he fell and draw-bar bruiied his
back.
62
Middlesboro ....
June
6
R. J. Farquharson .
Switchman. . . .
Injured between car and side when
car left the track.
63
"
12
Otta Hytiai
Samson post pulled out and fell on
his leg, breaking it.
64
II ....
July
29
Richard Smith ....
Mechanic's
[helper.
Caught between car and post ; left
arm broken.
65
Inland C. & C. .
Oct.
i
Rope-rider
Fell off trip; received scalp-wounds.
66
Middlesboro ....
»
31
A. Bury
Miner
Fall of top coal broke collar-bone and
bruised back.
67
PrincetonCA LCo
Nov.
2.1
F. Pratt
Fall of top coal dislocated shoulder.
68
//
Deo.
27
Machine-helper
Fall of coal fractured two ribs.
Hosmer
Michel No. 3 ... .
Hosmer
Michel No. 3 .
May 8
II
15
June 22
July
Aug.
NORTH-EAST KOOTENAY COLLIERIES.
Reported hy T. H. Williams, Inspector.
A. Kunyente Screcnman Working on tipple, injured hand
between spragg and rail.
Thumb caught between bumper and
rail and partially amputated.
Fall of rock killed him.
Piece of coal fell on his hand, fractur-
ing third and fourth fingers.
Fall of coal broke his collar-bone.
Fall of coal fractured right leg.
J. Cockram Mir
J. Crippen .
Vincent Kram
Nick Bathisteth. . .
T, Baybutt
Herman Elmer ....
i Whilst runninga Mr-Ginty was caught
between car and face and sustained
compound fracture of left leg and
and laceration of right leg.
3 Geo. 5
Coal-mining.
K 317
ACCIDENTS IN NORTHEAST KOOTENAY COLLIERIES.— Continued.
No.
Colliery.
Date.
Name.
Occupation.
Details.
76
Hosnier
Aug. 9
Nick Hannan
Miner
Fall of coal sprained ankle.
77
29
C. Salmo
Rockman
Piece of rock from shot fractured his
right leg.
78
Sep. 28
J. Altemere
On surface, foot caught in car-haul
machine and severely injured.
79
30
Martin Stanoik. . . .
Driver
Killed by being crushed between ear
and post.
SO
Hosmer
Dec. 13
Massime Marlield . .
Fall of coal crushed chest and lungs.
si
Corbin No. 1 . . . .
23
J. Karlyevitch ....
»
Fall of rock killed him.
82
Hosmer
26
E. Thomas
Timberman . . .
Thumb injured between timbers.
S3
Corbin No. 1 . . . .
Jan. .">
Mike Farrace
Miner
Pinned by cave between coal and car ;
fractured three ribs.
84
Hosmer
HI
A. Dunsmore
Hoist man
Crushed between car and post, causing
shock.
85
Michel No. 8
13
J. Velpatti
Fall of coal bruised back and legs.
86
Hosnier
IS
F. J. Harrison
"
Struck a nail into his hand, lacerat-
ing it.
87
18
R. Pratt
On surface, slight injury to face,
caused by another person loading
ashes.
88
Michel No. 3
23
J. Kempan
Driver
Lacerated thumb caused by jamming
it against the wheel of a car whilst
spragging.
89
// //....
27
S. Hampton
Partial amputation of thumb, caused
by having it caught between the
tail-chain hook and draw-bar of
car.
on
30
Anton Vingcr
Miner
Left index finger slightly crashed by
moving timber on a car.
91
Feb. 3
Fred Kurybuk
Fall of coal caused scalp-wound and
left index finger broken.
92
Michel No. 3....
9
Joe Grillus
"
Struck his foot with pick.
93
,, 20
Fall of coal broke leg.
Finger pinched between a lump of coal
and edge of car.
!il
Michel No. 3
Mar. 5
nr.
ti a ... .
5
E. Cividian
"
Fall of coal broke leg.
Ofi
14
When coming down a chute, a miner
above allowed a timber to fall,
which struck Laba and caused com-
pound fracture of leg.
97
„ 27
R. Doyle
In switching cars he was thrown
against reversing lever on motor;
sustained rupture of lung and died.
98
Michel No. 3...
27
H. Eccleston
Driver
Three toes crushed between bumper
of runaway car and ground.
K 318
Report of the Minister ok Mines.
1918
ACCIDENTS IN NORTH-EAST KOOTENAY COLLIERIES. -^-Concluded.
No.
Colliery.
Date.
Name.
Occupatinii.
Details.
•ill
Corbin No. 1 . . . .
Apr. 2
.loe Perfette
Fall of coal killed biin.
100
15
A. Ferfen
"
Caught between car and snubbing
l».st, sustaining fracture of left
tibia.
llll
Corbin No. 1
n 15
John Wasnowicki. .
Mine-labourer..
Killed by fall of noal.
SOUTH-EAST KOOTENAY COLLIERIES.
Reported by Evan Evans, Inspector.
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
1 10
III
112
113
114
115
116
No. 3 Coal Creek.
Coal Creek
No. 2 Coal Creek.
No. 1 South
(Coal Creek. )
No. 1 South
(Coal Creek. )
No. 5 Coal Creek.
No. 1 North. .
(Coal Creek.
No. 2 mine .
No. 3 mine.
Coal Ck. surface.
No. 5 mine
(Coal Creek. )
No. 1 East
(Coal Creek.)
No. 3 Coal Creek.
No. 5 Coal i Ireek.
No. 1 North . ..
(Coal Creek.)
Feb. 28
Mar. 1 1
15
29
29
May 6
June 27
Aug. 14
19
Sept. .">
Oct.
16
21
23
9
Andrew Bierge.
\Yni. Crompton
Frank Brindley
VVm. Corlatt ..
Win. Whittle . .
Win. Savage
Joseph Szpila ....
Albert Whitehouse.
Richard Hembrow
Ralph < lash. ......
James McPherson.
John Caufield
Henry Waters
Mike Searpino
James French,
Miner
Driver.
Mil
Mine-labourer .
Motorman's
[helper.
Driver-boss . .
Motorman's
[helper.
Fire buss
Timberman's
[helper.
Miner
While pushing car out of face he fell,
and car moved back and fractured
his thigh.
Rope i ider
Slipped on ice near blacksmith-shop
and broke left fibula ; on surface.
Driving out a trip, horse turned ; his
leg was caught between the car and
gun and fractured.
Cave of rock fractured two ribs.
Fall of rock killed him.
When setting up timbers some coal
fell from the face, causing fracture
of both legs.
Run over by car on incline and
killed.
Was riding on the motor when a pipe
Struck him, injuring buttock and
testicles.
Was attaching drag to loaded trip:
when trip started, the rope broke
and car ran over and killed him.
While uncoupling cars on surface from
motor he fell under carsand sustained
two fractured legs and fractured
right arm ; died twelve hours later.
While examining a place after firing
a shot some coal fell and dislocated
his left hip.
Amputation of second and third fit [
of right hand by being crushed by
driving-gear pinion of a pump.
Waters \i as removing rock when a
in broke and caught bis wrist;
He became excited and died of
fright.
Fall of coal fractured femur: died
four weeks later.
running over him caused broken
clavicle.
3 Geo. 5
Coal-mining.
K 319
ACCIDENTS IN SOUTH-EAST KOOTENAY COLLIERIES.— Concluded.
No.
Colliery.
Date.
Name.
Occupation.
Details.
117
No. 1 East
(Coal Creek. )
Oct. 19
Harold Bird
Rope-rider ....
Amputation of first and second
fingers of left hand by a car running
over him.
118
No. '2 Coal Creek.
Nov. 18
Peter Butala
Miner
Fall of rock at the face killed him.
119
No. 3 Coal Creek.
18
Modeste Theodolez.
Sustained broken clavicle by being
crushed between car and roof.
K 320
Report of the Minister of Mines.
1913
PROSECUTIONS UNDER "COAL-MINES
REGULATION ACT."
As is incumbent upon the Inspector, he has been obliged to lay information before tin-
local Magistrates in a large number of cases for infractions, by the workmen in the mines, of
the general and special rules, which are provided solely for their own protection. The e
regulations are for the general safety of all the underground employees, and the careless:
of one man endangers all his fellow workmen, whose lives arc practically in the hands of such
foolishly careless or criminal person.
The following prosecutions have been brought during the year for the offences noted : the
judgments given bv the .Magistrate being shown : —
Date.
Feb.
Name.
J. H. McMillan
T. Beard
R. McAllister.
T. Coorane. . . .
Occupation.
Manager. . . .
Dr
J. Li Wis
\ Ri ibertson. .
s. Tabacco
\l:i\ ( 'hung . .
Ma Gunn
• I- S.I! In.
II. W. Bright-
[well
Ed. Woods. . . .
Sept. 10 Benj. Browitt. M
lager.
Mine.
Comox .
Aii.ln v. 1'ilk- Miner
[enen
Diamond
[Vale
Middlesboro.
( >ffence charged.
Judgn
Violating (Eight-hour Act) sec. Fined Sin and
18, "C.M.K. Act "
Ditto .
s.-,
Violating Uen'l Rule 9 (matches
in possession)
no
Violating Gen'l Rule 12 in two
.*."> in each
i .it ei 32, •■ C.M.R. Fined $30 and
Aii ." employ iog fireboss who
had no certificate as such
Charged by Inspector with i Certificate as mana
gross negli cancelled, by in
quiry under sec. 4 s
Charged with having, on July Mr. Stewart -us
5th, filled BeveraJ dummy pended his ccrtni
tamping cartridges with coal-
dust, the cartridges being
filled a) either • ad " ith claj
with lutein to
tirer in No. 2 mine, Middles-
eate during the
Minister of
pleasure.
3 Geo. 5
Coal-mixing.
K 321
I'ROSKCl'TIOXS. Conduded.
Date.
Name.
Occupation.
Mine.
Offence charged.
Judgment.
Sept. 4
Peter Myers. . .
Shotfirer. . . .
Middlesboro.
Charged with tiring shots in
No. 4 mine, Middlesboro,
these shots not being proper-
ly placed or the coal well
prepared
Case dismissed.
Oct. 16
Fred Krisch . . .
Miner
Middlesboro.
Information was laid against
him for having tampered
with his safety-lamp in the
No. 4 mine, Middlesboro,
contrary to Special Rule 7!)
Accused fled the coun-
try.
Feb. 7
John Magistic.
Michel
Charged with having matches
in his possession in contra-
vention of General Rule 9 of
"Coal-mines Act"
Fined §10 and costs or
sixty days in gaol.
Joseph Tipton
«
Ditto.
Feb. 13
Thomas Janco.
John Vocalick .
Fined go and costs.
Ceasar Vince,
n
/' /' //
Tom Leoskoski
»
»
// it n
Aug. 14
Corbin C. k C.
[Co.
Company. . . .
CorbiD
Violating sec. 4 of " Coal-mines
Act" in employing a boy
under fourteen
Case dismissed.
Sept. 3
T. Carmillo. . . .
Miner
Michel
Charged with breach of Special
Rules in riding on a loaded
trip in No. 3 mine
Fined S10 and costs or
sixty days in gaol.
A. Bartillon. . .
Luiyi BeUa-
[gamba
Coal Creek . .
Ditto
Ditto.
Aug. 3
Loading out in a car of coal, 2
1T». Monabel and four electric
fuses; both explosives were
Fined gill and costs.
in same canister
K 322
Report of the Minister of Minks.
lit I.".
METALLIFEROUS MINES SHIPPING IN 1912.
CASSIAR.
PORTLAND CANAL MINING DIVISION.
Mine or Group.
Locality.
< >\\ ner or Agent.
Address.
Character ol Ore
G61d, silver.
Bear river
Gold, copper.
EAST ROOT EN AY.
GOLDEN minim; i>I\ (SION
WEST ROOTENAY.
NELSON MINING DIVISION.
Monarch
Field
FORT STEELE MINING DIVISION.
.
.1 P. Farrell
St. Eugene
Kimherley
T. w. Bingay, Secretary
Arlington
Canadian King
Emerald
H.B
Molly Gibson i
Motherlode.
Poorman
Queen
Relief
Queen Victoria
Vancouver .
Yankee Girl
Erie
Salino
Kokanee creek
Sheep creek . .
Granite . . . . .
Sheep creek . .
Erie
Nelson
Sheep creek . .
Ymir
William Boluses
Win. Holmes . , -
R. W. Mifflin . .
P. F Morton . .
T. W. Bingay. ..
Geo. E Farish .
E. E. Guille ....
E. V. Bucklej ,
A. D. Westbj . ..
I ►, Lai mound . .
G. H. Fisher
fl. Mabry
Nelson ... .
Salmo
Trail ..'.".'.'.
Sheep Creek
Granite ....
Sheep < Ireek
i tie
i .,. enwood
Sheep < ireek
Spokane . . .
Gold, silver.
Silver, lead.
Gold, silver.
Col.l, silver, copper.
Gold, silver, lead.
ainsworth MINING DIVISION.
Riondel
Paddj 's peak
Hope
F. R. Wolfe
Sih.-r.
Trail
w. s Bawley
w h Burgess
.' !■' Caldwell
Sih er, lead, zinc.
SLOCAN MINING DIVISION.
rks
Gold, sill • r
sih er, lead, /.inc.
<;. Stilwell
1 vi r, lead.
it ii
Payne mountain
T. McAllister
w. B, Zwiuky
Rambler-Cariboo
Sandi in
"
T. W. B'mgaj
W. E. Zwicky
Trail
Rio
Ruth. ..
W. II. North
3 Geo. 5
Metalliferous Mines Shipping in 1912.
K 323
WEST KOOTENAY— Concluded.
SLOGAN CITY MINING DIVISION.
Mine or Group.
Black Prince .
Eastmont . . .
Enterprise . . .
Kilo
Meteor
Ajax
Silver Cup ...
Fidelity .
High Grade . .
.Nettie L
Spider
Locality.
Lemon creek .
Slocan lake. . .
10-mile sreeb
Lemon creek .
Owner or Agent.
Address.
John C. Moen
E. A. Griffith.
a. S. Fowler. . ,
A. Sostad
G. H. A v lard ..
Riondel
Nelson
New Denver.
Character of Ore.
Silver, lead.
Gold.
Gold, silver.
KEVELSTOKE, LARDEAC, AND TROUT LAKE MINING DIVISIONS.
Ferguson .
Gerrard - . .
