HAMILTON.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 90, 4 November 1870, Page 3

HAMILTON.

November 1. Mining affairs are being pushed for-! Ward to the extreme length of the I sources at command, in prospect of a 1 dry summer, indications of which are' already apparent in the visible diminution of the water supply. Still, I do not anticipate an unusual scarcity, and taking into consideration the favorable weather we have had for many months,' this' season ought to be the best that we have seen for years. There are no washings-up of any moment to mention since my last, nor are there likely to be until the scarcity of water compels the larger companies to wash up for the season. t I observe that the United Company have taken up some ground at the Shepherd's Hut, and intend to work it while deepening their tail-race at the Balls, to enable them to command the. large extent of auriferous ground on Caledonian Plat. I hear that they have cot- some prospects at thejShepherd's Hut, and if so, the Cornish Company are likely to have powerful rivals for the possession of ground almost exclusively held by themselves. It is rumored, however, that the latter company ; ; f have made a handsome offer for the rproperty of the former, but I have not been able to get the exact amount. The price is likely to be High, as it appears to me to be the property in the district, and if in the possession of the Cornish Company would effectually debar any other party from getting a large supply of water on to the the Shepherd's' Hut. While on the subject, of water, I may mention that We are very , short of it in the township, owing to the Magna Hori Company diverting theirs through the ground of Mr. Bremner, and it is only through the kindness of Messrs. Campbell and "Williams, of the Bise and Shine Company, that we have any water in the township fit for domestic use, they allowing a small stream ■ to run past whenever required ; which water, I am told, the Magna Hori Company aforesaid are extremely desirous of appropriating, notwithstanding the inconsistence of the thing. Some months ago, two enterprising miners named G-unn and Bobin son applied for a race from the head of the Sowburn, to command some ground below Dr. Buchanan's home station and on the banks of the Taieri. The said race was partly constructed some three years ago by Pearson and party, who, however, abandoned it at the South-west G-ully, near the Sowburn. The present proprietors have successfully finished the undertaking about a week ago, and the prospects are so good that they have already been able to dispose of three shares, to experienced miners, at a high figure. I " have heard, however, that the purchasers are very well satisfied with their part of the transaction, and consider they have got it very cheap. They report the existence of a great extent of ground similar to what they have prospected, and which they consider will pay from £4 to £6 per week. I have to report an unfortunate accident which happened to a young man in the employ of Mr. Bremner, of this place, through the bursting of a gun. The particulars, as far as I can gather, are as follows : —lt appears that on the morning of the 30th ult., a party of five went on a shooting excursion, and had proceeded nearly to the Lake. When Basthope was in the act of firing the gun, the left-hand barrel burst near the breach, and a piece about four inches long struck him on the left hand, inflicting, a very severe wound on

the inside and fleshy part of it, extending towards the wrist, the- powder at the same time being driven with some foree into his face on the left side; fortunately,- however, his left eye, being. closed in firing, escaped injury. His* hand was dressed with such appliances as were to be got in the town, and immediately had him conveyed to Naseby, where he was placed under the care of Dr. M ; Cambridge, who, I am glad to hear, does not anticipate any serious consequences.

VV \.itDEN'a COUET.—OCT. 25. (Before H. VV. Robinson, Esq., Warden.)

Objection.—Martin jSoone, applicant ; John Coogan and party, objectors. This was an application for extension of a tail-race • held by the applicant in Golden Gulty, The objectors explained that iVoone's race, as originally granted, terminated in the middle of their claim. This fcUev did not object to, because, as it discharged on the surface, they were able to use the water; but the extension would take the water right through their claim. They added fciat, as the applicant proposed to deepen as well as extend the tail-race, it would practically become impossible for them to use the water after lie had done with it. The applicant said that, if the extension was not granted to him, it would be impossible for him to work his claim. The matter in dispute appeared to be, which party should have the use of the water of Grolden Gully, which the objectors, as first occupauts, considered they had the best right to. The evidence being very conflicting, the Warden decided to view the ground before giving his decisionObjection.—Kelly and party, applicants ; William iiehtz, objector. This was an objection to a grant of water; but, after hearing the objection at xou 6 length, the Warden decided to make the grant. There was also an objection to a by-wash applied for by this party. Decision reserved until the Warden should visit the ground. Objection.—James Shepherd, applicant; Coogan and pa.-ty, objectors. The application was for a tail-race. After some explanation the objection was withdrawn. Granted.

The following grants were also made: —Hamilton and another, water-race; Gr. Taylor, extended claim and two water-races; Kelly and others, dam ; Barclay and another, tail-race; Peter Wilson, residence area ; W. Ho re, residence area ; E. Lufctrell, water-race ; J. Shaw, extended claitn ; Eoberts and others, water- race ; Baiiley and another, extended claim.

MACRAES.—Oct. 27,. Resident Magistbaieb's Couet. (Before H. W. Hobinson, Esq.,, 8.M.) Stanley v. Price.—Debt, £9 15s. 6d. The defendant paid into Court £9 sa. 6d., for which amount judgment was given. Donaldson r. Cockerell.—Debt, £5 14s. No appearance of plaintiff. Struck out. Clafiy Bros. v. Sinclair.—Debt, £2 18s. JN 7 o appearance of defendant. Judgment, by default, for amount claimed and costs. Police v. Hoad. —Breach of Dog .Nuisance Ordinance. VV icndrawn. "Warden's Court. (Before H. W: Eobinson, Esq., Warden.) * Objection.-—T. Peddie, applicant; T. Leahy, objector. Objection to tha grant of a residence area, on the ground that it would spoil access to the a< a ea applied for by objector. The Warden found it necessary to visit the ground, and on doing so overruled the objection. Granted. The following grants were made:— L. Denny, water-race; Buckweil and others, extended claim and tail-race; re gg anether, water-race; Peddie and others, tail-race; T. Leahy, residence area; Burns and another, protection.