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Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 639, 22 February 1870, Page 2

The river came .down on Sunday in higher flood than has. beeuseenat any period duqog the last. two. yeara. The rise was also remarkably sudden, as on Saturday the river was almost as low as we remember to have seen it, while on Sunday morning it was within a foot of the top of the protective works. Tho cause of tliis is greatly to be attributed to - the fact that a lengthened per Qtl has elapsed since anything like a fresliet has been experienced, and during $\ that time, the beds of creeks have b,een generally filling up with tailings, branches, aiid, trucks of trees, which have formed impediments to the easy outflow when rains have fallen. This was the fact on Sunday, and as soon as the force of the torrent was sufficient to overcome these obstacles, the flood came down with head-long speed. A storekeeper from Moonlight informs us that he never saw that creek so hi^h for the last four years,

and similar accounts jvre received from the Blackball and little Grey, From the Arnold and Ahaura we also learn that within a few hours after the rain had commenced both those vH'prs Avere observed tip, rise rapidly, bringing away with tl^sm vast quantities of debris and tim'ier- -nqr was there a single creek of aiyy note but was? a raging torrent at dayjight on Sunday 'morning. Red Japk's at Camptown was impassable at the lower fording place, and some travellers found great difficulty in getting to the bridge. At Greymouth great interest was felt as the rise of the flood was noted, and as tho morning's tide nearly caused it to rise to the top of the protective works fears were expressed that the evening's tide Ayould raise it ovpr theip. Tlu's, however, thqngh dreaded, did nob happen, although it was higher than in the morning. Fjqm 11 p.m.. the ris,e was alrqost imperceptible, and at high water there was, no niqre than three inches difference in the height then than at the former hour. We observed, however, as, the nijjht advanced that great damage was being done on the embankment at tho back of the upper wharf, whole slices pf the gi'Qiind failing down through the action of the flood-wash. This had increased so much that preventive approaches were erected from the Jower end for a distance of 70 feet or so. It is incumbent uj.khi the Borough Council to have this remedied as soon as possible. Fears were als,o expressed that the 3teps qpposite Tainui street might be torn away, and accordingly some gentlemen procured ropes and lashed them to several of the piles adjoining. It was universally remarked that at no former flood here was seen such a quantity of timber and brushwood going down, and at one period the surface of the river appeared qne black entwined mass. A boat also, supposed to be Mr Gqffs ferry -bqat at the Old Ahaura township, was seen careering down stream half full of water, and was anxiously watched until she reached the surf, which she did stern on. As the heavy break struck her she vvas seen to rise high up then overturn and float rapidly up the north shore. This and a canoe, which also went out to sea, were the only two articles of valuable property we saw floating down all day. The lower part of the township was partly under water, but not neaily so much so as iv former floods. The only parts that could really be called inundated were the low grounds in the police paddock at its back and the grounds close to Blaketown bridge. In no flood since the protective works have been erected has their value been so truly proved as in the flood of Sunday last j and the inhabitants of this town, however much at the time they might have grudged the monies for their erection and tne filling in and making Boundary street, must now accord the award of praise and forethought to the Council who carried them out. Had these works not stopped the power of the flood, we would have had to chronicle serious disasters to property. We observe in the Lyttelton papers of tho 17th, the departure by the Charles Edward, for Greymouth, of the ltev. J. Macintosh and family. We sometime ago intimated that tho reverend gentleman had received and accepted a call from the Presbyterians here to become their pastor, and he is accordingly now on his way round to assume his duties. We must congratulate that body on having secured the services of a most energetic and able minister, and one whose work has been greatly recognised in his late charge. Another of the Stoney Lead claims have just struck gold, after having spent eight months in taking in a tunnel. The prospects we are tpjd are very good, and the fortunate holders have the prospect of a lengthened period of remunerative, work. The claim is situated to the northward of the Homeward Bound, and is held by Goff and party. It is better known as the "Fiddler's." By advertisement in another column it will be seen that the Government are