REEFTON LETTER.

Lyell Times and Central Buller Gazette, Volume VI, Issue 256, 16 January 1886, Page 2

REEFTON LETTER.

(from our own correspondent.) January 13th, 1880. New Year does not dawn upon us with very brilliant expectations in view. On the contrary, it has somewhat of a gloomy leaden look, with the clouds of dullness hanging low. The weatherwise, however, and those of a hopeful disposition predict a change, and that for the better, and are able to discern through all our gloomy surroundings a brightness in that quarter from whence will blow the breezes of prosperity to clear off our doubts and anxieties. I trust they are true prophets, and that favouring gales,

Strong and steady, may waft 18% to the port of contentment.

Work in the mines has once more dropped into its usual daily routine, hut there is as yet very little in the way of a change to chronicle. The Keep-it-Dark is sinking a winze towards the south end of their stone, and are down about 50 feet, the stone showing gold freely, and the reef (wider than the winze, for they have but 0113 wall in view) is supposed to be 0 or 7 feet in width, and with very little water to trouble them. The upper levels of this claim were exceedingly wet and uncomfortable to work, as four shifts out of the six weekly, might be depended on as giving a wet shirt, if not a thorough soaking, and as a rule men engaged there would leave the claim if able to get work in any other mine. The contrary is the ease now, the country is solid and the ground dry, though two or three hundred feet below the river running past the shaft, and the workers in the mine are careful to keep their billets. The battery is kept steadily going grinding out the usual monthly dividends, the present level likely lasting for another two years.

The Nil Desperandum has just let a contract for enlarging the chamber, and repairing the shaft over it leading to the surface, down which the winding ropes will run, this work being necessary before operations below ean be commenced. The wheel is getting a thorough coating of tar by an experienced artist, and things generally, are getting ship-shape.

At the Big River matters are assuming a definite form, and the erection of a battery is all but decided on. "Water can be utilised as the motive power, and preference, I believe, is given to the Pelton wheel, which, from its simplicity, effectiveness and durability is likely to come into general use. The stone in this claim has been well tested, and though not wide and somewhat broken, promises to give excellent returns, the expected yield being three to four ounces to the ton. The ground is pierced by a tunnel which is driven to the reef, and the lode has been risen on from the level to the surface, about 150 feet. It has also been sunk on for some depth, and the tracing of the reef north and south is the work now going on in the mine. It is possible as the lode deepens it may assume a more connected and solid appearance, which, with the present show of gold, would make it an exceedingly productive property.

In common with the rest of the island we have had our quota of bush fires, the town for days together being enveloped in a dense cloud of smoke from the burning hills surrounding it. On Sunday the fire-engine was called out and succeeded, after some hours of exertion, in checking its advance towards the north part of the town where the partly cleared land is overun with ferns, but not before two or three small places were burnt down, and others had a narrow escape, having repeatedly caught fire from the rain of burning leaves and bark. Fortunately the wind was light that day, or immense damage would have been done. Light showers fell yesterday and the day previous, and quenched all but the burning trees and logs.

Reefton has always taken credit for being musical; the strumming of a piano can be heard in all quarters and at all hours. Naturally one would suppose, with such an amount of latent musical talent, the advert of a celebrated pianiste, Madame Summerhayes, would be seized on as an opportunity to discover the possibilities obtainable from that instrument, and listen to the rhapsodical renderings of a first-class performer. Madame was also well supported in comedy and song, but the attraction was not sufficient, and she played to almost empty houses. A troup of Negro Minstrels are intending to pay us a visit, that is more on a level with Reefton, and I can promise the burnt corkists a bumper house. Thady.