ST. BATHAN'S.

Dunstan Times, Issue 219, 6 July 1866, Page 3

ST. BATHAN'S.

[from our own correspondent.] The weather for the last week has been exceedingly variable and tempestuous, the severe gale which prevailed has, however, been productive of no damage beyond the destruction of a few rather extensive sign boards, thanks to the solid and substantial nature of the buildings of the township. The most important event of the week, has been the reduction in the price of water, the price hitherto charged by the Water Companies has been L 6 per head for day water, and L 4 for night water, per week ; it is now reduced to L 4 for day, and L2 for night water per week. A very considerable reduction, and one which , has given great satisfaction to the miners. I regard this as a step in the right direc- ' tion, and one which ought to have been ' taken some months ago, a considerable , number of diggers have left this neigh- , bourhood for the "West Coast and other goldfields who would still have been amongst us hud thev been able to obtain a supply of that indispensable article at a reasonable rate. The dividend* of the Water Companies will doubtless suffer for a time ; but, ultimately, they will reap the reward of their liberality in an increased demand, for their water, while the business people will realise a proportionate benefit in the addition to the population which is sure to follow. In mining matters I have little to report, the weather is very favorable for sluicing operations, and there is almost an unlimited supply of water in the races ; th:re is a rumour of good sluicing ground having been discovered behind the hill at the back of the township, but this requires confirmation. The B'luii;*?, Channel is making satisfactory progress, the'--Company having found their funds insufficient ioi' its. completion, have increased ther capital to thsextent of L2 10s per share, this may be regarded as the last demand on the pockets of the shareholders. 'I he Company are at present engaged in the construction oV a bye-wash, which is expected to be finished in the course of n fortnight; thendispute with Brown and party, relative to the right to the water of the Pimstan Creek, has not yet been disposed of. The Sandiuavian Water Uace Company have just finished their dam head at the head of Smoker's Gully, it is very substantially constructed and sufficiently elevated to command the highest workings, it is estimated to kohl about 12 heads of water for the same number of hours, and must add considerably to the va ue of this property. The sludge channel of the same Company, at Surface Hill, is also nearly finished. It is satisfactory to observe that shares in the various Water Companies here, are not only holding their own, but actually increasing in value, two shares in the Scandinavian and one in the Mountain Race Company, have recently changed hands at a very considerable advance on prices previously obtained. We were favored yesterday with a visit from the Rev Mr Flamank, Wesleyan Minister, he held divine service in the evening, in the Union Church, and preached a very impressive sermon to a numerous and appreciating audience.