SWITZERS.

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

SWITZERS.

(From our own Correspondent.)

April Bth, 1871

Flattery is not a sin of mine. I can say this without any fear of being charged with egotism ; it is not here ; I cannot find it. Therefore, i: I sneak well of vmiv editorial on. the expert dufy on <~')ul. I merely speak the sentiments of all who have given the subject a moment's consideration. The very clear, able, and practical manner in which you discuss the subject deserves the support and commendation of a much injured class ; and I may stale that tho allowance you make of from four to five shillings per week per man for expenses incurred in obtaining the amount of gold stated is very moderate ; and on this part of the subject, if it were possible to obtain statistics it would be found to be more than that sum.

What ! the elections not over yet ? Is it possible 1 I hope they are ; but nepotism has again blundered. Omy cousin ! The election for the Mount Benger district was illegal. The election was held on Thursday, the 23rd of March, at all places except the Nokomai, and for some reason or other the poll was taken there on the Friday. Was it because the Deputy preferred that day ? or being a countryman he probituly thought that it didn't matter which day it was, or probably he was the first iv the family that ever had such an honour conferred upon him, and was purposely erratic. Tt is a wonder that it was not on the Wednesday. I am informed that a gentleman residing here, who voted at Switzers on the polling day, had occasion to go to the Nokomai on the Friday, and when he arrived there in the afternoon he found them busy taking the poll. O, nepotism ! nepotism ! what blunders have been committed under thy influence !

On Wednesday evening we were rather startled with the news of a rush to a sixacre paddock, held under miners' rights, in Happ Valley, and payable prospects obtained. The paddock was recently in the possession of Mr. Ritchie, late bank agent here ; and it was rumoured when he left that the Warden had bought it in the name of a man working for him. If such be the case, I hope when the case comes on for a hearing, those mysterious combinations, that are a scandal and disgrace to the district, may be thoroughly exposed.

A meeting was held on Thursday evening, at Mr. Braithwaite's Rooms, to take into consideration the Government Water Scheme, and to frame answers to those questions that have been occupying the minds of the Tuapeka people so much of lato, and send them to Mr. Haughton. The meeting was merely intended as a preliminary one, and few persons were invited by circulars to attend ; but the want of water is so deeply felt that a large number of persons were anxious to know what was likely to be done ; so that what was intended as a private meeting became a. public one. Mr. Armstrong occupied the chair ; Mr. Bailey was secretary. The questions were discussed seriatim. I will not insert the questions, but the answers I will give as near as I can. I. That the principal character of mining in this district is ground sluicing. IF. That the supply of water is insufficient to meet the requirements of the district. 111. That there exists in our neighbourhood upwards of twenty thousand acres of auriferous land ou each side of the Wai-

kaia River up and down for a distance of twelve miles IV. That part of the water supply is in the hands of persons working their own ground ; the other part is held as a separate property and let to the miners at 12s. per day of eight hours, for fifty inches. V. That there are sources from which water could be obtained to command it. Localities — 1. The Waikaia River, distance, in a straight line, twenty miles, a plentiful supply of timber for fluming purposes. 2. The Dom Creek, length by line of race, nine or ten miles, about a nute of fluming required, timber plentiful for fluming. 3 The Steeple Creek, distance by line of race, eight or nine miles, timber plentiful. 4. The Cows Creek, distance by line of race, about ten miles through auriferous country. The three last mentioned are through good average country. 5. There is a permanent supply already from the Argyle, and there is still more water available. VI That we are of opinion that the proposed system of subsidising the water supply of the goldfields is likely to promote the interests, and consequently increase the number of European miners. Vll. That should these works be undertaken and completed, we are of opinion that it would be better to let them annually by tender, the Government fixing the maximum ra r e per sluice head. Ylll. That we are in favour of lotting the works by contract, say one or two miles of. race to one party, and tlie work to be paid for when completed. Otherwise the manager of the work would be likely to have a number of incompetent men about him that he would not be able to remove, as they would have acquired a kind of share in the works.

There was some dissatisfaction expressed at the meeting because Mr. llaughton had not paid us a visit to take evidence, and to ascertain by j>ersonal inspection the requirements of the district. The richest terraces at present known are those above Welshmans Gully and round as far as Stoney Creek. That would prolitably employ a large number of miners for a long time if there was a permanent supply of water. As it is, all the interests of the district are languishing, and unless thuro is something done soon many of the peoole will of necessity have to leave and try their fortune elsewhere.