MOUNT BENGER.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2731, 17 November 1871, Page 2

MOUNT BENGER.

(from our own correspondent.) Nov. 12, 1871. One of the pioneers of Australian colonisation died suddenly this week in the person John, or rather “Jack,” Smart, a Tapanui bullock-driver, The old man was one of

Faavkner’s companions when lie first visited Port Philip and had a c denial experience extending over some 50 years. Although far past the ordinary duration of human life he was hale and active, submitting to all the hardships inseparable from his calling, with an indifference younger men might have envied. He may be said to have died in harness, as he was picked up iu an insensible condition at Moa Flat by some of the station employes. He ha I evidently rolled of his waggon, which was found some distance off conside ably damaged, and with the bullocks turned iu their yokes. Every attention was paid to the poor old man, but his time had come, and after a short tussle with the grim enemy be succumbed. Smart was a very good example of his class, rough and ready, yet kind hearted and industrious, addicted to “knocking down” his cheque by a series of unlimited shouts and an adept in the peculiar dialect usually employed by gentlemen oxen-conductors to their refractory charges—his faults and his virtues were both those of a thorough frontiersman. Of such must the real founders of a new couutry consist and not of fanatical farmers and broken-down shopkeepers. Peace to his ashes. It is not often that one can get thoroughly accurate information as to the earnings of a party of miners, but I have been fortunate enough to Lam exactly the result of three mouths’ mining on the Upper Pomahaka, This, as you are perfectly aware, is quite an Alpine region, where the climate <s such that often for weeks men are unable to leave their huts. Yet in the time I mention two men contrived to amass 16 ounces and 13 pennyweights, betides a number of “specimens.” There are hundreds of good-looking gullies and spurs over towards the Pomahaka where a hole has never been sunk; and one would think men would find in such places more profitable employment than by bullocking on the roads at 5s a day. “ Tucker” is so icasonahle now that for even a pennyweight a day a man can contrive to “hang out,” and then there is always the chance of a rise. The Teviot has been honored by a visit from an amateur detective. This worthy was on special duty, but unfortunately had run short of funds. He managed to impose on a good many—l believe he even deceived the local member of the force—until he came in contact with one of our smart storekeep. ers, who at once telegraphed to headquarters. The result was that the would-be ‘ ‘ Charlie ” was favored with free convey, ance in Her Majesty’s carriage to Tuapska. I observe you have had a “ special ” poaching on my preserves. Really, were one to take his description as gospel, Mount Benger must be a kind of South Sea Para, disc. Well, the country's right enough, but the people ! and the animals, especially the c ckatoos and merinoes ! Shearing has commenced at the Oven Hills and Teviot Stations—price fifteen shillings a hundred ; rouseabouts from a pound to twenty-five hob a week Operations are to be commenced at Moa Flat Station on the 20th. I shall not inflict anything about the 50,000 acre block on your rearhrs. It is bad enough to be bored listening to the plaintive wails of the betrayed “ bould pisantry,” without repeating their nonsense in print. Thank goodness, the sale has conclusively demolished the patriotic Reid and his talented tail.