OUR MINES.

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 19, 13 October 1883, Page 2

OUR MINES.

Owing to the exceptionally bad weather, during the week, mining has boon quite at a at mil- still. For the fir-t time since issuing our mining reporter has been unable to visit the mine:*. Tiumww. — No progress whutovei 1 has been made with the works on the tramway this week. We are pleased to h<i able to report no slips havo taken p!ac<\ Should next week prove fine, quartz will be i mining over the line before this day week.

The Waihi Sawmill property, offered at auction on Monday last by Mejsrs Gellion and Co., was withdrawn, only £250 bing bid. The auctioneers are prepare 1 to treat privately with anyone wishing to purchase. The Thames Advertiser of Tues lay, referring to the balance receivable by the Thames County Council for works in their district, uador the Roals and Brilges Construction .vot, says :—": — " The committee which was entruni.e.i with the ainenlment of the County Council's application under the Roals and Bridges Construction Act nW vaster lav, and resolve 1 to allocate the iioOOO available foi Uie present year a-* follows J — To be expended m cue liveraion of the miin roal at the So 'a Spring, Purm, acioriin" to plan an \ specification babmittel, tiilo ; the D.ilanco of the vote available for expenditure in tlxo Totara special rating district to bo devoto.l to the metalling an 1 re-forming of Iho ro-i I between Ka'ia»r;inga bri Ige and Hi cutaia creek. The balance available of the £5000 is to be expen le I in erectin ; the bri Ige over the Komata river, and ra u talling the road between Hikutaia and Paei oa." It will probablj' mirprine many people (says the Wellington Post) to know that the manufacture of totalisators lias now become an established industry in Wellington. Mr J. E. Hayes has just completed a han Isome and ingenious specimen of these instruments to the orler of Mr M'Farlane, of Martinborough. It is the third which has been turned out of the establishment, but possesses several improvements, in common with the socond, not to be found in the first. The front is very handsome, being composed of cedar, with panels of Huon pine. The mechanism is highly complicated anl ingenious, and seems so devised as to make a fraul upon the public absolutely impossible. The doors at the back are to be locke I and the key kept by the stewards during the races, so as to prevent the possibility of the mechanism being interfered with. In addition to this the instrument possesses a patent locking apparatus which is to be secured by some one appointel by the stewards immediately after the horses start, when it will be impossible to alter any of the figures until the gear is unlocked again. Another special feature possessed bp the total? sator is an automatic reversing gear, by which, when the money is paid over, all the indicators may be again set at zero. The instrument is the joint invention of Messrs Hayes and Jenkins, and reflects the greatest credit on their ingenuity. The cost, we understand, is £350. A number of people (says tho Otago Daily Times) weie attracted yesterday by ih" unusual spectacle of frozen mutton displayel for sale at the shop of the City Butchery Company, in R.ittray-streot. Mr S. G. Smith has had about a score of sheep from his own stock fro - en at the Refrigerating Company's works, and is offering them for sale to- lay. In appearance, the carcasses differ very slightly from those no> subjected to the freezing process, but this slight difference is decidedly in favor of the frozen meit. It is"a trifle paler in color, but is decidedly more attractive to the eye. jUthough the meat was almost thawed yesterday evening, it had lost none of its distinctive appearance. If this first experiment seoms to hit the public fancy, it ia probable that a good deal of frozen mutton will be offered for sale here during the summer months. During the last few weeks a number of new claims have been taken, up, but several of the holders have failed to comply with regulation 7, which enjoins that within ten days of marking out, a license 4iall be taken out, or that the claim be' registered. At tho Warden's Court, held on J?uefcday, R. Blencowe was fined 20s for negligence in this respect, as it was shown he wilfully ©hutted to comply with the rule, and