BLUE SPUR

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 207, 18 January 1872, Page 5

BLUE SPUR

(From our Mining Correspondent.)

We are at present suffering from a scarcity of water, and if not obliged with a good rainfall soon, shall have to suspend work altogether ; as it is, most of the claims are only working half time. The Rip and Tear Co. are getting on well with their fluming, and expect to finish this week.

The Gabriels Quartz Reef is putting everything else in the shade at present. Since the result of the trial crushing has been known nothing is talked of but reefing and ten-acre leases. The ground is pegged out and applied for in every direction ; and if every claim stands as good a show as the (sanguine owner anticipates, we shall no doubt soon be the centre of a great Quartzopolis. At present, Mr. Adams, the surveyor's, claim is paying the best ; next, probably, the timber merchants' claims, as parties are to be spwi in all directions wherever a vestige of quartz

lias been found laden with square timber for pegs. No doubt there will be a reaction soon. It is rather doubtful whether occupying so much ground under application for lease will tend to develope the reef as soon as might be done otherwise. Probably where capital is wanted it may be beneficial, but it will give rise to a deal of shepherding.