ALEXANDRA.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 197, 9 November 1871, Page 5

ALEXANDRA.

(From our OvmJStfnespmident.) I have_riflt-ar-iarge budget of news to communicate this time, although it is aome time since you heard from me. The Grand Junction Earnscleugh claim is in full work, and although the rivar is at its summer level, they manage to keep the paddock free from water. I hope in my next to be able to chronicle their success. Kett and party are working steadily at Golden Gully, but with what, luck 1 cannot say. M'.llroy, Robertson and Co. are constructing a race for the purpose of working a claim in Golden Gully. The whole of the claim* on the Vest aide ct£ the Molyneux are in work,' 1 and their owners appear, satisfied with results. At Butcher's and'Conroy's gnllies, sluicing is being vigorously prosecuted, but none of the claimholders are washing up jnstnow. A party of Chinamen purchased last week a claim, considered to be the beat in Butcher's Gully. The only thing they will have to contend with will be want of

fall. This same party worked a claim a little further up the gully, which, took them twenty months, and yielded them £400 each, after paying all expenses. I believe it is their intention to take a tripto China immediately they have worked' out their new purchase. The Manuherikia Water Race Co , consisting of twelve^ shareholders have divided their party,also water ; one party are working on the" banks of the Molyneux, the other on the' terraces near Insley's. Both parties are' reported to be doing very well. The Ovens Co. are sinking their first paddock in their new claim on .the AJanuherikia river, and are in hopes of striking the long-lost Butler's lead. Sincj taking up this claim they have incurred considerable expense in machinery, plant, &c, and have also had to erect a strong and substantial wing-dam, owing to the Manuherikia running so high this season. If they meet with no accident they will bottom before thia can get into print. The Conroy's reef is turning out very well, the last dean up realising 104ozs. from about 120 tons of stuff taken from the reef indiscriminately. The machinery is kept in full work, and .is giving satisfaction. Operations in Butcher's Gnlly reef will be commenced in about a fortnight. The whole of the machinery is on the ground, and the contractors for erecting the same (Messrs. Aitken and Ratcliife) are busily at work, and expect to have everything ready for a start about the time indicated. I am informed that Messrs. Oliver and^ Knowles have given their water to work the wheel for two months free, in order to encourage prospecting. lam of opinion this reef will surpaw the Conroy's one ; but time alone will test it.

Brick fields are all the rage here just now, as also they are at Clyde. .. The price charged here is £4 per thousand, and several of our Alexandra men havegiven extensive orders, so I suppose ere long we will have fine brick buildings, which would be a decided improvement on the present state of things. The Library Committee are carrying onb their designs on the library building ; the contractors are busily at work throwing the whole building into one room, which will be a great boon. to Alexandra. I am informed that the Committee are in. funds, and are about making large purchases to add to their already extensive library. The present subscribers number near sixty.

What our Mayor and Councillors are about as regards supplying the incorporated town with water, I am at a loss to know. I recollect that it was one of Mr. Chappie's hustings cry, "Water for Alexandra ! " and am aware also that it is very difficult to procure water without paying a high price for the same ; but I think it Avould not be out of their reach to obtain water from one of the race companirs for the summer months. The Mayor himself is supplied from the Ovens Co., and I believe pays them a small rent for the same, and as In 3 garden is immediately at the head of tlie street, it should cost but a little extra to supply the town with water sufficient to keep down the dust, which we get a little too niuoh of.

There is a Church of England minister at present residing at Clyde, and I am informed he intends holding services at Alexandra and Clyde alternately. I hope the Clyde men will not back uul, ao they did with the Rev. Mr. Ross.