aacion was also taken against others. The Mining Inspector will keep an eye on holders in future, and the Warden has intimated that in future he will insist on far stricter observance of the regulations, in view of the increasing pio.sperity of the tield and the large amount of country that is now being taken up. The weather throughout the week has been wretched, and the anticipations of fine spring weather have been nipped in the bud. Rain comm I'Odd on Monluy and has fallen witnout interruption all tho week. High winds also prevailed at interval^ anl some prognosticated another stormy visitation similar to that we xutfured from a short time ago. In this respect, however, the prophets were happily in error, anl it is probable that now the bad weather of the Heason in over and that the summer id really about to set in. All public svorks hive been stopped, and we have not had a more wretched time during the whole winter. At cue lost. Bitting of the War. ten's Court ■wo men were fined for working without J 4'neru' Brghfa, and pvocosdinys had hewn

taken against others, hnt these were withdrawn, as the offenders had subsequently taken out the required documents. A notice appears in another column from the Mining Inspector warning those who are not provided with Rights that the regulations will be enforced. We would also draw special attention to tho fact that nob only those working on their own account, but all employed by companies must be supplied with them, as also those cutting timber. The costs attached to proceedings, evon where the fines are nominal, are heavy, but the Warden intimated at the last sitting that in future these would bo substantial in cases where men, knowing the penalties, wilfully nogleoted to protect themselves. On Tuesday next, October 16th, a meeting in the interests of Home Missions will be heli in the Wesley an Chnrch, Te Aroha. A lecture will bo delivered by the Rev* W. C Oliver, of Auckland (deputation), snbjeot : " Father Taylor," of Boston fame. Rev. H. Bull, of . Thames, and the Rev. G. T. Marshall will also aldress the meeting, which will commence at half-past seven o'olook. The Dunedin sausage market is likely to bo materially affected by revelations recently made as to the manufacture of these delicacies. A number of butchers were proceeded against undor tho Adulteration Act, and the cases were heard on Tuesday last and dismissed. 1 The Press Association reports that the pro^e- ! outor explainel the charges were brought principally to lot the public know that coloring matter was used. The übo of coloring matter was pi'oved, but the Act is so worde 1 i as to ron ler proof of knowle ige on the part of tho seller extremely difficult, and his | Worship was doubtful if ho could have convicted. The matter used was Armenian bole, in I the analyst (Professor Black) sail he had found that that there was a quarter grain of oxide of ltval, or rod lead, and a little over six grains oC oxide of iron, to the lb. of saveloys. An extraordinary case is reported by tho Nelson Colonist as* having been heard at Havelock the other day. A publican named Moses Fear was charged under the 191 st section of the Licensing Act of 1881, which reads as follows :—": — " Every person who shall sell or offer tor sale any liquor with which is mixed any ingredient or material injurious to health, or whereby any such liquor is rendered injurious to the health of persons drinking the same, and every person who shall sell as unalulterated any liquor which is adulterated shall, on conviction, be liable for every such offence to a penalty not exceeding £20." Mr Pitt prosecuted on behalf of Mr Horton, the chairman of the local Licensing Benoh, and Mr M'Nab appeared for the defendant, whilst the charge was heard before Mr Allen, R."\f. 'Die ; allegation was that the defendant purchased croton oil, which is a powerful purgative, from a local medical man for the purpose of giving a dose of the mixture to the chairman of the Licensing Bench. Mr Horton suffered very considerably from the effects of the mixture. The Magistrate aljourned the case for a fortnight, and there is a possibility of a new information being laid under the 21st section of the Offences against the Persons Act of 1867. A meeting of the trustees of the Te Aroha Cemetery was held on Tuesday, Messrs Stafford (chairman), Lavery, Whitaker, and Lipsey being present. The business was unimportant, the chief being the passing of some sin vll accounts, Owing to the fearfully bad weather the meeting of the race committee that shoul 1 have been held was necessarily postpDii.