WARDEN'S REPORT.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 197, 9 November 1871, Page 6

WARDEN'S REPORT.

TUAPEKA BJSTSTCT.

Mr. Warden Simpson reports :—: — I have the hononr to hand you the raining statistics of this district for the quarter ending 30fch September last..

A considerable influx of Chinese took place during the quarter, particularly to the Waipori district, where now they are in tlie majority. They have scattered themselves over the ranges in all directions, and are opening up gullies that were never thought of before. One large party of Chinese have started to turn the Waipori River for the distance of about a mile — quite as great a length of that river as ever any European party attempted. During the quarter, the Chinese have found their way to Adam's Flat, where about 100 of them are now located and reported to be doing well ; it is very suitable ground for them. Of- the new works that have been undertaken during the quarter, I may mention a large race from the Beaumont .River, to carry a supply of water to work the spurs on the west side of the Tuapeka River. The race will be some 40 miles in length, and capable of carrying 20 to 30 sluice heads of watei*. This is one of the i-aces that were suggested'to the Commissioner -of Water | Supply, as a very desirable undertaking for Government assistance, and I th.ink the fact that it is now being carried out by private individuals bears out tbetestimorly given to the Commissioner. Another of the i*aces recbtnmended to the Comnijssioner for Government assistance has also been undertaken by private individuals-^viz., one from the W»ipori River, -bo sluice the spurs oA the south side 'of the Waipori Flat. This .undertaking' begins, however, to present so many difficulties that I fear, unless Government aid is obtained, it will fall through. The only other water races of njagi»snde. "sat are those pf

Edon and party, and . Spopner and party, to the hills on Manuka Creek, .and Coghill and party, to Havelock Hill, all of which are tending towards completion. The only discovery, if such it can be .called, -was at Table Hill, by the miners who were working the Table- Hill Quartz Mining .Company's ground on tribute ; that ground having ceased to pay, they sunk a shaft on what was known some years ago as the Ocean View Claim, and struck stone which,"according- to trial crushing, will go at least half an ounce to the ton.' This discovery has given a great impetus to prospecting on the reefs in that neighbourhood, and a nnmber of claims have been taken up, in some of which prospects equally good to that in the Ocean View have been found. Considerable excitement has in consequence been caused among the Tokomairiro people.

Throughout the district, mining undertakings may be said to be generally prosperous, although the yield of gold this quarter is not quite equal to the previous quarter nor to the corresponding quarter of last year.

From the statistical tables appended to the report we obtain the following information.

The total number of miners in the district is 2090, of whom 1145 are Europeans, and 945 Chinese. All of these, except 65 Europeans, who are quartz miners, are engaged in alluvial mining. The quantity of gold sent down by the Banks by Escort during the quarter was as follows : — Lawrence, 51700z. lOdwts. ; Waipori, 1850oz. ; Waitahuna, 10290z. ; Tokomairiro and Woolshed, 4460z.- 4dwts ; total, 84950z. 41dwts.