CARDRONA.

Cromwell Argus, Volume IV, Issue 178, 8 April 1873, Page 6

CARDRONA.

(From our own Correspondent ) April 2, 1873. The mail from Cromwell to-day conveyed to us the pleasing information that a tender for the mountain track had been accepted, and that the work of formation would be commenced immediately. I have reason to think the adoption of the Kirtleburn route in preference to the other would have given general satisfaction to the residents here, — chiefly on account of the greater facilities it would have afforded for travelling in winter. However, I suppose we ought to be thankful to get the track made reasonably safe for summer travelling, and will have to comfort ourselves with the reflection that the error—if error there has been—did not originate here. Several portions of the road between Lug gate Creek and Cardrona (by way of Mount Barker) stand very much in need of improvement. There is a dangerous sideling just below the entrance to Cardrona Valley, and not far from the same spot, towards Mount Barker, a huge rock in the centre of the road endangers the passage of vehicles. An accident resulting from the defective condition of this road occurred a few days ago in the neighbourhood of Sprott's Creek, where a drayman had the misfortune to break one of his shafts, and at the same time had a valuable horse injured. As the District Engineer may not be aware of the existence of such impediments as I have described, I trust this paragraph will not escape his observation. Instances of uncommon longevity are seldom met with in remote mining settlements such as ours ; but I think Branch Creek can boast of possessing the very oldest inhabitant within a radius of fifty miles from Cardrona. I allude to Mr Bolton, sen., late of Sydney, who has arrived at the patriarchal age of 96, and is still hale and vigorous. Our school continues to flourish, the average attendance numbering about a score. Mrs Comyn, the teacher, performs her duties to the entire satisfaction of the parents. The European population of Cardrona is, I am happy to say, on the increase ; whilst the Celestials are dimishing. Twelve months ago there were 600 or 700 Chinamen on the Creek, and now the number does not much exceed 200. Mining matters up the Creek (above the township) are in a fairly prosperous condition, most of the miners there earning good wages. At Branch Creek (four miles below the

town), all the ground at present available is held by two parties of Europeans and two of Chinese. These are reported to bo doing vory well. Messrs Bond, Mackin, and Co.'s special grant, situate nine or ten miles further down, still remains undeveloped. The proprietors are awaiting the arrival of the District Surveyor to mark off the area ; and when that is done, they intend to float a company under the Limited Liability Act—the present holders retaining shares only to the amount of the capital they have actually expended in obtaining the grant. THE DEEP LEAD extends from the terrace opposite the township to the commencement of Butcher's Flat —a distance of three-quarters of a mile. The Enterprise (Bond and party) are greatly impeded by the constant accumulation of water in their ground. In spite of this drawback, however, they continue to work most energetically, and will probably soon reach the deepest portion of their ground. In the adjoining claim, the Band of Hope, water has gained the ascendancy, having accumulated in the pump-shaft faster than they could get rid of it. In order to remedy this difficulty, the shareholders have commenced the construction of a very long (tunnel) tail-race, which, when completed, will drain not only the Band of Hope claim, but also those on either side of it. This is one of the most gigantic aud important works that has yet been undertaken here. The shallow ground in the Banner of War claim is being worked with payable results. The deep sinking connot be proceeded with until some definite result is arrived at in regard to the compensation of the agricultural lease-holder int-j whose ground this and the adjoining claim (the Empire) extend. The Empire shareholders are similarly circumstanced: working inferior ground while waiting the final issue of the arbitration pending between the two deep-sinking companies and the agricultural leaseholder. • The Union claim is paying small wages, but sanguine hopes are entertained of better days to come. The Young Pirate is still paying handsomely, as of old.