-l. Several of those who take a material interest in the coming meeting live at somo little distance, and could not possibly come in. It is expected, however, that final arrangements will be made next week. All work on the railway bridge .has been .suspended this week, the weather putting a stop to operations. The river rose several feet and floated .a good deal of the timber prepared, but it was speedily secured and no loss whatever was sustained. The men will next be employed in getting stone out of the creek for sinking round the piers, and early next week, should the weatlier prove favorable, a portion of, the superstructure will be begun. A meeting of the Domain Board was held on Wednesday evening last, when there were present Messrs Stafford (chairman), Lipsey and Whitaker. The ohairman's action in reference to accepting tenders and expenditure of money in connection with the new bfttha -vas approved of and endorsed. An aocoint for £103 was passed for payment. It was further agreed that the chairman of the Board should wait on Mr Gordon, Inspector of Mines, on his forthcoming visit, and request him to recommend the Government to grunt a small additional sum of money for completion. Mr Adam Menzies, on the recommendation of Mr Wilson, secretary, was appointed caretaker of the baths, which have now been handed over by Mr Bennett, the contractor. The ranks of the sharebrokers of Te Aroha are being rapidly augmented. There are now no less than ten in business here, and it is likely that this number will be shortly recruited by one or two. Mr Whitehouse has given up his other business and intends to devote his attention to mining matters. Mr William Frator, of the well-known firm of Frater Bros., of Thames and Auckland, has left the former place and settled down here, where he will conduot the Te Aroha branch of the business, and will no doubt soon obtain a largo share of the good thingd going. The very important auction sale of 200 shorthorn cows in calf to pure- bred bulls, agricultural machinery and farming implements of all kinds at Matamata will come off as announced on Thursday next, the 18th inst., Mr J. S. Buckland wielding the hammer on the occasion. This is the best opportunity for settlers to purohase high-bred stock that has ever been given in the district, and it is probable that such valuable animals will fetch good prices. In addition to the cattle a quantity of very valuable machinery will be offered. The sale will commence punctually at noon, and substantial refreshment both for man and horse will be provided by the vendor. A special correspondent of the Auckland Herald, who has reported on Matamata, speaking of the cattle, says: — "Looking to, the left, we noticed iv thft A paddock a herd of 250 dairy cowh at the calving. It is difficult to say whether the quality of the cattle or the quality of the feed was best, but we think both would be difficult to beat. This mob of dxiry cattle weie reserve 1 by Mr Firth for supplying his proposed cheese factory, a complete English plant for which he has imported 5 but unforeseen difficulties having prevented the adoption of an economic svatem of milking cows, he has deferred for the present the erection of the factory. In coasequunce of this decision, we believe this fine herd of dairy caitle will be aold at Matamata about the 18th instant." A good story relative to the "great unpaid " oomea from another district (says a writer in the Tuapeka Pra«M.) A sheepfarrner who had miaseJ several of his flook thought ho was justified in his suspicious that a neighbour was the delinquent, and that ho wan therefore justified in procuring a wumuit against him. For this purpose ha wont to the local merchant, who \y.u a J.P., and stated the case. His Worship listenel to the chargt-s made, and quos.ion«i whether the proofs were strong enough. Upon being presHe i in the matter, ho conclusively settled the affair in this fashion : " Look hero, Mr Sheepshank i, Bill Sinitii is .#.so in my hooks. It he gets into gaol I'll never soe it. J)o you .think I'm » fwl y J-sgEanttjo-TiTOrAuts."

