ALEXANDRA.

Dunstan Times, Issue 403, 7 January 1870, Page 2

ALEXANDRA.

(from our own correspondent.) January 4. The weather for the past two days has been very stormy, much oausin some damage to the crops on the low-lying lands on tho banks ot fhe Manuherikia, and had the rain-fall continued some few hours longer, a great amount of loss would have been sustained. During the rising of the river a report was brought in that five Chinamen were in great danger from the flood, being surrounded by water. A boat was procured and carried to the scene. On reaching the spot where the Johns wee sheltered, instead of securing with alacrity the chance ot escape, these interesting individuals commenced “barneying” with their rescuers as to the amount of compensation expected for then delivery ; but, when informed how cheaply acts of mercy are done by the “Barbarians,” an immediate rush was made for the boat, when Mongolians and Europeans were landed in safety. Our miners have again resumed work, but, owing to the present high rise of the Molyneux, some important works will be retarded for the present, We have several contracts on hand in connexion with the reefs, where tenders are solicited, giving opportunity for steady employment. The contracts average about fifty feet sinking, and for the most part hard country, requiring blasting. Miners experienced in this kind of work have an opportunity of making good steady wages. On Tuesday last at the head of Conroy's Gulley, an awful accident occurred to a miner of the name of Geddes, who was connected with a sluicing claim, and as only two of the mates were working on the ground, the unfortunate man was killed without anyone being present at his death, his mate having gone to turn on the water and on his return an awful sight met his view, his mate lying covered by an immense rock which had slipped bom the bank, and the poor fellow’s brains literally scattered over the paddock. Assistance was soon obtained, and the floor of the paddock had to be out away before the body could be removed, intelligence was brought into the Camp, when the body was brought in, and an inquest held to day, when a verdict of accidental death was recorded, This unfortunate accident has caused quite a gloom over our townsmen, as the deceased was long resident here and highly respected, deservedly so, being known by all as an upright, steady, and honorable man, A very large number of miners, besides people of the town attend - the funeral.