Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1901. SALTING CLAIMS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 6 December 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1901. SALTING CLAIMS.

The collapse of two dredging claims near Westport, and the ugly rumors that are afloat in regard to the ground have again rudely shaken public confidence in the reliability of prospecting. In the case of the Island Creek and Wareatea claims, it has led to one of two conclusions being arrived at. Either a small and detached patch of gold was got by the prospector or else the ground was salted, by whom of course is not at present known. The Westport Times says that the reported results of the prospecting of both companies' ground were so good that the success of dredging operations was looked upon as a certainty, and the capital necessary to develope the properties was freely subscribed. Actual dredging operations, however, have proved that the ground does not some up to anything like promise and expectation ; indeed, the difference is so great that deliberate allegations are made that the ground was 'salted.' Names are being bandied about as the persons responsible for unfair dealing, while, on the other hand, there are people who do not believe the suggestions of " salting," and ascribe the failure simply to unfulfilled anticipations. The Mining Journal deals with " the question in a very much firmer manner. Prefacing the comment by remarking that the Coast has gained an unpleasant notoriety for this sort of thing it states, in regard to the claims, that working on the lead which was prospected for a return of 3Adwt to the yard the dredge unearthed 2oz of gold for the week's work. The dredge manager, whose sincerity and honesty are apparent in his report, says that the claim contains surface gold only and gets poorer with depth. The bottom is in sea sand, which contains no gold whatever. It is evident that there has been fraud, yet it seems difficult to locate it. When an expert's report is entirely falsified there are only two suppositions possible. The one (the more charitable) is that he was deceived, duped by parties interested in getting him to report that the claim was rich ; in other words, that he was a fool. The other that he was not deceived, but for reasons of his own reported as he did, in which case he was a knave. These are the only alternatives. In the case of the former it might be extenuated, inasmuch as the best and cleverest men may sometimes be deceived. It is a contest of wits between the professional Salter and the expert. If the latter does not know his business well enough to win the contest, then he is not regarded as a "mining expert." During the boom time we very much fear that prospecting was often times of a very imperfect character, and possibly allowances are to be made, but where there is a suspicion of foul play the scrutiny should be of the most searching character, and it is pleasing to know that the victimised shareholders have determined upon this course. It is to be hoped that if there has salting as asserted, the guilty party or parties will be found and severely punished.

The monthly meeting of the Grey Building Society will be held at the office of Nancarrow and Co this evening. The members of the Grey Football Club of the first fifteen are requested to muster on Victoria Park to-morrow at 2 30 p.m. The Treasurer of the Grey River Hospital acknowledges with thanks per Mr R. Larkin, the receipt of £4l Is 6d, the proceeds of the Nelson Creek ball. The shilling table at Urquhart's, Greymouth, is superior. Now junpacked glass, crockery, and cutlery. Call and inspect.—-. Advt.

Messrs Davie and-Blanche, tobacconists, next door to" the Commercial Hotel, notifies in our advertising columns that they have on hand a splendid assortment of pipes, cigars, tobaccos and cigarettes ; also sticks, matches boxes and tobacco pouches suitable for 'Xmas presents. The weather report to-day shows that the therometer in the shade at 9 a.m. registered 60 degrees at Westport, 58 at Hokitika and Greymouth and GO at the Bealey. Tiritiri was the warmest place in the colony with 70 degrees; Blenheim the coldest with 56.

The Major and a number of Councillors visited the various dark corners in town last night to determine where new lamps should be erected. As a consequence over a dozen new lamps will be recommended to the Council at next meeting, and these will be erected with, out delay. In order to enable them to display their large importations of jewellery, cts. to advantage, Messrs Gilbert Bros have just had completed two large glass show cases, which gives the establishment a finished appearance. To-morrow they will make an attractive window display of new jewellery. Although the Gothic does not leave the colony on her next trip to london until the middle of March, many intending passengers have already taken out tickets. This points to the fact that many New Zealanders will be present at the Coronation festivities next June, as the vessel is due at Londpn about the beginning of May.

Tho new screen for the Pactolus Company is now on the wharf, and will be sent on to the claim as soon as possible. The collectors for the Grey River Hospital will on Tuesday next wait upon the residents of Greymouth for their annual subscriptions. Tenders for the Borough loan of £IO,OOO close to-morrow. So far as we can learn the loan is likely to be well subscribed for.

Mackcy street is rapidly filling up with new buildings, and bids fair ere many years to be thcprincipal business thoroughfare.

Mr C. W. Turner, of Christchurch informs us in connection with the information regarding the construction by the Government of a bridge over tho Grey River, and a railway to tho pit's mouth, that when these works are completed, the company's output will be increased from 100,000 tons, at present to 150,000 tons, and ultimately to 200,000 tons. This is certainly very pleasing information. When the Coal Creek mines are opened the Coal output from this port should be doubled.

The plans for the new Town Hall will likely be submitted to the Council for approval at the next meeting, The structure will be a very handsome one, and an ornament to the town. It is proposed to have a tower with clock in the contre of the building, which will be a two-story one, and will provide ample accommodation for a library, Public reading rooms, museum, etc.

