OPHIR.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 192, 12 October 1871, Page 7

OPHIR.

{From our oion Correspondent.)

Pale, feeble, and emaciated, I rise from my sick bed, and, being seated, take up my pen to write you a few hurried lines, feebly and +remulously penned us you perceive. My medical attendant — in my opinion the most skilful practitioner in the province — promised to communicate with you as to the cause of my silence, so I suppose yon know the reason why. For the information of the public, however, I may as well refer to the matter more specifically — especially as you were silent on the matter. I pause to rest, for my nerves are still weak. Tt was a great shock. That sight, shall I ever forget it ? The appearance of a real live warden and R. M., in Ophir. Through half-open doors, and around corner of blinds, snrrpetitionsly lifted, men, women, and children peered. Amid the astonished gaze of the bewilleved inhabitants he walked through the street(s), and the very dogs barked to see his worship. It was too much for my susceptible system, but, honor bright, champagne had nothing to do with it, and so I had to take to my bed, and I believe nothing but the stimulus produced by reading the Tuapeka Times brought me round : at least so the Dr. said. Well, truth is stranger than fiction ; and up to the present time even the strongest minded inhabitant of the district has faibd to realise the fact that we have a resident warden and R. i\l. Rome is said to have been saved by geese, but, certes, those members of the feathered tribe must have lost their savey,for this province is being evidently cooked by their representatives. Better late than never, however, and now we have at last got our man we shall do our best to stick to him. He is winning golden opinions by his affability and obligingness, and seems indefatigable in the performance of his duties.

No 3 goes ahead slowly in the development of its deep sinking. The Deep Lead Co. have again struck gold, and it is supposed are likely co make the mouths of speculators water for shaves therein. The Try Again Co. lost their first shaft, but are pushing down vigor ously, and under the able management of the contractor, are likely to bottom soon. Mining matters generally are quiet. At JDrybread, Greenbank and Co. have got the most of their iron piping laid down. They are solving a problem which few men would have the pluck to undertake. This is really a splendid undertaking, considering the amount of piping required.

Birds in the air whisper of some rather interesting cases — interesting, i. c. , to the lovers of " Bells Life "-—coming on in the R. M's court. Whether or not thoso with the most of Billingsgate are to be heard, as rumoured, within shut doors remains to be seen ; but if every thing that is said be true, ~\^e should have a missionary sent here front the plains of Timbuclttoo even at the of his anatomical appendages and his hy run-book too.

We are still in a state of chronic discontent about a number of things — e.g., the sale of the township, and the erection of the telegraph office ; but we are " nursing our wrath," &c. What a mxisance it is to belong the squatting fraternity. A few months ago we engaged a Shepherd, and now have to advertise for another, as he doesn't suit. Can you spare us a few inches in your advertising sheet for the description of the sort of man wanted.