Trout lake
Ferguson . .
Pool creek
F. C. Merrv
J. E. Lamphere. .
J. W. Livingston
P. 0. Merry
F. G. Wrightson .
Ferguson .
Gerrard
Trout Lake
Ferguson
Comaplix Gold, silver, lead.
Silver, lead.
Gold, silver, lead.
Silver, lead.
TRAIL CHEEK MINING DIVISION.
Blue Bird
Rossland
Grenville mountain
Rossland
Gold, silver, lead, zinc.
Gold, silver, copper.
M. E. Purcell
Inland Empire . .
I.X.I
F. E. Pearce
R. T. Evans
Le Koi
F. S. Pelers
Gold, silver, copper.
Le Roi No. 2
E. Lew
Nickle Plate
I hoenix
"
K. Dalbv Morkill
Gold, silver, lead.
BOUNDARY.
GREENWOOD MINING DIVISION.
Copper Mine
Elkhorn
Emma
Oiunby
Jewel ...
Mother Lode
Wellington .
Dividend
Nickel Plate
Greenwood
Phoenix
Long Lake
Greenwood
Phoenix
Kruger mountain
Hedle.v
I). Moran
C. Kenney
O. Lachiinin.l
G, w. Wooster
C. A. Banks .
O. Lachmund .
Danville
Greenwood .
Grand Forks .
Greenwood. .
Silver, copper.
. Gold, silver.
Gold, silver, copper.
Gold, silver, lead.
Gold, silver, copper.
OSOYOOS MINING DIVISION.
.). C. Fisher
G. P. Jones.,
Spokane
H wile v..
Gold, copper.
Gold.
COAST.
NANAIMO MINING DIVISION.
Little Billy. ■■
„..| ,
II. P. Fogh
Seattle
Copper, gold, silver.
VANCOUVER MINING
DIVISION.
J. W. D. Moodie
Copper, silver.
K 324
Report of the Minister of Mixes.
1913
LIST OF CROWN-GRANTED MINERAL CLAIMS.
CROWN GRANTS ISSUED IX 1912.
c \S$] \k.
Claim.
Division.
Alexandra Atlin
Carnation
i
Eglantine
Engineer No. 1
Gulden Hope
Haines . . .
Kingston
Montreal
Northern Partnership
No. I
I »ute.
■
160 G. 1
1
■
Rose Fraction
^ "II
A ja\ Portland Canal.
iquin •> ii
Ben Boll
Ben Bolt Fractional >■ "
i i ■ mond •• ■■
Bull Fraction
50 No. 1 >- >-
11 No. 2 . •■ 11
Fractional
Dundee
Erie
Jumbo
mi
Last 1 thatice
Lucky Boy
Maid of Erin
Mammoth
tional
Minnie
Fractional
Penetang
tide
-!
ae
•\>
u entwortb
Donna Skeena.
Einnia Fractional
Eva
Fanny
Killhope
1. >T Rocker
Jan. 17
April -iy
Julv 20
April 10
Mar. 15
July 20
July 20
April 1U
Christopher w illiam Andrew Nevili 612 G. 1
ser 157
Johney Samuel Nunkove
Simon Jarob Weitzman
Samuel Martin Eraser 375 t*. 1
James. Alexander Konrad Wawrecka, Denj. Green Nicoll,
John Dunham 19
Elizabeth Kirkland, Mary Ann Kirkland, admin -
the estate of John Kirkland, deceased, and Fred Bovan.
Simon Ja 1:- '■ ' -' ,;:'
Margaret Creighlon Gatewood >; ~
Simon Jacob Weitzinan.. 153 G. 1 17. C2
Louis Alphonse Pure S»9 G. 1 49.37
James Alexander, Konrad Wawrecks Green Nicoll,
John Dunham
Noemie Eraser, Louis Alphonse Pare
Rosa Lena W < .1 nnan ,
John Franklin Tompkins . . ■
John Gordon Morrison
Samuel < Sow • •-■■
International Mining Co., ltd. (N.P.L.)
Samuel Curl.".
Pacific Coast Exploral ion Co., Ltd.
International U 1 ltd. (N.P.I..)
Fay Alfred Scott .
William SpUrck
Neil McLeod Curran
International Mining Co., Ltd. (N.l'.L.) .
Pacific Coast Ex| Co , Ltd
Vancouver-Portland Canal Mines, Ltd. (N.P.L.)
Glacier Creek Mining Co., Ltd. (N.P.L.)
Samuel Gourlej
Internati* nal Mining Co., Ltd. 1 n I
Glacier Creeh Mining Co.. Ltd. (N.P.L 1 .
Samuel Gnurlej
Ltd. (N.P.L.)..
International Mining Co., Ltd. (N.P.L.)
Samuel Gourlej
(reek Miuing Co., Ltd. (N.P.L.) .
■■ ■
Vancouver-Portland Canal Mines, Ltd. (N.P.L )
International Mining Co., Ltd. (N.P.L.).
George Martin, Win. Shannon, James P.. Mathers
P.arl Fractional
Pink
Reid
River Mouth
Scepter
pe
Francis S. Dakers
Watson D Noble, Edward Donahue, Win. E. Collison, and
Jan rtson, administrators of the e^r
Donald A. Robertson, deo -
George Martin, Wm. Shannon, James B. Mathers
Richard Arthur Trethewey, J* seph Ogle Trethewey
Robie Lewis R< id ..... -.
. Martin, Wm. Shannon, James B. Mathers
Frank Round; . .
Martin, Wm. Shannon, James B, Mathers
a 1 <:.
1
: ■
Julv
IS
144 c;.
1
■
April
19
;
;i.4
Jcilv
1
- •
April
29
1
April
19
1
42.77
M;ix
1490 G.
1
Sept.
21
:;i '.
1
37.5M
Maj
a
1
35.09
NU)
1
Slav
n»: v..
1
1
•
.lull
11
1
.. ■
ic
■
I
11
•319 c;.
1
)Li
2 1
1
21
HVI c.
1
-
•
.71 G
1
1
4
1
42.7
rvi..
12
1
Feb.
12
773 <;.
1
31.09
Hftl
1
flj
41. > «:.
1
2.1
K.-I..
12
1
27.4.1
Mav
2.)
412 «;.
1
1.74
Feb.
12
4"4 0.
1
Feb.
12
H'.>4 G.
1
Sept.
21
1
30.6
Mai
■::'.
4CI6 G.
1
IVb.
IS
--
■ late.
4
1
4
1"77 <:.
1
4
I4W G.
1
■
-
SI
I
21
1252 R.
4
April
:1
-
4
61.10
M;.r.
4
I24S R.
4
April
12
631 R.
i
4
I2SI K.
4
April
1!
1247 R. 4
April
12
-
1
61.65
14
]
!
24
4
51.65
» :ir.
4
1250 R
4
.• •
April
12
141
Julv
1 ■
Julv
10
124il R
4
April
12
lli74 (i
1
Julv
s
63? R
4
51 65
Mar.
4
633 K
4
-
M.,r
4
3 Geo. 5
Crown Grants.
K 325
OASSIAK,— Concluded.
Coronado
Ooronado Fractional
Home Kun .
Pay Koll . . .
Silver Star .
South Weal
Adonis
I'.f'.'iruii-lirM
Capital
Edmonton
Harriet ....
Hot Punch
iron, Duke
Jessie
Montreal
Nelson
Ottawa
Quebec Fractional . . .
Kegina Fractional ...
Rossland
South Easter
Sweet Flag
Toronto
Vancouver
Victoria
Winnipeg
Winnipeg Fractional
Champion
Queen Charlotte
Cariboo
John E. Halley, Ronald J. McDonell, Perley R. Fleming . ..
Ronald J. McDonell, administrator of the estate of VVm. S
McDonell, deceased, intestate ..
John E. H;ilk\ , Ronald J. McDonell, Perley R. Fleming . .
Ronald J. McDonell
Ronald J. McDonell, Jabez K. Ashman
Jabez K. Ashman
Richard Arthur Trethewey, Joseph Ogle Trethewey, Peter
Drummond
John McLellan, Alex, J. Gordon
Edward i adlie
Richard Arthur Trethewey, Joseph Ogle Trethewey.
Roarer K.Hill
Peter Drummond .
Edward Baillie. . . .
John McLellan, Alexander Gordon.
Leonard Ry« Locke
Edward Baillie
Leon F. Champion, administrator of the estate of James
Champion, deceased, intestate
Lot No.
Acres.
1155
R. 5
51.65
1167
R 5
6.5
ii...;
1(. 5
16.76
•2547
B. 6
n; -..
2646
K. 5
47. SI
2648
B. 6
23.87
1865
50.24
1303
48.22
696
61.31
607
51.65
MS
32.06
1376
28.03
11)77
8S.47
1861
20 s-
694
33.63
I'H
61 66
695
40.01
7ili
701
31 ,58
690
48.02
1802
33.56
1864
38 it
693
45.37
60S
51.65
61V2
12 mi
i-,!I.j
46 56
700
39.49
428 G. i
36.50
Date.
April 19
April 19
May S
May 8
May 8
May 8
June 24
.Ian. 4
Dec. 9
Dec. 9
June 24
June 24
June 24
June 24
Dec. 9
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
I v.-
Dec
Jan.
June 24
Dec. 9
Dec. 9
Dec 9
Dec. 9
Dec. 9
April 10
EAST KmiTENAY.
Evening Star
Gtibralter Fractional
Golden Key
i lood Hope ■.
Mamoth
Rose
Toolips
War Eagle
\\ asa
Fort Steele
Robert .Mi-Nair, Nils Johnson, Jacob Nilson
CleniMit Hungerford Pollen...
Bernbard Lundin
Clement Hungerford Pollen
Robert McNair, Nils Johnson, Jacob Nilson
Bernhard Lundin
6121 11.
1
51.10
6122 il.
1
P. 68
6120 G.
1
50.92
9820 G.
1
60.06
10316G
1
61 .65
9821 ii.
1
29.52
9822 G.
1
37.51
61)9 G.
1
51.66
10316G
1
51.65
Sept. 6
Sept. 20
Sept. 5
lune 5
Oct. in
June 6
June 5
Sept 5
Oct. 10
WEST KOOTENAY.
Ameythyst
Itenhurr
Climax
Cornelia
Hillside
Last i hance
Legal Tender.
Maple Leal
Mayflower
Moken Mini Fractional
Nugget Fractional
i 'Li i lominion
Peggy
Prince of Wales
Bharorock
Snow St.. nit
Spud Fractional
Summit
Trilby
Boone Fractional
Cannon Ball
Deer Lodge
Kaslo Fractional
Mountaiti View
Nap Fracl tonal .
Norl h star Fracl i il
Patricks
Pearl Fractional
Romanes Fractional .
Silver King
Tamarac
Bright Light
Champion No. -2
.. No. 2 Frac . .
Nelson .
Ainsworth
.l.u-an . 'it .
John B. Baxter
A.-hille Israel Marentelle, Eugene Wilson Stoner .
James R. Hunnex
Samuel A. Hunter, Ole Larson
Achille Israel Marentelle, Eugene Wilson Stoner .
G "ge Kla\ iino
Edmund C. Wtajfge
Samuel A. Hunter, Ole Larson
Edmund C. Wragge
Montie J. Morgan, Wm. IV Pool
Achille 1-1:1. I Marentelle, Eugene Wilson Stoner .
Gertrude A. Rhodes, Frederick P. Drummond . .
James It. Cranston
James II. O'Donell
William Wal.lie
Achille Israel .Marentelle, Eugene Wilson Stoner.
wm. E. Costello
Phil Corrigan
Frank Bailey
w in. Lee McLaughlin
John Wesle} Power
1 1 Hollander Milling anil Milling Co
John Wesley Power
Win. E.luar.ls H...1. 1.T ..
11. F. Strobeck
David P. Hatch, Warren E. Lloyd, Frances J. Nellis . ...
Wm, I..' McLaughlin
Scot! Thornburg .
Donald Duncan McPhereon, Andrew Jacobsen, Bertha
Angrignon, John Thomas Black, Mary Ili.-ks, Alex.
Mackie Rogers, Duncan James Weir
I laiilt-1 A Ma.l.a. hlan ....
1O680G. 1
6984 11. 1
8982 '1. 1
limn ii. :
10442G, 1
si. Ml II, 1
I0828G 1
3262 11 I
11)141 II. I
3932 11. 1
10406 G. 1
VIN3 II.
9356 G. 1
1625 G. 1
11.40:. (i. 1
10018G. 1
8987 G. 1
B986 G. 1
1626 G. 1
1006 '«.. 1
1512 s.
1036 ti. 1
1040 (I. 1
11.11511. 1
5266a G. 1
10444 G. I
5189 G. 1
'..:'., 111 1
6680 O. 1
10SI '. 1
7140 O. 1
9845 c I
IOS11G. 1
10812G. 1
48.69
50.30
..1 ,.;;
41.11
48.4
44.52
48.56
41.21
51 65
12 B8
2.66
43.50
41 SO
51.00
11.25
46.03
42 60
51.17
47.76
40.93
r.1.47
51 .65
1.93
42.2
2.30
37 . 2
51.65
2.02
16.33
23.0
51.65
23.31
41.30
12.73
April
2
April
13
ipril
13
Jan.
17
May
28
April 13
Now
13
Jan.
18
May
28
Jan.
18
Feb.
19
April
13
Mar.
1 '
April
9
Mar.
111
April
4
April
13
April
13
April
9
Mav
14
Aug.
15
May
16
April
9
April
4
Sept.
23
April
4
July
10
June
24
Aug.
15
April
1
Feb.
1 1
Fell.
20
S. p|
4
Sept .
4
K 326
Report of the Minister of Mixes.
1913
w EST KOOTENAY.-G
Division.
Christina
Cub Fractional .
Slocan City.
Missing Link .
Sapphire No. '-'
ii No. 2 Frae.
Virgel
1 oung Bear
American
Kalania
Kaslo
Liberal
Miller Creek Fractional
War Eagfle
Broad\ iew fractional. .
I loronation
Glad Hand
Indiana
I, II
Abe Lincoln No. 1 ....
i >eer Park
Grand I'rize
.!■ i' Mac
Last ' ihance
Tuesday
w hit- Iron
Virginian
Slocan . .
Trail Cn ek.
Grantee.