The following reply has been received from the Premier by the Harbor Board anent telegram sent in reference to taking over Coal Creek coal mines, and working them as a State concern : "Your telegram received, and have referred same to the Hon. Minister of Mines."

The owners of Marsdcn No. 1 have evidently plenty of faitli in their claim. At a meeting to authorise liquidation prior to reorganisation, the Chairman of Directors stated that the directors had no grounds for thinking the claim had been salted. The borings had been satisfactory and the directors were informed by an expert that the boring test was the most accurate. He was satisfied the claim would pay well. We sincerely hope so, but wo have grave doubts. There was a splendid attendance at the Druid's Hall last evening when Mr Bae gave a lantern entertainment of illustrated songs, recitations, etc. The views came out beautiful and clear, and proved the excellence of the lantern which was lit with acetylene gas. The picture of "The Holy City," "Nazareth," "The Absent-Minded Beggar." " Home Sweet Home," Swanie River " were much enjoyed, and the Phonograph items by Mr P. Hambleton were splendid as accompaniments. Mr Sweetman sang "Ye Banks and Braes " illustrated with pictures. Mr Eae sang "Home Sweet Home." A vote of thanks was accorded the gentlemen for their fine entertanment. Next week a concert is tobe given by the "Black Swan Company." Their programme is well arranged, and should be well patronised. Notice will be given of the meeting next week. Messrs H. C. Harley and Co will sell by public auction at their mart to-mor-row afternoon, a large consignment of Nelson grown fruit and produce, also second-tand furniture and effects. It is the auctioneers intention to clear the goods without reserve, as the space is required for their heavy importations of new furniture and bicycles. The annual meeting of the W.C.T.TJ. was held on Thursday afternoon, a good proportion of members being present. The reports of the different branches were read and adopted. The year was a most successful one, the finances especially being good. The following officers were elected: —Mrs Gaskin, President; Tru?cott and P. Nelson (VicePresidents ; Sweetman, treasurer; Hansen, secretary ; Taylor, evangelistic. A social committee was also formed, the following being placed on it:—Mrs Whitfield, Watterson, M'Tuloch and Leech. Afternoon tea was handed round and a very pleasant hour spent in conversation. Mr John McCormick, draper of Brunnerton, requests an early settlement of all accounts due to him as he is leaving

the district. The sporting community will miss Mr McCormick greatly as he is an enthusiastic sport, and always willing to help in anything for the good of the district, He intends to make his home in the North Island.

At the regular meeting of the Greymouth Trotting Club held, Mr Kitchingham in the chair, all arrangements were made for the forthcoming meeting, which promises to be the best ever held on the Park, the entries not only being numerous, but of a class seldom seen about here. The Juvenile Stakes of MO for 1903 was also drafted. It was determined in order to better meet the convenience of breeders to place the event on the March programme in future. A dividend of sixpence per share has been declare Iby the Kirwan's Reward Company, payable on and after Saturday next.

Mr Victor Harris, on Saurday last disposed of his well known racehorse, Cora Lynn to Mr Murray Hobbs.

Of the horses nominated for the Reef ton and Groymouth race meetings, Cal taria, Killarney, Magnificent. Strath nairn,, End Calibre are not likely to pu in an appearance.

Russia now uses eight million tons o petroleum a year. Ninety-four per dent of her steamers burn oil.

An average of 2090 lives are lost yearly among British seamen ; the French lose 250; the Germans 400; and 1100 are lost in the United Slates ships. Mr D. D. Hyde has made an estimated calculation that the number of eggs consumed annually in New Zealand is in round figures about 178 millions. This lot of eggs would weigh about 800 tons, and calculating them at 6d per dozen their value is close upon J£322,916. Mr Thompson, the Besident Engineer, and Mr Stewart, of the Public Works Deparrment. were at Hokitika yesterday arranging preliminaries for the survey of the Hokifcika-Boss Bailway, which Mr Stewart and his staff will take in hand at once.

Mr Cruickshank, S.M., is reported to have stated in tho Tapanui Court the other day that he recently granted an old age pension to a man who at one time was earning and spending £IOO a week on the goldfields. A skull was picked up recently on the beach near Cape Campbell. It was found in the vicinity where the Ohau was last seen, and it is surmised, may be the skull of one of her ill-fated crew.

According to a Capetown correspondent the Sixth Contingent wish to deny the report that they desire to return home beforo thoir twelve months of service is up One of the Contingent, on behalf of the. whole of the men writes to give the report an unqualified contradiction. Mr Bamsay, being asked if he would be a candidate for the Caversham seat, replied "There are only two classes of individuals who can afford to stand for Parliament, viz., the man with time, means and a patriotic spirit, and the man who is humbug enough to become a political time-server. Ido not belong to the first class and hope not to the second, so I shall not be a candidate for Caversham or any other Beat at present."

