MINING REPORT.

Kumara Times, Issue 2756, 22 July 1885, Page 2

MINING REPORT.

[By our Special Mining Reporter.] There can be no doubt about it that we have in Mr Gow's successor to the management of the water-races a thorough matter-of-fact man, and, like Mr Gow, entirely free from that abominable thing in a public servant, red tape. Mr Dand has many advantages over Mr Gow in carrying out a strict and undeviating line of action, untrammelled by a knowledge of the many drawbacks that a good many parties have had to undergo, with poorness of ground and difficulties in working, &c. In trying to equalise, as it were, the many inequalities that exist here was the rock that Mr Gow split on. To be uncompromising may seem hard, but, unless everyone is served alike, there can be no satisfaction either to the Government or the miners themselves, and far less so to the manager. We are fast approaching the time when all the shifts will be able to start and finish with daylight, which will relieve a good many from a very dangerous and uncomfortable thing—sluicing in the dark. I believe the contractors for No. 2 sludge-channel are progressing fairly well, but unless the inspector of the job sees that the necessary works such as preparing for ventilation, &c, are proceeded with so that there will be no unnecesary delay, it is just possible we may be found sluicing in the dark next winter again. The channel has been working much more satisfactorily for some weeks back, on account, I believe, of some patchwork having been replaced with new paving ; at any rate Billy's whistle and that of the other boys is seldomer heard announcing that the ball is up. Last week the water was not expected to hold out till Saturday, but the week was finished with it, and on Monday a start was again made, and by some mysterious squeezing process the supply was kept up in the channel till about one o'clock, when old Davy got tired of squeezing ; but, not to have all hands growling at once, he kept on the private parties till night, that is, those who do not sluice into the channel. The capacity of No. 2 dam has been well tested on this occasion, aiid it has fallen far short of what was expected of it by the majority of people. A great many think the embankment is strong enough

to stand considerably raising. A folding gate was put into the bye wash lately, but it proves to be quite inadequate to the requirements of the place ; and as there is a sufficient rain-fall on the coast, it is a great pity it should not be secured, and made available in dry seasons. It is absurd for the Government to say the sludge-channel dont pay, when they do not avail themselves of the opportunity of having it constantly worked. It must be patent to everyone that unless our water storage is increased, the No. 2 channel, if completed to-morrow, would be nothing more nor less than a white elephant; and I do not think the present session should be allowed to close without the attention of the Government being called to this matter through the member for the district.

A few claims are taking advantage of the dry spell, in having necessary alterations made, such as shifting flumes and pipes, &c, but it is to be hoped that before the week is out we will have a regular downpour.