calling for tenders for the reconstruction of the road from Greymouth to the Omotumotu Creek, and that they will be received at the Survey Office, Greymouth, up to Thursday next. The Sydney Morning Herald, Jan. 27, has been'requested to state, with reference to the departure of Mr Burt, and his rumored liabilities, that the firm with which he was lately prominently connected, that of Messrs Goldsborough, BurtandCo., is in no way involved, the partnership having terminated oa the 30th December last. The forthcoming race meeting, as the day approaches, promises to be more and more a great success, if we may believe the rumors as to the number of competing horses expected to arrive. We may state that the flood of Sunday has been of much benefit to the newly made part of the course, having settled down the ground into a firm surface, while it has not interfered with the progress of the seed grass, which has germinated freely. The contractors are making good progress in the clearing, and will have finished, weather permitting, in 10. days. Hokitika was visited with a flood on Sunday last, which committed more damage than on any previous similar occasion, for the last two years. The rain commenced on Saturday night, with light drizzling showers, which gradually increased towards morning to heavy downpours, accompanied by thunder and lightening. The river rose very rapidly, and soon the turbid stream was rolling from bank to bank, carrying with it au immense amount of debris and materials. The flood,. when backed by the tide, rose nearly the height of the wharf, but did not overtop it, and it luckily did not get sufficient hold of the inner bank as to do any serious damage. A small portion of the bank at the upper end was. swept away, but non,e pf the woodwork there was started. Messrs Turnbull and Frew were anxious workers at this poiut, and got the willows taken, away from the river bank. In a few minutes after they were secured the bank was non esi, following npo.ii th,Q ac^es that had preceded it from further up the river. The place where tho damage is mos,t noticed is the Racecourse, a large portion of which was washed away, as also the Grand Stand

and the bqoths erected there. The damage to the course is irreparable, and will most likqly necessitate rempval of the site. A serious encroachment wa3 also made upon the bank between the river and the. line o^ tramway, no less than from twelve to fifteen feet b,eing washed away. This endangers the position of the line as the rails are now quite close to fche river bank. One of thp supports belonging .to Hawkins' punt wire ropp, hag also beei*. undermined, and the cutting of the -wire was made compulsory. The damage done to the gardens on the Cattle Reserve must have been great, as, a stream of water was observed pouring over, them all day. In the town, Tancrsd, Hamilton, Sewell, and Fitzherbtrt streets were much flooded, and the water remained longer than usual, but little damage was done, as the inhabitants had taken prer cautjqnary measures for prevention. The Lancashire Bell Ringers, who are expected to arrive by the John Perm, will giye an entertainment in the Volunteer Hall to-night. Judging f rom thp comments qf the press, thp public will experience a treat of no ordinary nature, as all alike award their performances a high meed of praise. We have no doubt but a crowded house will welcome the performance in Greymouth. The Tuapeka races came off on the 10th and 11th iust. There was a large attendance of spectators, and the different events were contended for with the fol' owing results : — Maiden Plate : Arundel, 1 ; Duchess, 2 ; Paddy, 3. District Handicap : Foretop, 1 ; Lady Ellen, 2 ; Hatter, 3. Handicap Trotting Race : Rattler, 1 ; King, 2 j Kitty Darling, 3. Hack Race : Reefer, 1 ; Wild Harry, 2. Ladies' Purse : Dqn Pedro, 1 ; Skyonian, 2; Magenta, 3. Town Plate j Foretop, 1 ; Waterwitch, 2 ; Excelsior, 3. Hurdle Race : Turpin, 1 ; Te Kooti, 2 ; Harkaway, 2. Consolation Handicap : Lady Ellen, 1 ; Turpin, 2. We have been requested to remind [the members of the Hospital Committee that they meet for general business on Wednesday next at 8 o'clock, in the usual place. On the 30th ultimo a man named Daniel Donovan went to bathe in a lagoon, near the Five-mile Beach, Okarito, and was drowned, the body not being found until the next day. An inquest was held by Mr Price, R.M., when a verdict of accidentally drowned was returned. The deceased was about 22 years of age, was a native of the County of Cork, and has a brother named Richard Donovan, residing at Charleston. A General Government Gazette issued on the 14th inst. contains an Order in Council approving of a code of rules drawn up under the Government Annuities Apt of last session. The regulations contain all necessary information for persons desiring either to insure their lives or purchase an annuity. We presume that business in this line will be at once commenced. The various Money Order