ALEXANDRA.

Dunstan Times, Issue 940, 23 April 1880, Page 3

ALEXANDRA.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) During the past week there has been a great change iu the weather, and from what, in so far as the temperature is concerned, was mul-suramer hot scorching days, with close sultry nights, we have cold wintry Winds with frequent falls of sleety rain. This latter occurs on the lowlying country, but on the hill tops it is snow, and if one can form any idea by the even whiteness of the higher - ranges, the snow-fall in the higher latitudes must have been very heavy. Amongst the weatherwise the sudden change indicates a severe winter, and as the prognostications of these worthies is not to be entirely despised, it might be as well for those who are interested to take note of the warning, as to he forewarned is to he forearmed. I do not think I am going out of my way in these few remarks on teat all-absorbing topic so dear to the Britisher- -the weather. There is greater activity noticeable of late amongst miners in this neighbourhood. Mr Nicholas Anderson’s claim at Butcher’s Point, that has been lying unproductive since the big flood in 1878, is being put in order. The fluming that was then washed away is being reconstructed, and if all goes well will be ready tor work by when the river reaches the usual winter level. With the adjoining claim, Mr Coleman’s, 1 do not hear what is being done, but if the season is a favourable one it will I piesumo be operated upon. Both these claims are winter claims, that is, during summer when the river is in flood they are submerged, while in winter when the river is low they can only bur got at. In years past both claims turned out great quantities of gold. A principal drawback they had to contefid against was the combined dearness and scarcity of labour. As things, however, in this direction have materially changed, with a hard winter and little water in the river there is every prospect of good returns being again made. The noted claim at Doctor’s Point some mile or so farther down the river than the previously mentioned ones, started work this week. It will be remembered this claim two ysars ago turned out large quantities of gold, and that shares changed hands at almost fabulous figures. Last season the returns were not very large, but it is to bo Loped this

year the shareholders will make up for lost time. Cameron and Hansen, at their new venture at Rockside, some eight miles up the Manuherikia, are preparing for their whiter campaign. The enterprise they have entered upon is an extensive one, and my best Wishes (if that will avail them aught) is for their success. John Alien, in Brennan's Gully, continues to bo well repaid for his labour, and 1 shall be but little surprised if his present workings do not lead to something better ; should it prove a mere patch it is more than I expect. The lessees of the old Ovens Water ilaco are Working on the bank of the Molyneux about a mile and a half above Alexandra, and I hear arc making fair wages, and that is not to be despised these tunes. About two miles higher up the river Mr Sims is working away most energetically, and it his returns are in proportion to the body of water he is using, and the number of hands employed he must be laying the groundwork of an independence, whether 'or no he richly deserves it, as greater perseverance and industry could scarce well be displayed. The system with which he is working is perfect, and by those engaged in sluicing his claim is worthy a visit as they might see a thing or two worth copying. All the workings 1 have referred to are on the east bank of the Molyneux. I will now tiote Some on the west bank, and afterwards to the liver bed itself. Well—on the west bank thefe ari a number of claims at work, and I may safely say all are yielding faitly ; Paterson and Young, Paget aud Ballantyne, Ryan and M‘Elroy, J. Shaven, Young and Smith, Jamieson, besides several Chinese parties are amongst the west bankers. Some distance back from the river, in Blackman’s aftd [Conroy’s Gullies there are several parties, and by the persistent manner in which they carry on their works it can but be concluded they are doing well. Tho quartz reef in Conroy’s gnlly r at present is lying idle, negotiations are pending, however, for the placing a battery on ft -an attempt is also being made to float it into a Company in Dunedin, the policy of this latter [step 1 cannot question, but I am somewhat inclined to think that if it had been offered locally, there Would have been a greater show of the shares going off. So far as the reef is prospected it looks well, and the indications of a good payable lode are strong. A parcel of stone—l did not hear the quantity—has been sont'to one of the batteries at Tuapeka to be crushed, add shotiUl it turn out according to expectations, whether a Company is formed or not, the reef is bound to have a thorough trial, and I with many others say tho sooner the quicker. Now to the bed of the mighty Molyneux, I the main tail race of the most extensive, and without fear of Contradiction, I may i say the richest gold-field of Otago. To work | this requires the di e Igor, and to Messrs M’Kersie, Frazer and party is due the i credit of placing on it the most perfect of , machines, and barring accidents it will by 1 this time be in full work, testing the worth of its golden sands. It is on the ladder and bucket principle, the current of the river acting on paddle Wheels being the motive power. As 1 have encroached sufficiently i on your space this week, 1 will leave till my next a further description.