ALEXANDRA.

Dunstan Times, Issue 415, 1 April 1870, Page 2

ALEX ANDRA.

(from a correspondent.) March 30. It is my painful duty to have to record the death of one of our oldest inhabitants Mr. John Leslie, of the Boatman’s Arms Hotel—which took place on Monday morning last, after a long and painful illness. The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon, and ‘ eceased’s" remains were followed to the cemetery by one of the largest number of persons I have ever seen c maregated on a like occasion at Alexandra. The Rev. C. S. Ross, Presbyterian Minister, read the funeral service in a most impressive manner. As a just tribute to the memory of the deceased abow me to say that he was a just, upright, and persevering man, and in life bore the good opinion of all who knew him. On the return of the funeral cortege to tho town an accident happened to Mr. W. Bcresford, who was thrown violently from a young and spirited horse he was riding. Mr Bcresford remained unconscious for a considerable time, great fears were entertained that serious consequences would result from the injuries received ; but, on tbe arrival of Dr. Burrows, who had been telegraphed for, all fears were dispelled, although great care was recommended, as a severe shock to the body, as well as to the nervous system, had been sustained. 1 must now turn my thoughts in another direction, and inform you what is doing in mining matters. The quartz excitement has somewhat subsided ; in fact, since the stoppage of work by the prospectors of the Alexandra Reef, Butcher’s Gully, tho various other parties have knocked-off, things remain in statu quo for the present. But although the prospectors have ceased active operations for a time it must not ho considered that they have any idea of giving it up, on tho contrary, they are inviting the co-operation of other parties with tbe view of lessening the individual liability, whether they succeed or not in this, it is their intention to go into the old shaft, and follow tho reef down. At Iversen’s reef, work is also stopped, hut it will be resumed again shortly. Chappie’s reef is not worth mentioning, other than to inform you, it was only a “ blow.” Amdng onr sluicing friends, greataotivity exists. Michael Kett, at tho Half mile is pushing on his stripping operations in preparation for winter, when it is hoped he will meet with such success on the hot tom as will repay him for all the outlay and labor expended- The Manuherikia

Water race Company and the Ovens Company are each engaged, and with satisfactory results. At Butcher's, Conroy’s, Blackman’s, and along the banks of the Molyneux the whole of the available water is in use, and, as a rule, good wages are being made. The dredgers are now bestirring themselves, and making active preparations for the winter campaign on the bed of the Molyneux. Each previous winter a great quantity of gold has been obtained, and a successful season is anticipated. In the course of the next week the whole of the fleet will, it is expected, be in full work. Young and party’s dredge, which was successfully brought up the river from below i thoTeviottotheneigbborhoodof Alexandra, Pr is moored on a beach hitherto untried, but which is spoken of very highly. It is to be hoped they will be well rewarded for all the labor they have been at. A party of miners has been formed to bring in the head waters of the Manorburn on to Surface Hill about two miles up the Manuhorikia. The self-imposed task is one that will require a considerable amount of cash and persverance, but there is no question that the property will he one of the most valuable in the whole district when finished. Farther than that Saturday is fixed for the christening and formal opening of Messrs, Theyofs and Beck’s brewery, to which everyone is invited to attend and judge for themselves as to the quality of the brew ; that the contractors of the new building for the schoolmaster's residence have nearly comnletod their work ; that the appearances of our tight little township arc becoming more substantial ; and that • ’ business in its various branches is exceedingly healthy, I have nothing to retail, so I will conclude.