NEW RIVER DISTRICT.

Grey River Argus, Volume XI, Issue 1020, 2 November 1871, Page 2

NEW RIVER DISTRICT.

[from our own correspondent.] November 1. Several parties are now working in the bed of the New River, about four or five miles above the Liverpool store, and report speaks of them doing very well. Shoujd the summer, be favorable to this kind of work, it is sjiid that it will keep a good population well employed. Paterson and Wood's Creeks are also spoken of most favorably, and some extensive tunnelling is in course of operation. It is here where the Morning Star and the New River Gold Mining Companies hold their ground, and it is to intersect their run of gold that the other parties are now trying. Both of these celebrated claims are doing very well, and have been for some time past. Lancashire Gully .still retains its good reputation, whilst the same may be said of Italians. The New River Water-Race Company are •■ indefatigable in their endeavors to forward the construction of their magnificent race, which they have completed as far as [the point where the long tunnel commences. They are now busily employed at this work, and although the whole length' of it will be 2000 ft and up- ' wards, they have already lessened.it by ISOOft. They are working at both ends, and are divided into four, .shifts. At present they find the rock extremely hard, and are compelled to blast it before they can make any impression. Had it not been for this, the tunnel would have been i finished by Christmas, bnt as it is it will ; take some few weeks longer. It was forI merly intended to make use of one of the tributaries of the left-hand branch of the New River to serve as a race, and by placing a dam across it, so raise the water again. However, it is now thought the most judicious plan will be to cut the race, as by doing so considerable fall will be thus saved, which is of the greatest consequence, and will materially enhance its value when it is completed. Miners living on the south side of the New River complain bitterly of there being no bridge over the river, as they are often very much inconvenienced when it is flooded. No doubt this will soon be rectified, as tenders are now <>utto construct the main road from the Greenstone to Marsden, and this will be included in it. The bridge when completed will!certainly be a great boon, and appreciated by one and all. Marsden, although it is only two years in existence, is now a promising township. It already boasts jof four hotels, three wholesale and retail stores, a baker, shoemaker, blacksmith, gardener, besides being the terminus of the Paroa and Marsden tram, and last, though not least, three butchers, who Bupply their customers with the bestof meat, that will bear favorable comparison with those in Greymouth. There are, however, great wants in this township, which it is to be hoped will soon be supplied, for at present there is no place of worship nor is there any school. The number of children about here shows the urgency of the establishment of one. Great sports are to be held at Marsden during Christmas week. Already has " Peter the Bellman" looked up his red coat, and is preparing a full programme to entertain all who stay at home. It is understood that the sports will be advertised in the Argus a fortnight previous to Christmas, and all who are fond of Christmas cheer and jolity will no doubt patronise our friend —"Peter the Bellman."