CAMBRIANS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 948, 18 June 1880, Page 2

CAMBRIANS.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESTPONDENT.)

The St. Bathans Land Company have commenced farming operations on their estate—The Downs. Gold mining is a tempting pursuit, but when it is considered that a farm of average quality will as a rule outlive a generation, I think that a prudent forethought will suggest the exchange of the sluice-fork, at no far distant date, for the plough. Some people make fortunes out of brandy, but here one or two of our companies are making a good thing out of water, Thurlow Bros, and Co., by gold receipts and water rights, are making about L7 per week per man. It would be difficult to find a more worthy man than Mr Charles Mills, of St. Bathans. For years he vainly sought for a golden trump, but none would turn up. Now, however, in company with Messrs Learmonth and Co., Mr Mills is I should think in a fair way of being able to atone for past ill hick. New houses have just been put up for the fortunate gold seekers, proving that it is an ill wind that blows nobody good. 'The residence of Mr Timothy Gray, of Tinkers, was totally destroyed by fire a few days ago. It was insured in the New Zealand Insurance Company’s office for L200, and just five days after the event Mr M'Connochie, the local agent, received and paid the sum in question. This promptitude in settling a just claim is deserving of recognition and publicity.