Speaking at the dinner of the Post and Telegraph Officers' Association last night, Mr Gray, secretary of the Department, said the revenue for the past three months, notwithstanding the penny postage, showed very substantial results. He explained that the Postmaster-General hoped, within twelve months, to make one or two amendments in the direction of benefitting the rank and file of the service.

Inquiries have been made by the Postal Department in regard to the late arrival in London of the mails which left Auckland on the 7th September. It lias been ascertained that it is a fact that the mails were forwarded to England by the slower of two steamers which left New York on the same day. They were sent by the steamer Philadelphia. Had they been despatched by the steamer Kron Prinz Wilhelm, they would have reached London two days earlier, than they actually did get there. The Now Zealand mail agent at San Francisco has asked the New York Post Office authorities for an explanation, but this has not yet been received. So far as is known here, no reason exists why New Zealand mails should not be sent across the Atlantic by the fastest steamer available.

Mr Napier, M.H.R. for Auckland City, has received the following telegram from the Minister of Public Works with reference to the reduction in the number of men employed on the Nortb Islann Trunk Railway :—" From various causes several men have been dispensed with. The number will be make up as far as the vote of Parliament will permit." Messrs Scott Bros., tbe contractors for the Patterson's Creek bridge on the Midland Railway, have forwarded about one hundred tons of ironwork to the site of the bridge, also all the staging timber. It is expected that a start will be made with the erection of the structure about the beginning of January, and that it will be completed in six months' time. A settler who has been closely identified with the Windham district since 1862 informs the Farmer that, with the exception of that of 18G5, the present has been the most backward and changeable season lie has ever known in bis long experience. The '65 season, which marked the "rush" to the West Coast diggings, was of a very similar nature to the present one. A smoke helmet, of German origin, is likely to be widely used by firemen on burning premises in future. In appearance it somewhat resembles a diver's dress. Air is conveyed by a fire-engine. By its means two men penetrated dense clouds of smoke at a warehouse in Back Goree, Liverpool, recently, and were successful in discovering the seat of the flames. Wm. Muir, gumdigger, was accidentburned to death in a whare near Knmeu in the Auckland district.

The German paper Die Post says no business man in the world ever made "such gross miscalculations as England has done in connection with the present war."

A telegram from Auckland states that the nautical enquity regarding the collision of the s.s. Taniwha and p.s. Patiki in the Thames river on October Ist, decided that under the circumstances neither captain or officer could be held responsible, and the certificates of both were returned.

Says a Home paper:—Sir Thomas Lipton may not win the American Cup, but he should win a reputation for sangfroid rarely equalled. A United States revenue cutter stove in the side of his steam yacht, and might have sunk her. Sir Thomas quite unruffled, called for "three cheers for Uncle Sam." One thinks of him going to the bottom, and still cheering Uncle

Sam, who has sent him there by inadvertence. It is an enviable disposition, and suggests that Sir Thomas Lipton should be appointed plenipotentiary to settle the Nicaragua Canal Question. The Liptonian settlement might then he fittingly celebrated by a bumping race through the eanal between the Columbia and Shamrock 11.

Unpacking to-day lovely decorative, and table glass, ten, dinner' and bedroom ware, cutlery, spoons, and forks. Urquhart, Greymouth.—Advt.

Mr Weblcy, senr., (of Webley and Sons, Cliristchurch), pianoforte tuner, etc., is now in Greymouth, and will take the earliest opportunity of calling upon clien ts. Agents for the sale of Brinsmead and Sons, Lipp and Haake pianos; also Mason and Hamlin organs. Address— Gilmer Hotel.—Aiivr.

The superior qualities of the Ceylon Teas, are rapidly supplanting the inferior Chinese products 'n v\[ the markets of western civilization. The teas grown in the virgin lands of the Sinhalese, possesses greater strength, richer aroma, and an infinitely larger percentage of the Alkaloid Theine, (the active principle and stimulating property of the plant) than do the teas grown by artificial cvlvation on exhausled soil of China. Hence bulk for bulk, the Ceylon Teas are cheaper, purer, more stimulating, and possess a rare fragrance, wanting in those of the Celestial Empire- Of all the brands of Ceylon Teas, the " Kiosk " stands eminently supreme and without rival. Messrs Harley and Co, the wellknown auctioneers and general agents, are the sole agents for Westland of this incomparable brand, and sell it to the general public in fall chests, and 51b packages. If a trial is made of the Kiosk tea, no other will again be used and knowing that "once a customer a customer for ever." Messrs Harley and Co, are offering it for the present at prices that no other firm can compete against. All large consumers, and heads of households, would do well to give the " Kiosk " tea a trial. There is quality, economy, and money in it.—AdvtSoine of the highest living medical authorities attribute the great growth of physical and mental disease which has characterised the last few decades, to the universality of adulturation. They affirm that the taking into the system continually by human beings as food, substances which are chemically foreign and not only incapable of sustaining healthy life, but constitute a perpetual danger to it, is largely responsible for the new and complex diseases that baffle their curative skill. Therefore be wise in time, oat only

K Jam and avoid these dangers. Absolute purity guaranteed—Adtx.