GENERAL SUMMARY.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 187, 15 May 1872, Page 3

GENERAL SUMMARY.

During the last month considerable activity has been displayed in the mines, and tfie gold returns are nearly two thousand ounces in excess of those last published. But for a failure in the supply of blasting powder the returns would have been still larger, and there can be no doubt that our leading industry is in a healthy condition. There is also a prospect of a large additional area of gold bearing country being opened up in the southern part of the province. Should ari alluvial field he discovered, of which there seems much probability, it cannot fail to give an immense stimulus to the colony, and much of the wealth acquired will doubtless be reinvested in the permanent mining interests at the Thames.

Sincethe publication of our last summary a good deal of rain has fallen at the Thames, although not more than, if as much as, is usual at this time of the year. The state of the roads and streets has been very bad in consequence, as the funds at the disposal of the local Boards are altogether inadequate for the necessary repairs, and there have been considerable delay and difficulty in obtaining the money v ( ,ted during last session of the Provincial Council. A considerable amount of business has been done in the Warden’s Court during the past month ; one case in particular occupied seven days in hearing, and a vast amount of contradictory evidence was adduced. The action was brought by Patrick Kelly and others, against Crosbie Kidd and others, for encroachment on the ground known as the Pukehinau. Both parties had pegged out the ground, and the main question at issue was which party first pegged it out. The Warden, Major Keddell, who tried the case in the absence of Mr Warden Fraser in consequence of indisposition, gave judgment for plaintiffs, and the defendants gave notice of appeal to the Supreme Court. Several actions in reference to the same ground are pending. In the other Courts the amount of business has been about the average, and none of the cases disposed of possess much interest, except to the parties immediately concerned. On the 18th nit. two well known Maori chiefs were united in the bonds of wedlock, according to the Marriage Act, to partners to whom they were already married according to native custom. This may be taken as an instance of the spread of civilisation amongst the natives of this district, and will no doubt be followed by others of a similar character.

A concert, given by the Philharmonic Society in connection with the Mechanics’ Institute, took place at the Academy of Music on the 18th ult., and was very successful as regarded the performance, but in consequence of the unfavourable state of the weather, the audience was not so large as it otherwise would in all probability have been. The Miners’ Accident Relief Fund is now well established. The Caledonian G.M.Co. has cantributed £SO to the funds. The Society at its last meeting voted £25 in aid of the Thames Hospital. Abel Goldsworthy, a miner well -known at the Thames, died suddenly in Auckland last month. The Rev. J. Buller preached an eloquent sermon appropriate to the occasion on the Sunday following.

Dr. Trousseau, one of the leading medical practitioners at the Thames, left for Honolulu on the 22nd ult. An accident occurred to Mrs James Mackay, jun., on the 22nd ult,, by which that lady was thrown from her horse and broke her arm, besides sustaining a severe shock, but we are happy to say she has since recovered from its effects.

We are now in uninterrupted telegraphic communication with Wellington and the South, and the line is now being stretched between this place and Coromandel, the rising importance of which latter place renders this extension necessary. There is some slight difficulty with the natives relative to the posts being erected, at Manaia, a native setttlement near the latter place, but no serious delay is likely to occur. The Thames Total Abstinence Society held their usual meeting on the 23rd tilt., which was very well attended. Mr Kernick occupied the chair, and the meeting was addressed by the Rev. W. Wilson, and by Mr Mason and Mr Stanton, and the Society was stated to be making good prospect in the district, and the cause of temperance to be spreading. In contra distinction to this, however, the number of public houses is increasing. St. George's Day was observed as a partial holiday. The banks and other places of business were closed, and in the evening the Ancient Order of Foresters gave their usual ball and supper at St. George’s Hall. The usual quarterly tea meeting of the teachers of the various Sunday-schools in connection with the Wesleyan Sundayschool Union was held ori the 23rd ult. The Rev. J. Duller occupied the chair. There was a very good attendance. After the business in connection with the various schools had been disposed of, Mr J. Nodder read an essay on “ Example,” which was of a very interesting and instructive character. Mr T. R. Jones also gave an excellent reading on the subject of “ Who shall be teachers.”

On the 23rd inst. his Excellency the Governor, who has been on a tour into the interior of the country, arrived from Ohinemuri at the Thames, in the Government steamer Luna, accompanied by the Hon. D. McLean, Fative and Defence Minister, and Captain Macliell. The next day his Excellency held a levee at the Pacific Hotel. The day was wet and the attendance was but small. The state of the weather prevented his Excellency and suite from making a personal visit to the mines, as had been originally intended. The following day the vice-regal party left for Auckland, where the Governor is now staying. From time to time complaints are being made that it is a prevailing custom of some of the bakers here to supply bread which is underweight. The attention of the Inspector of Weights and Measures has been called to the matter, and an abatement of the complaints will probably ensue.

