OPHIR.

Dunstan Times, Issue 570, 21 March 1873, Page 2

OPHIR.

(FROM A CORRESPONDENT. The Flour Mill and Brewery Company was not it is true, conceived with a great flourish of trumpets, and so far, has not made a great commotion in the money market, nor has it had the effect of rising oats to famine prices, on the assumption that nothing but wheat for the mill, and barley for the brewery will, in future, be cultivated on our farms. Nevertheless, it is the common everyday topic amongst all classes, and I prophecy fur it a successful issue, that is I prognosticate the mill will bo in full work for next seasons, wheat crop, if the programme is, in one particular, rraended. It is asked, and that very reasonably by many, what is the connection between a brewery and a mill, without it is “ Vitt'.es and drink.” Against the combination, the public appears to be averse, and I would recommend my friend S. W. to give it up or ho will of a surety, have to try a third time to start a mill company in the district, and then perhaps not succeed. As in all likelihood, you will be able to compile from your own notes a more faithful account of the races on Friday and Saturday last, I will say nothing further, than that I was disappointed at the paucity of attendance, but must give the • ommittce credit for the plucky manner they carried out their anything but agreeable duty. A rumor has reached me iu somewhat an indirect and roundabout manner that the people of the Serpentine are wi-hing to have their district tacked on to Black’s, instead of Mount Ida. It has only surprised me that the question has not been mooted long ere now, as it appears preposterous that men in the search of justice, have to travel forty miles when they can reach it in little over half the distance, however, I dare say you will hear further about it. Whilst speaking of the Serpentine, I cannot but express the surprise that is generally felt at the number of lunacy cases that occur in that locality, or I might with greater safety, express it, the amount of sickness of a peculiar tyye that occurs there. The last case was that of Mr, Murray, storekeeper, who was removed into the Dunstan Hospital, suffering from epileptic fits—the case 1 hear assumed a very serious appearance as ho passed through here. Mining, iu the immediate neighborhood, Black’s No. 1., is confined chiefly to the Chinese, who, a rule, are doing well, the few Europeans at work are not doing much. At No. 3. a more healthy state of things exist, the whole of the mining population numbering about forty, are doing a good stroke. The Homeward Bound Company, who)::re working the claim originally opened by the Try Again Gald Mining Company Registered, are, and have been doing very well for some time past ; their last washing up which took place a few weeks ago, being considerably beyond tbeir expectations. The proßpsot6 befdre them are as good as ever, and at theip'©ejt washixm up theyexpert a repetition- t.£ their former luck. From the other portions of tho district no news is to hand, the most of tho miners still being idle iu consequence o' tho drought, 'l'he agriculturalists arc mostly engaged threshing out their h.st harvest Tho yields so far. arc not good, but may be considered fair fur the season.