HAVELOCK.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 148, 8 December 1870, Page 5

HAVELOCK.

(From a Correspondent.) Seasonable showers of rain have come at last. The farmers can vow be seen with smiling countenances. They are full of hopes of good crops.

The energetic and persevering miners are not tho last to recognise the benefits of the timely rain ; for water, which is a valuable article with them, was getting very scarce in some claims in this district, and the miners' hopes of a summer's good employment were almost blighted. In mining matters, most of the claims have been improving lately, and 1 am glad to say that most of them promise man}'- years' employment. The claims now paying well are the Frenchman's Republic Co., Smith and Co., and Hamilton, Low and Co., (horse-power claim.) Heath and party's large claim is improving. I hear their last, paddock's "yield was close on twenty ounces. That claim is thought to have a good show. 1 can only record that that party deserved success, as they have for a long time been working very poor ground.

Shearing commences in Messrs Poison and Sutherland's shed this week. I expect the wool Avill roll off as if machinery was being used ; the shearers say they are good masters. It is generally believed that they are not the worst, seeing that every day is plum-pudding day with them during the shearing season ; and who can grumble with that ?

I find on enquiring that the Government works are stopped at Manuka Creek road ; but as there are men in tlie district and province who can be procured immediately at a fair wage, it is still considered that the road should be completed this summer ; and the urgent wish of the Murray's Flat settlers is, that the Government will complete at least three miles at the Havelock end. The settlers in this district consider that they have a good claim upon the Government, as hitherto very little revenue has there been spent on public works and improvements. I hear the "Gun" of the district is about to raise a volunteer company. It is considered that fifty men could be induced to join. Havelock Flat shows well for the Tokomairiro and Lawrence companies for a field clay or grand attack.

Meade and Co. , contractors, are pushing on with their contract. It is estimated that five weeks' good weather will enable them to complete the work.