BLACK'S

Dunstan Times, Issue 533, 5 July 1872, Page 2

BLACK'S

(FROM A CORRESPONDENT.) July 2. AVinter seems to Lave set in in right good earnest, and most of the miners in the district have been obliged to suspend operations for the present. This will seriously affect our escort, as, should the frost not break up soon, little or nothing can he done during the present month. Most of the idlers are amusing themselves by skating, snowballing, and other sports. I believe that something is about to be done in reference to the agricultural leases on the Flat. I mentioned a short time ago that a memorial on the subject hau been sent to the Government. It was referred to the Warden for his report, who, 1 hear s’ notified his intention to take evidence in regard to the matter on his next visit. Great credit is due to our Member, Mr. Shepherd, for the prompt attention he paid to the memorial, by presenting it and bringing it prominently to the notice of the Executive without delay, as I believe he did not receive it till after the prorogation of the Provincial Council.

There is one thing I should like to impress upon the notice of the inhabitants of this place, and that is the desirability of forming a Vigilance or Progress Committee. There are a number of requirements in this district, and a number of people constantly complaining of the negligence of the Government ; but none seem to have any idea of exerting themselves in the least to provide for the one or to adopt any remedy tor the other. Now, if such a Gim mittee was formed of energetic men, who would attend to their duties, they could do a great deal that would be of real benefit to the district. Some few years ago the Progress Committee, then in existence, got a number of things done for the place, such as getting 10W. from the Government for the roads, I,OOW. for a" sludge and drainage channel, and numerous other things that were of great service. Now, 1 would advke that some of our leading men should take the matter up, and convene a public meeting for the purpose of electing a Committee to watch over and forward the interests of the district. There are many things that require to be immediately looked into. Our roads, for instance, as soon as a thaw sets in, will be ahnostjf not quite impassable ; and, with reference to the agricultural leases and other such matters, who would be so competent to report upon them as a local committee chesen from among all classes—men who will work harmoniously together, and for the benefit of all our local industries. In mining matters there is nothing to report from here, all parties being frozen out. At Black’s the Homeward Bound Company are still getting out good dirt, and continue driving on the same level as when last reported. They have not as yet washed up any dirt, but 1 hoar that their prospects are very good.