We take tho following particulars regarding the accident to Laycock, in conse uenee of which Hanhtn's visit to Australia has beon abandono-1, from Sydney files :— " Ellas Laycock hag met with a serious accident at his residence at Shark Island. It appears that he was jumping from one large piece of rock on to. another, as he had often done before, in order to go down to his boat, when the upper block of rook being loose slipped and jammed his left leg on the other rook, breaking it about four inches above the ankle. Only, that he is a very powerful man, his injuries would have been much more severe, as he by sheer strength managed to prevent tho rock from slipping further until assistance arrive!. It was fortunate that his father-in-law (Mr Gregory) was on the island at the time, and he at once released Elias from his dangerous |)ositioa. Tho break is a bad one, and it will probably be some time before he is able to get about. Laycock is dreadfully cut up about his accident, more especially from the fact that he is so anxious to meet Hanlan on his expected visit, and also somo other scullers of renown who will probably find their way to Australia during the ensuing season. Ifc is also specialty irritating to a man of such active habits as he is to bo confined to his room for a period. The greatest sympathy is expressed on all sides for Laycock in his misfortune, and it is sincerely hoped that he may suffer no permanent injury from this untoward accident." USays the Taranaki Herald:— The natives complain bitterly this year of the destructiveness of the small birds — many acres of wheat sown this season by the natives having been almost entirely destroyed. One native, who spoke feelingly on the subject, exclaimed: "D , the Government; thoy tine us for keeping dogs, but we should fine the Government for bringing the birds here to eat up our crops. We are glad to say that all difficulties in the way of tmpplying fittings for the R.M. Court Imo been arrange-1, anl Mr R. Penk has signed tho contract for tho same Tho work is to bo complete'! within ten weeks, a little more time bcinq given, aB tho wood requires to be thoroughly dry before being worked up. We understand that when completed the interior oj the Court will present a very creditable appearance, and every aceornmodation necessary hai been provided for. Protection h^a been procured for a "Secondary battery cell, for the storing an.l conserving of electricity." the first of any storage battery, it is believed, that has been mile in these colonies. Messrs Birl and Gegan are the inventors, and they claim for it peouliar pi'operties which will cheapen the use of the elefcric light to a very considerable extent. The inventors have been experimenting for some time, inin^ for charging purposes, Mesara (Junuington and Kent's electro-dynamo, The invention, in work, will probably be exhibited at the forthcoming Christchurch Exhibition. — Press A certain carter of this city, says the Wellington Times, is afflicted with the possession of a horse whose somnolent habits fre mently involve him in heavy expenses. Yesterday the animal in question, which had •ir.aw n a few hundredweight of camp ovens in a fl« \y from a store down town, was left in front of a atove on Lambton-quay for a short ti'ue, anl a n)se bag put on him. Dobbin, vho is nol' v l to be of a contemplative disjiosi ion, after ft few moments spent in feeding, peacefully, B"iik to the ground, and went quie-' ly off to This somewhat unusual behaviour on the part of a hoi ac supposed to be on duty, attracted a crowd of persons, some of whom, after surveying the sleeping beauty for a time, and finding his driver not present, proceeded to take off the harness. The animal, after mutually remonstrating with his biped friends for a short while, resented the interference by suddenly regaining his feet, but, unfortunately, in his efforts he broke one of the shafts of the dray. A friendly policeman remained in charge of the equipage until the return of the driver, who expressed himself in a language more forcible than polite, at what he termed the undue interference of the gentle public. It appears to be perfectly understood by the carter that the horse in question shall recline whenever he has occasion to leave it for a few minutes. The Press says: — The N.Z. Railways Department, the Union Steam Shipping Company, and the Westport Coal Company, have granted concessions of an important charaoter to the promoters of the Industrial Exhibition. The railway authorities will convey exhibits to and fro, free of charge, at owners' risk, the loading and unloading to be at consignors' expense. The Union Company have undertaken to convey exhibits baok to the port of shipment free of charge, and the Westport Coal Company's offer to carry exhibits from Westport to Lyttelton gratis. It may be mentione 1 that up to the present no fewer than 9611 square feet of space have been applied for by intending exhibitors. The following announcement appears in the Argus under the heading " Marriage ". — 41 Hards.