KAWARAU GORGE.

Cromwell Argus, Volume V, Issue 260, 22 September 1874, Page 6

KAWARAU GORGE.

(from our own correspondent.)

September 21, 1874, Although your correspondent has been so neglectful of his duty of late, it must not be supposed.that the Kawarau Gorge has been lying dormant during the winter months, or that the usual amount of energy has not been displayed in prosecuting the various works afloat at the close of last season. On the contrary, not only have the old claims been kept in full work, but prospecting has been carried on with a degree, of vigour which has long been wanting. It ia pleasing to be able to state that in every instance the prospectors are likely to be amply rewarded. Oh Gee’s flat, Mr T, Wilson is still engaged in constructing his tail-race. He is now cutting through the coal reef inside the bar, which has formed the back of the river in former ages. The wash on the bottom looks well, but he is not opening out on it, as he seems to believe more in the layers at the back of the old worked ground. Redhead and party have finished forming and metalling the portion of road they are diverting off their claim, and are now engaged laying on a thick coat of gravel. Their lower race is turned on, and they have one claim at work.

A deep run of gold, which paid well some eight years ago, has again been opened by Cameron and O’Dee. They are driving from a tail-race which was cut some time ago. It was not deep enough for sluicing the ground, but gives them great facility for washing the dirt obtained from the tunnel. I believe they have now struck the run, and are likely to have a good claim. A claim next to them has been taken up by Mr J. Eobinson. A tunnel was driven into it two years ago, at an expense of about £4OO, but the party got disheartened before the ground was properly tried, and abandoned it. There is every probability that the same run of gold being worked by O’Dee and Cameron will be struck, A noticeable feature at the township is a dam lately built by Mr A. Olson. The walls are of stone built in a substantial manner, and it is capable of holding a large quantity of water. From its proximity to his claim, it will give Mr Olson great advantage in working. A claim has been opened lately by Trevathan and party, on what is called the big seam, which has every prospect of turning out well. Gorman and party, at Surface Point, are getting over a large amount of ground. They have raised the latter portion of their race, so as to command the whole of Surface Point. Tait and party are working steadily in the old place, and from their tenacity there, it may be judged they are satisfied with their earnings. It is with sincere pleasure I learn that the Gorge school is to be re-opened on Monday, 28th inst. It would indeed have been a great pity if the foundation laid hy Mr G. Burrows, with so much constant care and attention during the time he was schoolmaster, was suffered to decay for want of a competent successor. This we have got in the person of Miss Marsh, whose well-known steadiness and efficiency admirably suits her for the care of young children. Although the rough edge has been partly removed by Mr Burrows, Miss Marsh will still have an onerous and difficult duty to perform; but she will not shrink from it, and will find that the parents and friends of the children will do all in their po.wer to second her efforts in their behalf. During the past winter there has been considerable increase to our population ; not only adults, but several of the blessed little strangers' have appeared, whose advent on the diggings is the surest sign of a settled population and civilised habits.