BENDIGO

Cromwell Argus, Volume V, Issue 220, 27 January 1874, Page 6

BENDIGO

(i'KOM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) January 7, 1874. The weather, upon which so much depends, has proved singularly fatal to the mining industry in this district during the past three years, 'and I ani sorry to confess my belief that this year will prove no exception. The water supply is getting alarmingly scant. The prevalence of continuous drying northerly gales, and the'want of timely showers, are dbubtless the immediate causes of this unwelcome state of things ; but the recurrence of a fourth dry season in succession inclines" me to the growing belief that our climate is undergoing a serious change. Our savans, if any such exist, might employ themselves usefully in trying to determine the causes which are leading up to this result, and as " nothing in Nature is all evil," they might be able to show us, logically, that we are to be benefited by the change. Often when hearing miners cursing the dry seasons, I have thought of the above quotation and been tempted to become an apologist for fine Weather, but sundry qualms anent dry races and unpaid tucker bills arose and dispelled the Quixotic notion. However, anathematising the weather will not mend matters, as Nature will have her fling, and there's an end on't, no matter how vehemently we may shout " Hold ! Enough !" Your readers will probably understand from the foregoing that all things here are not quite cmdeur de rose, and in mining matters " your own" can have little to report. The Cromwell Co. continue steadily to bring their rich oi*e to the light of day, and are erecting a second whim ; but the mill has not recommenced crushing,—and indeed this may be indefinitely postponed, as the water at present flowing past the mill will scarcely suffice for five stampers, and is daily decreasing. Having constituted myself a sort of mentor for the district, I take the liberty of advising this company to set about bringing in a water race from the Lindis river for the present mill, and thus render themselves independent ■of dry seasons to all futurity. It would not really be such an expensive affair, and whether coals for steam power are ever discovered or not, it must in the end prove the cheapest motor. A nVing survey and approximate estimate conld soon be made, and with such splendid stone awaiting disintegration, I hope the}' may think it worth while to give my friendly hint a little consideration. The Lucknow tunnel is being vigorously pushed forward at a better rate of progression than hitherto ; and I think it is highly probable, if the present course is continued to be followed, that the reef may be met with in about 26,000 miles or so. A startling statement for shareholders' ears; but-my reason for it is that from discoveries recently made by the gentleman who has assumed charge, it appears just within the bounds of probability that the lode has been passed already. What looks extremely like the reef, as last seen in the upper workings, is visible about thirty feet back from the face. Howover, it is to be subjected to a proper scrutiny, and until I hear the result, I refrain from further criticism ; and will only remark for the information of miners (?), that the "underlay" of quartz lodes, cannot be depended upon as continuous for one hundred feet, with any certainty, in any quartz reef I have yet met with in Otago. The air pipes, &c., are on the road for this company, and in a week possibly we may expect to see them in full swing.

I behave the Government boring rods have arrived for testing the assumed coal-measures of the Lindis-valley, and will be immediately put into operation. I have little doubt of eventual success rewarding the prospectors, but am of opinion that a proper geological survey made of the locality would possibly save a deal of unnecessary delay and labour. We have a paid Government geologist, why not utilise his services ? An opportunity was afforded last Monday week for a pleasant re-union of our small population, on the occasion of the marriage of our respected host of the Soiway, Mr W. G. Smith. His invitation was responded to by nearly all the adult residents. The beauty and the fashion of the place were well represented, as was also that miserable institution, bachelorhood. A very happy night was spen l ; by all parties, and the future happiness of the wedded pair was vociferously and repeatedly drunk, in flowing bumpers of " sparkling." I can only wish that such opportunities may occur a little oftener. "What are the men about'?"