Michael Murphy, Pal rick Henry Cosgrove
Donald Duncan Mcl'h< w n, Amln-w Jacobsen, Berth a
Angrignon, John Thomas Black, Man Hicks, Alexander
Mackie Rogers, Duncan James Weir ....
Donald Duncan McPherson, Andrew Jacobsen, 1 mi nan
.lames Weir, Bertha Angrignon, John Thomas Black,
Duncan Grant —
Daniel A. MaeLachlan
Michael Murphy, Patrick Henry Cosgrove
Donald Duncan McPhers Andrew Jacobsen, Bertha
Angrignon, John Thomas Black, Man Hicks, Alexander
Mackie Rogers, Duncan .fames Weir
John S. Bedier
Hugh J. I'- Buckley
Win Lee McLaughlin
John S. Bedier
i ■: I 'audrey
Consolidated Mining & Smelting Company of < anada, Ltd.
The Ohio Mines Development Co., Ltd i vp.L.)
Cutler Thmnas Porter
Wm. Hen net I. Bruce White, Nettie Davey
The Ohio Mines Development Co., Ltd. (N.P.L.)
Consolidated Mining* Smelting Co. of Canada, Ltd
Chas. H. Hamilton, Edmund C. Wra
Samuel W. Forteath
Theodore Nels Okerstrom, Lyland Franklin McDougald
Lot No.
10596 G.l
9S10 G. 1
9844 <: 1
10813G l
ItttMG. I
L0595G I
98*3 G. 1
5851 G i
9184 G l
1084 R l
•2271 G. 1
;,i»i G. i
■
6019 <;. 1
7861 <-. i
K681 <:. 1
6017 a. 1
6018 <;. 1
■
932 ■■. I
I'M,. |
l-'7- '. I
i., i G I
1C93 G. 1
Acres. Date.
49. GO
Fed.. 20
Feb. 20
Si pt. 4
I 90 Sept 4
51.05 Jan. 4
BO "1
•:i 90
31 97
-.- 09
41 18
i :• - :
i ■ ■ '
10.81
1- 17
17.96
32 27
Fel
April 29
Sepl i
July 10
i
July 10
Sept. L£
Ma.i ]..
April 19
July 2o
Mav 15
Mav 15
Sepl 18
Sept 19
Sepl i:»
Nov. in
Sept. 19
July 4
Vpril 29
BOl NDARY.
Alert
Alto Frai t ional
Antelope Fractional . .
\l InUl.UI
Big Cub
Black Bear ...
Eclipse
Eganville . —
June . . . .
Lil I le I 'nil Fractional . .
Lock Port
Original
Ri .' d j I ash Fractional.
R. Kipling Fraction
Snow-hoe Fractional
sr Joseph
Transit Fractional . . .
Twin Mine
Wave Fraction
fellow Jacket
Atlantic Fractional
Ati.int ic Fractional No. 2
Atlas
Belle* iew i 'racl ional
Copper Queen
i tiamond Joe Fractional.
Fannj H. Fractional ....
(ireal Laxei
Lady of the Lake .
Lily
Monte I in isto
Ohio
st. Lawrence
sniilix Fractional
Acacia
Acadia
Alpha
Australian
i Iracker Jack
July Fractional ,
Sew "» ori Frw
Sacramento
i topia
Wellington
Grand Fork;
Osoyoos
Forbes Murray Kerby
Wm. J. 1' re i id e runs!, John s Boy< i . Chris. II. Reeves
Herbert C. Kennan, Maggie M. Herman, David Shannon.
i i bes Murray Kerby, Bernard Lequime . ,
Wm, J. Prendergast, John S. Boyce, Chris. H. Reeves
&ngelo Luciani, Luigi Gri, Antonio Copicetti
Herbert C. Kerman, Maggie M. Kerman, David Shannon...
Isaac Hoy t Hallett, Jauies F. Cunningham
Alexander E. Burr, ' harles E. Baker
i Cook, Mar\ Turner McMynn, Louise Albert Smith,
Joseph Ernest McEwan
George Cook, Mary Turner McMynn
John Mulligan
Henry Johnson, Peter Edward Blakie
B.C. Copper Co., Ltd
Andrew Hamilton, .John .hitues < lu<',is administrator of the
estate of Thomas Ken eased intestate
Thomas H. Richards
Forbes Murray Kerby, Bernard Lequime
Gustave .Johnson
Josiah Graham
Eric B. Jackson, Francis W. Groves
Normail Morrison . ..
Wellington Elson, Jane Russel, Evan tarry
No. 7 Mining Co., Ltd
Andrew Hamilton, John James Clucaa, administrator of the
estate ol rhomas Kermeen, deceased, intestate
No. 7 Mining Co., Ltd
John O. Thompson, Wm. D. Morton
Sydney M. Johnson, Mark w. Smith, Philip B s. Stanhope.
Phi ip i; s. Stanhope, Richard T. Nicholson
Norman Morrison
Isaac Hoyt Hallett, Albert Eashcrott ... ..
Jennie Louise Wilby
Frank Bailey, Waltei I Hodges, Fred H Gladden, John
n, James N. Paton
lied lev Gold Mining Co
Adam Creelman
Jennie Louise Wilby
Frank Bailey, Walter E. Hodges, Frederick w. Gladden,
John (. hidden, larni s N. 1'aton
980 9
926 S:
16 98
i - B
>
1 ;". S
•
vat s.
1888 S.
•
. i BS
1018 S
ii. ,i S
SI. 09
591 S.
43 14
a
12(H) S.
L459 S
31 .23
1 9
291 :>
32 01
1470 S.
1.91
IE
1164 S.
g i g
782 S.
res s
7 1(1
1164 0
50. SS
564 S.
g 46
i g : s
-
4I>.'/
13.61
11 ' R
45.19
51.36
. -
4 7 50
::I25
33.5
8124 fi. 1
4 4 51
1562 S.
1064
3S.50
. H -
13 35
-
51 65
690 S.
51.65
708
42.69
• 9
1 06
158! S.
.
2678
30.9
692 S.
43.36
707
87.49
N1.il
18
Her.
11
Mar.
13
Sept.
:
v 11
•.'
M:.r.
0
Mar.
IS
Sepl
23
8
Mar.
X
June
-
April
4
Sept
4
Sept.
1
Mhj
14
Mar.
•:::
S
1
Feb.
-
Not.
IS
Mar.
1.;
Deo.
16
IN-.-.
16
IS
Sept
.'.
April
i
Vl_
14
Feb,
-
15
S, i
5
is
ti
a
June
.lime
17
Feb.
: 1
Feb.
1 1
Feb.
19
Feb.
19
Jul,
19
Auk.
1.'
Jul,
i
Mar.
a
Feb.
19
July 19
3 Geo. 5
Crown Grants.
K 327
BOUN'DAKY.— CW/mferf.
Claim.
Division.
i irunti'f
Bovne KamloopE
Cotton Belt j ..
Evening Star I M
Harison . .
Iron Cap .
Jessie .
Joe
Vale .
Victoria
Wellington
British Queen
Captain Jack
Grimmer
Homestake
Hunter Fractional
Little Gold Bug Fraction
Lou Isabella. ......
Old Puss
Ora
Wheal Tamer
Aggatite
Bauxite
Gipsy
Night Hawk
Tom Cat
Bell Fractional Similkameen.
( !olumbla Fractional ... h
Freddie B ,.
Puritan -. u
Rambler ■■
Nicola
Bertram F. Lund}' .
John Hudson Morrison, Alex. S. McArthur, James Milne
Harper
Bertram F. Lundy, Thomas Ellis
Frederick A. McLeod, Win. J. Harvev, Spencer Llwellvn
Bulkeley
Alex. Joseph McMulk-n, James Herdsman
Bertram F. Lundy, Fred. Temple Cornwall, official adminis-
trator of the estate of John N'idea, deceased, intestate .
Bertram F. Lundy, Caroline Y. Daniels
Robert Kieby
Mt. Baker and Yale Mining1 Co
Oliver Redpath, James Manson, Thomas Bulman
Clarence A. Kline
Mt. Baker and Yale Mining Co
ii n
Owen Salusbury Batchelor
Robert Henderson
Win. Murray
Francis W. Groves, Eric E. Jackson
Robert Barrie, Albert Howard MacNeill
Luke Gibson
Ellen J. Barron
Luke Gibson
Lot No.
Acres.
210" G. 1
32.1
2105 G. 1
28.2
1013 0. 1
51.65
2108 G. 1
33.1
875 G. 1
49.55
2110 G. 1
40.5
2106 G. 1
26.8
8109 0. i
311.9
2111 G. 1
51.4
431 G. 1
19.12
432 G. 1
20 . 34
434 G. 1
31.0 |
2125 G. 1
51.65
435 G. 1
6.75
430 G. 1
11.41
433 G. 1
18.76
429 G. 1
13.94
436 G. 1
51.65
2126 G. 1
61.65
1259 G. 1
40.3
1267 G. 1
51.56
1258 G. 1
48.47
1519 G. 1
17.3
1517 G. 1
51.48
420a G. 1
6.56
135 G. 1
7.14
1521 G. 1
51.65
S07 S.
51.65
1522 G. 1
49.38
Feb. 21
Feb. 20
April 2
Feb. 21
Julv 31
Feb. 21
Feb. 20
May 18
Mar. 5
Mar. 15
Mar. 15
Mar. 15
ulr 25
Mar. 16
Mar. 15
Mar. 15
Mar. 15
Mar. 15
Julv 25
Sept. 7
Sept 7
Sept 7
Sept. 5
Sept. 5
Jan. 19
April 29
April 29
av 14
April 29
VANCOUVER ISLAND AND COAST.
Bear
I iter
Elk '..
Lynx
Park
Park Lane
Vancouver
Victoria
Hanker
Canada No. 28
• i No. 29 Frac. . .
.. No. 30
., No. 31
„ No. 32
., No. 33
.i No. 34
n No. 35
Chimnang
Coinox Fractional
Doralha Morton
H Frac. .
Douglas
E\ a
Lucky Jim
Maggie May
" Percy*'
Rifting Sun
Saxon
Black Bear
Edith
A. T. Monteith
Little Jap
Uncle Sam . ........
I'topia
Meryl
N. Westminster.
Nanaimo .
Alberui . .
Quatsino ....
Vancouver . .
Britannia Mining and Smelting Co., Ltd.
Bowen Island Copper Co., Ltd. (N.P.I..) . .
Fairfield Exploration Syndicate, Limited .
Taconia Steel Co
Fairfield Exploration Syndicate, Limited .
Alexander McXair
Fairfield Exploration Syndicate, Limited
Alexander McNair
Arthur E. Waterhouse.
Andrew Tait Monteith, John L. Hangi, Joseph Hunter.
Britannia Mining and Smelting Co., Ltd
Albeit E. Stevens, Robert Th pson
Britannia Mining and Smelting Co., Ltd
Wm. A. Lorimer
2348 G. 1
■1 : 1
2399 li. 1
38 i G i
2078 ('. 1
2000 G. 1
3367 G. 1
3368 G. 1
291 I: i
317
318
320
SI 9
321
322
324
323
319 R. 1
297 R. 1
253 R. 1
3(10 R. 1
320 K. 1
254
723
322 R. 1
299 R. 1
722
721
109
108
826
2094 G. 1
2324 G. 1
1636BG. 1
Sect. 90
46.28
51.65
46.20
45.73
50.23
51 c;,
29.92
51.6
41.77
30.2
6.4
19 >0
23.3
50.70
41.4
51.65
49.50
51.23
19.85
51.65
23.3
48.74
42.14
51.65
24.0
49.52
51 .64
43.29
51.65
51.65
61.65
39.17
4*. 12
41.72
51 .55
Sept.
15
Aug.
15
Aug.
15
Sept
i>
Aug.
15
Aug.
13
Julv
10
June
17
Jan.
18
May
31
May
31
Ma\
31
May
31
Mav
31
May
31
Mav
31
Mav
31
Jan.
18
Jan.
18
Jan.
19
Jan.
19
Ian.
18
Jan.
18
Ma\
15
Jan.
18
Jan.
18
Mav
15
Mav
23
Nov.
12
Nov.
12
July
19
Dec
20
April
19
Deo.
20
Sept.
13
K 328
Report of the Minister of Mines.
L913
DEPARTMENT OF MINES.
VICTORIA, B.C.
Hon. Sir Richard McBride,
R. F. Toi.miic,
Wm. Fleet Robertson,
D. E. Whittaker,
Thomas Graham,
Henry Devlin,
John Newton,
Evan Evans,
Thomas H. Williams
Robert Strachan,
James McGregor,
Minister of Mines.
Deputy Minister of Mines.
Provincial Mineralogist.
Assistant Assayer.
Chief Inspector of Mines, I ntoria.
District ,, Nanaimo.
,, ,, Ferni'e.
',' Merritt.
,, „ Nelson.
GOLD COMMISSIONERS AND MINING RECORD1RS.
Mining Divisions.
Atlin Mining Division.
Sub-office
Stikine Mining Division .
Sub-office
Lianl Mining 1 >i\ ision . .
Sub-office
Skeena Mining Division .
Suit office
Portland I !anal M.D. .
Bella Coola Mining Div
Sub-office
Queen < lharlol te Min D
Sni i office
Location of
Office.
Atlin
Discovery City . .
Telegraph < !reek
Summit Station
Wynnton
Haines (U.S.) . .
Nahlin
Telegraph Creek , .
Boundary
I elegrapb Creek. .
Porter s Landing. .
McDame Creek. . .
Prince Rupert. . . .
Kitimat
Port Simpson ....
Kssington
Stewart (Portland
Qnuk River. . . .
Hartley Bay
< i' »>se Bay
Stewart
Prince Rupert .
Bella Coola . .
Queen Char. City .
Jedway
Masset
Loekeport
Omineca Mining Division. Hazelton
Sub-offii e
a Fort i Irahame. .
« Fort St. James .
a Manson I reek . .
•i Copper City. . . .
■i Aldermere
» Lorne Creek
n Terrace
a Fort st. John . .
a Babine P< >rt age
a Fort ]
Gold Commissioner.
J. A. Fraser .
John Cartmel.
John Cart mel.
J. H. MeMllllil
< 'anal i .
J. II. McMullin ...
(at l'riiec Rupert i
J. 11. MoMulUn. .
E. M. Sandilands.
Stephen II. Hoskina
Mining Recorder.
W. G. Paxton. . .
(( .nil. for taking
Affidavits)
John I .11 tmel.
