ALEXANDRA

Dunstan Times, Issue 1008, 12 August 1881, Page 2

ALEXANDRA

(Communicated. ) For some months past, two young men (M essrs Cameron and Hansen) have been prospecting the terraces at the foot of the Raggedy Ridge falling into the valley of the Manuherikia, and to aid them in their efforts they have constructed a head water race from the Mauorburn Creek." From time to time 1 have heard of them, and that their prospects were encouraging. Of late, a very marked improvement has been perceptible, leading to the inference that they have made a very valuable discovery. A well-known resident, Mr H. Symons, in the district is so well satisfied w'th present appearances that he has purchased a third interest in the claim and race for L3OO. (This, I may state, is bona fide.) Some short distance up the Wanuhtrikia, above the claim alluded to, a remarkably rich patch of gold was worked by G. Blackwell and party. Should Cameron and Hansor. prove to bo on a continuation of this patch or run, I unhesitatingly say that they have opened up as valuable a goldfield as there is in the country, and one that will profitably engage a large number of men for a number of years. The ground is very deep—some of it as much as 70ft —and carrying gold from the surface to the bottom, and the whole is so situated that water from four sources can be brought to bear on it. As the ground stands high above the Maunherikia Valley, the great difficulty that most sluicing districts have to contend against (want of fall for tailings) will not be felt hero. If ever men deserved rewarding for discovering a new gold-field, I unhesitatingly say Cameron and Hansen do, and I hope steps will be taken in that direction. Whilst writing, I may as well tell you that McKenzie and Co. are still dredging in the Molyneux a short distance above Alexandra, and are being well paid for their labor. This same party have erected an extrusive plant on the claim known as Coleman’s, at Butcher’s Point, below Alexandra I understand, however, as the season is so far advanced, and as there is no telling the day when the river m«y rise, they purpose deferring opening the claim till next season.

McQueen, McKersey and Co. are busily engaged constructing what some facetiously call their ironclad, hut at present are waiting for material. I allude to the steam dredge many times previously referred to by you. It is only from hearsay, but 1 understand that, when completed, the leviathan will be a magnificent affair, and if they are able to contend against obstacles, that is, get away with the quantity of stuff they raise, the speculation, although costly, some L 7500, will be a remunerative one. A novel feature is to be introduced in her, in the gold-saving apparatus. The principle is entirely new, anil, if it works, will be patented. 1 am unable, accordingly, to give you any particulars of it. Scott and Co. have finished their dredge, and have got her afloat just below the Dunstan Hospital. Ido not know whether they have yet struck the jugular. If the above is acceptable, I may vary my style, and give you more general news in my next.—We shall bo pleased to hear frequently from you,—Ei>. D. T.