GREY VALLEY DIGGINGS.

Grey River Argus, Volume X, Issue 775, 5 January 1871, Page 3

GREY VALLEY DIGGINGS.

[from an occasional correspondent.] On Friday last, a large fire occurred at Mr John Reid's saw-mill, whereby a shed, 30 feet, long, was totally destroyed. One of the men was determined to celebrate Christmas, and accordingly decorated the room, and, while putting some dry toohey grass over the mantelpiece, a gust of wind carried a portion of it into the fire. It immediately blazed up, and communicated with the thatched roof. Great efforts were made to extinguish the tire, but without avail, and the whole of the building was destroyed. This is a very serious loss to the owner, and much sympathy is felt for him. lam happy to state that the machinery and the other buildings did not sustain any damage. Ever since this undertaking was : started, the proprietor seems to have experienced nothing but reverses ; and it is to be hoped that in the coming year he vill receive that return his spirited enterprise: and pluck entitle him to. If the mill Were once thoroughly at work, many improvements could be made both in the Ahaura and its •urroundings. New Year's Day will be remembered by all, but especially by those who have

suffered pecuniary loss, and among the number will most likely be f;)und Mr W. Day. Some nine months since Mr Day applied for and obtained an agricultural lease for some ground at the foot of Potham s Hill. He at once commenced clearing it, and had two and a half acres under cultivation. That which was a densely timbered piece of ground was soon covered with peas, lettuces, melons, and other garden produce. As the ground was cleared the brushwood was stacked up on the edge to answer as a fence, and it is believed that some person passing on the road, and after lighting his pipe, must have inadvertently thrown the lighted [match into the fence, and hence the direful fruit-— the crop was burned up. Two men have been constantly working at. the ground during the last six months, and the crop was remarkably promising. The estimated loss is about L2OO. The death and burial of the old year, and the birth and christening of the new was duly celebrated in our heretofore quiet town by a homogenious band, selected from all grades and professions, who catered to the amusement of the public by performing some of the most difficult pieces of music on the moat varied and singular instruments, and on which none but expert hands could have operated. On the memorable night of the 31st of December my slumbers were disturbed by low murmuring sounds indicating the above dissolution and birth. I proceeded to White's verandah, Camp street, and saw my literary friend of the Grey Valley Times engaged in forming this immortal band, and amusing the onlookers by feeling for the key-note, and at last tuning up to the mark. This band of wanderers started on their journey at double quick to "Johnny Comes Marching Home." The first rank consisted of two wellknown gentlemen, who* were discoursing melodiou? sounds from stove-pipes, ably supported by a disciple of Esculapyus (who was operating upon a kerosene tin), and brought the surveyor's staff frequently to account. This worthy band favored every publican with a call, and after partaking of cheap beer wound up by singing, or chanting, or murdering the National Anthem in front of the police camp, much to the discomfiture of our "posse comitatus." The Ahaura folks have had some sports, but time will not permit for a description thereof. Suffice it to say they passed off well and satisfactory. The weather continued fine, and the sports at Half-Ounce were resumed with unabated vigor. The Greasy Pole was the first event, and perhaps the most exciting of the whole, and was well contested. Mr Hayes and Messrs Christy and M 'Donald conjointly gave a suit of clothes, and this prize attracted more competitors than was at first supposed would be secured, and the victory fell to the lot of John M'Veigh, commonly known. as Belfast Jack. The pole was well greased, and the suit of clothes was very nearly won on several occasions but somehow or other it still was suspended •et a provoking height. Much merriment was created, and one or two were properly "greased down." The were five entries for the Handicap Flat Race. The start I Was well effected, but Marryat was declared the winner, Nagle a good second. Seven gentlemen tried their hand at Tossing the Caber 29ft long. The prize, L 2, was not, in my opinion, sufficient for the exertion. Andrew Nichol was the winner. Wrestling, Collar and EJbow —-Ist prize, L 5; 2nd prize, L 2 10s. There were Tjut three entries ior this, which is very much to be regretted and somewhat remarkable that at place like Half-Ounce, having such a large population, so few could be found to participate in this good old genuine sport. Carroll, Ist ; Allwell, 2nd. Standing Flat Leap — Rawlinson, Ist prize L 2. The Jumping in Sacks created the usual mirth, rud 1 was truly surprised at seeing the jumpiiig so good when the ground io taken into consideration. Six of them got well away together, and after a good race M'Donald won, with Edwards second. Running Flat Leap ; 5 entries — Rowlinson, Ist ; and Morris, 2nd ;L2 and LI. Standing High Leap ; 3 entries — Marshall, Ist, L 2; Morris, 2nd, LI. All things considered, this was well contested, though the height was less than 1 expected. Running High Leap ; 5 entries—Marshall, Ist, L 2 ; Marryat, 2nd, LI. frrom the first Marshall was the favorite, and, as the result proved, the best. Marryat leaped very well, and only requires practice. . The Three-legged Race wai not in any way worthy of special notice. \ The neit. event was a single-stick match between a German and an' ltalian. The German, Hattemer, had his admirers, and the Italian, Ferdinand, his. When, the combatants entered the ring several parties cried out, "Go it Prussia," " Rip in France," and' all sorts of friendly jokes and good natured chaff were freely given and received. The two were thoroughly up to their work, and after a hard contest and the exchange of several heavy thrusts and blows the German was pronounced the victor. I was very glad to be out of the way as the craniums of these gentlemen must be very hard aud their bodies rather tough, but I am happy to add that the services of the worthy doctor were jjiot required. The best feeling reigned, and both the competitors preserved their tempers and did not disgrace their instructors. This brought the sports to a close, and the Committee deserve especial notice for the efficient manner in which they were conducted from first to last. A balance-sheet was immediately prepared, audited by Mr Young, and read over to the -subscribers, when, oh, gratifying announcement, there was a small balance in hand. Mr Skead deserves commendation for the manner in which he discharged his duties as secretary.