John Cartmel.
Sub-Recorder.
J. II. McMullin
K. W. b
John ( lartrael.
< leoffrey Puller.
W. II. Simp
Risdon M. OdelL
J. V. Pilling.
Willi, in St
H.Smith.
An..- Kverson.
I .. i, I.. Anderson.
J. R. C. Deane.
,\. Forsythe.
John ( '.mwiiy.
Burt E. Daily.
John Conway.
J. II. McMullin
. . . F. A. McKinnon.
Frank Brouchton.
F. M. Sandilands. I'.
W. Prescott.
C. Hai i
H. I.. I'.-
.las. E. Kirhv
Win. Fox.
Alex. C. .Murrav.
U . P. Steele.
P. It. Skinner.
K. «.a]e.
F. E. Holt
T. W. s. p
F. W. Beatton.
!;. J. i aineron.
J. E. Sooson.
3 Geo. 5
Officers of Department of Mines.
K 329
GOLD COMMISSIONERS AND MINING RECORDERS.— Coniim,,,!.
Mining Divisions.
Peace River Mining Div.
Cariboo Mining Division.
Sub-office
Quesnel Mining Division.
. Sub-office
Clinton Mining Division..
Lillooet //
Kamloops Mining Division
Ashcroft »
Nicola «
Yale
Sub-Office
Similkameen
Sub-office ,
Vernon Mining Division .
Greenwood Mining Div. .
Sub-office
Grand Forks Min. Div. . .
Osoyoos Mining Division.
Sub-office
Golden Mining Division.
Windermere «
Fort Steele Mining Div. .
Sub-office
Ainswnrth Mining Div
Sub-office
Slooan Mining Division. .
Sub-office
Slocan City Mining Div. .
Trout Lake Mining Div.
Nelson Mining Division
Sub-office
Arrow Lake Min. Division
Sub-office
Revelstoke Mining Div. . .
Lardeau Mining Division .
Trail Creek Mining Div. . .
Location of
Office.
Fovt St. John
Gold Commissioner.
C. YV. ( train
Parkerville . .
Quesnel
Fort George
17-MilePostG.T.P
150-Mile House. . . C. YV. Grain
Quesnel (at Barkerville)
Clinton F. C. Campbell .
Lillooet Caspar Phair . . .
Kamloops .
Ashcroft . .
Nicola .
Yale .
Hope . .
E. T. YV. Pearse
n (at Kamloops)
Mining Recorder. I Sub-RecoHer.
F. \V. Beatton . .
R. S. C. Randall
E. C. Lunn.
A. P. Hallev.
T. \Y. Heme
Stanley Beyts.
A. P. Hallev.
Caspar Phair.
E. Fisher
H. P. Christie.
W. N. Rolfe . .
L. A. Dodd . .
Princeton Hugh Hunter Hugh Hunter .
Hedley '
Vernon L. Norris
II. F. YVilroot,
Greenwood YY". R. Dewdney
Y'ernon
Rock Creek
Beaverdell '
Grand Forks . .
S. R. Almond
Fairview J. R. Brown
Olalla
Hedley
Golden
YVilmer
Cranbrook .
Steele
Fernie
Moyie . ...
Marvsville .
Kaslo ....
Howser ....
Trout Lake
New Denver
Sandon . . .
Slocan City .
Trout Lake .
H. C. Rayson . . .
Alfred C. Nelson
R. .1. Stctisim
K. .]. Stenson (at
// Kaslo)
R. .1. Stenson .
W. V. Teetzel.
Nelson
Creston
Ymir
Sheep Creek .
Nakusp \\'. F. Teetzel (at
Vernon Nelson)
Revelstoke.
Beat* in
Rossland . .
liu I it. Gordon
» (at Revelstoke)
H. R. Townsend. . .
S. R. Almond .
Ronald Hewat
F. H. Bacon .
G. F. Stalker
N. A. Wallenger. .
Ewen McLeod,
F. M. Gillespie.
H. F. YY'ilmot.
H. Nicholson
E. F. Ketchum.
R. W. Nbrthey.
V. M. Gillespie.
Joseph Walsh.
.1. S. T. Alexander.
John P. Farrell.
G. W. Mowatt.
A. McQueen
Angus Mclnnes . . .
Howard Parker. .
K. Mummery. . . .
S. S. Jarvis.
James Thompson
Walter Scott
YV. E. McLauchlin.
William A. Strtitt
H. R. Townsend . .
Y\rm. J. Green.
VV. Simpson.
F. Mummery.
W. J. Parham.
i iny Loewenberg.
( Seo. s. Coleman
H. F. Wilmot.
Newton R. Brow n
K 330
Report of the Minister of Mines.
1913
GOLD COMMISSIONERS AND MINING RECORDERS.— Concluded.
Mining Division.
Nanaimo Mining Division
Sub-office
»
n
Alberni Mining Division. .
Clayoquot n
Quatsino »
Victoria Mining Division. .
New Westminster Min. I).
Sub-office
Vancouver Mining Div. . .
Location of
Office.
Nanaimo . .
Ladysmith .
Alert Bay .
Vananda . .
Rock Bay. .
Alberni . . .
i 'lavoquot
Quatsino .
Victoria
New Westminster.
Harrison Lake
Chilli wack
Vancouver
Gold Commissioner. Mining Recorder. | Sub-Recorder.
e Thomson... George Thomson. .
John Stewart.
II. 1. II.'
Daviil Joni
\V. H. Lines.
.1. Kirkup
n (at Alberni) W. T. Dawley ..
a a 0. A. Sherberg..
Herbert Stanton... Herbert Stanton.
S. A. Fletcher I. Wintemute...
John Mahony A. P. Grant.
L. A. Agassiz.
.1. IVlly.
3 Geo. 5
Table of Contents.
K 331
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Subject.
Mineral Production
Statistical Tables
Progress of Mining during Year
Statistical Tables— Digest of
Bureau of Mines — Work ot Year
Assay Office Report
' Examination for Assayers
List of Licensed Assa\Ters
Examination of Coal-mine Officials
Board of Examiners — Report of Secretary
List of Licensed Coal-mine Officials
Cariboo District
Cariboo Mining Division — Report on
// it n Notes on Mica Claims. . . .
Quesnel Mining Division — Report on
Cassiar District — Report on Atlin Mining Division ....
Stikine and Liard Mining Divisions — Report on
Trip to Dease Lake and the Groundhog Coalfield. . .
Other Reports on the Groundhog Coallield
Skeena District — Report on
Skeena and Bella Coola Mining Divisions — Report on
Skeena Mining Division — Notes on Claims on Princess
Royal Island
Portland Canal Mining Division — Report on
Queen Charlotte Mining Division «
Omineca Mining Division «
a it tt Notes on
Peace River Mining Division — Notes on
« u ■< Report on Coal-measures
of Peace River Canyon
South-East Kootenay District
Fort Steele Mining Division
Xorth-East Kootenay District
Golden Mining Division
Windermere Mining Division
North-West Kootenay District
Revelstoke Mining Division
a tt tt Not. s on Big Bend. ....
Lardeau Mining Division
Slocan District
Ainsworth Mining Division
Slocan n tt
Slocan City » n
Trout Lake n it
Nelson District
Nelson Mining Division
it tt tt Notes on Reported Discovery
of Platinum
Arrow Lake Mining Division
Rossland District -
Trail Creek Mining Division
Boundary District — Greenwood Mining Div. — Notes on. .
Greenwood Mining Division
(I rand Forks Mining Division — Notes on
it a a Report on
Osoyc wis „ ,, „
Yeruon u n a
Vale District
Kamloops Mining Division — Report on
Ashcroft // tt it
Yale „ „ „
Nicola /; tt it
Similkameen n n Notes on
// it tt Report on
Submitted by.
Provincial Mineralogist
Assav
tt .Mineralogist
Tully Boyce, Secretary.
Provincial Mineralogist.
(lold Commissioner
Provincial Assayer.
Mining Recorder. . .
Gold Commissioner
Provincial Mineralogist
Gold Commissioner
Provincial Assayer.
Mining Recorder . .
Gold Commissioner
Provincial Mineralogist .
C. F. J. Galloway, P. Sc
Gold Commissioner
Provincial Mineralogist.
Mining Recorder
Gold Commissioner ....
Mining Recorder
J. A. Watson
Mining Recorder
Gold Commissioner ...
Mining Recorder
Gold Commissioner
Provincial Mineralogist.
Mining Recorder
Gold Commissioner ....
Provincial Mineralogist.
Gold Commissioner ....
Provincial Mineralogist,
(iold Commissioner
Gold Commissioner .
Mining Recorder . . .
Provincial Mineralogist.
Mining Recorder
Page.
7
7 to 15
10
17
29
8(1
31
32
33
34
38
49
-19
.-.'_>
53
55
63
65
94
99
99
1(10
103
109
III
110
117
IIS
137
137
I. '19
139
141
142
142
143
145
140
140
US
1 51 >
151
152
152
150
10O
161
161
163
107
168
174
178
183
184
184
185
186
iss
ISO
190
K 332
Report of the Minister of Mixes.
1913
TAI5LH OF CONTENTS Concluded.
Subject.
Lillooet Disti - i« - 1-
Lillooet Mining Division
Clinton a i'
Vancouver Island and Coast Districts
Alberni Mining Division
Clayoquot Mining Division
« /> a Notes on
Quatsino « " Report on
Nanaimo n » />
Victoria » » n
NY v. Westminster Mining Division
Vancouver Mining Division
I ii pection of Mines :
Report of Chief Inspector
DUmond Yale Colliery Explosion — Report on
Inspection of Metalliferous Mines:
West Kooteuay and Boundary Districts
Fast Kootenay I listrict
Coast District
List ot Accidents in Metalliferous Mines
« a a Tabulated
Coal-mining in British Columbia
( lollieries producing
a of the Coast Inspection District
./ » East Kootenay Inspection District
Coal Potentialities oi British ( lolumbia
Inspection of < !oal Mines :
Van iver Island Coast Inspection District
I'.. i i Kootenaj In- peel ion 1 tistrict
Accidents in British Columbia Collieries, 1903 1912
1912
Detailed Statement of Accidents, Coast Distrii t.
„ „ a East Km >t. -nay I W -i
Pro ut ions under "Coal-mines Regulation Act"
Shipping M ines List of
Crown granted Mineral Claims, 1912
Gold Commissioners and Mining Recorders— List of .... .
TaMc nl ( '< 'lit nuts
Index
List of Illustrations . . . .
Library Catalogue Slips
Submitted ly .
i (old < 'oiiim
< lold I lommissioner.
\l ining Recorder .
Provincial Assayer.
Mining Recorder . .
i Sold ( ni
Mining Recorder . .
I'iiin incial Mineral
• 'hut [nspe inn
Inspector of I districts
a District . .
I'roviin ial Minei i
[nspectoi s of Districts.
Provincial Mineralogist
r of District . . .
Provincial Mineralogist
1
191
191
192
193
193
193
195
196
HIT
198
I! i
■J! HI
204
216
224
•j:i.-)
237
•_':is
240
•J4I
242
■244
245
248
249
251
294
310
311
313
316
320
322
324
328
:i:ii
333
349
351
Index.
K 333
INDEX.
A.
Tage.
A.A 107
Abraham creek SI)
Accidents in coal-mines 204
Causes, percentages of, total 205
In anthracite mines, paper on 210
Reference to 205
Accidents in metalliferous mines 240
Detailed list of 208
Causes of 241
Agriculture. Iskut river S3
Klappan river 83
Stikine river 07, 72
Ainswortii Mining Division:
Reference to silver output 24
Report of Gold Commissioner 146
Report of Inspector 236
Aja.r 151
.Alalia inn 50
Alamo 140
Alberni canal, coal and copper on 193
Aleerni District 193
Alberni Minim; Division :
Report of Gold Commissioner 193
Iron-ore 193
Alberta, reference to anthracite coal of 00
Albert head, quarries at 199
Alder Creek (U.S.A.) Dredging Co 51
Alice arm 09
.1 margosa 114
American Hoy Ill, 112
American creek 109
Analyses of Groundhog i 1 95
Dust at Diamond Vale 229
Anaurug 115
Anderson river 188
Andesite 27
Annie 1G1
Babine range 115
Bald mountain Hill
Balsam creek 115
Barkley sound 19:'.
Barr creek 53
Basalts of Stikine river 72, 81
Bear lake (Princess Royal island) 100
(Slocan) 140
Bear Hirer (Portland Canal) 107
(Clayoquot) 194
Bear river 104
Portland Canal 106
Placer leases 107
Clayoquot 193
Beasley 152
Bedwell sound 193
Bella Coola Mining Division 99
Ben M'Chree GO, 61
Berry creek (Atlin I 63
Tage.
Annie Fraction 161
Annie 1/ 144
Anthracite coal (sec Coal).
Anthracite creek, coal from 95
An .vox 1 73
1 />. i I Osoyoos) 1S2
,, I Queen Charlotte I 110
„ (Slocan) 150
Archibald 194
Arfio 107
A rlington 155
Arrow Lake Mining Division:
Report of Mining Recorder 100
Ashcroft • 118, 185
Ashcroft Mining Division:
Report of Gold Commissioner 185
'• Ashcroft trail " 83, '94
Ashnola creek, placer on 183
A x in n 155
Assay ( Ifh'ee. work of year 30
Assayers, list of 32
Assayers' examinations 29, 30
Reference to 31
Athabaska Landing 125
AtheUtan 103
Atlin (town) 01
Reported gold strike CO
Minor reference to 04
Dryest season on record 58
Atlin Consolidated Mining Co 55, 56
Atlin Mining Division:
Report of Gold Commissioner 55
Gold production 23
.4. T. Monteith 190
Aufeas Cold Mines. Ltd 1S7
Aurora 13"'
B.
Berry creek ( Liard ) 77.
Berry Creek Mining Co. (now Boulder deck
Mining Co.)
Beven ( town >
Bdernes creek Mi, '92.
Big Bend district
Report by .1. A. Watson
Hit/ <lali na
Big II urn
Big Inii i ior
Big Ledge
Big Missouri
Bimetallic
Birch creek
Bdl ter creek
Placer gold
Pi I ominous coal I Sec * 'oal ) .
Black Hear
Black point
274
97
142
143
54
ISO
193
100
100
154
58
Hill
104
161
192
K 334
Index.
Page.
