BLUE SPUR.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 166, 13 April 1871, Page 5

BLUE SPUR.

(From our own Correspondent. )

This township has received its importance solely on the merit of its auriferous deposits. As to how the precious metal came there, and whether there is any more where it came from, we are not in a position to solve the geological problem. A

correspondent has hazarded an opinion "that the present cement formation must have either come from above or out of the depths," the latter opinion being much more likely to gain credence than the former. He further asserts, that as soon as the miners approach the mouth of the "crater," there will be such a revelation of what nature has done, as will astonish the scientific world ; that there only needs the '' plug " to be taken out, and the cement will again flow in such abundance as will fill every gully within a radius of five miles. With this view of the matter, he says that that the Blue Spur must become the most important place in the district ; that in less than ten years our letters will be addressed " Lawrence, near Blue Spur." Ido not endorse whatyourcorrespondent advances, as I do not take my view from his standpoint. One thing is certain, that Nature has been prodigal of her bounty to this place, and if in her freaks she could build churches and town halls, and make and maintain roads, what a glorious place it would be ! Notwithstanding, however, that Nature has been so bountiful, man has done little for the Blue Spur. We have been often astonished that no effort has been made to make it a Government township, especially as there are so many gentlemen of means, many of whom have erected for themselves neat cottages, and have good gardens. One would think that the first object would be to make their holding secure by purchase, as being more advantageous to them when obliged to sell, being more marketable. Owneis of property to a considerable extent have asked how it can be done, which I affirm is very simple. In the first place, and in order to avoid anything like " a hole and corner" arrangement, let a public meeting be called to ascertain the feeling of the present cottage owners. "To be, or not to be," is the question, and if answered in the affirmative, then a memorial could be sent to the Government through their representatives, embodying the views of the inhabitants. I think this is a subject of so much importance that no time should be lost. The meeting of Council is fast approaching and an opportunity will soon be afforded of laying the matter before the Government.

(From our Mining Correspondent.)

We have been remarkably quiet on the Spur last week ; if it had not been for the Oddfellows' soiree and ball on Friday night we might almost as well have been asleep ; however, next week won't be so dull to a great many, as a great number are invited for a week's pic-nic at the Lawrence Courthouse, when, no doubt, they will get a waking up.

Water is still very scarce, and no doubt will be till winter sets in . Scarcely any of the claims can work any move than halftime. The Perseverance Company havo been idle most of the week. The water flu ming is nearly completed, but no one can guarantee it will stand a dny, as the ground is still slipping. A great slip from the British Amer'can Claim fell into the Nelson and Great Extended Company's claim lass week, conseqiiently work had to be suspended in both claims, and they are still idle till some arrangement can be come to between them. They seem to be taking a more sensible method of adjustment this time ; instead of going to law, they contemplate amalgamating. Should this succeed, it will, no doubt, be a goo.l \\iiirj for thom.sclvo" and the Spur, and lead to a more general system of working, for sooner or later it must come. A great slip from the Otago Company's ground fell into the Great Amalgamated Company's claim on Friday night. It was scarcely welcome, as they had jusfc cleaned the bottom for a wash up. It will give a few weeks' work and save powder. Notwithstanding all our disadvantages, shares still maintain their value. Mr. James M'Kinlay sold his interest ("onesixth share) in the Otngo Company's claim, for £500, to Mr. Samson Uren. As this company holds a share in the Waipori Water Race, the price is very reasonable. Mr. M'Kinlay has had very bad health for some time, and will be greatly missed from amongst us.

It is with surprise and regret we perceive that that fine piece of road in Gabriels, which cost so much trouble to get from Government, is bfing allowed to be destroyed and a paltry substitute made for it that will be washed into the gully by the first heavy vain. Surely our Warden could have stopped such a wasteful destruction of public property. The only piece of good road in the district that Cost at the rate of £2000 a mile is given up to few fossickers without any recompense. It i* to be hoped that the people of Lawrence, as well as the Spur, will take such steps as will secure, if not the old road, one equally as good.