The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1886.

Thames Star, Volume XVII, Issue 5279, 18 December 1885, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1886.

At the Laßfonte Furnace last night the blast was cut off about half-pist eleven o'clock, owing to the supply of iron ore used for flux giving our, and smelting operations ceased. Refining was commenced tit 10 o'clock last night, and to-day we were shown the process in fall operation. The leid bullion is taken from the smelter and placed in cast iron moulds; the bars or ingots taken from these are then removed to a gutter-shaped cast-iron feeder, running in through the back of the refiner to bone-dust cupels, which have been in place in the refining furnace for teveral days for seasoning purposes. A strong heat is generated in (he fire box, alongside the cupel, and this p-jees over the surfasa of the bullion, which has by melting been run into tfie cupel; s jet of steam is introduced at the rear of the cupelling chamber, which as3iats in oxidiejng the lead, and sending it, in its oxidised form, forward to the orifice where it is discharged, and. falls into a pastiron receptacle in the shape of litharge. The litharge is then returned to the furnace for smelting purpose;. As far as can be learnt, 'there is little promise of obtaining tbe iron lux required for » fresh start of tbe smelter for at least three weeks*

Anxious enquiries were being made in Albert street to-day as to tbe whereabouts of tbe Inspector of Nuisances. A Borough employe* was, it seems, engaged cleaning out , tbe water-tables in that street, and the black filthy mud deposited by him in the street, obtained from the wa»or course, was somei thing—well, to be avoied by aty whj? valued their health. Surely the Borough Couupil 1 «onld mfke arrangements whereby suoh works | eould he carried out at night, and then catted > off before bujiaws people were about.

"Dvnisa th« hearing of a case in the Warden's Court to day, a complaint was made by a homestead settler of damage done to his acres by miner*, and he naked the Warden •hould he' be compelled to suffer from mining operations carried an on his property. Mr Kenrick replied that until a Crown grant was obtained, holders of Homestead sections would have to submit to mining operations on their land and doubtless when those holders took up land they knew that they had to submit to the regulations in force. It was in their power to obtain Crown grants so soon ei they fulfilled the terms of their agreement with Government. So long as the lands remained ungranted, the occupiers would have to submit to mining operations, as over such lands the owner of a miner's right had free access for raining operations. He trusted and believed that where Crown grants were issued, provision would be made for conserving interests.

Up to the present time eight names have been sent to the Warden of persons prepared to prospeot in the King Country; these con» sist of four separate parties of two each—two from the Thames, one from Coromandel, and one from To Aroha. A 80BAT0H cricket match between members of tbe Thames Cricket Club will be played on the Waio-Karaka Flat tomorrow afternoon, when all present on the ground will be chosen. Thb Christmas season, with all its festivities, is once more close upon as, and as usual advertisers are bringing themtelve3 prominently before tbe notice of those who may be likely to patronise thorn. Mr McGowan announces bis ueual Christmas and New Year sale, at which he is disposing of goods at remarkably low prices for one month only, an opportunity which should not be lost sight of. — The manager of tbe New Zealand Clothing Factory is also opening out specially for the I holiday trade an entirely new stock of clothing, scarfs, ties, hats, and other seasonable goods.—At this season of the year, when Christmas giftj are in reason, \t. J. Wilkrs, jeweller, Pollen street, he? in stook everything in the way of j«wellery of all kinds— not even omitting engagement or wtdding rings—that could be possibly wished for.— Far useful articles for presents, M. Whitebead, t-ofcu r.feer, Pollen and Brown streets, is selling, during the holidays, some remark* ably cheap lots of boots and shoes at prices that defy competition.—Thomas Keren, tobacconist, Brown street, appeals to the smoking public—all who love the fragrant weed—to pay him a visit, as ho has laid in a new and most choice supply for the holidays. Thebb was a good muster of the members of the Rifle Bangers at the inspection parade held at the Volunteer Hall lust evening, there being TO rank and file present, viz.: 3 com* missioned officers, 4 sergeants, and 43 rank and file. The inspection was conducted by Captain Luca?, in the absence of the officer commanding tho district. The prizes won at the recent • ampetitions were presented, and it was announc d that the next church parade would be held in January.

It is ourr.-ntly reported that Mr J. G Vivian, tbe popular mine manager of the Moanatairi Company's mine, has resigned his position.

The St. George's Church people are determined to take Hire by tbe forelock, and have alre dy secured tbe Toraru Gardens for a grand fete to bo held on St. Pahick's Day, 1886, in aid of the funds of the Church. We hear of oil kinds of attractions which are to be tbe leading features in this proved fete, such eg a fancy bazuar, games of all kinds, an open air concert, an Old EDgli«h Maypole dance, and booths scattered around under the trees, in which will be different side shows. The gardens will be lighted up in the evening by Chineae Inntrns, and no doubt tbe rovelty of the proposed entertainment wi'l attract many to Tararu od that occasion.