Black Prince 150
" Black rock " 69
Black sand, platinum in (Thibert crock) ... G3
( Kamloops) 1*4
Blubber bay 2S
Bluebell 147
Blue Bird (Quatsino) i 10(>
I Trail creek) 161
Blue canyon 57
Muff 100
Bliimo creek, coal from 95
Board of Examiners 34
Boat barbour 2<;5
Bonanza 1<»9
Boston bar 106
Boulder creek (Atliu) 58
(Thibert creek) 78
Boulder Creek Mining Co. ( Atliu) ():{
i Liard I 77
"Boundary" on Stikine river (ill
Boundary District, gold production of 2o
( !opper production 25
Statis>tics is
Provincial Mineralogist, notes by 163
Inspector's report 25ii
Boundary1 Mining and Exploration Co 1GS
Brewer creek 91
Brick 0
Red 27, 199
iSMney island l'.tf)
Lime silica 199
Bridge river I'd!
Page.
i: i i hi n a in 201
Report of Inspector 238
Britannia Beach 200
Britannia Mining and Smelting Co 200
B.C. quartz-mine 51
B.C. Amalgamated Anthracite Coal Co 93
Report by G. W. Evans 95
B.C. Anthracite Coal, Ltd 89,91, 116
B.C. Anthracite Syndicate IP!
B.C. Anthracite Coal Syndicate 86, '•>::
B.C. C per Co 152. 1<;::. 189, P."'. 236
B.C. Electric Co., plant at Goldstream 198
B.X. (British Columbia Express) Transpor-
tation Co 118
British Columbia Pottery Co 27, 199
Shall' from Kyuquot 196
British Pacific Coal Co.. Ltd 249
Distribution of output 27*
Broadx lew 151
Buckhorn 115
Buck's Bar 69
Building materials, production of 1*. 27
Building-stone, production of 27
Bulkley lake (see Destline lake).
Bull's tiead mountain 123, 127
Burdette creeis »>'>
Bureau of Mines 29
Burrard inlet 200
Purlin 160
Hull.- I'rac 161
Butte-Rocher Deboule" Copper Co 114
Cache Creek group of rocks, reference to . . . 72
Cadman-Cunninghame gas-detector 2S0
Calgary, reference to 5.'!
California, oil from 211
Camborne 142
Campbell-Johnston camp S6
Campbell River, coal development 250
Camp Medley 17*
Camp Robertson 249
Camp Wilson 111. 249
i 'anada Gold Dredging Co., Ltd 192
Cauadian-Alasfa Exploration Co 59
Canadian Boy 151
Canadian Collieries, Ltd.. labour trou'bles. . . 20
( 'lay used for tiles 27
< > 1 1 1 j .1 1 1 for year 260
Output "Extension" 261, 263
t 'oniii.x 271
Reporl of [nsj tor 271
Development-work 250
Canadian Geological Survey, report on Skagit
river 1*7
Canadian King 112
Canadian Marble and Granite Co 27
Canadian Mining Operators 116
Canadian Mining Institute, paper read to. by
G. W. Evans on Groundhog coal 95
Meeting in Vancouver 29
Canadian Northern Ry. Co 125
With reference to Cariboo mica claims.... 5:'.
Yale 1**
Canadian Pacific Railway. Sandon branch.. 146
Kootenaj Central L39
Crowsnest branch, reference to 139
Steamer 29
Canadian Pacific Railway — Concluded.
.Minor reference to 52
Phoenix 176
Nicola coal used 1*:i
.Main line Is.",. L'17
Canadium. reported new metal 158
Ca river, reference to source of 52
Cap Sheaf 197
Carbonado Colliery 297
Cariboo, dredging ami lode-mining in 51
Caribou camp, 1 > --a-- Lake trail 75
Cabiboo Distbict 49
Report of Gold Commissioner 49
C tal in 2i:i
Caribou lake, lode mines 54
i lABTBOO Minim. I M\ (SION :
Notes "ii mica in. by II. Carmichael 52
Cold, placer, production 23
Report of Gold Commissioner 4t»
Carmichael, Herbert, retirement of. as Pro-
vincial assayer 30
Assays of Nelson platinum 1~>'.i
Notes "ii Tetc Jaune Cache mica 52
Peace Ri\ er coal analysed 134
Notes on Clayoquot Mining Division 195
Reporl "a Princess Royal island 100
Carnes creek 144
Cascade 115
le creek (Portland Canal) 105
i Ainsworth i 147
Cascade Palls Mining Co 104, 106
l Central Railway 68, 81
Cassiar goldfields, old route i" 83
Cassiar Hydraulic Mining Co., Ltd 115
Index.
K 33.5
Tage.
Cassias Mining Division :
Copper production 25
Report of placer sold 23
Report of Gold 'Commissioner 55
Gold rush to 07
Gold-mines 68
Early reports 09
Gold production 71
Chinese miners 71
V.B 151
Cedar creek 140
Cement, Tod inlet, Princeton, Saanich arm,
Prince Rupert 28
Production of 9
Vancouver Island 198
Ventre Star 101, 235
Chestnut Hill Mining Co 151
Chief Inspector of jiines. report of 204
Trip to Eastern States 209
Chilcotin river, minor reference to 192
Chimney-tiles 27
China creek 51
Chinese, gold-mining in Cassiar 71, 79
Cliopaka 183
Cinderella 149
Villi of Spokane 161
Clay from Canadian collieries 9
West coast, V.I 27.
Clayburn 27
Olayhurn Company, Ltd., brickyards '. 27
Clayoqi/ot Mining Division:
Report of Deputy Mining Recorder 193
Notes by H. Carmichaei 195
Clearwater river 65
Clinton Mining Division:
Report of Gold Commissioner 192
Clue lake 147
Clyde-Belt 155
Coal, Groundhog, referred to 04
Groundhog, report by Provincial Mineral-
ogist 05
Gross production of year 242
Output of various districts 243
Per capita production of various districts 242
Markets of various districts 243
Table of distribution 245
Sales of 244
Tuya river 75
Riernes creek 86, S7
Atlin 61
Tulameen river 22
Skeena river 20
Eaglenes-t creek 8 1
Klappan river 83, 84
Similkameen 190
Nicola 1SS
Greenwood 168
Skidegate inlet 249
Peace river 219
Cariboo 249
Queen Charlotte 249
Masset 249
Graham island 278
Princeton (lignite) 249
Production table 11
Analysis table, Peace river 130
Quality of. Peace river 134
Skeena river 26, 30
Stikine and Nass rivers 30
Queen Charlotte Ill
Page.
Coal — Concluded.
Zymoetz river 115, 249
Alberni 193
Peace River Mining Division 117
Report by Galloway 118
Groundhog 92, 98, 116
Analyses of Groundhog 95, 9S
Labour agreements made in East Kootenay 22
Output of Coast District 21
Statistics 2n
Prices of coal and coke 19, 244
Anthracite 98
Pick-mining of 303
Coalfields, prospective 249
Rulkley valley 249
Telkwa valley 249
Graham island 249
Bear lake, Cariboo 249
Quatsino 250
Coal-miners' examinations, oandidates for ... 35
Coal-mines (sec also Collieries), number
men employed 245
Coast District 245, 246
Nicola-Princeton 247
Vancouver Island 247
Inspection of 251, 252
Western Fuel Co., output of 252
New developments 249
Old collieries reworked 250
East Kootenay, labour troubles in 20
Canadian Collieries, labour troubles in . . . 20
Reference to output IS
Explosion at Merritt 29
Coal-mine officials, list of 33, 3S
" Coal-mines Regulation Act " 33
Coal-mining in British Columbia, summary of 242
Coal potentialities of British Columbia 249
Coal creek ( Fort Steele ) 295
( Peace River) 123
Coal Creek Colliery 297
Coal-cutting machines in use 289
Coal-dust, analysis of, after explosion 229
Coal gully 2S1
Coal Hill Syndicate (see also new name,
Inland Coal and Coke Syndicate) ...22, 2S3
Coalmont 22, 190
Coast collieries, output statistics 21
Coast District :
Statistics, minor reference 18
Gold production of 23
Reference to quarries of 27
I rou-ores 25
Copper production 25
Coal of 193, 243
Coast Inspection District, report of Inspector 238
Cody 149
< '< ik... production table 11
Reference to output IS
Making of, on Coast 21
I ron blast-furnace 20
Peace River coal 133
Production of year 245
Pennsylvania used 169, 243
( 'oldwater hill 280
Coldwater river 216, 284
Collieries (see also Coal-mines), East Koot-
enay District, output of for year and
tables ' 248
Collins gulch 190, 293
Collison bay 110
K 336
Index.
I'aoi:.
Colonial 1 4!>
Columbia canyon, Atlin 57
Columbia Coal and Coke Co., reference to
work- done 22, 190, 240
Annual returns 293
Columbia river 52
.Minor references i 139, 143
Commodore 19]
( lomox, pol tery-clay from 127
Referei to coal-measures 125
Colliery at 272, 127::. 274, 276
Reference to town 27]
Comstock 105
Consol. M. & S. Co., opening of Sullivan.... 24
References to company 146, 152, 155, 16]
Reference to Society Oirl 2.">7
( 'ooper 2012
< looper creek 1-17
( 'ooper Creek Mining Co 50
Copper nil
Copper (Alberni) 193
Red Cliff mine L04
I (ease river si
Vi mver Island 198
Annua] production 24
Easl Kootenay 13S
Quesnel 54
Reference to output 18
Voight camp 1S9
Copper Hill 114
( lopper island 1 10
Copper King (Clayoquol I 194
i Kamloops) 1S4
Copper mountain 166, 190
Daven>port creek 00
Davis lake 119
Dawson, Dr., reference to gold statistics of.. 70
Notes on Tahltan basalt 72
Dease Lake trail 76
Deadman ll'.i
Dease creek, reference to. ...29, 63, 64, ~'K 71
Water used for hydraulic mines 77
I kawson's reporl SO
Dease lake, mini r reference 2!'
Placer of 01
Reporl of Provincial Mineralogist 65
Referei to 6S, 69
Freights from Wrangell 77
Dease river, reference to history 69, 77. 8]
Deep creek 121
1 » er creek 155
Dellie 147
Deloire river, or Li&rd river (>!>
Department of Mines referred to 0'*
Destline creek 82
Destline lake 81, 82
Determination free, Government Assaj Office ■"•!
Devil's Portage, on Liard river till
Diamond-drilling, Granby 168
I. vnn ereeK ■ 202
Diamond Vale Collieries, Ltd., report of
Inspector 285
Distribution of outipul 286
Explosion at 216,224
Plan of working 2.:i
Reference to explosion 29
Paoe.
( 'oppt r Queen no
Copper River Coal Claims, Ltd 115
Coquihalla river, dredging 186
Corbin 221. 294
( "orl.in Coal anil Coke Co 2i >
Reference to output 294, 303
Cornell, Texada island 1H7
( 'oronado 114
i loronation Mines, Ltd 19]
Cosmopolitan 106
Costs of mining 16S
Cougar lake 1 1 :i >
Countless r.ii
Courrier creek ' S7, 92
Cramer Wolf safety-lamp 280, 286
Cranberry district 2.".>
Cranberry lake, source ol Cs r,i ariboo 52
< Irambrook, Inspector's office at 204
Crooked river 11l>
Crown 1)7
Crown Mining Co 117
Crown mountain 20]
Crowsnesl coalfield, eoal-measun-'. refer
to 12:.
( 'r i\\ '■• Nest Pass 1 'eal 1 !o., mill >r n
2 207, 294, 303
< !rushed rock 9
<'nltus creek 155
Cumberland, coal-miners' examination 35
Inspectors office ai 204 271
1 !oal deveb anient near
Cumshewa inlet 110
Csar ISO
D.
1 md Vale Coll ' 'oncludcd.
I hltpnt
Reference to
/>" A- ns
Discovers creek 89,
I >i\ idei d-Lake View O I Gold Mil
ins Co
I lixen creek
n.L.s
Dog-team, transportation by
Dominion Block, Peace Raver land
Dominion Day
Dominion mountain
Double Standard
Douglas seam
Downie creek 1 41-i.
Draeger us, equipment at various
mines
Morden ' Jolliery
( 'anadian ( olli< rii s
Reference to 207, 281,
Drain-pipe
Dredging, Cariboo
Fraser river 1 v0.
Drilling for coal. M isse
Duncan river
I > >nt*I< <■
I Innvegan
Durham
Dust in mines allayed bj exhaust-steam....
Duti river, coal on
20
206
197
95
182
184
103
64
127
115
155
195
2:. I
1 II
2i '4
267
271
295
27
51
192
249
147
151
127
161
216
Index.
K 337
E.
I 'AUK.
Eagle creek 152
Eaglenest creek, coal on 84
Eastmont 150
Edmonton, minor reference 52
Eighteen-mile creek 182
Eight-mile creek 122, 133
Electro-thermic smelting of iron-ore 1M!
Eldorado creek, placer gold 192
Elkhorn HIT
Elk river 195
Emerald 152, 155
i: in urn p>3
Fire at 101
Empire (Omineca) 115
.. (Lillooet) L92
Engineer 60, 61
Enterprise 161
Erie 155
Fa \\ D creek 155
Ferguson 151
Ferguson Mines, Ltd 151
Fernie, coal-miners' examinations at 35
Inspector's office at 204. 295
Fiddick Colliery 2114. 265, 266
Fidelity 151
Field, zinc at 25
Finland Girl 106
Finlay rapids 121
Fir 119
Firebrick 9, 27
First aid to injured, progress in 207
Five-mile creek 187
Fleming 202
Flood, glacier, Stikine river 66
Florence 108
Florence Mining Co 147
Flossie 106
Fluess apparatus 207
Galena 24, 113, 117
Quesnel Mining Division 54
East Kootenav 138
Omineca 105, 106
I lease river SI
Reference to 202
Gallagher 147
Galloway, C. F. J., report on Peace River coal 1 18
Gambler island 20.",
Gas in mines 272, 208
George island 110
Georgia river 105
Gerrard 15]
Gething creek 122
Diagram of coal-measures 134
Giscome Portage 110
Glacial action, Stikine river 72
i rlaoial clay in hydraulic mine 56
Glacier creek 103, 108
i ilarin- Creek Mining Co lol
Gladstone 57
i iladj s lake .' 60
Glen mountain 112
Glenora, geology 72
Reference to 74
22
I'M. I
Esquimalt, lime-kilns at 100
E & X. Railway 269
Eureka ( Ainsworth) 148
(Xelson) 152
(Slocan) 149
Eureka Copper Mines, Ltd 152. 166
Evening Star 202
Evening Sun los
Examinations for miners 34
Mine officials 33
Exhaust-steam for humidifying mine air. . . . 210
Exit passage, coal under 250
Explosion, Diamond Vale Colliery, report on,
by Chief Inspector 224
Report on, by Provincial Mineralogist.... 210
Reference to 29
Explosives1, testing of 209
I'll: n.siull 115
Forest Rose
Fort George, Indians of
Fort Steele
Fort Steele Mining Division
Lead
Fossil leaves, Klappan river
Peace river
Stikine
Four Leaf Clover Mining Co
Four-mile creek (Quesnel)
(Slocan)
Francis
Franklin
Fraser river, reference to
1 iinlging, Cariboo
Mica on
I hedging, Yale 1S6,
French's platinum method, reference to
French creek
Water for hydraulic mines on Berry creek
G.
