ALEXANDRA.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 111, 24 March 1870, Page 6

ALEXANDRA.

(Frotrtfour Owa Correspondent.)

In my last I informed you that theprospectors (FTalladay aud Co.) of the Alexandra Heef, Butcher's Gully, were driving for the reef. I have now to inform you that they have struck the reef, but £3 yet have not taken out any stone. I shall have to close thi3 without giving yon the result ; but the shareholders are sanguine of success, as gold is plainly visible in the casing. I will give you the result in time for your next issue. Several of the shafts on this line of reef are sunk too far to the east ; in fact, several of them have made application to the Warden to have their claims registered until such time an the prospectors have proved the reef. The Warden refused to do so without the consent of the prospectors, who have agreed, by each claim paying into them the sum of 30s. weekly, to defray the expense of baling water which would accumulate through the working of their claims. Some are agreeable to this proposal, whilst others are not ; but next week the whole matter will be set at rest, .for as soon as Halladay and Co. drive through the reef it will matter but little whether they agree or not. Iverson and party and Conroy's party are still sinking, and carrying gold the whole way, but the body of stone is small.

At the Half-mile Baach Kett and party are busy in. removing top stuff in readiness for winter. The Hit or Miss, at Frenchman's Point, intend to start their works this week. Stanbrook and party, at Butcher's Point, intend starting next week. The water races are all full of water, and the sluicing companies in full work.

The crops in Blacks district are not all gathered in,. The oat crop on the Blacks side of the river is very good ; but on the opposite side it is very inferior, owing, it is said, to its being over-cropped. At Tiger Hill the crops are good, considering this is the first season. The onions, potatoes, parsnips, carrots, and mangolds at this place are really first-clas3. As yet there are only about 500 acres of this, block taken up. There is some first-class land in it, and well ■worth the inspection of intending settlers. For the last fortnight we have been without a police force, our sergeant having been removed to take charge of Clyde. Complaints are long and loud respecting the same ; in fact, two men yesterday, in the middle of one of our streets, were stripped to the waist, boxing each other in great style. As a matter of course no one would interfere, and they were allowed to fight it out. Such a disgraceful scene I have not witnessed for many a year — and no police within the municipality of Alexandra at the time. I have been informed that our worthy Mayor, on being informed of what was taking place, immediately sent a telegram to Clyde, praying that Sergeant Neil might fee sent down at once^ but whether it was responded to I have not heard.

Mr. Theyers, of the Alexandra Brewery, has succeeded in bringing out his first brew, and it is generally considered to be fully up to the mark, although some of the publicans think the price charged rather too high. I have made enquiries about the price, and find that it is the same as at Dunedin, with cartage added. There is no doubt that Mr. Theyers has got to make himself a business, and I am sure he will do it his own way, and take no advice in the matter; but I am of opinion that his beer will make a trade for him if he continues as he has begun.