41 Vic Appointment of Mining Engineer, &c. 431 RETURN To an Address of the Legislative Assembly for copies of all letters, petitions, and other papers relative to the appointment of a Mining Engineer, and respecting the various appropriations asked for on behalf of the District of Cariboo for the year 1877. By Command. A. C. Elliott, Provincial Secretary's Office, Provincial Secretary. 21st February, 1878. Mr. Davie, M.P.P., to the Provincial Secretary. Victoria, 28th December, 1876. Sie,—I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your circular of the 27th instant, requesting a statement of the requirements*of my district for the ensuing year. In compliance with your request, I beg to mention certain necessary works as follows:— 1st—A sleigh road from Williams Creek to Cunningham Creek, a distance of about 12 miles, and say 10 feet in width. I have before now pointed out to the Government, both by written and verbal communications, the absolute necessity of this work. I may further say that a fair estimate of what, during the present year, has been spent on Cunningham Creek, in opening up ground, erecting machinery, procuring iron pipes and pumps, cutting ditches, &c, &c, is not less than $30,000; and that the expense of these preparations has been largely increased through the non-construction of the sleigh road. Sufficient prospects on this creek, both in the deep and hydraulic ground, have been obtained to alone justify the expense of the road; but, apart from this consideration, further efforts to develop the creek are being and will be made, and would be stimulated were facilities afforded for the transportation of provisions, machinery, &c. Tho cost of the sleigh road would not be more than $6,500. • 2nd—A sleigh road from Beaver Bass to Canon Creek. The necessity of this road, its length, and probable expense, has also been pointed out to the Government by the members for Cariboo. During my residence in Cariboo this year, my constituents pressed upon my attention the necessity of this road, not only as a means of developing Cahon Creek, which is known to be highly auriferous, but to open up communication with a number of other creeks between Beaver Bass and Canon Creek. 3rd—The thorough repair and grading of the trail between Antler Creek and the Forks of Quesnelle. This work has also been pointed out as being highly necessary, and I can say, from my own observation, that the present trail is totally unfit for the passage of either man or beast, and not less than $4,000 is required to put it in proper condition. The number of persons residing in the vicinity of Keithley Creek and the Forks of Quesnelle is about 500, and frequent representations have been made to me of tho necessity of these repairs being made, together with a bridge at the mouth of Keithley Creek, to afford tho transit of goods during the long spring freshet. 4th—-A waggon road from Williams Lake to the mouth of Deep Creek. The length and probable expense has, I believe, already been reported upon by Mr. Bowron, and I am informed that a survey of the route was made some years ago by Mr. Thomas Spence. This road is advisable for two reasons. First, to enable the settlers of the Williams' Lake valley, Chimney Creek and vicinity,'and Chilcotin, to transport their produce. At present they have no outlet, except by circuitous and tedious routes. Secondly" that, by a slight additional expense, the main waggon road could be extended for a short 432 Appoiktment of Mining Engineer, &c. 1878 distance from about the 146 mile post, through an open and comparatively level country (and along the line of which a considerable portion of a narrow road is already constructed) to connect with the above proposed road, the benefit of such extension being the avoidance on the main waggon road of the Carpenter Mountain, which, during certain seasons of the year, is practically impassable for heavy teams, and also the avoidance of the Soda Creek Hill, which is about three miles in length and very steep. The portion of the present waggon road which would be thus avoided has always been, and must continue to be, one of the most expensive sections of the road to keep in order, while from its great height it is never fit for the passage of teams until much later in the season than other portions of the road. The expense of the new road would soon be recouped by the saving of repairs on the old. Should the Government, notwithstanding the above-representations, determine not to alter the line of the main waggon road as above proposed, I trust that they will at once construct the road between Williams Lake and the mouth of Deep Creek, so as to enable tho settlers to get out to Soda Creek by a reasonable route, instead of their being compelled to go a long distance to the waggon road at the 146 or 150-Mile House or thereabouts, and thence over the Carpenter Mountain along 28 miles of road to Soda Creek. I believe the hon. the Chief Commissioner is aware of the propriety of this road, as he has, I believe, received communications on the subject, and I have had conversations with him urging its construction. 