TINKERS GULLY.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 60, 25 March 1870, Page 3

TINKERS GULLY.

• (From our own Correspondent.) J . i ," :: March 15, 1870. The quartz fever that, was so prevalent some time ago has now considerably abated, and the general public- appear to be recovering from the epidemic. Parties have been prospecting on the Tinkers side of. the Dunstan ranges, but, I am., sorry-to-inform you, without success. Alluvial mining in and about Tinkers is, with its characteristic perseverance, steadily progressing, with the same satisfactory results. The continued dry weather diminishes to a great extent the constant supply of water,and all feel its want. This place is far different, in every phase, to the Mount Ida district. That is, to rent water at so much per head 'per week is simply out of the question, and therefore strikes against demands of race owners are not anticipated to take place here. The universal feeling is a hope that the differences which now agitate your community have ere this been satisfactorily adjusted. It is a pleasing and cheering source of amusement to have to report' any improvement that takes place to the saving .of. physical labor, and at the same time curtailing, to a great extent, the)annual expenses-of mining comj panies. To the introduction of a new | era in mining affairs the Province will be indebted to Mr. Hugh Devine and Mr. M'Cluskey, of the Blue Mountain Company, Tinkers. This company, fronr the originality of their ideas, and the trouble they have calmly taken to become the introducers of what will hereafter be an acknowledged boon to all mining communities, are deserving of every encouragement and praise. Thev have for months past been in active correspondence with the leading firms in the foundry line, and I am happy to be the means of informing you that the conveyance of water can be accomplished at a cheaper rate by substitute iron pipes instead of the common canvas'hose. In 3 =this respect the requirements of companies vary according to the nature of ground. To those not actually engaged .the fact might not occur to them that the expenses of Messrs. Devine and party to obviate this difficulty have' been somewhat considerable, and I hope they may be'■;themeans of successfully „ introducing an improvement into one of the most importantbranches of industry in the Province. In the company previously alluded to I might state that from the termination of their head race v to the face of their .workings the distance varies from 400 to 600 yards. Eor the constant supply of the necessary pressure it is :obvious that the agent be confined to its legitimate sphere at the cheapest cost. ' To remedy this Messrs. Devine, M'Cluskey, Donnelly and Benton are the first to initiate a principle that hitherto has never been suggested, and may success crown' their worthy endeavors. Allowing, by easy computation, that iron piping can tuted for the canvas hose, then no doubt a great saving in labor and expenses would be obtained withouteven taking into cohsideration the durabilitv of the one or the perishable nature of the other. Canvas hose, especially when made by the miners, upon an average may be put down to . cost them three j shillings per lineal yard, and by the force of pressure, and the effects arising from the decomposition of vegetable matter, render it a matter of necessity to be renewed at least five times in two years. ' By the introduction of iron pipes numerous drawbacks would be avoided in the shape of portions of the seams bursting in consequence of the, inability of the canvas to sustain heavy pressure. It is not to be assumed that this change can be adopted by small X)arties, ,who are from necessity compelled to rent water, and whose stay in a locality may be: temporary. The district of Tinkers may and no doubt is an exception, as the companies all use their own water, and are not limited to the area of a common claim, but have at command a territory as large and as extensive as some of the German principalities, and all have, without doubt, profitable employment before them, should they live to the patriarchal age of Methuselah.

The Blue Duck Company are deepening their tail race, which will b.e completed, in a few days. Mr. Patrick M'Cliiskey, whose business requires his presence at home sold out a few days

ago for £6O, and the purchaser considers it a lucky investment. Mr. M'Cluskey is much respected and esteemed here, and it is the wish of every one that he will have a safe and comfortable journey home. |§ Messrs.. HolmlliScott, and Company have just completed their tail race, and are about to commence to wash away Mr. Mellor's 14 a,:re paddock. From the known nature of the ground it is estimated, from the powerful supply of water they are able to bring to bear upon- it, that one acre will be cleared away weekly. Thompson and Co., Sugar Cane Hill, continue to do well, and are likely to do so for many years to come. Vasey and Company, Smokers, are ! also satisfied with the proceeds of their labor. : Mr. Michael Sammon, of Abyssinian Plat, is doing remarkably well/and constantly employs a number of hired men. \ Owing to the increasing traffic through Tinkers to the Bendigo quarts reefs, Mr. Mellor of the Ballarat Hotel, to meet the requirements of increased traffic, has enlarged his premises, and just completed a,new stable capable of ! stalling twenty horses. A grand concert took place on the evening of the 11th inst., in the new school-room, Matakanui, and being the -first affair of the kind, that has taken place in this vicinity, the room was crowded: Great praise is due the St. Bathans Troupe for their voluntary attendance, and for the excellent and efficient manner all performed their part. The cause for which they did .everything in their power to amuse was good, and the object a laudable one. When we reflect that the entertainment was given with the view of affording to parents an opportunity to give the rising gen-ration an education, I am highly pleased Jand satisfied at the result. It is alike important to the State, and the duty of all, to provide for the education of the young. Impart nnto them knowledge, and no tyrant will \ ever trample upon their liberties; give j unto them education, and the iron heel; of the despot will never trample in I ruins the fabric of their freedom.