BLUE SPUR MINING NEWS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 121, 2 June 1870, Page 5

BLUE SPUR MINING NEWS.

(From our Mining Reporter.) May 30th. Mining matters here for the last three weeks have been carried on vigorously. The demand for water has often exceeded the supply. The weather we have experienced of late has been all that could be desired for the water companies, yet they were unable to fully supply the claimholders with water, although they have been running from their dams nine and ten hours a day. The Tuapeka Water Company are enlarging their dam, which is under contract to Mitchell and party. The process of tho work is raising the breast embankment several feet higher. On the completion of this work, which will be finished in the course of another week or two, I may safely assume this company will lengthen the race downward from the dam where it is required to do so, in order that we may hear the breakers coming over the falls in the morning at eight o'clock, instead of at five in the evening. This event cannot take place until the Perseverance Company have finished the undertaking they have in hand, which is both a difficult and a critical one. To see the workings on one side and the water flumes on the other narrowed into such a small compass, a stranger would be at first sight struck Avith the appearance of these flume boxes. Anyone reading of Mahomet's coffin being suspended between heaven and earth by a thread would be inclined to believe these flume boxes were suspended in a similar manner, as little or no support is visible. This company have the hearty wishes of the miners, and I hope they will succeed in their hazardous undertaking. Blasting operations have not been so extensive lately. The tributors of the Blue Spur Sluicing Company fired a small blast, and have nearly sluiced it away. It is' the intention of this party to clean up, as the expiratiou of their term is drawing nigh. Morrison and Co. fired a small blast in a corner block in order to relieve a blast that was fired some time ago, which answered very well. Blasting powder is very clear just now. It is a great pity the miners do not combine and have powder at a fixed rate, and not have it fluctuating in price. If the merchants will not make a minimum fixed price, the miners have a remedy by forming themselves into a company and getting a certain quantity from England every three months. This would modify powder speculations, which are carried on extensively. An accident occurred in Morrison's claim last week to one of the miners named David M'lntosh. The warning was given, and ample time was allowed for his escape had he taken the necessary precaution. However, it is to be hoped it will be a warning for the future. An amalgamated scheme has taken place at the south end of the Spur. These miners have commenced on the right principal ; if their example is followed much good will follow. Rich's claim, which was bought by the Dunedin speculators for the sum of £1350, is cleared to the reef. This claim was worked by Morris and Co. Coming in close contact with the boundaries of Mills and Co., Morris and Co. have effected an amalgamation with them, which will put an end to all loggerheadism. This Company has been styled the Great Amalgamated Co. Another amalgamation has since been effected with Hall and Co., which will be known in future by the name of the Great Amalgamated Rip and Tare Co. This company are perfectly satisfied with the arrangement they have made. Since the case of M'Nab's the company have expressed themselves that the money is better spent this way than &y feeding th& asses while the oxen are ploughing.