THE SHOTOVER.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 38, 3 February 1864, Page 3

THE SHOTOVER.

■ (From the Correspondent of the Wakatip Mail. ■ Arthur's Point, January 29. ; Once more the floods have came and beaten lipon the house of the unfortunate .Shotoverites, and just at the time, too, when they had succeeded in getting that house somewhat in order. ' Past experience has, however, taught the miners; on this river to take time and construct their works in the most stable manner possible under existing circumstances. I am, therefore, ;happy-in being able to state that this .flood, .although a heavy one, has done little or no damage as compared with preceding visitations of a like nature, i At Arthur's Point, the race companies have had an opportunity of trying their flood races, and it has .bravely stood the test. The river rose six feet perpendicularly, and poured a furious torrent over their slight head-dam of stones, and through the race, purging it free of all impurities in the shape of barrows, planks, and heaps of mullock, deepening and widening the channel, and doing in a few hours the work that it would take a thusand men a day to complete, and'although it rose above the crates in the Lower Race, not the slightest damage has been done, thanks to the skill and care displayed in constructing their Avork. The company expect in a fortnight or three weeks to have their head-dam in, and the liver effectually directed into ifcs new channel. The Big Beach men have at last succeeded in constructing armor plate of sufficient strength to successfuEy resist the projectiles hurled against it from the Shotover " Parrott." Their dam, although fiercely assailed, never budged, and save that their race will require a little cleaning-up, no hindrance will accrue to them. A great many -were . getting gold on this beach, and in a week or less all will doubtless be at work again. From the Upper Shotover accounts are conflicting ; but from the immense quantity of debris of crates, &c, that floated by Arthur's Point, I should imagine nmeh damage has been done. Reports say that the flood rose nine feet at Maori Point ; if so, the result can be easily guessed. I hear that the Superintendent will visit Arthur's Point this week. If so, the minors are prepared to receive him both courteously and respectfully, though their attitude -will be a firm one.