LAKE BRUNNER NEWS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 4 February 1901, Page 4

LAKE BRUNNER NEWS.

(our own correspondent.)

The heavy downpour of rain during the past week has slightly impeded operations in the sawmills here, but during the previous three or four weeks splendid weather prevailed and work proceeded very briskly.

The Lake Brunner Company are still holding the lead as regards the quantity of timber being cut, and with a view to further increasing their output have just made extensive alterations to their mill. Another breaking-down bench and also a ripping bench have been added, and various other improvements made. A now automatic saw-sharpener has been added to the plant, but up to the present has not come up to expectations. The saws kept by the machine being sharpened by an emery wheel arc far inferior to those kept by hand and sharpened by a file. Messrs Stratford and Co. have once more got fairly to work, having again completed their tramway which was destroyed by the recent bush fires. This company have had a difficulty to contend with in floating their timber across the Lake; but this is about to be rectified, as they have decided to erect a bridge over the Arnold River and construct a tramway from the bush to the mill. A great deal of interest and excitement has been aroused hero by the appearance in the Lake of a huge monster of the finny tribe. The animal has been seen on different occasions by several reliable residents of the district, and usually makes its appearance near the confluence with the Arnold River. It is described as a species of shark, about eight or ten feet in length, of a dark brown colour, and is usually seen lying near the surface of the water with two large fins showing. Upon the approach of a boat, however, the creature always disappears into deep water.

A very interesting sailing race takes place at Moana next week between Mr C. Addler’s “Victory” and Mr Daly’s “Emily ” for a substantial side wager. The “ Victory ” is almost a new boat and a fast sailer, while the performances of the “ Emily ” arc too well known to he commented on ; therefore a keen contested event may be looked forward to. Another fine sailing boat is just about ready to be launched, and it is said she will eclipse all ethers at present on the Lake. The new boat has been named the “ Pokimoko ” and is the property of a well-known resident. The residents of Moana are in conjunction with their Tekinga and Kotuku neighbours endeavouring to provide a day’s amusement in the form of a picnic for the benefit of the school children, This is a step in the right direction, as the little ones here find little or no enjoyment. A concert and ball in aid of the above will take place at an early date in the Moana hall, and as we have some firstclass talent here, the affair should be the success which it deserves to he.