QUEENSTOWN.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 178, 6 July 1871, Page 5

QUEENSTOWN.

The dredges have been unable to do much during the last week. The frost has rendered work, except for four hours per diem, almost impossible. Ashforth, Graves and party's dredge, at the Sandhills, is out of order, owing to an attempt to remove a piece of rock. Wood's party, and Barton's party have to use hot water to melt the ice before they can work their machininery. The returns for the working hours, however, are said to be excellent. The idea is mooted of using divingbells in cases where heavy rocks are met with, whereby, it is said, much labour and expense might be saved.

At Graves and party's dredge, Sandhills, a very narrow escape from a fatal accident took place on Friday afternoon. A miner named Williams, while working on the dredge was struck by part of the machinery, and a very severe cheek wound inflicted. The blow caused the man to fall overboard into the Shotover, and being senseloss he sank into the bed of the river. The dingy was at once detached from the dredge, and by great efforts the body was recovered. Apparently it was lifeless, but unremitting efforts restored animation. It must be remembered that owing to the present severe frosts the water was icy cold. At 11 p.m. a messenger arrived in town, and soon after Dr. Scott was in the saddle. The night was bitter cold ; the roads icebound — and in many places a sheet of ice. Nevertheless, by dint of perseverance the Sandhills were reached two hours before daylight. The man" waa delirious. Dr. Scott sewed up a very ugly wound ; extracted some of the teeth, and removed part of the wounded gums. The usual remedies were also supplied, and on Saturday afternoon the man was pronounced out of danger.

More claims have, during the last week, passed into the hands of the Chinese. The worst of it is that the settlers in every case leave the district for other places. Some for Australia, California, and one or two for Auckland. — ". Wakatip Mail."