BENDIGO GULLY.

Dunstan Times, Issue 408, 11 February 1870, Page 3

BENDIGO GULLY.

(from our own correspondent. )

Fob. 0.

A stranger dropping down here last Friday would have been puzzled to account for the holiday aspect of the place, when crowds of well-dressed visitors and workmen assembled to witness the ceremony of christening the Aurora Company’s new quartz mill. The baptismal rite was performed by Mrs. Perriam. wife of one of the shareholders, who broke the customary bottle of champagne in fine style on the shaft of the waterwheel (after an introductory speech from air. W. J. Barry), and launched the mill •.To active existence, under the classical lame of the “ Aurora.” All then pro ceedcd to discuss the liberal cheer provided by the company. Speeches were made and toasts drunk, all tending to one general issue—the future success of the enterprising proprietors, who, if good wishes can avail, will assuredly meet with a well-deserved success. The wants of the inner man being satiated, the guest adjourned to the spacious ball room provided by nature on the top of an adjoining hill, and offered homage to Terpsichore, to the enlivening strains of the violin. Ihe floor was not all that could he desired ; in fact a week’s blasting operations would have vastly improved it; but the hearty good-will of the gentlemen and the |willing efforts of the ladies overcame the minor difficulties, and the fashionable dances of the day were achieved under circumstances that would

wppal any habitual ball-room habitue. A i ball and supper, at Perriam’s Provincial Hotel, wound up the day’s fes-

tivitiev'and the corfifiohj' separated at dawn the following morning with a general expression of thanks to the' gentlemen who had afforded such an enjoyable treat. In the meantime the inanimate cause of this jollification goes on crushing steadily and fast, so that in a short time the result, on which so much depends, will he known and the future of Bendigo decided. I have no hesitation in predicting that the anticipations of the shareholders, which are not by any iheaus extravagant, will be fully realised.

The lines of reef opened here appear to me to be a continuation of those on Rough Ridge, and it is my conviction, based upon a personal knowledge of the features of the two places, that there is’here probably two hundred feet more of reef iu situ, that is, we have two hundred feet in depth of quartz to work before thei surface indications of Rough Ridge are reached. This fact alone is sufficient to ensure the future success of this place as a quartz-mining district.

Mining matters generally are dull, but work in the majority of claims is being pushed on vigorously. Shareholders are sanguine, and, if the Aurora turns out according to promise, xve may expect such a season of activity as has not been witnessed for some time in Otago. The gradually increasing area over which our quartz workings are extending is a proof that the country is as yet but very partially tested, and gives a reliable promise that, fory ears to come, valuable discoveries wit be made, the result of which must lie to add to our population and increase our material prosperity. Have you a spare policeman in Clyde ? One is becoming necessary hero fur the preservation of law and order, rowdyism being rather too rampant here for the comfort of the peacably disposed portion of the com - mnnity. Tke pugilistic proclivities of certain gentlemen require to be cheeked, an i for this purpose I hope soon to see a resident man iu blue.