Glenora. railway features OS,
Glory-hole mining at Granby mines
Gold, discovery of, in Cassiar
Discovery of, in Deloire river
Princess Royal island
Character of, on Stikine river
1 lease creek
Thibert creek
Proportion of product from milling and
smelting
Production of
Production iu Atlin
Vale
Gold, free-milling
Perry creek
Slocan City Mining Division
Hedley
Portland Canal
Gold, placer, tables 10,
Reference to output
Annual production
Becoming exhausted
Tax evaded
Reference to excitement at I iea.se lake ....
I lisooverfes in ( lassiar
49
118
i::o
137
24
S5
129
72
50
53
148
los
107
119
51
52
192
mo
143
76
176
70
69
It 12
74
80
78
23
23
23
188
153
137
15o
23
105
10S
18
2:;
23
23
29
23
K 338
Index.
Tagb.
Gold, placer, reported strike in Allin 60
Peace river 118
Bear river (Portland Canal) 104
Louis creek (Vale) 184
Yale ISO
Lillooet 192
Similkameen 183
Gold, placer-mining, Revelstoke 1 12
I lease lake 64
Platinum 26
Gold creek 115
Gold Drop 107, 175
Golden 130
Golden Belle 155
Golden Gate 194
Golden Mining Division :
Report of Gold Commissioner 130
Zinc in L!5
Golden Star 105
Goldi n Zone 1S1
Gold Plate Mines Co 181
Goldstream, electric plant at 198
Goose creek 53
Gordon 195
Graham, Thos., report as Chief Inspector . .. 204
Reference to 34
Graham island Ill
i Collieries on 27S
Graham Island Coal and Timber Co Ill
Graham Island Collieries Ill
Granny bay 99
Report on Granby Co.'s property 173
Granby Consolidated Mining, Smelting and
Power Co 167, 168, 175
Granby Cons. M. & S. Co., Granby hay 90
Granby smelter, shipments from Washington
State 183
Description of work done 172
Grand Forks, smelter at 167, 169
Grand Forks Mining Division :
Report of Gold Commissioner 174
Notes by Provincial Mineralogist 16S
Grand Rapids, Stikine river 07
H
Haematite 26, 189
Hall creek (Nelson) 154
( Ains worth) 117
Hamilton 150
Hammil creek 117
Ilankin creek (sec also Tenas creek, Spatsizi) S6
Harpers camp 54
111:' he rbour 1 1n
Harris Mines Ltd 112
Hastings B.C. Syndicate 1."..".
Hazelton, minor reference to :'.". 81, 111-116
Route i" Groundhog 65, 94
i ml near 249
Hazelton Nine-mile Mining Co 113
///■• 152
i! . stamp-mill at 2.",. 237
Hedlej Gold Mining Co.. reference t"
163, 179, 237
Hedley mountain 17^
!' o 1; timber, ELappan river 83
Hercules 110
Hercules Mines Ltd 106
I d creek l^s
Hidden Creek < ipei I o., report by .superin-
tendent '. 17.':
Tagf..
Grand Rapids, Silkim- river, geology 72
Grand Trunk Pacific Railway .. :,2. 1U, 114, 110
Coalfields on 249
Granite as building-stone 27
Dease Lake trail 72
Granite creek 190
Coal of 2:1:;
Granite mountain 152
Granite-Poorman 20, 157
Platinum reported in 15:;
< rrant mountain 127. 129
Gravel 9, 28
"Graveyard," Little Klappan river 84, 95
Greal 1 'any on of the Stikine 72
Great Northern mountain 151
Great Northern Railway 154
At Phoenix 176
At Similkameen 292
Gri at Ohio 114
Greenw 1 1 town 1 It:::. 167
Smelter at 153
Greenwood Mining Division:
Report of Gold Commissioner 167
Notes by Provincial Mineralogist 163
Coal in 168
Placer-mining 168
Grenville mountain 162
Groundhog 115
Groundhog (see Marmot).
Groundhog coal, analyses of 9S, 116
Groundhog coalfield 92
Geology, topography 96
Route to 81
Report by Provincial Mineralogist 65
Minor reference 30
Coal referred to 64, 249
Groundhog mountain 9n. :> I
Analysis of coal 95
Visit of Provincial Mineralogist 30, vl
Ground-sluicing in prospecting 191
Guggenheims, reference to, in Quesnel 53
Gun-a-noot, Indian outlaw M
Gypsum 9, 1S5
Highland 14<:
Highland Boy 114
Highland valley 185
Hills liar is,;
Hills Bar Gold Dredging Co 1^7
Uobson Mining Co 150
'i 1 Silver Lead Co 154
Hollinger 1:15
Hollyburn mountain 200
II niiiiilsii i;i4
Homestake 110
//.,;.. 1 S .ran) 149
.. 1 STale) 187
Horsefly Gold Dredge and Mining Co 54
II 1,1 si sin, 1 1 5,1
: 294
I I ■ Mmrs Ltd., 1 . , -jii. -_:: • 1
Howe sound 200, 23S
Hudson Bay 155
Hudson Bay mountain 114
llinl-'iii Bay Mountain Mining Co., Ltd.... 115
1 hope 122. 127
! Bay < lompai D lake 79
NTs igation of Stikine river 65
Old pes: at Glenora ''.^
Index.
K 339
Page.
Hudson's Bay Company, Liard river 69
Humming Bird 115
Huston inlet 110
Hydraulic mine, peculiar sloughing or caving
of bank, Atlin 55
/tltilio (Trail creek)
( Quatsino)
Idaho-Alamo
Ikcda
I keda bay
Illustrations, Diamond Vale Colliery plan...
Gething creek, sections of coal
Johnston creek, sections of coal
Moose Bar creek, sections of coal
Peace River, sections of coal
Peace river, map of coalfield
Surf Inlet gold-mines, map
Tahltan, basalt cliffs at
Incomappleus river
Independence mountain
Indian Mines, Ltd 104,
Indian river
Ingenika
Inland Coal and Coke Co., Ltd 20, 188,
Report of inspection
Distribution of output
Inland Coal and Coke Syndicate (Coal Dill
Syndicate)
J nla nd Empire
Inland Mining Co
Inspection of collieries, report of Inspector,
Northern District of Vancouver Island. .
Inspection of metalliferous mines, West Koot-
enay and Boundary Districts
East Kootenay
Similkameen
Jack of Clnhs 104
Jackson camp 90, 93
Jackson creek 91
Jackson mountain, coal from 95
J. and L 144
Jedway, removal of Gold Commissioner. .100, 110
Jennie Belle 154
Jewel 1G7
Kallappa '. 194
Kwnocirs Mining Division:
Report of Gold Commissioner 184
Kamloops-Yale, copper production 25
Kaslo 140
Kaslo creek. South fork 146, 148
K. & S. Railway, reference to damage by fire 21
Keary lake 119
Keefers ISO
KeffiT. Frederic 104
Keithley creek 53, 54
Kelly (mica) 53
Kemptville Extension 201, 202
Kettle river, reference to 107, 177
Keystone 144
Keystone creek 144
Khutze inlet 99
Kiekane inlet 99
Page.
Hydraulic mine. Dease lake 64
" Season " in Atlin 56
H j-dro-jnagnesite, Atlin 01
I.
161
190
149
110
110
234
134
131
131
12S
126
101
73
142
1S2
105
200
114
233
2S3
284
22
102
102
271
235
237
237
K
Inspector of Mines' report, West Kootenay
and Boundary Districts 235
East Kootenay District 237
Similkameen District 237
Coast District 23S
Diamond Vale explosion 209
Inspection of mines, personnel and organiza-
tion of inspection staff 204
Report of Chief Inspector 204
Interior plateau 67
Iron, Texada island 197
Port Renfrew 198
In British Columbia 25
Skeena 09
Alberni 193
Magnetites 25
Louise island Ill
Electro-thermic smelting 26
Iron Duke 180
Iron Mors" 161
Iron King (Clayoquot ) 195
(Omineca) 115
I ion Mask H>1
Ironsides 171
Iskut Mining Co 64
Iskut river 60, SI. 82
Island Belle 195
Ivan. 110
Ivanhoe 195
l.X.L 102
John D 105
Johnson creek (Peace river) 122. 131
(Atlin) 60
Johnston's camp 93
Josie 161
J ii mho 1S7
.< unifier 113
Juniper creek 113
Kilo 150
King Solomon Mines Co 147
Kingston 1S1
Kitsalas 115
Klappan river S3. 94, 9S
" Klappan summit " S3
Klastline river. Government bridge and
trail si, S2, S3
Klehini river 61
Kloochman canyon, Stikine river 67
Kluakaz river S5, 86, 95
Kluatantan river 91, 97
Kluayetz river ., 94
Knot IHII 167, 175
Kobanee creek 153
Kootenay, East 22
Coal-mine labour troubles 20
Coal in 243
K :uo
1 \ 1 > 1 : v
Pagi
Kootenay. East, coal . . mii; .;i ii ii -i 291
Kootenay, North-East, reports oi Gold Com-
missioner 139, 302
Kootenay, South-East, reporl of Gold Com-
missioner 137
Report of Inspector 295
Kootenay, North-West, reporl of <Iold Com-
missioner 142
P oi
Kooti nay B< lie 155
Kootenay Central Railway 141
marble-quarry 27
Kruger mountain 178, 182
Kumeoleon inlel 99
Kyuquol sound L96
Laboratory and mineral exhibit, moving of. .. 30
Lai i- troubles, Easl Kootenay coal-mines . . 2<i
Canadian Collieries (Vancouver Island).. 20
Lachmund, Oscar 107, 104
Ladyoird 106
Ladysmith 198, 271
Laketon 69, 77, 79
I. ah, View (Portland Canal) 100
(Osoyoos) 182
I inglois creek 92, 95
Lakdeaxj Mining Division:
Report of Mining Recorder 1 15
Report of Inspector 236
Lardeau river 151
Lardo, marble-quarry 27
i .a i il, i Trout Lake Railway 27
I.hkI < 'III! nrr 115
Latona Mining Syndicate 203
Lava-beds, Klastline river S2
Lava-flows in vicinity of Tahltan 72
Lawn point 196
I, .11 151
Lead, method of calculating values 24
I mtpul '-'I
Separation processes 25
/.< ml l\ ing 113
1., ml, ill, HIS
Lemon creek 150
Leora 195
he Roi 161
No. 2 163
Le Roi No. 2. Ltd 163
I.i \ nn Mining Division :
Repoi'l of Gold Commissioner (','■'<
Liard river (is
Referred to as " Ore " or Deloire 69
Transportation on 77, 7!)
Lightning creek 50
Lightning Creek Gold Gravels and Draii
Co 50
Lightning ('reek Hydraulic Mining <\> 50
Lignite, Tuva river 75
Lignitic coal 240
Lim.ookt Mini m; Division :
Reporl of Gold Commissioner 191
Lily n 150
Lime 9, 28
Lime-silica brick made at Victoria 199
Lime tone 0
Dease lake 72
Peace river 127
Tod inlet T-»s
Lincoln creek 59
I.i si of certificated coal-mine officials 38
Lipton 109
Litih Billie 197
Reporl of I Dspector 23S
Little canyon, Stikine river, heavy snow at 7U. ii7
Little Deloiri a eek (',.",. 79
Little i lek 1m;
Little Joe 191
Little Klappan river 83, 86, 94
i it 110
;■! oduction of 10
Di ase lake SI
Lode-mining (*c< Gold, Silver, Copper, etc.).
Loi ' elor 14!)
Loni si,,,- 163
ti d Miles, i. id i:u
Lost Cahin 154
Louis ci k, placer 1 v I
Louise island, iron 1] 1
Lowhee 49
I.ou i creek 40
l/uc\ 53
Boy 151
Lucky Jim (Clayoquot) 194
Lucky Jim (Slocan) 25, 146
Zinc in 140
Lucky Sir.il, L06
l.nlhi Fraction 161
Lynn creek, zinc 200, 201
Lynn Creek Zinc Mines, Ltd 20J
M.
Mackenzie river referred 10 69, 77. 135
Mai stro 146
1 ; I."
Mag 1 1 ■ i i e -ii Ti sads ;- land 26
On Vancouver island 26
i I District 25
Malaspina 197
Mali* ck, G. S., reporl on Groundhog 93, 01
Ref So, 8S
Maluin Synd 59
195
oth 1 ' i7
' ! i. 105
'■■ for building at Lardo L'7
K ii a x lake -J7
T. IT
Lime-kilns at 2s
,
Marl; creek 137
it, animal v|
<: il river 105
Marten creek 53
Martha Ellen 106
IDI
McAllister 149
1nm:v
K 341
Page.
McBride, Sir Richard 5
Mc( 'ulloch creek 143
MpDame creek 64, 70, 79
Mel lonald creek, coal from 95
McEvoy lints 87, 88, 91, 93
MeGillivray 224
MeGillivray creek L92
MeGillivray Mountain Mines, Ltd 192
McGuigan basin 149
Mc&iUre 110
McKee creek 55
McLennan range, mica in 52
McLeod lake, Indians of lis. 120
M.I d Lake Post 120
Mettdow creek 147
Meal Ticket 110
Mr;i res island 1114
Men employed in mines 10
Merril eyaniding plant 155
Merritt, reference to coal-mine explosion .... 2!)
