THE INANGAHUA REEFS.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1091, 25 January 1872, Page 2

THE INANGAHUA REEFS.

[from our own correspondent. \ ..•'■'■" REEFTON/Ja'n; 18.^ . Since my last communication a great deal of matter for correspondence has accumulated, as several events ; of importance to this .district have, taken. place. First in order conies the visit of Drfi^ctpr. That gentleman paid us. a flying visit last week, but o Wing to pressing engagements elsewhere, only stayed a 'day, which uveify much to be regretted, as the limited .time at his disposal only enabled, him .to, take passing notice of Shiel's prospectingclaim, the Victoria claim, and the! .coal seams, which last appeared to v interest : him considerably more: than the gold seams, although irom the 'very: few ; remarks he did make about the reefs induces the inference that his report will be beneficial to the district. - - ' • . \At an early, hour, on ; Monday morning Mr Woplley, the District Surveyor, commenced extending the survey of the township. It having transpired, that it was intended to cut up a portion of the Camp Reserve into allotments, a great deal of excitement was caused, as the position was considered good for' business sites, but as it was uncertain which part of the ground would be ultimately reserved, the whole block, consisting of 10 acres, was, at early dawn, pegged off into, business sections, and. tenaciously held, until Vthe Surveyor made his appearance and decided the fate of unfortunate ones who had pinned their fate and their notices on the wrong side of the Reserve. A number of blank f^acesjiyas^^he natural consequence on this side, while on the other a number of scratched faces testified -to Jtie sangnnity of the combat which had taken place to obtain the coveted block. It is not to be wondered at that fists and faces had come in contact when it was taken > into consideration that . of . about half-a-dozen claimants to every section, each respectively, maintained,that his particular peg was the first in the ground. However, ample consolation was afforded to the beaten : claimants, as several new streets were laid off, affording an oppois tunity to ; all of securing Beotions. , A great mistake was made in the jirst survey iii limiting the sections to a depth of 66ft; the regulations: .providing; 99, -which is even insufficient for building purposes in what may be expected tb.be a permanent town. Sanitary. considerations alone make it desirable that larger sections, together with rights-of-way at the rear of thebuilding3 should be provided; Mr WoolleyftfM extending the town, has, I hear, la|d^^B the sections 33x99, the limit by the ref^PP A new rush to Boatman's Creek has taken place within* , The place is situate about ten miles from this in a northerly direction. -, It is reported that gold has been discovered in ' a mullocky leader, with every indication .of a reef existing ; but at present^ accounts from it are very vague and conflicting ; but I hope in ; my. next to give more authentic information. O'Malley's new track was opened for traffic yesterday, several pack horses having arrived per that route. The discovery of this line of road will prove an inestimable boon to the district. Mr Wbolley, the District Surveyor, reports it practicable : f6r a good dray road, the saddle over which it will be necessary to bring the road not being morethian 360 ft high. The Government should take steps^to have this road constructed immediately, while the fine weather lasts, so that communication could be maintained with this place during the winter months. A serviceable dray road over about six or seven miles of easy country could be constructed at a comparatively sin^ll cost, whereby a speedy and. uninterrupjted communication could at ail times be kfjpt up with' Greymouth. It is epsential for the progress of this district and the development of its immense resources, that the work should he commenced at once, The people of the districts of Greymouth and Grey Valley should therefore lose no time in urging upon the Government the imperative necessity that exists for dealing with the matter forthwith. A public meeting was held on Saturday night last, at Ryan's Hotel, to consider the queston of leasing. Resolutions|were passed condemnatory pf the ;sys*3m altogether. The movement originated by a few agitators, lately arrived, who found it difficult to get 'claims .adjoining those working for the last two years, unless by taking the law into their own hands and jumping the leases, under considerations which, I am scrry to say,, they in many aases.have done j a, course" which it was uertainly most unwise to pursue, seeing that the Act distinctly stipulates that,

under any circumstances, ground applied; for by lease must not be interfered with : pending the granting or refusal of the same. By iheir action the jumpers have committed trespass and encroachment for -which they are amenable to the law ; and '■ their cause will not be assisted by the: action taken. The claims generally are I making progress, and shares appear to be changing hands at very fair figures. I am intormed that a gentleman, well- i kuown in Greymouth, has purchased an interest in the Prospecting Co. 's claim, j Shiel's, at the rate of L3BOO per one-; eighth share, and possessing an intimate . knowledge of qaaitz reefs generally, points to the conclusion that he is perfectly : oatisfied with the appearance of the reefs. I sincerely hope his pluck and enterprise may be rewarded as it merite. , . . Kelly and Co. purpose registering under the the Limited Act immediately, which will have the effect of increasing the value of shares four-fold. The system of working shares by half-wages being very unsatisfactory; the wisest course undoubtedly is to float the company under the scrip system, which affords the small capitalists an opportunity of participaf'u; in the scramble for riches.