WESTLAND.

Southland Times, Issue 1320, 11 October 1870, Page 3

WESTLAND.

Owing to the very small volume of water in the Grey river the coal trade was- at a perfect standstill. Barges capable of carrying 24 tons with difficulty succeeded in getting down with 6 tons, and since then they cannot get down the river with even 2 tons. A Gas Company is proposed to be formed in Greymouth, and application has been made by the directors Jfor permission to erect gas-works, lay mains, break streets wherever necessary, &c. Dr Hector, is likely to visit Greymouth on a tour of inspection \o the coalfields. The total amount of duties collected on gold for the quarter to the present date is— for July, £1152 0s 2d ; August, £1141 Os 8d" ; September to date, £945 12a 8d ; representing a shipment of gold for the unexpired quarter, of 25,9090zs 13dwts, allthe produce of the Westland district south of the Teremakau. We {Grey Valley Times) regratAo say that the. want of water for both mining and domestic purposes is very severely felt throughout the Valley. In many localities the miners have been idle for some days past, while others are working upon short allowance. The change in the weather which seemed imminent on Wednesday last, unhappily did not take place. A sudden change in the direction I of the wind carried the rain clouds to the Bouth-east, and by the following morning all pluvial indications had disappeared, and the glass showed an upward tendency, so that no change may be looked forward to for some days to come. The present drought, though of short duration, seems to favor, the supposition that the floods of the ensuing summer will be unprecedented. Throughout the past three months very heavy snowfalls have taken place. The Paparoa range, extending from Cobden to Westport, has the appearance of one vast mountain of snow, whilst the great barrier range stretching across the midland to the north, is covered to a great depth. Within the next few weeks, the first flood of the season may be expected, and it behoves those living lower down the Valley to prepare themselves for such a disaster. An accident of a painful nature occurred at Moonlights, whereby a miner named Hunter lost his life. It appears the deceased was engaged putting in a set of timber, when one of his mates, who was standing near the mouth of the tunnel, cautioned him that the ground would cave before the set could be put in. Hunter stooped down to examine the foundation of the false set, when a mass of earth gave way, completely burying the poor fellow. The alarm was given, and every effort made to reach the deceased. After working for some time, Hunter's voice could be beard in the drive, imploring for assistance. The men worked manfully, but the looseness of the ground delayed them for a considerable time, and on reaching him life was found to be extinct.