ST. BATHAN’S.

Dunstan Times, Issue 231, 28 September 1866, Page 3

ST. BATHAN’S.

[Prom a coerespoxdent.] September 20. Mining operations are now being pushed forward vigorously, the miners being evidently resolved to make good the losses sustained by their involuntary idleness during the severe ’frosts which prevailed last month. The weather is now settled, and with a favorable Spring we look hopefully forward to a season of mining and commercial prosperity. The application of the Educational Board for assistance toward the establishment of a School, has been successful ; a letter has been received from Mr Hislop, Secretary to the Board, intimating that the Government are willing to contribute the sum of L 75 per annum, towards the salary of a Teacher, and an additional sum ■should the attendance prove satisfactory. This amount supplimented by the fees will, it is believed, be sufficient to secure the services of a gentleman properly qualified to fulfil the duties of schoolmaster. The School Committee are now in a position to engage a Teacher at once. Cromwell has lately had the honor of furnishing Dunedin with a gentleman of high attainments in this profession ; pray, have you any more available talent of the kind in your district? ■Several industrious miners attracted by the

prospect of, a # permanent population settling in tie neighbourhood of the newly discovered Quartz Eeefs at Blackstpne Hill, have lately turned their attention to agricultural pursuits. Several small farms have been surveyed, and digging, "ploughing and fencing is being pushed forward. The Squatter on whose run these allotments are situate, true to their obstructive instincts, appear on the scene, and forbids any infringement of his rights, until the leases of the several sections are issued, against the issuing of which he has lodged objections. It cannot for a moment be believed that the Government will refuse to grant the land to these men, who have been in possession some months, and w;ho have actually paid their money into the Warden's office, in conformity with the clauses of the Goldfields' Eules and Regulations, and who, moreover, have had their land surveyed, [besides expending money and labour in improvements.