Offices throughout the Colony are to be the places of business. The following items are from turf gossip in tin A ustralasian of Feb. 5 : — lt is supposed wo shall have the pleasure of Kncttingly's company in the next Melbourne Cup j he seems to be a good horse, and his running with Peeress in the Christchurch Plate, when he gave her 201 b. and a beating is some guide as to his capabilities. Manuka has got over the firing and blistering, and he seems now to walk as sound as a bell, whatever he may do by-and-by, when he is put into fast work. Mr J. Ewart has made a really first-rate job of his legs. I understand that Manuka will change his quarters to Mr Dowling's stable next week. The further progress made in the shaft and drive in the Nelson Coal Mine has disclosed what was supposed to be the lost seam, as only one of those thin cakes of coal which are so often met with in stratas, lying between the main beds. When this seam was struck, and a sample brought out from it, the men at once sent it down to Mr Dent, and he, we are afraid, too hastily jumped to the conclusion that the sought for bed, or another of a similar nature and quality, had been found. He at once proceeded to the mine, .became fully satisfied of the correctness of his supposition, and thereupon departed for Nelson to make his report. That report will now be found to be incorrect, and further measuaes will require to be undertaken before a satisfactory result can b A obtained. The Otago Daily Times states that Messrs A. J. Burns and C. C. Graham, the members for Oamaru, are about to resign their seats in the House of Representatives, as they intend visiting Europe. Mr Cargill, member for Bruce, has already gone to England, and has, it is presumed, left his resignation behind him. The same jonrnal calls attention to the preponderating influence given to Auckland by the fact that four members who nominally represent Otago being really residents in Auckland, and without any real interest in Otago. These gentlemen are Messrs Haiighton, Yogel, Bradshaw and O'Neill. The Times suggests that the constituencies nominally represented :by these gentlemen should urge on them the propriety of resigning. At the latter part of last week (says the Ovens Spectator), a miner brought mto Beechworth a quantity of the richest auriferous quartz which has ever been found in the Ovens district. The gold and quartz are in about equal proportions ; the latter being completely encrusted with the precious metal. These specimens, which, we understand, are a fair sample of the stone generally which has just been discovered, are now in the possession of the manager of the Oriental Bank in Beechworth, Mr Hicking, by whom they were shown to us. Though the reef is only a foot wide ai the top, it seems likely to prove a fortune to the discoverers. Some years ago, among the mining brokers in Melbourne, a good deal of chaff was indulged in at the expense of Mr John Everard (then one of the fraternity) on account of his reported glowing description of a pet reef as being "a solid wall of gold." This, however, we are credibly informed, is really the appearance of the reef just discovered. The yield of such quartz to the ton has been accurately calculated, and it would be no

less than 11,946 ozs. The quartz which forms the matrix is almqst white. At pre' sent, the holder of the claim wishes its precise locality kept a secret, but has no objection tp state that it is within six miles of the township of Beechwqrth. We are informed, however, from another source, that it is situated in the ranges at the back of Hurdle Plat ; that the discoverer was a French miner, who, .after taking about half-a-dozen ounces of gold from the surface, thought the reef had run out, and abandoned it, and that it was then again taken up by Mr Michael Scanlon (the wellrknown reefer and discoverer of the celebrated Kerry Eagle Reef), who it; at. present the fortunate holder. Such a find as, this proves beyond a doubt that the gqld of the Ovens district is not worked out. Our own expressed opinion has long been that plenty of reefs are to be found in the ranges near Hurdle Flat, Rocky Point, Yackandandah, Wooragee, and elsewhere, which would yield at least one, two or three ounces to the ton. At the Preston Vale Waterworks a day or two ago (says the Tarrangower Times) a wellknown Maldon miner who had been indulging in the deceits of Bacchus for some days, had a touch of the present punishment accorded to topers in the shape of the horrors. His mates kept a strict watch upon him, and daring one phase of this horrible lunacy, a very ludicrous scene occurred. He peeped through a chink of the door of the hut, and repeated to himself, but in a loud tone of voice, "Oh, Jimmy, I see you," several times. A tame magpie belonging to the boarding-house keeper, suddenly alighted on Jim's head, and commenced to laugh as only magpies and lunatics Can. Down went Jimmy on his knees, and being under the