CARDRONA.

Cromwell Argus, Volume I, Issue 37, 27 July 1870, Page 5

CARDRONA.

(From our own Correnpondeni.) July 20, 1870. The weather Ims for the last eight or ten days been very fine, with Intense frosts during the night. Mining matters are rather dulL The Enterprise Company (Bond and party) is working at a of depth 130 feet l>elow the surface. The claim is situated on a terrace on the south side of Cardrona Creek, nearly opposite the township. It is worked by means of a horse-whim, which is raised some ten or twelve foot above the top of the shaft, and furnished with pulleys—one at the top, the other at the bottom. The wash-dirt being brought to the surface, is then dropped into trucks and conveyed to the sluice-boxes. Two water-wheels are constantly kept going, in order to keep the claim dry—one near the shaft, and the other on the face of the terrace. This party deserve great credit for their perseverance in working the claim during the last two years in spite of the difficulties with which they have had to contend. They are now, 1 believe, making good wages. Sittings of the Resident Magistrate's and Warden’s Courts were held here yestei’day and to-day (19th and 20th), Many persons were down from the head of the creek, and judging from the manner in which some of them indulged in a “ dhrop o’ the crathur,” I should say they must bo getting gold in considerable quantities. There were about thirty applicants for protection certificates, registration of claims, head and tail races, &c. ; besides several mining disputes, three of which had to be decided or settled on the respective claims. Sergeant Cassels, who is now in charge of this station, has been making a raid amongst tho> Chinese gamblers. Two of the delinquents—-Ye Neim, a storekeeper here, and Jim Look—were charged, under the 18th clause of the Police Regulation Ordinance, with endeavouring to bribe the Sergeant They were convicted, and wore fined £5 each. As I happened to be present in Court during the hearing of the charges, I am enabled to lay before your readers the principal facts of the case, as brought out in evidence. The Sergeant deposed that on Sunday, the 11th inst, ho visited Ye Norm’s store, and found several Chinamen gambling. He cautioned the storeman not to allow gambling on the premises, and also cautioned the others not to gamble. On the same day, both defendants went to him, and requested that he would allow them to gamble. The storekeeper said that he would make it all. right by giving Sergeant Cassels presents, &c. The other, Jim Look, told the Sergeant that he would pay him at the rate of £1 per week if he would allow him to gambla The game played is known by the name of Pan-tan. On Sunday last, the 18th, in spite of the caution they had received, they were again engaged at their favourite game ; and at about 11 a. nr. tiro Sergeant made a raid on the gambling-sa-loon, and seized the tables, together with the appliances for carrying on the game,, and all the money he could lay hands om There were at least sixty or seventy Chinamen round the table at the time, and great was the consternation, while thick and fast rained the Mongolian maledictions, when they saw the table cleared so unceremoniously. But" still “John” resolved not to be done, and came to the conclusion to try it on again. On the same evening, Sergeant Cassels again visited the store, and found tire Celestials all in their glory, with nearly 100 persons in the room or round the table. His appearance created some, confusion rn the ranks of the gamblers, and again he made a haul, and cleared the table of everything. This game I have mentioned Iras been carried on' to a great extent among the Chinese here, but I think a few such lessons as have been taught tlrem by Sergeant Cassels will have the effect of putting a stop to it, and will make them at least respect the Sabbath. Yo Neim was afterwards charged with permitting gambling in Iris store ; and Jim Look and another, named Ah Yin, with gambling. All three admitted the offence, but pleaded hard to be let off, saying that the Chinese were allowed to gamble in all other parts of the province, us, for instance, at Tuapeka, Hogburn, Alexandra, &c. In these cases, Mr Beetlram reserved his decision, as the informations were laid under the Yagrant Act, which gives no power to inflict a fine : the penalty must be imprisonment, Resident Magistrate's and Warden’s Courts are held here regularly six times a year. The snow-clad Crown Range deters our worthy Magistrate from making his appearance, and Ire is always up to time. Wc had a visit from the Rev. Mr Coffey, Church, of England minister,, yesterday.