THOMPSON'S DIGGINGS

Dunstan Times, Issue 226, 24 August 1866, Page 3

THOMPSON'S DIGGINGS

[from our own correspondent.] That portion of Thompson's Digging's known as Drybread, is' at present a most active scene in ground sluicing operations. The race owners are quite unable to supply the demand for water, in consequence of which the charges have been raisedmuch to the dissatisfaction of those compelled to hire water. The race-owners, it is true, have a right to charge what they please for their own property, hut still some degree of generosity should be exeicised by those who hold others dependent upon them. The chief part of the workings are at present at a considerable -distance from the original Drybread, and the field of operations is weekly extending towards the course of the Manuherikia river. All the races icommand the district well, and no ground is so situated that it cannot be easily sluiced. The large water-race which originally belonged to Clarke and party, is now the property of Dunedin capitalists, and is likely to prove a remunerative purchase to the new proprietors. The '"Perseverance" water-race is also doing well"; the shareholders are nearly all working men. They have a weekly rental tumbling into the coffers from various partiesshiring water, and whether they work themselves or not, grist comes constantly into the ; mill. To construct a leugthywutoi-ruce requires much patience and perseverance, and in many instances, even privations must be endured when the funds are low; but, when a race is once constructed in a good district, no property can scarcely be more remunerative. The "Mountain Water Race" belonging to Gabriel and party, is at an elevation of more than 150 feet aboye all the other races of the distriet, and its water can be made use of a rnumber of times before reaching the Drvbread terraces-; it can also be directed to all the high ground under the ranges, as far as Glassford's Home Station; in fact, it commands the whole of the ground that has been proved auriferous. This Company are at present constructing a lengthy tailrace to work the old gully, and with plenty of water at their command, they cannot fail to make the ground pay well. This valuable race will, at an early date, be made into a joint-stock property, the present proprietors intend holding for themselves a large portion of the scrips. On the whole, Drybread is in a very healthy state, and no miner need he a yictim to discontent if willing to work.