THE TUNNEL HEAD-RACE AND OUR SPECIAL MINING REPORTER.

Kumara Times, Issue 2039, 12 March 1883, Page 2

THE TUNNEL HEAD-RACE AND OUR SPECIAL MINING REPORTER.

[to the editor.] Mr Editor—While almost everybody is talking about the world-renowned special correspondent Mr Forbes, a good number in our little world of Kumara are talking of your Special Mining correspondent, and wondering who he can be. I have heard it confidently asserted that" you commissioned your printer's devil to take notes on mining matters, and that the bunkum that appeared about the Government tunnel-head-race was his production. One thing I am sure of—that no man working in the tunnel gave expression to such rhodomontade rot as was made to appear. Everybody that knows anything of such matters knows that a new tunnel could not be driven for 10 shillings per foot, and also that the present tunnel was falling to pieces, and would have required nearly as much outlay in repairs even if it had not been widened. It is rather a ticklish job, and with the best. of care may take a run that might cause a day or two days' stoppage of water, and then your special would look wise and ask, Did'nt I tell you so 1 Jn support of the idea of your Special being identical with the devil—l mean your devil, some say that scene on the tramway behind the little girls was like him. Now I for one don't believe it. In passing, he might have snatched a kiss, but to dog the steps of a few school girls and play eves-dropper, I dont be-

lieve he would do it; and I ask you, Mr Editor, to give the devil his due, and contradict that idea. Then some say that the aspersions cast upon some of the party that Hugh M'Masters bought into is the work of your devil, for their having lifted his marbles in passing up Seddon street one evening. Now I dont think the devil would be so mean as to prostitute his advantages in venting mean spite like that. If your Special should happen to have a practical idea, about him anywhere relating to mining or sluicing, by all means let us have it; if not, would you tell him to shut up. A Cove up the Lead. March 10, 1883.