THE SHOTOVER.

Southland Times, Volume 2, Issue 106, 26 October 1863, Page 3

THE SHOTOVER.

(From the Correspondent of the Wakatip Mail.) Big Beach, Lower Shotover, October 20. For the last three wi-eks the miners on the beach have been employed in a?ain bringing up their tail-race. One hundred and thirty men, bound together by the powerful ties of self-interest, had, with s eady perseverance, just completed this great work, when — presto! — in six hours all was destroyed. I don't think this part of the Shotover is duly appreciated by .the community in general of this district, because the claims, taken separately, have not given such astounding yields as some situated in more favorable localities, such as Maori Point, &c, &c. ; but, let me assure you, its importance can hardly be overrated, from the large extent of payable, if not rich ground. Unlike most parts of the Shotover, the miners here are bound up between precipitous ranges. Operations are carried on in the centre of a large basin, comprising an area of many hundreds of acres, and I have no hesitation in saying, that the greater part is more or less payable ; and could the miners only succeed in overcoming those almost fortnightly visitations, remunerative and permanent employment could be found here for hundreds of men. I think I may prophesy fiat in a short time a method will be adopted to work this beach that will bid defiance to ordinary floods. On Wednesday evening last, the flood came down after two days of slight but steady rain, which brought down off the hills an immense quantity of snow, and the river since that time has continued high, so as to put a stop to all mining operations, and from the present unsettled state of the weather I don't think they will be resumed, excepting in very favored localities, for some days. The company employed in side-fliiminjr the river between this place and Arthur's Point, have suffered equally with the Big Beach Company. The United Beach-holders, who are turning the river through Arthur's Point proper, have received no damage, not being far enough advanced with their work. The undertaking is a mighty one, and I trust it will be attended with the success it merits. I am afraid much injury has bsen inflicted on the unfortunates higher up the river, from the quantity of crates that have been washed down.