MINING REPORT.

Kumara Times, Issue 645, 22 October 1878, Page 2

MINING REPORT.

[From our Special Mining Reporter.]

Since my last report a good many paddocks on Mignonette Flat have been washed up, and although as a rule not very flash, still in mostly every •case they have been found payable. I have no doubt that when the claims get a little more opened up, the padlocks will shape a little better, as this claimholders will be able to make a better selection o£ the washdirt tjiey take, aqd may be able to leave some, that; must be taken now to make room. M'Kenzte's party washed a paddock from their higher level, which did not turn out so well as.the lower level, but will pay good wages. It is an encouraging feature in the Flat that there i? more than one payable level, as it will last much longeiv It is feared by join e that the runs that have been got won't, last long; but it is more than likely that there are more runs than they think, as in many instances where two or three claims think they, have the same run, it may turn out to be a -different run for each, as it has done in other parts of Kumara. There is a regulaf network of fluming, wherever there are claims, which is a.great.ad-, vantage the Flat has over the older workings that in many instances had to wait a long time hefore the water was brought in. As the workings extend towards the Hokitika and Greenstone road, it is likely the water-supply will.be brought trom some of the old workings behind Dunedin Flat. There is great need for a branch track, as there is really no wav to get to it without wading through mud to the knees; but in this much-governed country one hardly knows who to apply to. It is to be hoped the late visit of Dr. Hector will result in some good to the district,,by HfTordiug the Government some information as to its wants. > If the people who have encountered all the hardships that are incidental to the opening of a new diggings, are to reap any beneßt from the iarge area "of sluicing ground that has been proved payable for that mode of working, the : Go-, vernraent will have speedily to step in with some assistance. £To surer return of any money that may be judiciously

invested exists in any Goldfield in the colony, for, besides creating a demand for the large supply of water the Government has at its disposal, the spec is a bona fide one even if the water had to be brought in,. Dillman's Town iB rather slow in making any sign of progress in the prospecting line, but perhaps they are "waiting till the. weather clears up; but it would seem there is little liklihood of that, while our friend in Wellington remains in charge .of the weather. A friend of mine remarked the other day there was little chance of fine weather till the control of the elements'were relegated to their original owner.