Coal-miners' examinations at 35, 1SS
Inspector's office at 204, 216, 280
Merry Widow 196
Mest ua river 81
Metalliferous mines, production table 13
Inspection of -'-'7i
Metalliferous-mine accidents, causes of 208
Tabulated as to cause -41
Detailed list of 240
1 inspector's report 235
Meteor 1 50
Mica at Tete Jaune Cache, notes by II.
• 'a nnicbael 52
Mica creek 143
Mica mountain 52
Michel Colliery 200, 303
Mickey 104
Middlesboro Colliery, annual report 280
Midway 107
Reference to coal near 1GS
Mile 53, G.T.P.R.. Tete Jaune Cache, minor
reference to 52
4/;//,Y Mack 160
Mine Inspectors' Institute of U.S., Annual
Convention, 1912 200
Papers read at 209
Mineralogist, Assistant, retirement of II.
Carmichael 30
Mineral products 8
Tables of 14, 15
N
Xailen harbour Ill
" Xahlin." gasolene-boat on Strkine river. . . . 65
N:iii:iiniii, ( '.M.I. meeting at 0.~>
Reference to coal-measures at 125
Coal-miners' examinations at 35
Rescue-station at 207
Dnspi ctor's office at 204, 258
Nan umo I Ustrict 107
S'anaimo harbour 259
.Nanaimo Minim; Division:
Rerporl oi Gold Commissioner 107
Napoleon 163
river, reference to coalfields. .. .30, 'i">. 01
Reference to 83, 02. 98
Naiii'ii river 121
ifelson Daily Y« »•.«. article on Granby, re
ence to 17.~.
Page.
Minerals Separation. Ltd., process used 201
Mine-rescue work, progress in,.during year . . 206
Miners, examinations for 34
Mines, shipping 10
Non-shipping 17
Minimi Magazine, reference t<> re I on
Rainy Hollow 61
Miscellaneous products, Table V 9
Mission creek 11.",
Molly Gibson 153
Monarch (Golden) 139
( Slocan ) , zinc 25
Montana 110
y„nir Christo 161
Montezuma 196
Monzonite, Nickel Plate 1 M
Moonshine 115
Moose Bar creek 123
Sections of coal-measures 131
Moosehorn creek 60
Moose lake 57
Morden Colliery 267
Morehead creek 53
Morehead Mining Co 53
Morice river 115
Morning 180
Morning Star 202
Morrissey 296
Morrissey creek 205
Mosquito creek (Liard) 63
(Cariboo) 50
Moss river (see Kluatantan).
Motherlode (Nelson), stamp-mill at. .23, 152. 155
( Greenwood ) 163, 230
Mountain Chief 107
Muit ii tu in Con 140
Mountain of Rocks canyon US, 127
Mount < Gladstone Mining Co 10S
Mt. Baker and Vale Mining Co 18S
Mount Carbon Colliery 293
Mount Selwyn 121
Mount Stephen 140
Mt. Stephen Mining Syndicate 139
Mow.- lake 137
Mu, I,,, (ho 49
Mud creek _ 113
Mugwump 161
Muscovite, occurrence of 52
Mustang .reek 51
Kelson District :
Minor reference IS
Import of Gold Commissioner 152
Inspector's report 2.'!ii
Nelson island 200
Nil. mix Mining Division:
Uold production, reference to 2.".
Copper production, reference to 2r.
Platinum reported- 26
Reference to platinum investigations .... 30
Report of <;.'!<1 I Y.mmissionor 17.2
Platinum report by Provincial Miner1 i 156
Shipments to Grand Forks smelter L63
V< ttie i lol
Nettie L. mountain 151
Newcastle 269
Newcastle island, coal under 250
\. u Crow 104
K 342
Index.
Page.
New (Denver 150
New I »o in in inn I V|i;i> r Co 163
New Westminster 1S6
New Wbstminsteb Mining Division:
Report of Gold Commissioner 199
Nickel reported , 31
A ickel Plate, stamp-mill at '-':;. 1T8
Minor reference to 237
Nickel Plate mountain 237
Nicola-Princeton coalfield 243
Nicola-Princetoni inspection District, report
of Inspector 2TH
Nicola 1S5
Nicola Mining Division:
Report of Mining Recorder 1SS
Nicola river 'J 1 r.
N icol i ^ ii llej . coal output of 20, 22
Nicola Valley Ooal & Coke Co., Ltd., Middles
boro Colliery, report of inspection. . .280, 282
'.Reference to output 20, 189, 208, 216, 280
Observatory inlet 99, IT:!
O'Donnell river 59, 60
Office statistics, Ainsworth Mining Division 1 Is
Alberni 103
Arrow Lake 101)
Asbcroft Is-"'
I l.!\OQUOt 194
Clinton 192
Fort Steele 138
Grand Forks ITS
Greenwood IIIs
ICamloops I1" I
Lardeau 145
Lillooet 192
Nanaimo IDT
Nelson 150
New Westminster 200
Nicola 189
Omineca 110
( (soyoos 183
Portland Canal 109
Quatsino 196
Queen Chariot te Ill
Revelstoke '. 142
Similkameen 190
Slocan 150
Slocan City 150
Trail Creek 162
Trout Lake 151
Vancouver 2n:'.
Vernon 183
Pacific Coast Coal Mines, Ltd., reference to
output 20
Table of output 263
Reference to 250
Pacific Coast Collieries Co, or B.C., table
showing output and men employed .... 288
Annual returns 233,249, 287
i !oast Exploro ion Co 104, 109
Pack river 120
Poo* Train 161
Paradise creek 100
Paradise lake 100, 103
Parle Pas rapids - . 121, 127
Page.
Nicola Valley Mutual Improvement Associa-
tion 207
Nigger Bead mountain, Tete .lattne Cache,
mica at r.2
Ndne-mile mountain 112
98 144
\ oole Vive I Un i h)
(Slocan), zinc from
\ oonda y
aarble-quarries
North Bend, dredging at
North Columbia Gold Mining Co 55,
Northern Terminus Mines, Ltd
"Northland Echo" (steamer)
\ oi t>h Slur
-V lr </</< t
Nugget gulch
.Xo. 1 (Ainsworth)
t Trail creek )
2Vo. 7
o.
Office statistics, Victoria
Windermere
Yale
Ogden Gol 1 Mining Co
Oil. Vancouver Islam!
Otard bay
Oil-fuel from California, reference to. . . .21,
O.K 104,
O.K. mountain
Old Chum
Old Ironsidi a (Grai I Fi rks)
(Greenwood I
Old Spurt
Old Town
Old Wellington seam
Oue-mile creek
Oregon
Oroville t U.S. town)
Osoyoos Mining Division:
Reference to stamp-mill
Reporl of Mining Recorder
Placer-minting 163,
Otanl bay. boring for oil
Otter creek
Ottertail river
Omineca Mining Division:
Reporl of Gold Commissioner
Notes by Provincial Mineralogist
Omineca River district, placer mines
Oyster harbonr
Oyster Harbour Collieries
14!»
25
1 19
27
187
56
L09
125
137
I .'..-.
51
146
101
167
190
1 11
L88
50
198
111
244
108
162
109
175
HIT
L96
137
269
2j ,-_>
182
183
23
ITS
183
111
59
121
111
116
115
271
271
Parsnip river 120
Peace river 1 '-I' '
ions of coal-measures 128
Map of coalfield 126
Geology of coalfield 12".
H.B. steamer on 122
c gold 118
249
P River Crossing 124
Pi \< i Kim k Mini SO 1 iivision :
Motes bj Provincial Mineralogist 117
Pearl Fraction 161
Pegmatite 52
Index.
K 343
Page.
Pemberton trail 200
Perrier 153
Perry creek 137
Pete 105
Peterboro 57
Peters creek 50
Phoenix 1(52
Phoenix 163, 168, 175
Phoenix Amalgamati d 167
Pilgrim 161
Pillnr-and-stall raining 303
Pine creek 55, 57
Pine Creek Flume Co 57
Pine Creek Power Co 56
Pine, river ( North 1 127
(South) 127
Pine River pass 127
Pingston creek 160
Pioneer 191
Pittsburg-British Gold Co 55
Placer gold 10
Reference to output 18, 23
Dease lake 68
Reported discoveries in Cassiar 23
Yale 1S6
Placer Gold Mines Co 5S
I'la tinum, Dease creek SO
Thibert creek 03, 7S
Yale 186
Platinum, reference to production 26
Method of extraction claimed by A. G.
French 26
Report on Nelson District 156
Government and other assays, mode of . . . 31
The Xelson dykes 15S
Pleasant valley 51
Poker 57
Poorman (Trail creek) 161
Poorman ( Nelson) 23
Stamp-mill at 26
See also QrarUte-Poormon.
Porteau 200
Porter 77, 79
Porter's Landing (sec Porter).
Portland 108
Portland Bear River Mining Co 107
" Quantity and Quality of Mine Air," refer-
ence to paper 210
Quartz creek 70
Quartz-mining (Cariboo) 51
(Yale) 187
Quatsino Coal Syndicate 196
Quatsino King 196
Quatsino Mixing Division :
Report of Mining Recorder l'.IO
Quatsino sound 106
Qua n 23
Stamp-mill at 152, 154
Queen Charlotte 109
Queen Charlotte Island shales, reference to. . 125
Queen Charlotte Mining and Development Co. 110
Page.
I'okti.ani) Canal Mining Division:
Report of Mining Recorder 103
Portland Canal Mining Co 103, 109
Portland Canal Tunnels, Ltd 103, 109
Portland cement, production of 28
Portland Cement and Construction Co. .. 28, 198
Portland Wonder Mining Co 104. 108
Port Renfrew, iron at 198
Pottery 9, 27
Powder, expensive in Atlin 56
Prices used in tables 7. 24
Prince Alfred 194
Prince Rupert, cement at 2S
Reference to 30
Princess I Portland Canal) 105
(Greenwood ) 166
Princess Royal 100, 103
Princess Royal island 99
Report by Provincial Assayer 100
Princeton, coal production 22
Cement at 2S
References to 166, 190, 249, 2s9
Princeton Coal and Land Co 20
References to output 190, 249, !>:>. 290
Processes for separation of lead-zinc-silver
ores, reference to 25
Producers Rock and Gravel Co., Ltd 199
Production of minerals, tables 7
Progress of mining 16
Provincial Assayer, report on Princess Royal
island 100
Report on Clayoquot Mining Division .... 195
Provincial Mineralogist, investigate platinum
at Nelson 26
Work of year 29
Reference to Groundhog trip 64
Q.C. islands, notes on Ill
Nelson, report on platinum 156
Diamond Vale explosion, report on 216
Grand Forks Mining Division, notes on . . . 168
Highland valley report, reference to 185
Similkameen, notes on 189
Boundary, notes on 163
Notes on Britannia 201
Ptarmigan Mines (Co.) 193
Puntledge river 271
Pyrrhotite 194
Q.
Ql I EN ClIABLOTTE MINING DIVISION:
Reference to notes by Clapp
Notes by Provincial Mineralogist
Report of Gold Commissioner
Qui ■ n Victoria (Nelson)
„ (Greenwood)
Quesnel Forks, minor reference to
Quesnel lake, galena on
Quesnel Hydraulic Mining Co
Quesnel Mining Division:
Lode-mining in
1 'opper in
Report of Mining Recorder
1 river, dredging leases 51,
North fork
Ill
111
109
152
163
53
54
53
54
54
53
54
53
R.
Radford (hydraulic) 64
Radford, Al. C, death of 56, 64
Railways and Canals Department, surreys in
B.C
S3
K 344
Index.
Page.
Rainfall, poor in Atlin 55
Rainy Hollow 61
Rambler-Cariboo 146, 149
Rath bar 70
Raven L97
Rawhide 163
Re s mond >V- Sons, lime-burners 28
Reco 149
Red brick 9, 27
Red Cliff Mining Co 104, 107
Redeemable Investment ' '.. 181
Red Elephant 147
B( </ Mountain 161
Red Reef 106
Reliance Mining Co., report of Inspector .... 238
/.'• ... 196
Rescue apparatus, equipment at various
collieries 206
Fernie 294
Middlesboro 281
Na naimo 207
l'rinceton 290
Rescue-work at Diamond Vale explosion .... 232
Reserve shaft (coal-mine) 250
Reservoir 114
Revelstoke Mining Division :
Report of Mining Recorder 142
I. .ule-mining 144
Richardson mine 266
Richmond ( Slocan) 14!)
(Trail creek) 162
Riondel 147
Riprap 9
Saanich arm. lime-kilns 2S
Cement-works. 198
Saanich inlet, cement-works 198
Sadie 195
Safety-lamps 233
St. Eugene 24
Minor reference 137
■i of Inspector 237
St. -Mary river- 137
St. Patrick 147
Salmo 155
Salmon. Indian food 74
salmon arm 200
Salmon river ('Portland Canal) 104, 105
( Nelson) 156
Salmon-Bear River Mining Co 104, 105
San. I 9
lly.lranli.-king 28
Sand Creek (mica claim) 52
Sand creek, mica on ri2
Saulter Landing 125
Sawridge 125
Saxonite powder 297
Sayyca creek 7<>
S river 67, 71
Seaton creek 149
Relief ir.c.
S< ntinel group 197
Seven-mile 151
Seven-mile creek 53
7" M V Mouse 118
Sewer-pipe 199
Seymour arm 1 8 t
Seymour creek 200
Page.
K .I., rtson, W. !■'., Provincial Mineralogist.
trip to Oease lake, Groundhog coalfield 65
Grand Forks .Mining Division 168
B porl on Boundary 163
Rocher Deboule1 Copper Co., Ltd 113
I Derjoulg mountain ll.'l. Ill
Roi he river 190
ind gravel, production of 28
Rock creek 168
B mountains, referred to 69
I .1 of 249
i. elt 194
B i Mining ( !o li'.l
Rose 195
Rose and I'" 11 197
Rosebank I.ime Co 199
Rosella creek 7'.i
I: 11a Mining Co 79
Rose \farie 195
B ad 235
ROSSLAND ] IISTBII I :
Copper production 2o
Gold iroduction 23
Report of Gold Commissioner 101
K..\ W. M ■ 1 1 1 1 1 . - ■ l Police, referred to, at
" Boundary," Stikdne river 66
Old camp at EUastline river N2
Ruby creek 58
Ruby Fraction (Portland Canal) 107
i Trail creek) 161
Ruth (Portland Canal) 108
.. (Slocan) 149
..
