BLACK’S

Dunstan Times, Issue 423, 27 May 1870, Page 2

BLACK’S

(FiiOJI A CORRESPONDENT.) May 2.3. At this place the late heavy rains have I caused a temporary cessation of mining operations. The sludge channel, the con- : sfcruction of which has teen so long delayed from various causes, is progressing slowly. Tenders have been called for the construction of another length of thirteen chains, : in two separate tenders of six and a half chains each. The drainage channel is also to he tendered for, for a distance of ten chains. Tnat a great beneiib will accrue to the district from the completion of these races no doubt can ha entertained, the one . for draining and tue other to carry the sludge and tailings, will confer a lasting benefit to the place. It is therefore of the utmost importance that a; ue eeonoutv of money should he the order of the day, and that all parties shonl t he unanimous in doing all that lies in their power to forward such an object. To the furtherance of such a wished for state of things all Pet-y local jealousies should ho laid aside and all parties work hand-in-hand to further the interests of the district. Sluicing is being vigorously prosecute I by the pal tics working with the water of the Suspension and Lauder Creek Wab rrace Companies, and with satisfactory results. A considerable quantity of new group 1 for agriculture as been lately taken up in this district, and the ploughs are constantly employed turning up the soil preparatory to cropping. The Manuherikia has boon very high, owing to the late heavy rains, and is not fordable at Lee’s crossing-place.. Some cattle that were driven in on Saturday had to swim for it. They were swept past the landing-place, but succeeded in obtaining a footing on the Big Beach, at the head of the Gorge. The river at the upper crossing was fordable, but diep and swift, requiring a considerable amount of nerve to face it on horseback. On Satur ay night the Spottisburn was up to an unprecedented height. Three horsemen were compelled to turn hack, as the creek was so deep and rapid that it was impossible to cross. The roads are in a terrible state, being in a state of puddle, in which drays and horses will sink to an indefinite depth, particularly on the sidlings that have been lately constructed. The river at Turnbull’s is very dangerous to strangers, as there is no way for them to know the ford, and lately during the high state of the river several persons who have attempted to cross have narrowly escaped drowning. It would not be a great expense to the Government to erect a finger-post on each side of the river, so that strangers would know where to take the ford. A waggon and eight horses got off the ford into deep water last week, and had a very narrow escape. Another thing I wish to draw attention to is the negligent manner in which the Ovens and Manuherikia Ground Sluicing CompanW races are looked after during those per'ods of wet weather which occasionally visit us. At the present time they are broken away in various places. Surely something ought to he done to obviate such a scate of things. If good roads are provided and they are scarce enough up-country-it is a pity they should be destroyed by the apiarent neglect of proprietors of water-races, wl en by a little judicious management such tb : ng S could be easi y avoided.