5. The Road Superintendent for the Cariboo portion of the waggon-road should have power to employ a greater number of men. The above are the the chief requirements of my district, and do not of course include or refer to ordinary annual expenditure. I have, etc., (Signed) Alex. E. B. Davie. Mr. Davie, M.P.P., to the Provincial Secretary. Victoria, 9th February, 1877. Sib,—In my last communication concerning the requirements of Cariboo, 1 inadvertently omitted to ask for an appropriation to aid the development of quartz mining. I now beg to bring the subject under your consideration, hoping that you will deem it advisable to place a sum upon the Estimates for the purpose of encouraging this industry by some scheme to be approved of by the Government. Several quartz ledges have been discovered in Cariboo, e. g.—at Bichfield, at the head of Lowhee Creek, the head of Conklin's Gulch, Mosquito Creek, &c, &c., some of which have already been tested, with most favourable results; and I am warranted in asserting that the Mosquito Creek ledge (commonly known as Sadoux's) yields, at least, $20 per ton. Let this ledge for instance be developed, by being worked by a quartz mill of sufficient power, and at once there will be a fact patent to the world that we have paying quartz in British Columbia. The development of other ledges would follow, and a permanent and valuable industry thus established. I need not refer to the history of California, Australia, and New Zealand, to demonstrate the great value to the country of successful quartz mining operations. It is in the power of the Government to start this industry, and I request that a sum of not less than $15,000, to assist the development of quartz mining in the Cariboo District, be placed on the Estimates. The scheme for the appropriation might be determined by the- Government, or might be left to the Gold Commissioner, assisted by a committee of practical miners. I have, etc., (Signed) Alex. E. B. Davie. Messrs Walkem, Evans, and Davie, to the Provincial Secretary. Victoria, February 26th 1877. We, the undersigned, beg leave to make the following requisitions for the District of Cariboo during the current year :— 1. A sleigh road from Beaver Pass to Canon Creek, about twenty miles, at a probable cost of $10,000. 2. A sleigh road from Cameronton to Cunningham Creek, about fifteen miles, at a probable cost of $7,500. 3. A waggon road from the 144 mile post on the Cariboo Waggon Road, to connect with the same at Deep Creek. Particulars of survey and cost in the hands of Government. Petition in favour of same, signed by the inhabitants, herewith sent. 4. The purchase of the Church building at Barkerville for the purpose of a Court House. The building is offered for $1,000, and by selling the old Court House and premises, together with the land underneath for mining purposes, retaining the Judge's dwelling house, a large amount of the expenses incurred would be realized. See paper sent.* 5. The Fire Brigade of Barkerville and Stanley, $500 each; and balance of debt remaining on building at Barkerville, about $300. 6. Four small bridges, over as many streams, in Omineca ; the flood having swept the old bridges away ; cost, about $500. 7. Appropriation for a Quartz Mill, say $15,000. The Government to retain the right of possession to the mill, and to be repaid out of surplus moneys (if any"; after working expenses shall have been made ; no dividends to be made until the mill is paid for. (Signed) Geo. A. Walkem, John Evans, Alex. E. B. Davie. * The present position of the Government offices' at Richfield are a great inconvenience to the residents of Cariboo, being situate one mile from the town of Barkerville. That a splendid building, the Episcopiul Church, is now vacant, and in every way a suitable building for the purposes of the Government offices. That, if the Government would purchase said building, the only extra expense necessary to be incurred would be in the removal of the furniture and books from Richfield. That the present Government buildings and lands, if sold at auction, would bring from $4-00 to $600. That the Government would save a considerable sum of money per annum now paid to special constables, by such removal, and otherwise. To the Honourables G. A. Walkem, John, Evans, and A. E. B Davie, representatives in the Legislative Assembly for Cariboo District.-— Gentlemen : We, the undersigned residents of Cariboo District, wish to bring before your notice the necessity of constructing a new piece of road, from, or near, tho one hundred and forty-four mile post, Lake La^Hache Valley, via Williams Lake Mission, Williams Lake, and Deep Creek. Your petitioners would also point out the advantages to bo gained by making said road. 1. It would pass through a fine and productive section of agricultural land, most of which is settled upon.by farmers who, up to the present time, have been prevented from taking their produce to market, on account of not having a road. 2. That a road could be made through tho district in question of an easy grade, and, fit|for travel at all seasons of the year, 434 • Appointment of Mining Engineer, &c. 1878 3. That a survey of the proposed road was made by Mr. Mahood in the spring of 1876, who, we understand, made a favourable report. 