CARDRONA.

Cromwell Argus, Volume V, Issue 264, 20 October 1874, Page 6

CARDRONA.

(from our own correspondent.)

October 12. 1874.

Since I wrote last, nothing of any interest beyond the daily "humdrums" has occurred. The winter, which has been an unusually severe one, put a stop to raining on the upper part of the creek, and also to sluicing operations at Branch Creek, causing a considerable dullness and depression in all kinds of business.

The deep claims below the township have been steady at work during the winter. The Enterprise, Banner of War, and Empire are working a shallow run, which is giving very fair returns. The Band of Hope, when I last wrote, was driving to strike the hill reef, which necessitated the sinking of a shaft 130 feet deep, in order to get rid of foul air. In sinking the shafi, a heavy body of water was struck at a depth of 115 feet, but by sticking to it manfully night and clay, in perishing cold weather, they succeeded in bottoming. They crossed the gutter without getting any prospect, and got the hill reef last week, anil '' not a colour." It's hard luck, indeed, after three years of slavish and disagreeable work, attended with great expense and anxiety, only to be disappointed and have all their hopes blighted in the end. It has put a considerable " damper" upon the future prospects of the Cardrona deep lead. The claim, however, is no means a "duffer," as they have a large extent of country that will pay handsomely for years to come, and which it is the intention of the company to set in to forthwith.

Mr C. Austin and party have been bringing a tail-race up to their prospecting claim below Boundary Creek. They are sinking a paddock. Should they succeed in getting payable gold, it will be the means of country being tried in that direction.

At Branch Creek, Bolton and party and Farquhar and party are in full swingj with plenty of water and every appearance of a good supply throughout the summer, judging from the amount of snow on the ranges. The annual meeting of the Cardrona Progress Committee took p.ace about three weeks ago, when the following gentlemen wtre elected members for the ensuing twelve months:—Messrs M'Dougall, M'Grath, A. Austin, Yeldham, Kerrin, J. Fox, and R. Halliday.

On Saturday, the 9th inst., the annual meeting for the election of committee for the Cardrona Miners' Association was held at M.'Grath'B Golden Age Hotel, Mr Robert

M'Dougall in the chair. After a few brief remarks from the chair, Mr G. M. Yeldham, the president and secretary of the Association, read the annual report, which was adopted. The chairman then in a most able and praiseworthy manner, drew the attention of the meeting to the entire apathy and lukewarm support received by the Association from the great bulk of the miners on the Creek, and he hoped that an organisation es» tablished for their special benefit, and to watch over their interest, would not be allowed to lapse for want of moral and pecuniary support on the part of the miners of the district. It was proposed by Mr Quinn, "That the Cardrona Miners' Association be discontinued, and that two members be appointed to act in co-operation with the Progress Committee." The proposition found no seconder, and was received with disapprobation by the meeting. Mr G. M. Yeldham proposed, "That the Cardrona Miners' Association be continued." The speaker pointed out the good that had been done since its formation, in connection with the commonage and agricultural lease questions, and various other matters. Mr R. Hodgson seconded the proposition, also urging united action on the part of the miners. This was earned unanimously. The following gentlemen were elected members of Committee : Messrs Yeldham, J. Fox, Hassing, Russell, R. Halliday, Hodgson, and C. Austin. A vote of thanks to the retiring committee and the chair concluded the proceedings. Horse training for the Wanaka races seema to be entered into with considerable spirit by some of our sporting men. It is whispered among the knowing ones that Mr Dan Goodman, the well-known trainer, is bringing out a couple of "hot ones" that will no doubt astonish them at Wanaka.