SWITZERS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 187, 7 September 1871, Page 5

SWITZERS.

(From, our own Correspondent ) September 1, 1871

The broken weather has occurred very regularly here for tlie last six weeks, and the intervals have been fair and enjoyable. Until Monday afternoon the wintery aspect of the roads had well nigh gone, but since the ground has become thoroughly saturated, and the roads arj covered with a fine pulp, almost to any depth in some places. During the early portion of Monday, thick packs of thunder clouds were looming in the distance to the south and west ; in the afternoon, about three o'clock, the heavens had rather a portentous aspect — a dull leaden canopy was over us. Shortly afterwards commenced a downpour such as I have not witnessed for some time. Some persons that I know, as a matter of choice, would rather have witnessed than experienced it, but I leave them to relate their own experience. The rain fell almost continuously for fifty-three hours, and you may gue«s the rest.

On Friday evening, the 25th of August, there was a very successful performance given in aid of the Hospital funds by the Switzers Amateurs in Mr. Skeae's lar«re room. The weather was all that onld be desired, and an immensely larg;e audience came together to assist the Hospital Committee in its difficulties. The only complaint I have heard of in connection with the entertainment was the densely crowded state of the room, causing an amount, of discomfort to the people. The amount of money realised is not known yet, but the promoters of it expect that it will not be less than £25. Mr. Cooper had been at a great amount of trouble in making a very large balloon that was to have been sent ud as a prelude to the entertainment. Everything was in readiness — the balloon was partially spread out, when a breeze of wind came, and upset the arrangement — the fragile structure literally collapsed, causing a a^eat amount of disappointment, especially to the youngsters. In mining affairs here, I have a change to report that will be of some benefit to the entire community. The price of water has been the cause of an agitation in the public mind for some time past, and just so far as the price is reduced will it be a public advantage. The price hitherto for the day shift of eight hour 3, from eight o'clock in the morning until four in the afternoon, 12s for 50 inches ; from four until twelve at night, 8s 6d ; from twelve o'clock until eight in the morning, 7s 6d (the two last are nice shifts for the delicate ones.) The first has been reduced 3s per day ; the second, Is 6d ; and the third, 23 6d, making the reduced rate for each set of shifts respectively per week £2 14% £2 2a, ani £i 10s. May it go on and prosper, and, as in duty bound, we'll ever pray. The mining news from the Nokomai this week gives evidence of some prospcitv : in f-ict, tin 1 few minors there have l>ci«ii ilitinvf lir-.WH 1 ili.i.i in tiui" (|iiu*tor. Xom<- minois working at a hill, known as Paddy's Alley, are doing very well. I have never been up in that secluded region, but 1 am informed, on good authority, that there is a lar^e extent of ground, but — ah ! yes, but — yon see this but indicates that there are two side 3to this question, like every othwr — there is no water. There have been none of those ent^rprisiig men there that I sometimes read of in your paper to bring in water to diveiopethe extensive auriferous resources of that larore district.