4. That it would be of great advantage to the farmers in the whole district, and to tho travelling public from Yale to Cariboo. 5. It would always have a tendency to keep down the rate of freight and the price of produce raised in this district for Cariboo market. We would again urge you, as our representatives, to bring this matter before the House of Assembly, and use every effort in getting the road built as soon as possible. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. (Signed) Hugh Ross, and 257 others. Mr. Evans, M.P.P., to the Provincial Secretary. Victoria, February 24th, 1877. Sir,—I beg to make the following additional remarks regarding the appropriations asked for in the Cariboo District for the present year:— 1. In consequence of there being no road by which sleighs could bo taken to Canon Creek, operations had to be suspended several weeks before my departure, and all the men had to leave for want of provisions. 2. Machinery will be wanted on Antler Creek next summer, which cannot be taken over until that road be made. It is out of all reason to expect mining companies to bear the same expense as the Victoria Company on Cunningham Creek had to do last winter. It cost them over $2,000 to take their machinery over the snow. These two roads are of importance beyond being the means to communicate with the creeks above named; but No. 1 will facilitate the opening of Bouchon Creek, Oro Fino, Berry, Deadwood, and several other nameless creeks, intervening; and No. 2 will cross Canadian, Grouse, and Antler Creeks, as also passes the base of Begg's and three other gulches. 3. You are in possession of particulars of survey and probable cost of this portion of waggon road. It is of importance not only to the district of Cariboo, but also to the upper end of Lillooet district. The waggon-road over Carpenter Mountain to Soda Creek, over an elevation of 4,000 feet, should never have been made. It was condemned by the people when it was decided to take it over that mountain, and private motives attributed to the party who built it—and one that cost the Government large sums of money ever since. The petition addressed to my colleagues and my^self should have been addressed to the Government. This mistake should not lessen the force of its prayer. 4. I understand the Bishop of Columbia is willing to sell the church building at Barkerville, for the sum of $1,000. The convenience of having the Court at Barkerville is so great that the saving to the public can hardly be estimated, and if the jail were located at Barkerville the services of the officer would be available where they are wanted. The mining ground underneath is supposed to be rich, and if sold by auction, would, in my opinion, realize a larger amount than is mentioned in the memorandum which was put in my hand by a number of the most prominent portion of the inhabitants of Barkerville, and is herewith sent. 5. The people of Barkerville contributed liberally to put tho building belonging to the Fire Brigade in proper condition, which was injured by the sinking of the foundation through mining operations that had been carried on underneath, and the caving of the same. A letter has been sent by the Brigade to yourself showing that $300 is still remaining as debt on same. 6. This requires no further explanation beyond stating that the streams cannot be crossed during high water. 7. Quartz is the only hopes of permanent prosperity in gold mining to the Province. Good veins are now being worked, but the machinery now in use fails to save the gold, and to induce capitalists to invest monej'- in this class of mining it must 1 c demonstrated that the country has ledges that Mali pay, which we are satisfied can bo proved if the Government will assist in the manner indicated. I am. etc., (Sigued) John Evans. 41 Vic, Appointment of Mining Engineer, &c. 435 Mr. A. E. B. Davie, M.P.P., to the Provincial Secretary, Victoria, 12th March, 1877. Sir,—I beg to enclose for your perusal a copy of a report to Mr. Grant of this city, from the Nevada Metallurgical Works, upon the examination of 93 pounds of quartz sent from the neighbourhood of Mosquito Creek. The results, as you will perceive, are most satisfactory, and would (I submit) alone justify the Government in assisting in the most material manner the promotion of an industry permanent in character, and productive of wealth to the whole Brovince. I have, etc., (Signed) Alex. E. B. DaVie. Report from Nevada Metallurgical Works. Nevada Metallurgical Works, |San Francisco, February 23rd, 1877. Mr. Grant, care Anglo-American Bank, San Francisco. Lot 1213, 1 box of gold-bearing quartz; gross weight 93 lbs. Tho whole lot was crushed and pulverized and thoroughly sampled. The average samples proved by assays (No. 6187) to contain : Gold, .303 oz. = $6.27 per ton (2,000 lbs.) Silver, 1.21 oz. = $1.56. Total, $7.83 per ton of 2,000 fts. The ore contained two and one-tenth per cent, sulphurets. Eighty-five pounds nett weight of the ore were worked by common mill process, that is, by amalgamation, warm for 3J hours, and the result was 9.01 grains bullion, which proved