The Lyell Times. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1885.

Lyell Times and Central Buller Gazette, Volume V, Issue 238, 5 September 1885, Page 2

The Lyell Times. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1885.

The monthly general cleaning-up at the United Alpine battery took place yesterday, but as the retorting process was not quite finished last night, the parcel of gold will not be down until to-day. The quantity ot stone milled during the crushing is 730 tons, and the yield of gold therefrom, is expected to be 600 ounces, (approximative). The sittings of the R.M. and Warden's Courts fixed for Wednesday last, had to be postponed, owing to the inclemency of the weather and the next-to-impassable state of the roads preventing the Magistrate from travelling. The Courts will fee held at ten, this morning.

We have received a letter from " Back Gully," who complains about, and enquires why such short notice is being given, of (ate, in announcing County works to be constructed, and the closing dates of the respective tenders therefor. It is, certainly, a matter of importance to all on the look-out for contract works, that ample time for inspection of the ground &c, and for compliance with the time allowance, as to forwarding of deposit, and tender, should be given ; and especially, when any emergency such as bad weather, is likely to interfere with the same.

There is to be a total eclipse of the sun on Wednesday next, the 9th inst., and which will be visible as such, in the southern part of the North Island, and the northern part of the South Island. The width of the track from which the total phase is visible, will be not more than 103 miles, extending across Cook's Straits. At Nelson, the eclipse commences at Gh. 31m. a.m., and ends at Bh. 45m. The sun will be totally obscured at 7h. 34m. remaining so, for 1 minute and 11 seconds ; but the interesting phenomenon taking place so early in the morning and when the sun will be low and pretty well hidden from view by the hills, little more than the mere effect will be visible at Lyell. As will be seen in our advertising columns, fresh tenders are being called for the construction of sections 2 and 3, Eight Mile track extension, and which close at 4 p.m. on Thursday next. We hear that someone in Charleston was the lowest tenderer on the first occasion ; report adding, that the party's figure for the whole work, was more like a price for one section, than the two.

It was during last Monday's bad weather that nearly all of tht damage was caused to the main road, and vary naturally, the

fact that not a Land's turn w s dune in the way of removing any of the obstructions, until late, yesterday, lias trovokU a good deal of lively comment, and certainly a somewhat excusable ainoujt of warmth of expression on the parts of those who are likely to be most hindered thereby. The present County arrangements would not appear as providing fo • emergencies of the kind, so that th ■

sooner maintenance contracts lor section 5 and 6 of the road are let,—the better. ; and by that means there would be a way of ascertaining whose business it was to clear off slips and other hinlrances to traffic, as they might arise. As is elsewhere announced, Mr W. A. Ellis, lecturer, clairvoyant, and medical psychometrist, will give one of his entertaining and instructive performances here this evening. The papers at the different leading centres where this gentleman has appeared, all teem with the highest testimony as to ins remarkable, and indeed astounding powers as that ot a thought reader, delineator of character, and medical clairvoyant. He reads character, disease, temperament, and other peculiarities, from photos, locks of hair, hand-writing, &c, and can also connect the article produced, with events long transpired. We regret not having space available to further notice tha extraordinary powers professed by Mr Ellis, but numbers of our leading contemporaries clearly accord him the possession of some gifted power, which, although said to be natural, in his case, partakes almost of the superhuman. Ever since Sunday morning last, when the coach from the Nelson end passed through all right ; postal communication has been greatly interfered with, and the driver of the Reefton-Fern Flat stage,— Mr George Newman, has certainly had a trying time 01" it during the week. The first mails to-hand, were those from Iveefton and Westport, which arrived her® on Thursday afternoon, and as the road was impassable for wheel traffic between Junker's and Lyell, the coach had to be left behind at the former place, anil the bags packed in here, on horseback. T> start the northern mails, on their ivay to Nelson, was the next difficulty, but as the first five miles of road, out of Lyell, were barely safe for foot traffic, there was no course left open, but that of swagging them. Accordingly, Mr Newman and the Lyell groom started off on foot, in marching order, and at 2 a.m. next morning, a horseman, having the downNelson mail, met them at Prytherick's : he having relieved them of their charge, returned to connect with the coach, which waited at Fern Flat. The Nelson mail was carried on to Lyell, and the downcountry ones despatched on pack-horses, at about the usual hour. The mail contractors are complaining (and with every reason too, we think) of the neglectful manner in which the important matter, of keeping the road clear for traffic is being treated by the County authorities. A little time ago, a certain piece of County work, having for its object the improvement of the crossing of the main road at Flax-bush Creek, was let at the figure of £G7 10s. It is only three weeks out-of-hand, and now we hear that the work has simply been wrecked by the last flood. Although we do not suppose that the item will quite rum the Council, still, the slightest suspicion or the least rumor that public money is beiiiL: uselessly expended, or disbursed in such a way that adequate value, general ntility, and thorough substantial work are not secured, is a matter which should be dealt with at the right time and place. Responsible officers who understand thenwork should see to these things. We do not wish to reflect upon the contractors {who are said to have made the work at least, a financial success) but certainly, if all the hard things be true which are being said about this historical spot,— Flax-bush Creak, the designer of the work appears to have very considerably under-rated what was really required. Perhaps the time has now arrived, when the crossing here, will be made further

hack ; and where the action of the Bullet* is less likely to operate. Another contract ! and more money to be spent. Owing to the severity of the weather, our mining reporter has been unable to go his rounds this week, but the mines will take their usual order in our next. The feature of the week, in mining, has been the striking of the north block in

the United Alpina Company's mine. On the 3rd instant, Mr Couradsen reported having struck a large body of stone in the cross-cut being put in with that object, from the main rise, and at a point 15 feet below No. 5 level. It carries good gold, and is now being stripped, .so as to ascertain the under-lay, with the view of further tracing it, lower down. This is, undoubtedly, a most valuable discovery, and the news of the " find," will be most welcome, both to the fortunate shareholders, and also those interested in mining in the district, alik?.