THE ISLAND BLOCK.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 65, 8 May 1869, Page 3

THE ISLAND BLOCK.

(2*o the Editor of the Tiuipeha Times.)

Sib, — In your columns of late there are. a great many enquiries,. about .the leasing .and settlement system, andparticularly about tlie Horse-shoe „Bend Block, lam sorry I cannot give those -Who make enquiries sufficient to satisfy them ; bub the late.it rumour runs as follows : — Some time ago, a noted gentleman in the neighbourhood stated publicly that there was no such tiling as a devil either in this world or tlie' next — everything was ruled by conscience. This statement seemed to answer the purpose of some of our officials — as there was. no devil there was no crime, but every one did as their conscience dictated. But as time rolled on, one particular official, not believing exactly like the rest of his brethren, left his part of the country until there would be a little more light on the subject. Tin's rather alarmed the remainder of tbe .members of th& club, and they considered what was best to be done. So they agreed to try and get proof of tho former report. They called on a certain individual and supplied him with machinery, in order that he might prove that no devil existed. So lo and behold ! we fiud tbe person and machinery planted on the Island Block, it being supposed to be the residence of his Infernal Majesty, if there be such a gent. The great work consists is boring a very deep hole, so far as to reach the infernal regions. When his supposed majesty's dominions are reached, he i<j to be called on three times," and if he does not make his appearance at the third call, it is to be taken for granted that the former statement is correct ; then everything is right ; but if he should happen to answer to his call, come up through the hold, and destroy t^e L-land Block and all concerned in disturbing him, who is to blame ? I would recommend the Horse-shoe Bend residents' to keep a sharp look out, and as the hole goes down, if they find tne climate changing, or any sparks flying, to be quick in seeking a colder climate. If Old Hornie should take fright afcthe hollow sound from above, and leave his furnace, I think the prospector will likely get a Government grant of all tlie possessions below, or might be able to change the operations in the boiling-down establishment, and turn it into a mint, ifi'ny gold is got below. He could make his own coins, and send them to the surface ready for circulation. It will, in all probability, be a great service to the district. At this stage tho curtain falls, to be raised again by the success of operations or by the Provincial Council. — I am, &c, A Resident on tub Disputed Battle (trou^d.