to be 600 fine in gold, value $0.2324, and 2.10 fine in silver, $0.0051. (This bullion has a value of $12.6746 per oz.) In other words : The ore yielded at the rate of $5.46 per ton (of 2000 Ifos.) in gold, and $0.12 in silver; total yield per ton, $5.58. Which is a yield of 87 percent, of the gold and 8 per cent, of the silver contained in the ore. This shows that most of the gold is contained free in the ore. The tailings of the lot worked were concentrated, as it can be done in a mill, on blankets and riffles, and we obtained 141 oz. of concentrations, which would correspond to about 21 lbs. of concentrations to the ton of ore worked. These concentrations proved to contain : Gold, 1.7 oz. = $35.16; silver, 40.09 oz. = $51.83 per ton of 2,000 lbs. Total value of concentrations per ton of 2,000 lbs., $86.99. In other words, the ore yields in a mill by crude amalgamation $5.58 per ton, and. 20 to 21 lbs. of concentrations, worth $86.99 per ton, which y-ou have to work by roasting and amalgamation, after sufficient accumulation. (Signed) Huhn & Luckiiardt. Mr. A. E. B. Davie, M.P.P., to the Provincial Secretary. Victoria, 22nd March, 1877. Sir,—I respectfully beg to draw your attention to the communication I had the honour to address to you last year, concerning appropriations for the fire departments at Barkerville and Lightning Creek. With the exception of last year, the appropriation for each had been $500 ; but last year—for what reason I am at a loss to know—-each appropriation was reduced to $250. I beg to reiterate the remarks expressed in my former communication on the subject, and trust that the usual appropriation of $500 for each department will be made, so that the efficiency of its service may not be impaired. 1 beg also to call to your notice the fact that a flourishing literary club exists at Stanley, that it is largely supported by voluntary contributions, and affords during the 436 Appointment of Mining Engineer, &c. 1878 long winter months a resort for instruction and recreation. A small sum—say $150— may, I submit, be fairly given to this institution, and bo an evidence that the interests of the people of Cariboo are not forgotten by the Government. The Library or Mechanics' Institute at Barkerville is an institution of great service to the public. There is a fair stock of books, of which good use is made by the public, but the supply of fresh pcrfodicals and books is necessarily very limited, on account of the small amount hitherto afforded by the Government. The library and attendance thereat will compare very favourably with other institutions ot a similar character, and the librarian, Mr. Jonathan Nutt, at all times most attentive and obliging, is unable out of the small annual grant to afford that supply of periodicals so necessary to an institution of that description, and I would respectfully ask that the grant be increased to $350. ' I may further state tho fire institution at Barkerville is in debt about $300, which would have been nearly* all liquidated last year had the usual appropriation of $500 been made. I trust, therefore, that the Government will see fit to appropriate to the department the further sum of $300, or at least $250. I have, etc., (Signed) Alex. E. B. Davie. The Provincial Secretary to W. Lane Booker, Esq. Province of British Columbia. Provincial Secretary's Office, 19th May, 1877 Sir,—The Government of British Columbia was authorized by an Act of hist session—copies of which are enclosed—.to engage the services of a person skilled in quartz mining. Will you be good enough to employ, on our behalf, some person possessed of the following qualifications :— Having had practical experience in quartz mining in California or elsewhere. Capable of giving instructions concerning the working of a quartz mill and the saving- of the gold. Competent to distinguish between a true ledge and a false one. We have no such person here, and therefore beg that you will be kind enough to employ one for us. The terms of engagement will be as follow:— 1. Employment for six months certain, and until the expiration of two mouths' notice in writing to be given by one parly to the other. 2. The salary per month will be such as you will arrange, but not to exceed $250 per month. 3. The Government will pay travelling expenses from San Francisco to Cariboo, and, on completion of services, back again to San Francisco. 4. The person employed to proceed at once to Victoria and report himself to the Provincial Secretary. 5. He undertakes tbat he possesses due skill and knowledge, and that he will give his exclusive and diligent services for the purposes required. 