NOTES FROM ST. BATHANS.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 323, 7 May 1875, Page 3

NOTES FROM ST. BATHANS.

Winter has fairly set in upon us at last, snow having fallen to a depth of several inches during Sunday night and Monday. Water will now be plentiful for the rest of the season, and the only drawback our miners will have to contend against for the next few months will be the frost; which, during the winter at this high altitude, is so severe at times as to put an entire stoppage to all mining work. It is to be hoped such will not be the case this winter.

The Blue Duck company have just finished washing up, after about two years' work, most of which was occupied in cutting their head race from Dunstan Creek, through very rough country. The Otago Company are also about washing up, after laboring for the last two or three years in completing their head race (forty miles in length) from the Manuherikia River, from which they obtain a never-failing supply of the necessary element. I really hope they may be amply repaid for the amount of labor, time, and capital expended by them in ; completing such a heavy undertaking. A petition has been going the rounds for signature during the last week, praying for the erection of a foot-bridge over the Manuherikia River at the crossing between this place and Blackstone Hill. It is high time something of the kind was done, as one life has already been lost in attempting to cross this dangerous ford. I have no doubt the Government will see fit to set aside the sum required for this very necessary work. The ball, given to celebrate the opening of the new school building recently erected here, came off on Friday evening last (having been postponed from the previous Friday on account of the unfavorable weather), and proved a great success. A large and fashionably attired assemblage showed their appreciation of the excellent music discoursed by Messrs. Campbell, Pyle, Melvin, and Rennick by keeping it up with unflagging spirit till the wee hours of the following morning. Visitors were in attendance from Cambrian, Hill's Creek, Blacks, and other places, and all enjoyed what may be pronounced one of the most successful afrkirs of the kind ever held-at St. Bathans. Mr. John Cormick acted as M.C., and, as usual, performed his duties to the satisfaction of all.

On the following Monday evening a treat was given to the school children in the new building; and, although snow had fallen during the greater part of the day, there was a strong muster of the youngsters, who —together with a number of their older friends—passed a very pleasant evening.