SOUTH BEACH.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1365, 13 December 1872, Page 2

SOUTH BEACH.

(from ovr own correspondent.) , _. December 11. On the Lagoon Lead there are two parties at work; Englert and party at the NjOrth end where they are taking the old lead on a face ; and at the South end, the "Perseverance^ Company who have met with considerable . drawbacKs at various times by slips from the high terrace. The main tunnel that was taken up to prospept the ground that' had been left and untried, is now being utilised by being used as an underground head race, all the surplus water that can be procured being run into a shaft, and again raised at the mouth of the tunnel to admit of its being flumed over the Lagoon on to- the beach,, where it is practically turned to some account. The beach from Paroa to 'the top end of the La joon was left untouched till lately, and is now found to pay admirably. Of course the reason of its being left was on account of there being no water handy, and the difficulty as well as expense in getting it there. It is very questionable if it would even now have been done had it not been for the entire failure of the prospecting parties on the Lagoon Lead. So there is some consolation in knowing that good has arisen out of evil; There are two if not three parties working on the beach, and report speaks of them as doing very well. The principal workings from Paroa to the town boundary may be said to comprise chiefly those parties sluicing. The North Star claim on the Stony Lead and a few parties on the beach, some of whom have wheel claims. There has been another claim taken to the south of the Hit or Miss, and the party are making every preparation to give the ground a thorough trial. The Hit or Miss are gradually extending their workings. They were compelled some time since to erect a larger wheel, as their former one was found to be too small foe practical use. The Cooperative Company have nearly finished their work on the run nearest the terrace towards the Hit or Miss. The public are anxious to know what steps the Road Board intend taking to' secure the grant of money which has been placed at their disposal by the General Government. It mu3t be borne in mind that unless it ia claimed before the 30th June it will. lapse. It is to ba hoped that the Board will lose no time in initiating the works that this money must be laid out on, and not delay till it is too late, thereby placing some unfortunate contractor to a great disadvantage, and causing him much inconvenience.