A daughter of the well-known Maori Chief Ilapana died recently, on board the steamer Challenger, on the voyage from Coromandel to the Thames. She was 25 years of age. Mr C. E. Haughton, Under-Secretary for the Goldfields Department of' Public Works, arrived at the Thames on the 25th ultimo. A number of battery managers and others interested in public works on the goldfield waited upon him subsequently, at the Court-house, and, after some, discussion, the following plan, suggested by Mr Sims, was recommended to the Government: —Eight miles of 24-inch diameter wrought iron pipes, -[-inch thick, at £25 per ton, 1,320 tons—£33.ooo; laying and jointing pipes, at £soo' per mile —£4,000. Total, £37,000. Quantity of water discharged by the above pipes at Grahamstown, with 150 feet fall, would be about seven million gallons per twentyfour hours—the value of which, if retailed at 2d pei’ thousand gallons, would be

£18,248 per annum of 313 working days, or at one penny per 1,000 gallons, £9,124 per annum, or at the rate of 20 per cent, on the outlay of £50,000. By tin's, the outlay would be calculated to be icpaid in about three years. The want of an adequate supply of water for crushing purposes is much felt on the goldfield, and if the Government does not carry out the work there can be little doubt of its being taken up by a private company, as it is sure to be a reproductive and, in all probability, a most lucrative undertaking. The Gas Company are pushing on their works vigorously, and in a short time the place, we hope, will be well lighted, which it certainly is not at present. With wellmade streets, and gas and water laid on, the comfort of the inhabitants here will be greatly promoted. The Pheasant shooting season this year promises to be a very good one. Birds are plentiful, and there appears no probability of there being any scarcity of sport. Mr Sydney Stidolph delivered a lecture on the “Present and Future Prospects of New Zealand,” at the Academy of Music on the Ist inst. There was a good attendance, and the proceeds were devoted to the Thames Hospital. On or about the Ist instant, about 301bs

weight of quartz specimens were stolen from a hut, on the Moanataiari Creek, which was broken into about midnight. They are the property of James Ritchie and party, and were of considerable value. It is very rarely that offences of this nature occur at the Thames, which is remarkable for the small amount of crime committed in the district, in which respect it will bear favourable comparison with any other goldfield in the world. A dispute is now pending between the native own"rs and the shareholders in certain companies as to the right to mine on the flat. The Bright Smile are mining upon the disputed ground with the consent of the natives, and also upon their claim, not only with their consent, but with the Government title. The natives all express their annoyance at the breach of faith by the Government in permitting mining upon excluded portions of the goldfield, and have determined to personally appeal to the Governor and the Defence Minister on the subject. The natives assert that they have from the first protested against mining on the flat, and point to this and other alleged breaches of faith as the reason of the •Ohinernuri natives refusing to open up their portion of the country. They propose, if all other means fail, to petition the Queen, and they believe that the Home Government will not sanction any breaches of faith. It is to be hoped that the Governor and the Defence Minister, upon inquiry as to the truth of the statements of the natives, will take steps to do them justice, if justice has been denied to them, upon which point, pending the issue of the dispute, we desire to offer no opinion.

A man named William Allen, a shoemaker living in Cochrane-street, Grahatnstown, died very suddenly, on the 3rd instant. An inquest was hid ori the body the following day, and a verdict returned of death from natuial causes.

Two black swans with seven young ones have been lately seen at the bead of the Piako. The old birds are probably the pair that got away from the Kawau some time ago. Thursday, May 9th, was observed as a general thanksgiving day for the recovery of the Prince of Wales, and was observed as a general holiday by nearly all at the Thames. The various place of business ■were closed, and service was held in nearly every place of worship in the district. The collections made at several of them were given as a donation to the Hospital. The Volunteers mustered in full force. 111 the afternoon a well-contested game at football came off on the cricket ground. The steamers Challenger and Duke of Edinburgh made trips to Coromandel, and each took a fair number of pleasure-seekers. In no part of her Majesty’s dominions was there a more general feeling of national loyalty displayed than in this district, which proves that such a feeling is quite consistent with the fullest personal liberty and love of freedom, which is equally characteristic of a goldmining population. Great preparations are being made to celebrate Her Majesty’s birthday, and the local Naval Brigade intend to give a ball on the occasion, which promises to be a great success.