Shale from Kyuquol sound 196
Shale-quarry, pottery-clay 27
Shamrock 196
Shawni lake ;>(
creek 1'C
Sheep Creek District 154
I < re lort
Shipping mines, table of 16
. . Lnej ickyards 199
Silica brick 9
Silver, reference to output 1*
Production affected by labour troubles.... 2:'.
Reference to separation processes 25
Silver. Portland Canal 106
Princess K pal island 103
Slocan 24
Silver Creek 115
reek (Atlin) 60
(Tale) 1-7
Silver Cup 151
113
1. 1.1 113
Silver Hollar 155
Silver Hoard Mining ( '.. 147
N/7r. r King 162
- er King Co 1".::
Siln r I. rail 156
Silver-:. nee to 24
Silver Picfc 113
Silverplate 180
Silver Ridge 149
Silver Standard 112, 116
n 148
Silverton M. 149
Index.
K 345
Page.
slmilkameen mining division :
Report of Mining Recorder 190
Notes by Provincial Mineralogist 189
Similkameeu river, placer TS3, 289
Siwash creek 186
Siwash Creek Mines, Ltd 186
Sixteen-mile creek 182
Skagit river, report of Chas. Camsell IS"
Skeena Mining Division :
Report of Gold Commissioner 09
Report of Provincial Assayer 100
Skeena river, reference to coalfields' on
26, 30. 65, 92. 98
Reference to river S3, 94
.Navigation 05
Skidegate inlet 109
Coal in 240
Skincuttle inlet 110
Slag-disposal at Granby ITS
Slocan City Mining Division :
Reference to silver output 24
Report of Mining Recorder 150
Slocan District :
Statistics, minor reference 18
Silver production 24
Report of Inspectors 146, -'.',~i
Slocan Mining Division 14-S
sl,„ mi Star 149
Slowmaldo creek 94
Smelter, under construction at Granby bay. . 99
Tacoma 104
Trail 113, 140
Kingston, Ont 140
Grand Forks 169
Smelting for gold and copper 23
Smith 52
Smith creek 143
Smoky River shales 125
Sninik Frac. 194
Snowshoe creek, lode-miming on 53, 54
Societe Miniere de la Columhie Britannique 5S
Society Girl 137
Inspector's report 237
Sockeye 196
Soda creek 118
Sooke 198
South Belt 101
South Fort George, minor reference 110
South Wales 50
South Wellington 267
Springer creek 150
Spruce creek 57
Spruce Creek Tower Co 57
Spruce timber S3, 119
Page.
Spanish creek 53
Spatsizi river 83, 86
Spatsum 185
Split Volatile Ratio, reference to Peace River
coal 134
Spuzzum creek 187
S. S. White Dental Co.. assays Nelson
platinum 150
Stamp-mill at Hedley 23
I'oorman 23
Engineer 01
Coronation 101
Standard (Revelstoke) 144
Slumlord (Slocan) 148
Zinc from 25
Statistical tables 17
Steamboat mountain 187
Stemwinder 137
Stewart ( town) 100
Stewart Frac 161
Stewart Mining and Development Co 104
Stikine Mining Division :
Report of Gold Commissioner 63
Stikine river, gold on 69
Minor references 20. 04. 02
At Telegraph Creek 81
Basalt cliffs (diagrams) 73
Topography of 66
Geology of at Telegraph Creek 72
Mineral claims 64
Coal 30, 04. 65
Navigation on 65
Stouts gulch 40
Strawberry island 1 86
Sugar creek 50
Sullivan 24. 137
Report of Inspector 237
Summit camp 100
Summit creek 50
Summit Creek Hydraulic Mining Co 50
Summit lake 110
Sunnyside Xo. .} ISO
Sunset 149
Suquash Colliery 250, 268, 270, 277
Surf inlet, mines on 100
Surf Inlet Gold Mines, Ltd., report by
Provincial Assayer 100
Surprise (Omineca) 112. 115
(Slocan) 140
Surprise lake 55. .»6. 57
Sustut river, coal 05
Swanson bay 99
Swede HO
Stiontl 104
Table mountain 92
Table of production 13
Tacoma. shipments to smelter 104
Tacoma Steel Co 230
Tabltan 71
Tahltan river 71, 70
Illustration of cliffs 73
Taku arm 60
Tangent 194
Tanzilla river 75, 77
Tasu harbour 1 In
7. . (0 River 190
Teeta River Mining Co 196
Telegraph Creek (town) 29, 30. 04. 68, 71, SO, S7
Route to Groundhog coal 65, 81, 85
Geology at 74
Report of new strike near 60
Telegraph trail 04
Telfer creek 91
Telkwa 114, 115
Tenas creek 86
Ten-mile creek 150
Teslin lake, reported gold strike 60
Testing of explosives and detonating-caps,
methods employed 209
K 346
Index.
Page
Tete Jaune Cache, notes on mica by II. Oar-
michael 52
Texada island, lime-kilns 28
linn 26, 197
Minor reference 197, 238
Thibert creek 20, 70, 71
Reference to old channel 77
Gold in is?:; 69
Visit of Provincial Mineralogist 77, 78
Platinum 63, 7s
Thiberl Creek Mining <\>. (now Boulder
( ink Mining ( '<>. I 77
Thompson creek 140
T! pson river, gypsum 185
Three Forks 146
Tigi r 146
Tiles 9, 27
Timber, Klappan river 83
Peace river 135
Stikine river 72
Tod inlet 2S
Cement at 198
Tofino 104
Tooya (see Tuya I.
Trail 113
Shipments to smelter 14<i
U
United Empire Coal Co., reference to
output 20, 240. 201
Union bay 271
Vana nda 238
Vancouver 155
Vancouver, reference to brickyards in vicinity
of 27
Gravel and granite quarries 28
Minor reference 54
Vancouver Mining Division :
Report of Gold Commissioner 200
Vancouver Island 61,193
I'd I cry-clay 27
Magnetite 20
i !oal statistics 247
Coalfield 243
Vancouver-Nanaimo Coal Mining Co 20
New Mast Wellington Colliery, report of
Inspector 269, 270
Vancouver Portland Cement Co 28, 198
Vancouver-Victoria l.imc and I'.t'ick Co 100
1 an-Roi 25
Zinc from 140
Van Winkle (old town) 50
Page.
Trail creek (Spatsizi river) 85, 86
(Courier creek) 86, 00, 92
Tbail Cbeek Mining Division :
Report of Gold Commissioner 161
Transportation best in winter in Atlin GO
Treadwell 161
Trout creek (Atlin) 00
(Ca siax) 7o
(Trout lake) 151
Trout lake 151
Trout Lake Minim; Division:
Report of Mining Recorder 151
Reference to silver 24
Tsertia creek 84
Tulamecn river 22, 190, 293
Reference to coal-mine 289
Tuya river 75, 70
Geologj 72
Coal on 75
Twelve-mile (Portland Canal) 106
Twenty-mile creel; i Quesnel river) ."I
i Peace river i 127
Two-mile .reek 112
Tyee Copper Co., minor reference Hi
Tyee smelter 198
i .S. Bureau of Mines 206
Ure river ( same as Liard river I 69
Utica 148
Venture Company 50
Venus 153
Vermilion Forks Mining and Development
i !o., changed to Prim eton < I and Land
Co 2S9
VERNON Minim; Division:
Report of Cold Commissioner 1S3
1 irtnr 107
Victoria, minor reference 52
Dime-kilns 28
i iement-works 10,8
Victoria 1 iisikkt 198
Victoria Mining Division:
Report of Cold Commissioner 108
Victoria West, pottery-works at 27
Victory 115
Virginia 161
Voigt 189
Voigt camp 166, 1 89
Volcanii a-beds, Stikine river M
W.
:. road. Telegraph Creek to Dease lake. . til
Dawson's i in 70
< llenora to Ti legraph Creek 68
Walter 101
Wan lie creek 187
War Eagle (Portland Canal) 109
(Trail creek) 161
Washington 165
Washington State, ore shipped from 163
Wafer tor hydraulicking 55
Scarcity of, in Atlin 40
Watt rloo '. 108
Water Tight Hipper Dredge and Mining Co. 53
Wart rln .".1
Wayside 191
Wellington camp 163
Wellington C Co., report of Inspector 271
West Canadian Deep Leads 50
Western 1 tevelopment Co 88, 93, 116
Wester,, Fuel Co 20, 252
Douglas mine 257
made shaft 2.".::
Northfield 256
ction 254
Index.
K 347
Page.
Western Fuel Co., Reserve mine 258
Rescue-station 207
WMte Horse 63
White Moose mountain 01
While Pass and Yukon Railway, freight rates
on 56, 1 11
White Swan 115
White Swan creek 60
White water 140, 14S
"Whitewater Deep 14S
Wilcox 154
Wild Horse creek 154
Williams creek 49
Willow river 119
Wiilson creek 59, 60
Winchester Fraction ISO
Yakoun river, coal on Ill
Yale District :
Reports of Gold Commissioners 1S4
Yah'-Kamloops, copper production 25
Yale Mining Division:
Report of Mining Recorder ISO
Quartz-mining 1ST
Yankee Girl (Nelson) 152, 154
Yanks 54
Yellow creek 143
Zinc, minor reference IS
Reference to processes for separation 25
Valuation of production 25
Lynn creek 201
Lucky Jim 25
Monarch 139
Morice 115
Nelson 1 55
Page.
Windermere Mining Division:
Report of Gold Commissioner 141
Windfall ISO
Wingdam 50
Wintemute, Irving, report as Gold Com-
missioner 199
Wire Hold 105
Wireless No. 1 191
No. 2 191
Wolf safety-lamps 298
Woodbury creek 147
Wormwold Creek Mining Co 50
Wrangell, Alaska, minor references 29, 65, 68, 77
Wright creek 5S
Wyoming 49
Y.
Yellowstone 106
Ymir 154
Ymir District:
Inspector's report 236
Ymir Mint 154
Young Sport, So. 1 196
No. S 196
No. 4 196
Yukon river, minor reference to 04
Zinc, Omineca 113, 117
Shiran 149
Standard 25
1 an-l'oi 25
Experiments in Government office 31
Zinc-smelter at Bartlettsville Ito
Zymoetz river, coal on 115
Illustrations.
K 349
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
Spatsizi River, looking East, and Pass to Skeena River . . .
Buckley Lake — Stikine Mining Division
Cement-works under Construction at East Princeton . . . .
Dease Creek — Ryan's Mine
Dease Lake — looking North from Head of Lake
Diamond Vale Collieries — Plan of Workings
Xo. 3 Slope aud Tipple
Fan as thrown by Explosion
Fraser River — at "53 Mile" on Grand Trunk Pacific . . .
Glenora — Abandoned Town of
Grand Trunk Pacific Railway — at " 53 Mile "
Groundhog Coalfield — showing Contortions of Strata
Showing bending of Measures
McEvoy Flats Camp
Groundhog Mountain Pas? — in Midsummer
Klappan River. Little — Indian Graveyard at
Looking towards Mouth
Looking towards Graveyard Camp
Klappan River — above the Ford
Klastline River — fording of the
Kuldo — Totem at Old Kuldo, Skeena River
Laketoni — on Dease Lake
Map - I.iard, Skeena. and Stikine Mining Divisions
Middlesboro Colliery — Xicola Valley — Rescue Squad
Ml. Carbon Colliery — Columbia Coal and Coke Co
Pacific Coast Coal Mines — Rescue Squad
Trace River Coalfield — Map of Coalfields
Sketch-map of Properties
Section of Coal-measures
Section on Johnston Creek
Section on Moose Par (.'reek
Section on Gelhing Creek
( loal-measures in Canyon
Seam -I 16, Johnson Creek
Seam J 14, Johnson Creek
Measures on Johnson Creek
Portland Cement and Construction Co. — Saanich Ann ...
Princess Royal Island — Surf Inlet
Surf Inlet Gold Mines, Ltd
Princeton Colliery — Fleadworks and Tipple
Prospector -packing Supplies on Dogs
Skeena River — 4th Cabin on Telegraph Trail
Old Kuldo — Canyon at
Coal Formation in Mountains
Spatsizi River — near Source — looking North
Stikine River at Junction of Tahltan
Basalt Cliff at Tahltan
Swimming Horses at Telegraph < 'reek
Surf Inlet G.M. Co. — ^Sketch-map of Properties
Table of .Mineral Production
Telegraph < Ireek — Town of
Thibert Creek— Boulder Creek Mining Co. Camp
Boulder Creek Mining Co.— opening of Hydraulic Pit
Berry Creek Mining Co. — Works
. Page
I
Frontispiece.
. Facing p. 344
24
80
144
234
216
216
4S
51 i
4S
96
96
112
112
L60
160
160
160
152
192
SO
208
272
288
272
12v
126
128
131
131
134
L20
136
136
124
24
104
104
28S
152
176
192
XV
vs
Ins ti p
Page
. Farm
. Pa
]'■
in]
14
56
i;i
hi
7 !
VICTORIA, B.C. :
Printed by William H. Collin, rriuter to the King's Most Excellent "
1013.
K\
LIBRARY CATALOGUE SLIPS.
[Take this leaf out and paste the separated titles upon three of your catalogue
cards. The first and second titles need no addition ; over the third write
that subject under which you would place the book iu your library.]
British Columbia. Bureau of Mines.
Annual Report of the Minister of Mines for the year ending
| 31st December, 1912, being an account of mining operations
X for gold, coal, etc., in the Province. William Fleet Robertson,
Provincial Mineralogist. 349 pp., plates, maps, 191 2.
Victoria, Government Printin" Office, 1913.
Robertson, William Fleet. (Provincial Mineralogist. )
Annual Report of the Minister of Mines of British Columbia
for the year ending 31st December, 1912, being an account of
mining operations for gold, coal, etc., in the Province. (British
Columbia, Bureau of Mines.) 349 pp., plates, maps, 1912.
Victoria, Government Printing Office, 1913.
Annual Report of the Minister of Mines of British Columbia
for the year ending 31st December, 1912, being an account of
mining operations for gold, coal, etc., in the Province. William
Fleet Robertson, Provincial Mineralogist. (British Columbia,
Bureau of Mines.) 349 pp., plates, maps, 1912.
Victoria, Government Printing Office, 1913.
£»
|1MU«V <•*
TN British Columbia. Dept.
27 of Mines and Petroleum
B7 Resources
1912 Report
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CARDS OR SLIPS FROM THIS POCKET
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