6. The term of service to commence on his leaving San Francisco. You will confer a great favour by acting for us in the premises. We shall be glad to hear by telegraph of the engagement having been made. I have, etc, (Signed) Alex. E. B. Davie, Provincial Secretary and Minister of Mines,- per T. EijVi'vn, Acting Deputy Provincial Secretary W. Lane Booker, Esq., to the Provincial Secretary. Her Britannic Majesty's Consulate, San Francisco, May 30th, 1877. Sir,—I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your despatch of the 18th inst. I have not yet succeeded in finding a suitable person for the position referred to, unemployed, but I have no doubt I shall be able to secure a competent man in time to enable him to go up in the next steamer. There are many excellent judges of quartz mines, but few combine the whole of the qualifications required. I have, etc., (Signed) Wm. Lane Booker, Consul. [Telegram.] San Francisco, May 31st, 1877. To Provincial Secretary :— Engaged Bichard Harper. He leaves for Portland Sunday. (Signed) W. L. Booker. W. Lane Booker, Esq., to the Provincial Secretary. Her Britannic Majesty's Consulate, San Francisco, May 31st, 1877. Sir,—In reference to my despatch of the 30th May, I have now to advise you that ■ I have secured the services of Mr. Bichard Bailey Harper, a Cornishman, who has been very strongly recommended to me by two gentlemen of my acquaintance, in whose employ he has been in this State and Mexico; he is represented to me to be a thoroughly practical quartz miner, and conversant with everything connected with mill work. His salary has been fixed at two hundred and twenty*-five dollars per month for six months, commencing on his leaving San Francisco, the Government paying his travelling expenses to Cariboo and back to San Francisco on completion of service. I have, etc., (Signed) Wm. Lane Booker, Consul. The Provincial Secretary to B. B. Harper. Provincial Secretary's Office, 20th December, 1877. Sm,—I have the honour to inform you that His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor in Council has been pleased to appoint you a Mining Engineer for the Province. The appointment is to be for one year, from the 1st January, 1878, and your remuneration will be at the rate of three hundred dollars a month. The Government retain the option of further securing your services for another year, or portion of a year, on the same terms. You will receive your instructions from time to time from the Hon. the Minister of Mines. Should your services be dispensed with at the termination of the year 1878, or at any period during the following year, you will receive three months' salary in lieu of notice. On the other hand, should you wish to leave the service of the Government, three months' notice will be required. I have, etc., (Signed) A. C. Elliott. 30 488 Appointment of Mining Engineer, &c. 1878 Mr. Walkem, M. P. P., to the Lieutenant- Governor. Victoria, March 15th, 1877. Sir,—In compliance with the request of the inhabitants of the District of Cariboo, I have the honour to recommend, with much pleasure, to your Honour's favourable consideration, the memorial of the said inhabitants, dated the 3rd instant. I have, etc., (Signed) Geo. A. Walkem. To His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor in Council. Sir,—The undersigned, appointed on behalf of the inhabitants of Cariboo to suggest the proper steps to be taken towards the developing of our mineral resources, beg to request that you will consider it necessary to engage the services of a competent person to examine and report upon the quartz ledges which exist in this district; and we are of the opinion that one suitably qualified can be obtained in California, possessing a thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of quartz lodes, and the modern processes in use for extracting and retaining the gold and silver contained in them., so that the characteristics of each ledge, and the projier method for working its ore, may be embodied in such report. Moreover, the services of such individual, when unable to perform his duties in Cariboo, owing to the approach of winter, could be utilized in examining the gold and silver-bearing ledges situated in other portions of the Province, more particularly the Kamloops District, which is believed to be rich in mineral wealth. The experience of British Columbia in gold mining has been similar to that undergone by California, Nevada, and Australia. The comparatively rapid exhaustion of the placer mines has been succeeded by a period of gloomy depression, during which the population materially decreased, and all branches of business remained at a stand-still. Cariboo is now in the position that the above-named countries were a few years ago, which had toinvoke the assistance of science and capital to develop their at present untold wealth in gold and silver, which makes them so prosperous to-day. The Cariboo Quartz Mining Company have expended a large sum of money and are still prosecuting their labour with undiminished energy, and every prospect of success. The object sought to be attained is a thorough examination of those portions of the Province believed to piossess lodes containing the precious metals. We believe that a report to the Government made by a reliable person, showing location of such lodes, &c, would attract immigration and assist in opening a new era of prosperity, only equalled by, but more permanent than, the golden days of alluvial mining. (Signed) George Byrnes, , Charles Wilson, G. C. Tunstall, Wm. Bennie, Samuel Walker, Andrew Kelly, W. H. Macnaughton Jones, M.D., Frank Peurett, Joseph Mason, C. L. Thompson, Wm. Forrest, I. B. Nason. Barkerville, March 3rd, 1877.