THE COUNTRY.

Evening Star, Issue 3121, 19 February 1873, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

Oamaru. —Professor Black was in the district last week, and purposed to visit several parts of the district with a view to observe its geological and mineralogical characteristics. Unfortunately he was prevented by indisposition from carrying out that intention fully, but made a trip to Cape Waubrow, and also to the gorge of the Kakanui, where, we understand, indications of gold were found, or rather, to be more precise, the strata were such as would indicate the presence of gold. Professor Black will, we understand, towards the end of the year, again visit the district, and hopes then to conduct more extensive researches,—®n Friday last some harvestmen working for the hon. Matthew Holmes, in a paddock adjoining his (Mr Campbell’s) farm, at noon-spell lit a fire to boil a billy of tea, and, in so doing, ignited the stubble. The flames ran along the ground for some distance, and threatened the destruction of a large amount of com in stock and stack, reaching, before they were extinguished—although some fifty men were busily engaged in beating them down—to within a few yards of two ricks containing some 300 bags of grain. Fortunately, what might have proved a serious conflagration was arrested in time, as, otherwise, a great deal of property might have been destroyed.—Mr James Dalgleish, a well-known resident [of Papakaio, while returning homewards from Oamaru, was thrown, or fell from his horse near Peattie’s Hotel, and died shortly afterwards from the injuries he sustained. He was considerably the worse of drink when the accident occurred. —The diver employed by the contractors for the harbor works made a descent on Saturday last, with a view to examining the bottom, prior to laying blocks to cany out the abutment of the sea-wall some 15 feet farther. The sea being rough and the water clouded, he did not remain down below, but we learn that no difficulty is anticipated in laying the blocks. When the piece now projected is completed the shelf of rock will be passed over, and a smooth, hard, sandy bottom will be reached, upon which the large blocks (20 to 30 tons each) will be laid. The locomotive is fitted up and in running order, and upon the arrival of the steam crane, all the appliances will be to hand for pushing on the work with vigor and rapidity. So far, it promises to be a great success.—During the past few days some person or persons, prompted evidently by malicious motives, have been guilty of wilfully injuring the plant at the harbor works. First, tho steam gauge of the stationary engine was smashed, and within a day or two the diving dress borrowed from the Provincial Government was cut in two places with a knife. The glass of the steam gauge is of a size used only by one maker, and another cannot be obtained nearer than Melbourne, and possibly will have to be sent to England for. The engine, therefore, requires to be constantly watched, and can only be worked at a risk. Then the diving-dress is, we believe, the only one in the Colony ; and to repair the rents so as to render the dress fit for use requires gqtta percha, and that, we learn, the contractors are unable to obtain in Dunedin. The material may have to' be procured in Melbourne, and the works may be seriously delayed through diving operations being suspended. The dress has been temporarily repaired by sewing up the rents and waxing the seams j but whether this makeshift will stand the air-pressure remains to be seen. The contractors offer a reward of L2O for the detection of the offender or offenders.— Times.