— August 3, 1883, at Sydney, Julia Alice ; January 17, 1874, Joseph Baldook, second daughter and fourth son of Richard and Mary Ann Hards, of Mittagong ; grand children of the late George Hards, Esq., sen., of Kensington Gardens, Brighton, England; also of the late John Butcher, Esq., of Wilmington, Kent ; great niece and nephew of the late Drs Henry and Joseph Baldook Butcher, M.D.; also of the late Baldook .Butcher R.N.; great grand niece and .nephew of the late William Baldock, Esq., banker, of Petham House, Petham, Kent, England ; great grand niece and nephew of the late Riohard Robinson Lord Rokeby, baronet." It will be noted that the names of the " persona" to whom these highly-pedigreed pair were weddel is not given. The latest crushing at the Terawhiti Gold- | | field (Wellington) has by no means turned out j I a success. The Albion Company cleaned up on Monday last af tar putting 332 tons through the mill, with a return of lOJozs. of retorted ! gold, or a fraction over 15grs. to the ton. The j Company, if unfortunate, is pluoky,foronthe advice of their manager, they have resolved | on putting in a low level tunnel at considerable cost, in what vre fear is a vain hope of obtaining more valuable returns. At the same time enterprise like this deserves, and we hope will meet with, better success. The Costley properties were sold by auction in Auckland on Wednesday last, and realise I £34,495. The amount divisible amongst the seven Auckland institutions will be about £70,000. The Victorian Panorama of Burke and Willa' Exploring Expeliiion, will be exhibitei to night at the Public Hall. The performance commences at 7 30 ; the price of admission being front seats 2s, back seats Is. Dr Harrison, the agent and associato of Mrs Dr Potts, accompanied by two men named Aspiuall an \ Millett, committed a violent assault on Mr J. D. Wiokham, publisher of the Entre d' Acte in Auckland on Thursday last. Tho medical offender was looked up directly after the attack. Messrs Gellion and Co. yesterday held a sale of section 13 of the Thamea High School reserve, Waiorungomoi, in the Public HaII here, and it proved njoat satisfactory in every respect.- The section had bean subdivided into allotments by Mr Mackay, thu lessee, who sold by consent of the Governors of the School, thoy taking a clear third of the proceeds. There were, in al 1 , 62 allotments dispose! of, the prices being very gool, and the competition keen. Mr J. Craig xiOioiateil a? aactionew an 1» fio sqcoOTsfttfly, tljat tite

sale realised no less than £1800. ..This faofc shows the confidence of the puUliti iiv the future of this goMfieltl. The allotinoh ti? rauging from £11 to £66. In addition to the gentlemen named elsewhere, Mr E. Kersey Cooper lias entered into business here a* sharehroker and general commission agent. Mr Cooper is well and favorably known in the district, and will no doubt find numerous clients amongst his many friends. The great English Autumn race, theCesare-witch-Stakes, was run on the 9th inst.j and was won by Tfon Juan, an outsider, Hacknesa 2nd. In our advertising- columns will be found an announcement from Mr John Ox'&an, relative to the advantages obtainable from the use of Australian lithofracteur. Mr Organ is making a short stay .in the district with a viow to personally affording all information relative to the compound of his company. The terms he offers aro mosit liberal, and mine managers are tenlered I trial parcels of the dynamite f6r experiment without any charge whatever. A number of advantages are claimed for this company's products, which the miners here would do well to put to proof. Should tho tests be satisfactory, we have no doubt Mr Organ's visit will be profitable, alike to his principals and the district. Mr Frazer, ironmonger, has been appointed agent for the company, anp will afford any further information required, as well as supply trial parcels. A complimentary benefit to their con luctor in the shape of a concert will be given by tho Paeroa Musical Society on Wein-wlav next, the 17th mat., in the Public Hall." Tho concert will commence at 8 p.m., an i at ita conclusion there will be a dance. A nnsfc ; pleasant evening may be anticipated, anl it is to be hopo I the weather will, by that time, have taken up. Mr G. Kobson, chemist, is about to mo\e into larger premises in Whitaker street. Tenders are called for alterations of the building, which have been designed by Mi Crump, architect. Tenders will be received till this day week. An important warning to those travelling between this township au 1 Waitoa appears in another column, and given by the railway contractors, Messrs Hunt and White. It ha? been fourH necessary for them to cut an outlet drain across the Hamilton and Te Aroha road, near the site of the railway wtation, and unless people are careful they must come to serious grief. A portion of it has been fascined for wheel traffic and lights will be posted after dark, both'showing the croßahif, and also where the cutting is.