BLACK’S.

Dunstan Times, Issue 425, 10 June 1870, Page 3

BLACK’S.

(from our own correspondent.) June 7. The sludge-channel in the flat is being vigorously prosecuted, and the contractors for the work are busily engaged. The drainage channel is also being pushed forward with equal energy. Tenders will shortly he issued for the construction of the large head-race which will he brought from the Upper Gorge out of the Manuherikia. River. This race will bo constructed to carry about forty beads of water, and is tor the purpose of flushing the sludge-chan-nel and carrying the silt or fine sand into the river. This silt or sand is very hear y, and unless it is kept in constant agitation by a large body of water it will prove one of the most formidable obstacles. This obstacle is only to be removed by a large body of water, and unless that is brought into operation it will be a serious detriment to the succesefnl working of the channel A considerable amouud of ground is being taken Up on the flat, and as soon as the two channels are carried up far enough they will be in full work, and without doubt much valuable ground will be opened up, which but for the energy displayed by the inhabitants in procuring the Govern,ment aid, would still have laid idle The Band of Hope Reef has suspended operations fur the winter, but they have some very good stone at grass, and they will have i trial crushing in the spring. At present the roads are in such a terrible state that they are almost impassable. At Black’s No. 3, the Ida Valley Deep Lead Company have purchased tha deep shaft at Wef.herstoue’s, and have drawn the timber. They have also purchased the whim, and all the pi ant for working the claim. The plant is on the road and is expected to arrive in about a week. It has been proved that there is a valuable lead of gold in the flat, and the confidence entertained in the speculation by the old residents is amply proven by tbe speedy manner in which all tbe share have been taken up. One hundred shares of £ls each is the capital of the Company. Messrs. Revel, Barret, Davies, and M ‘Donald have rented a supply of water from the Ida Valley Water-race Company, for a term of years, and are about to construct a race to carry at least three heads of water to B'ack’s No. 3, where they have taken up a large claim of six acres. This place is taking a fresh start after having remained dormant for a long time, and the only impetus it required—the introduction of capital—has been supplied. Some dispute having arisen concerning the protecting of claims taken up, pending the construction of the sludge channel, Mr. Warden Pyke has granted protection to them all until the channel is finished. The fiver is flowing bank and bank, and in some places overflowing on to tbe flat.