Query re 'Tramp Miner'

Subject: Query re 'Tramp Miner'
From: Stewie
Date: 07 Feb 02 - 08:10 AM

The second stanza of Jimmy Rankin's 'Tramp Miner' is:

From here out to Timmins
I've loved all your women
In taverns I drank down my pay
But I'd do it again even though it's a sin
It's better than driving the raise
If you've done it, you'd know what I say

Can someone explain the expression 'driving the raise' for me? Thanks.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Query re 'Tramp Miner'
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Feb 02 - 08:25 AM

In mining, a raise is a rising passage or a sloping shaft.

Driving it is the process of creating it.

Subject: RE: Query re 'Tramp Miner'
From: Stewie
Date: 07 Feb 02 - 08:31 AM

Guest, that was quick. Many thanks. It is much appreciated.

Cheers, Stewie.

Subject: RE: Query re 'Tramp Miner'
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Feb 02 - 10:47 AM

Here's a little more from a couple of different mining glossaries:

RAISE: A vertical or inclined underground working that has been excavated from the bottom upward.

Raise/Chute: Steeply inclined rectangular or cylindrical opening used for ventilation or for conveying ore, miners or equipment. The slope is generally 45 degrees, but varies up to 90 degrees.

kat

Subject: RE: Query re 'Tramp Miner'
From: Stewie
Date: 07 Feb 02 - 05:17 PM

Thanks for that, kat.

--Stewie.