Matters which have been long in dispute between one of the native magnates, Te Moananui, and Mr John London have been referred to the arbitration of Mr Samuel Jackson, solicitor, Auckland, whose award will, doubtless, be satisfactory, and put a stop to prolonged and unnecessary litigation. Some of the leading Ohinemuri natives have agreed to purchase the steamer Effort for £1,400, and they are now in communication with the Native Minister, who will be asked to advance the money—the natives pledging land as security. This may he regarded as a most satisfactory transaction on all sides. The Effort in the hands of the natives may he looked upon as another step towards the opening up of the Ohinemuri country.

A serious accident happened about midnight on the 10th instant to one of the engineers at the Moanataiari Battery, named William Hollis, who is well known on this field as a steady man, and a faithful servant to his employers. It seems that he was feeling the crank shaft in order to see if it was hot, and his hand got caught as it revolved, and the whole of the flesh was torn off from the wrist nearly down to the tops of his fingers, making a most ghastly wound, and laying the bones of the hand bare. Dr Croft was found in a short time, and he was taken to the Pacific Hotel, where the wound was sewn up and bandaged, but it is exceedingly doubtful if they will succeed in saving the flap, which has been torn off, if, indeed, he does not lose his hand. Ho bore up against the excruciating pain in a wonderful manner, and when the wound was dressed he was taken to his home at Tararu in a cab by Mr W. Robinson and another friend. Hollis is a married man, with a large family, and we trust he will not lose the use of his hand through this accident. The monthly inspection parade of the Thames Volunteers was held on the 11th instant, when about 175 mustered at their respective drill grounds. The Naval Brigade and Thames Scottish in Grahamstown, and the Rifles at the Volunteer Hall. The following corps were represented on parade as follow:—Thames Scottish, Captain Murray, Lieut. Robertson, Ensign Stewart, and 20 of other ranks. No. 1 Royals 11.R.V., Captain Lipsey, Lieut. Lechner, Ensign Quinton, and 29 non-commissioned officers and men. No. 2 11.R.V., Captain Barnett, Lieut. Hazard, Ensign Crick, and 28 men. Thames Rifle Rangers, Captain Williams, Lient. Rae, Ensign Carnie, and 20 men. The Engineers and No. 3 paraded together, and were represented by their officers and 14 of all ranks. The Naval Brigade, Captain Grant, Lieuts. Basley and Bruce, Secretary Jackson, and 30 rank and file, together with the band,

mustered 50 strong. The Navals and Scottish having repaired to the Volunteer Hall, headed by their drum and fife band, the whole were marched on to the cricket ground, where, having been drawn up, prizes were presented to the winners at the late contest for district prize-firing. In the way of amusements, we have been pretty well off during the month. On the 2nd instant,.there was an amateur performance of “ Rob Roy” by the Thames Engineer Volunteers and Thames Scottish, assisted by a number of lady and gentlemen amateurs. It was an immense success, and the largest house we ever remember to have seen at the Theatre Royal greeted the eyes of the aspirants to histrionic fame on the rise of the curtain. Numbers were unable to obtain admission to the house, and bad to go away. Long before the rising of the curtain, they were compelled to stop selling tickets upstairs, and many who saw the crowded state of the stalls and pit preferred not to try and get in. The playing of the various gentlemen who took part in the performance was highly commendable, and they were well greeted by the audience. A Revision Court will be held at the Court-house, Grahamstown, on the 31st inst., to revise the list of voters for the electoral district of the Thames. Great progress has been made within the past few weeks with the continuation of the Beach Road, which will connect Grahamstown wharf and the Tararu road. Along the side next the water the tramway will be continued to the foot of Burke street, when a considerable increase in the pas'-enger traffic may be expected. Eventually there is little doubt but the line will be continued to Shorthand.

The goods wharf at the foot of Burke street is now completed, and vessels can come alongside aud discharge. A new Custom-house has been erected close at hand, and the increase of commercial activity along the beach line up to Albert street is already conside"’de. Before long we exp ct to have n: e vessels coming here direct from the sister colonies, and thereby avoiding delay and expense in Auckland.

As yet, amongst the many railway projects afloat, there is none at present for connecting the Thames with the Northern Capital by rail, but if a line is carried into the Waikato, the Thames can be very easily brought into connection with the line by way of the Piako or Ohinernuri. At present the water carriage is sufficient, but if the Thames progresses as it has done, and promises still to do, she will not rest contented until she is in connection with Auckland and the interior of the country by rail.

