BLACK’S.

Dunstan Times, Issue 367, 7 May 1869, Page 2

BLACK’S.

(from our own correspondent.) Winter is at last creeping steadily upon us, and, if the weather continue as severe as it has commenced, I am of opinion the next cause of complaint will be the cold, and, instead of “How dull the times are,” it will be “ How very cold it is.” The Mount Ida range, as seen from the lower part of the Manuherikia plain, looks particularly cold, and I should judge that all work must he stopped in the neighborhood of Clark’s and Mount Burster. In the depth of winter 1 have seen the snow equally low dowm the range, but, at the commencement of the season, I have never seen it present the same appearance as now. On the lower lying ranges in the valley of the Manuherikia rain fell in sufficient qunntities to give quite an impetus to mining, which was beginning to flag for the want of that great desideratum water. The Golden Gate, Suspension, and other races that discharge their water on Black 8 are all full, but, withall the large quantity, the cry is still more. The numerous parties who are engaged sluicing away the shallow hills are being well remunerated for their labor, and there is not a question they would do a great deal better if there was more water available.

Agitation is again on foot in the matter of a main sludge channel

through the flat, to enable the miners ' to work ground that is known to bo highly auriferous, I am given to understand that promises in cash and labor have been made by the residents exceeding iOOI. This amount, if subsidised by the Government at the rate of 2 1, to \ 1., would complete a channel whereby three or four hundred men would find labor for years. Without representing the wants of the district in the right quarter they will never be attended to, and it is to be urged upon those who have gone so far in matter to memorialise the Government, through their representatives, praying them to place on the estimates a sum in proportion to the amount locally subscribed to construct a work of so much importance, not only uj_ the district, but to the province large. The plan proposed is to struct one race for the sluicers, to carry off their tailings, another to drain the flat. There is not a question but the scheme is feasible, and that great benefit to the entire district would accrue from the expenditure of the money in the manner suggested. The land in the Tiger-hill district, and also on the flat at the rear of the township, is being rapidly taken up, and I hear that many of the selector are making arrangemen s to settle down and put it under crop for the next year. The erection of a flour mill is some part or other of the district is now looked upon as being necessary for its welfare, and tire subject is receiving the attention of those who are more deeply interested. The site appears to be the principal obstacle, and when that question is settled the undertaking will go a-head An accident that might have been attended with fatal results occurred! on Saturday morning last, to a man when crossing the Spottisburn Creek, within a hundred yards or so of Mr, Lee’s farm. It appears that he was washed off' his feet, and being encumbered with bis swag was unable to strike out for the bank, and was carried down the stream some distance. Providentially the current washed him against the bank, upon which he managed to crawl. After lying some hours in an unconscious state lie was discovered by one of the children of Mr. Lee, who raised an alarm. Upon recovering the man was removed to the Dunstan Hospital, where lie now lies in a rather precarious state.