ALEXANDRA.

Dunstan Times, Issue 972, 3 December 1880, Page 2

ALEXANDRA.

(THOM OUK OWN CORRESPONDENT.) There is nothing particular to note from hero this week. Tno bridge works arc progressing as fast as can bo expected, considering the enormous difficulties to be contended with in the pile driving for the eastern pier ; there is an ending to all things, and it is to bo presumed the last of this difficulty will some day be seen, when fair ami straightforward work will be the rule till the putting of tho wires into position, when again the whole of tho energies of the workmen and the contractors will be taxed to the uttermost. This portion of the structure is of tho stiongc.st possible kind, as will readily be imagined when it is known that only four wire ropes on either side arc to bo suspend too traffic way. To the unscientific eye they are unproportional cl y heavy and missive, and eight, or maybe twelve, of leaser weight on either side, that could have been more easily handled, would have been preferable 1 forget now the, size of tbo ropes, but if I mistake not they are three inches in diameter j and tho difficulty I look on it will bo to bend and twist them round the mooring rods. Tho more placing them on the turret heads will bo nothing ; four of them are already on the ground. The river has been very high of late, but it has not impeded the bridge woiks. The currentwheel dredge, however, had to stop, her bucket ladder not being sufficiently long to reach bottom. The Manuherikia was also backed up to such a height as to stop Galvin, Eisandiero and Co., who aro endeavoring tojtrace the load of gold worked on so many years by Rntlor anil mrty. In those days tho name of Rutler. in connection with gold-getting in the Manuherikia was inseparable, but of latn years the name is never hoard, and but few remain, who can remember Butler’s p tint in tho palmy days of yore. The river is again resuming its wonted level, and cro this appears in print I expect both the dredge, and Galvin and his party will be hard at it again —respecting the prospects of this party I seared know what to say, lint if they do strike “ ile” it will have to be under the terrace towards Terry's old garden, and they might there get it heavy. Ido not know that 1 have anything further to say respecting miiiingexcopting, perhaps, that there is not a sound of complaint, hence the deduction that all are satisfied with their labors. The Chinese, of whom there are a great number about the neighborhood are, I feel pretty sure doing well—l did hoar they have sold several considerable parcels of gold of late —a very good evidence of their contentment is that when in the town they strut about smoking their meerschaums, and pretty freely mtrouiz > the htlliardrofims and nibble away no end of fruit and sweet biscuits—they anpear to be good allround customers, and greatly help tha town.

The Razaar in aid of the new Catholic Church to be built here pronrsea to be a success, no end of good things being promised—it takes place on Monday the 27tli (Boxing Day), and what with promised subscriptions and the proceeds of the Razaar, I have no doubt a sufficient sun will be gathered to warrant tho Committee in selecting plant and calling for tenders for the work. A building that will cost about L6o'f it is thought will he large enough, and if (hat is tho utmost cash limit it is thought can be raised, I would strongly advise that the contract price do not exceed 1-rlOl), so as to allow the balance for extras.

Our civic authorities are really aud truly quite active. They are making no end of improvements in the streets, forming, eraveiling. clearing away the rocks, and I do not know what else, it is really quite refreshing to see this body doing anything, I and a (croney of mine) wore beginning to think that all the revenue was being saved for the big spree on the occasion of (bo opening of the bridge, but for once me an I my friend were wrong, and we most graciously admit it. lam now going togi.o you a staggerer, we are to have a fire engine, and after that a Fire Brigade, the uniforms, helmets, hatchets, fire escapes, and tlie rest of the paraphernalia are not yet decided on, but as a matter of enurso they will follow, a fire engine, however, without water unless it is conceived on entirely now lines without a good roaring fii-o will bo but of little use. Prevention being better than cure is a good sound solid maxim, and on that principle perhaps our worthy Councillors are actuated, of one thing for certain they have my consent to Ihc engine, if for nothing else than to water the streets and help to “down with tho dust "but 1 must enter my solid protest against a fire, and now enter may name Hist on tho list for captainship, a condition, however, that it carries a screw.