An emergency meeting of the Lodge of Light Freemasons will be held in t-lie lodge room, this evening, at 7.80 o’clock. Should the weather continue as favourable as at present, the Parnell tunnel is expected to be pierced in the course of three weeks. The Golden Crown is announced to leave punctually to her advertised time both here aud Auckland, and we understand that this intention will be rigidly adhered to by the present owners of the boat. A lecture, being the first of a series, will be giveu this evening, in the Grahamstown Wesleyan Church, by the Rev. J. Buller ; subject, “ Education.” The chair will be taken by the Rev. B. O. Butlaud, and the proceeds of the lecture devoted to the Thames Wesleyan Sunday School Union, as will be seen by advertisement in another column. At the adjourned licensing meeting, yesterday, all the applications were granted, except one (for the Ballarat Hotel, Shortland), which was adjourned for fourteeu days, to give time for the bedroom accommodation to be improved. Captain Goldsmith, and Messrs Power and Puckey were the sitting magistrates. As will be seen by advertisement, the Engineer Volunteers have obtained the use of Finnimore’s Hall, Albert-street, as a drill shed, and parades will take place there every Tuesday evening for the future, for instruction in Engineering matters. A drill will also take place every Friday evening in the same building, aud any special meetings will be notified on the black board which will be placed at Burton’s Hotel. A sitting of the Native Lands Court was held yesterday for the purpose of inquiring into the claim of the natives to the foreshore at Coromandel. Nothing was done, and the hearing, of the case was adjourned. Mr. MacCormick appeared on behalf of the Crown ; and Mr James Mackay, jun., by permission of the Court, appeared for the native claimants.

We are informed that Mr Iligginson, C.E., from England, is expected to arrive iu the colouy by the ‘ Nevada,’ and is to be stationed in the North Island as District Engineer, under the direction of the Minister for Public Works. Mr. Gwynncth, C E., is about to leave for Wellington, to assist Mr. Brogden in preparing his estimates for works to be done under contract on the Waikato Railway.— l). S. Cross. A meeting was held last night, at the Empire Hotel, Grahamstown, for the purpose of organising a brass band, to be called the “ Town Band,” or something of the sort. There were twelve gentlemen present, and a great deal of preliminary work was done. They expect to be able to start very shortly, and think that they will have at least fifteen members to commence with. We are glad to sec this, as something of the sort is badly wanted down here.

We have been favoured . ,h the following account of the amount of money received from the performance for the benefit of Mrs Allen, at the Academy of Music, on Monday night : —Cr. : By cash taken at the doors, £l4 18s Gd. Dr.: To rent of Academy, £1 ; printing, £3 Gs ; professional services, £5 12s Gd ; total, £!) 18s Gd, leaving a net profit of £5. We thiuk that, great credit is due to those gentlemen who took the trouble to get up the performance for such a worthy object—to Mr Madden in particular, he being the principal in the matter.

We understand that a meeting of officers of Volunteers was held last night, at the Pembroke Hotel, for the purpose of taking immediate steps towards forming a new baud, to be ready for the Queen’s Birthday. There were present:—Major I. R; Cooper (chairman), Captains Thomas Barnett, W. J. Newby. Howell Williams, and Francis Lipsey ; Lieutenants W. Robertson, and W. Lechuer, Sub-Lieutenants J. Quinton, and W. Crick. Lieutenant Lechner was appointed lion, secretary, and the proceedings bid fair to forward the business without further delay. At the Police Court, yesterday, Luke William Gordon, charged with indecent exposure, was sentenced to one month’s hard labour. William Kerr, a boatman, charged with assaulting Richard Slay, another boatman, was ordered to find two sureties of £25 each to keep the peace for the next six months, and himself be bound in a like amount. Winifred Johnson was charged with using provoking language to Mary Stitchbury. Mr Macdonald and Mr Dodd appeared for the parties concerned. On the application of the latter, the case was adjourned until Thursday, and it was stated that the matter will probably be settled in the meantime. Captain Goldsmith and Mr Puckey occupied the Bench. Very Bauc (e) y.— The Medical Profession and the Press of the Thames having so highly recommended for its genuineness, delicate flavour, and wholcsomencss, the produce of a new local manufacture, the patronage (on which success alone depends) of the Ladies is respectfully solicited. Ask your Grocer for .Austin’s Parawai Genuine Tomato Sauce. Price : Half-pints, Is ; Pints. Is Gd ; quarts, 2s 9d each. —Adyt,