THE NEVIS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 209, 28 April 1866, Page 2

THE NEVIS.

FROM A CORRESPONDENT. At no period since the first pick was driven into the soil in this district has tbe permanence of its auriferous resources been more apparent. The number of men at work has been much larger, but the workings were of an ephemeral character, and consequently a subsidence of tbe rushes soon took place, and for various reasons a considerable portion of the miners left for the West Coast. The extensive flat of the Nevis having been satisfactorily proved to be auriferous, the stable of tbe diggers remained there, and four powerful companies united and erected a large dam to diverge the course of the river, so as to drain the fiat and enable them to work it effectively. Since the undertaking was first inaugurated the flooding of the river has twice damaged the works to a most grievous extent, but at present the dam is compete, and serves all the purposes for which it was erected. Each of the companies has a very extensivo facing to their claim, and with the aid of a Californian pump worked by a water-wheel, and by adopting systematic working generally the ground is made to yield highly satisfactory returns. The Frima Donna claim at present presents moro difficulties iu working than any

of its neighbors, owing to a greater depth having been reached. The river water penetrates t'.:o gravelly soil'fo a considerable extent. The company are, however, enabled by working night,and day to wprk the ground to their satisfaction. Up to,a very, 'ate .date the greater portion of the fidt was a dead letter through want of drainage, but at present there is an outlet for the water in most parts of it, and tne men now at work there are likely to continue their labors until the ground is worked out.

At Whitten's Creek, some seven mile 3 above the Nevis township, the sluicers are, one and all, doing remarkably well. The population, which may be set clown at from fifty to sixty, is of a settled character.

Stuart's Gully, which at onetime boasted some of the richest claims in the district, owing to the want of a full to the water necessary for sluicing, had besome to some extent stagnant as a scene of labor, is now improving. Long and carefu ly constructed tail races have been called into exittence. and the hopes of the gully are again'in the ascendant. In the course of last week a nugget' weighing upwards of three ounces and a half was found in one of the claims, and the coarse go'd general'y yielded gives the shareholders every reason to expect hijhly remuiuiutive dividends. In the- deepest ground the wash-dirt has to be " shelved" to the necessary elevation for the sluice-box, but ail the extra labor fa !s into insignificance when compared with the handsome returns now being realised. The men of trade here are steadily bettering their condition, and feel them selves perfectly justified in laying out capital in improving- their ■ business premises. I

On Thursday evening last one of the most hilarious balls «ver held in any of the golclfields districts took ])'acc, on the occasion of the opening of the Royal Hotel. The premises were former y known as the Star, but the present proprietors, Messrs. Fincher ami Rogers, have substituted the present name. They have fitted up a sp'endid billiard room and renovated the whole premises. The miners on the opening night turned out en masse, and donned their best "vestments for the occasion. The number of ladies present was very large, considering the valley of tho Nevis is so remote from ether towns. An efficient band was brought from Cromwell, and the fashionable dances of the clay were indulged in by the'moat accomplished votaries of Tcrpsiehore-