|
1887 |
The Waihi Gold Mining Company was incorporated in London on 7 December
1887 |
|
1888 |
Waihi Battery construction started on Union Hill in early 1888 to
process ore from the Union, Rosemont, Amaranth, and the smaller Trio,
Nelson, and Winner claims. Built first ore roasting kilns on the Hauraki
field. Dry crushing until 1902.
Mill Stream dammed and the Mill Race constructed? Tailings saved in
tailings pits? |
|
1890 |
Martha Company's mine and plant purchased by Thomas H. Russell for
£3,000, and transferred to the Waihi Gold Mining Co. for a payment of
£6,000 and £20,000 in paid up shares. |
|
1893 |
The Cassel Company purchased the Waihi Company's accumulated heap of
tailings, estimated at from 25,000 to 30,000 tons. Under a Deed of
Assignment dated 17 May 1893 they paid £5000 for these and all tailings
produced by pan-amalgamation up to 15 November 1893, and were given a
maximum of three years in which to complete the processing.
A water-race was constructed to bring in water from the creek receiving
water from the swamp, and also that flowing from the adit-level of the
Waihi Mine. The plant is situated near the river, and below the place
where the tailings are deposited. |
|
1894 |
The Cassel plant was able to start on the Waihi tailings in March.
The Union-Waihi Gold Mining Company was formed to work the
Union-Rosemont-Amaranth section. Sinking of the New shaft commenced (New
No.1).
The Waihi Battery converted to the cyanide process in May. |
|
1895 |
Another 30 stamps were added to the Waihi Battery, giving a total of
90.
Cassel Co. recovers bullion to £25,000. |
|
1896 |
The Silverton battery commenced operating on 4 April 1896; railway and
locomotive installed for hauling the ore a mile and a half to the battery,
which was expanded to forty stamps. |
|
1898 |
Union-Waihi Co. acquires the Silverton Claim.
The Union-Waihi Gold-mining Company have acquired all the mining
properties held by the Waihi-Silverton Gold-mining Company, together with
its battery of forty stamp-heads, tramway, &c. The battery is now
being thoroughly overhauled and repaired, preparatory to commencing
crushing. The process to be adopted is to be wet crushing. Renaming it the
Union Battery. |
|
1900 |
Union-Waihi: extensive surface-works have been done in laying
tram-roads on the flat and incline-trams to connect the mine with the
battery.
About this time the New Central Hotel was built. |
|
1901 |
The Waihi G.M.C. takes over the Union-Waihi Company's properties
(including the Silverton {Union} battery). |
|
1902 |
Mining stops on Union Hill.
The Union mill of 40 stamps started crushing for the Waihi Co. in
September (ie Martha ore) |
|
1904 |
In consequence of the extension of the Mine workings and their
encroachment on the Superintendent's house, it became necessary to remove
and re-erect it. This work has been carried out, the new site chosen being
conveniently near to the Waihi Mill |
|
1905 |
As the flume conveying the water from the "Cassels" race
across the tailings pit to the low pressure race to Waihi Mill was of
insufficient capacity, it has been replaced by a larger one. |
|
1906 |
May 17. Waihi population in 1900 was 3,812, and had gone up this census
2,274 to 6,086. August 24, 1906. "The Waihi Grand Junction Gold
Company's 40 stamper mill is now in full swing."
A small " special site " of half-an-acre for a quarry near
Waihi Mill was taken up [Speak's? - E].
Photograph shows existence of a single tennis court. |
|
1907 |
About this time the municipal swimming baths in Kenny Street were
constructed. |
|
1909 |
At the Waihi Battery two ferro-concrete agitator-vats, 13ft. diameter,
55 ft. high, have been erected (four more in 1910). |
|
1911 |
The Union mill was closed down in February |
|
1912 |
Waihi strike. Waihi Mill has not been re-started since the strike. We
are arranging to crush and treat the ore now on hand and then make some
slight alterations, in order to treat about 16,000 tons of sand tailing
which was stored near the mill before tube mills were in use. |
|
1913 |
The only work at Waihi Mill—apart from the treatment of tailings—was
the crushing and treatment of 622 tons of ore from the Mill hoppers, and
cleaning up values about the Mill. |
|
1914 |
Early in 1914 the company's hydro-electric power-installation at
Horahora commissioned. |
|
1920 |
Possible opening of new tennis court. |
|
1921 |
The New Central Hotel is dismantled and moved to Rotorua. |
|
1922 |
New Tennis Club formed. |
|
1960s |
Waihi Borough tip at Kenny Street established. Mill Stream diverted
into Speak’s Quarry. |
|
Early 1970’s |
Mineral Resources establish a small operation on Union Hill, scavenging
the site. |
|
Late 1970s |
Waihi Borough tip at Kenny Street closed and capped in early 1980s. |
|
1986 |
Mill Stream lowered under conveyor and channelled into Speak’s Quarry
by Waihi Gold. |
|
2001 |
Waihi Walkways construct first stage of Mill Stream Walkway, embarking
on programme of environmental enhancement and restoration. |
|
2007 |
Waihi Walkways construct Mill Stream Walkway extension. |