firm impression that the father of all evil had him last, prayed earnestly to the old gentleman to let him off this time, " Oh, pray let me go," shrieked he, "and I'll never get drunk any more." The onlookers were too much convulsed with laughter to interfere for a minute or two, after which they removed the magpie, who seemed to enjoy the affair as much as they did. Fortunately the great fright sobered him, and he quickly got through his fit, and has been temperate ever since. An eye-witness of the scene describes it as ludicrous iv the extreme. The Wellington Eoening Mail of the 28th January says : — "The diggers at Coromanl del, tired of waiting for the slow process of opening the Ohinemuri — which they fondly believe to be a rich field — according to law and Maori custom, have taken the matter into their own hands, and determined to open the field by force. This, if carried out, will prove a very important proceeding, and can scarcely fail to change our relations with the native race. . We are far from approving of any portion of the community setting themselves up to act independent of, or in opposition to, the established law of the land ; still it is impossible to avoid thinking that, situated as we are with reference to the Maoris, especially those with whom the diggers are likely to be brought into contact, and the utter failure of all our efforts to coerce them sdom regie, that a collision between the races, which sooner or later appears inevitable, would not be a misfortune. There can be little doubt of the ultimate result. Paid forces and friendly Maori 3, lukewarm in the cause, may have failed ; English soldiers, restrained by mistaken philanthropy and divided counsels among their commanders, may have had only partial success ; but, when it comes to an earnest struggle of Anglo-Saxon against savage, however brave, the prestige of our name bids fair to be restored. Perhaps this digger expedition to the Ohinemuri may contain the germs of true and lasting peace, never to be established till the Maori is convinced of his inferiority, and thoroughly cowed. A very mysterious case conuected with the death .of a young woman, a domestic servant, named Margaret Boyce (to which frequent reference has been . made in our t jlegrams), has occupied public attention in Sydney during the past week. " Margaret," ssys the Sydney Umpire, '*was a young woman of good character, and of more than ordinary personal attractions. She appears to have been a general favorite with her acquaintances, and although she had many admirers among the other sex, and was of a very lively disposition, there is the strongest ground for believing that she was a very modest, chaste, well-conducted girL It appears that on the night of the 19th ultimo, she went, in company with her brother and one of her sisters, to visit another sister, who lived as servant in one of the houses in Lyons Terrace, Hyde Park. Margaret left there, in company with her brother and sister, at about 10 o'clock at night, and walked with them to her employer's residence in George street. They there parted, Margaret, a3 she was leaving the other two, saying that the rain which was falling would spoil her bonnet if she stopped longer. She then ran across the street towards her employer's, and this was the last that was seen of her alive, so far as the evidence has gone. The distance from where she left her Drother and sister to her master's house was only about 150 yards, and it was raining heavily, but yet there is no evidence that she ever reached the house. On the following morning her dead body was found at Pyrmont, in the water, close to thp shore, and the medical evidence proved that she died by drowning. Whether she was mur- > dered, as some believe, whether she committed suicide, or whether she met her death by accident, is as yet involved in the deepest mystery. There is not, in fact, so far as the evidence has gone, the slightest clue to the cause which led to her death, or to explain why she did not enter her master's house when she left her brother and sister on the opposite side of tho street to do so. What has added not a little to the interest felt in the case is the fact that a tall, slight man, whose face and name not one of her friends had ever seen or heard, but who was said to be an admirer of Margaret's, and who was known to her acquaintances as 'the Slab,' was seen by a boy in the vicinity of her employer's shop in her company immediately after she left her brother and sister on the night in question. A small parcel, which she had in her hand when she parted from her relatives, was found in the roadway next morning at the corner of Bathuret and Sussex streets. Tliis fact would seem to indicate that she could not have entered her employer's house when she crossed the street apparently to do so, and would also give some reason for supposing that a struggle must have taken place between her and come assailant at that place." ' ' '•: