LONGWOOD REEFS

Dunstan Times, Issue 937, 2 April 1880, Page 3

LONGWOOD REEFS

The Western Star says : little fresh to report regarding operations at the Longwood during the past week, tho most important event is the striking of the reef on Printz's line of reef in the Geelong Co.’s claim at the end of last week. Driving along the reef is now being pushed on. No trouble is now experienced in keeping down the water, the double ’whip’ recently erected being found ample for that purpose. Our statement last week that the reef bad been struck in the Fossicker claim was correct, although the locality hinted at was not so near the mark. As an embargo has in the meantime been placed upon divulging the nature of the discovery, we are unable to give further particulars. ' The survey of the township of Longwood is now completed, and the sale by auction of the sections is announced. The site of the Township is at Pourakino Bridge. On the 27th ultimo a large number of visitors—principally “ citizens of renown ” from Invercargill—Crushed ” the Longwood. Considerable disappointment was expressed by them on account of their not being allowed to inspect the drive in tho Longwood Co.’s claim. Considering the labor incurred in reaching the claim, the query, “ What went ye out to see ?” may may have suggested itself to those who were disappointed in not being allowed to inspect the jeweller’s shop.” However, the site and partially erected battery of the Geelong and Longwood Companies was inspected by most of tho visitors, as was also the Geelong and Fossicker claims. Considerable amusement was created at the attempt of several ambitious visitois to deicend tho Geelong shaft by the ladder shaft. The aperture is only two feet by six feet, and the latter descends perpendicular 100 feet. One gentleman would make a start and get down about half way ; then toothor would follow thinking that the first

man was safe at the bottem, but gradually a bead with a body appended would be seen to emerge from the darkness, the face liearing a pale and ghastly hue. No. 1 going down, would meet No. 2 ascending. ‘Hallo’ I thought you were at the bottom.’ ‘No; its very dark, and the air has a peculiar smell 1’ It is satisfactory to chronicle that all returned to Riverton safe and sound in wind and limb, the ifickets which they had prudently purchased from the Accident Insurance Company having luckily proved unnecessary.”