NOKOMAI.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 193, 19 October 1871, Page 6

NOKOMAI.

(From our own Corespondent.)

October 10th, 1871.

It is seldom that we have any meetings on any subjects', here, having no Hospital, or other prolific questions to discuss; but, on Thursday evening last, the inhabitants did bestir themselves sufficiently to attend a meeting to hpar some news that had been received from the Government in relation to the " Gorge" road, and decide on measures to impress on them the importarce of at once commencing the same whilst the fine weather was on. Mr. Acton was voted to the chair, and explained tbe object for calling the meeting together, and read the letters received by Mr. Cameron, by which it appeared that a. sum of £200 had been placed on the Estimates, and the road formed as soon as the engineer had reported thereon, and the ground in a fit state to work. The meeting considered it was in a good state now, and that owing to the very dangerous state of the present Paddy's Alley road at all times, no delay should take place, and a committee was appointed to draw up a memorial to the Government to that effect, and forward it on after it had bean duly signed.

Tho present road from hero to Athol is really dangerous, all who have

any occasion to travel it know full well, and several carters won't come over it at all, thereby increasing the price of cartage, and, besides, the new road is some miles shorter, and incomparably leveller, and better in allrespects. There is also a very bad piece -of road between Athol and the Parenia, not of great length but really dreadful on. horses, and a standing disgrace to let it remain.

Of mining news there is no news to tell—^the yield continues steady, and fair wages are made, I believe, on an average. The Chinese are on the move, both coming and going. Some sixteen in one party left here a few days ago with a carter named M'Giwin, on their way to Longwood or the Orepnki. Those who went there before from here have returned, and said it was no good ; but the Chinese are getting like Europeans in this respect, and rush off to any ground they fancy will pay better than that in which they are in. But we can aiford to lose Chin leys at any rate.

A kind of an attempt was made, after tbe road meeting was held, to ascertain if there was any probability of a company being formed to open up tbe Flat, but as no one present seemed prepared with any positive resolution, nothing was done, although several parties offered td take shares, and otherwise assist in such formation. As the speculation really is a bonajide one, it is a pity if it cannot be managed this summer." A larger quantity of gold was purchase I last week than has been offering for some time. Part of the gold from here I know goes to Switzers, and may account for tlie heavy amount oi the escorts sometimes from there.