ALONG THE ROAD.

Dunstan Times, Issue 593, 29 August 1873, Page 2

ALONG THE ROAD.

A marked improvement is observable in the general appearance of the d veilings and the surroundings of the various properties scattered along the roadside between Alexandra and the Teviot, and thence to Ettrick or the Bengertmrn. After having Alexandra, the first object that demands attention is the Butcher’s Gul'y Quartz Mining Company’s plant, consisting of water-wheel and cast iron pumps—-no small amount of energy and pluck was exhibited by the shareholders in putting so compact a plant on the claim to contend against the difficulties that beset them in testing the reef; it appears hewever they were easily to be vanquished, as after the first attempt, which was futile, the machinery has been allowed to be idle, a word here would not be amiss. The expenditure of a few shillings (pounds may be) in cold tar, and necessary labor to paint the wheel , stand and fluming would not be money thrown away—passing on, the Butcher’s Gully is soon reached, and Mr. Nieper’s Hotel and Store, which is somewhat improved since I was lastL on the road, the main thing apparently wanted is business. Spear Gra s Flat with its farmers ana miners, is next in succession, the inhabitants of this, what should be a little earthly paradise, are at loggeiheads, and each or both are apparently determined on making it a pandemonium, the dispute appears to be who shall take possession of the flat, whether the miner tor mining, or the farmer. I cannot pretend to say who is right, or who is wrong being unable to decide on the evidence either party brings to bear on his side of the argument. Again, it is sub judice, sol must perforce be silent. In Butcher’s Guilv, at the crossing, and the northern boundary of Spear Grass Flat, Wilkins, Cairoll aud part ya re engaged mining, they are [taking up the j whole gully iu a face before them, washing it by means of a tail race—from the systematic way they are working, and the extreme care they are constructing the tail race, little doubt is left of their doing well ; considering that this is the third or fourth time of working the Creek, Butcher’s Gulley originally must I have been exceedingly rich in the precious metal. Of the buildings on 1 Spear Grass Flat there are several deserving more than a passing notice, those of White, Leslie and M'ltenough, and Crossau’s and Kemp’s especially, the former is a private, or farm residence, while the two latter are j hotels and farm houses conjoined—each building is evidence of the faith j their respective owners have of the resources and the stability of the district. The who e flat, which embraces an area of about 1,000 acres of good agricultural land, is securely fenced and subdivided into comfortable farms, the whole appears to ho ploughed, and the next year’s crop ploughed iu. The uncertainty that exists as to shat will be the issue of the inquiry pending as to whether the land is to be declared open to, or he 1 closed against the miner, causes on 1 the part of the farmers a hike warmness in their work, and prevents many substantial improvnients being made, upon the decision being given, Spear Grass Flat will look healthy lioin j either a miner’s or farmer’s point of view. Hoal Creek, the southern boundary of the Flat is in a placid state, it being used simply as a receiving depot j for the refuse and debris from the Obelisk Creek, which is being energetically worked by a party of miners, 1 did not hear what were the results of the labor of this party, but it was hinted to me that they are doing well, The next po : nt of interest is John o‘Brien’s settlement at the Gorge Creek, and the foot of the track leading to Campbell’s and the Waikaia; O’Brien has been located on this spot for the past eleven years, aud as ho expresses it, is equally as unsettled as when he first squatted down to minister to the wants of the hardy miner, who in those days were wont to do battle with the storms and dangers of the Old Alan Mountain in then' search for the precious metal. Ho says though willing and desirous of settling on the spot rendered by many associations pleasant to him and making himself a permanent home, he is prevented, being arbitrarily denied the right to purchase enough ground for a house and garden. After so many years location this looks as a hardship, and 1 think the sooner the land laws are so remodelled as to meet with this and similar cases the better,

I Lave heard it expressed that, if the means were given to the people v\!io are already in the country, to settle down and become freeholders, Dr. Featlierstono audjiis army of immigration agents and Secretarys might be recalled, as each man as he settled, down, would write for his friends.. O’Brien is not the only one who complains on the same score. 1 would advise a combination, their united efforts might have the effect of demanding attention, whereas the pir y squeak of one would pass uudeeded. From here to Black Jack's, Coal Creek, a distance of about twelve miles, with the exception of two or three small patches of cultivation, the sheep have supreme control.