WARDEN'S REPORT.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 224, 16 May 1872, Page 6

WARDEN'S REPORT.

The following is the report of Mr Warden Carew (Clyde district), for the quarter endMarch last.

I regret that the short time I have had the temporary charge of the district has not placed me in a position to report fully of its progess. The season passed through has been one of extreme dryness, and consequently unfavourable for the production of gold ; in fact a large number of miners have been forced, from want of water, to remain idle at their claims. This applies also to quartz mining, for at Bendigo the crushing machines have been stopped, and those at the Carrick ranges have worked to great disadvantage from a short supply. The cutting of the Carrack Water Supply Company's race is commenced, and when completed, will be able to supply the machines on the Carrick rS well as the alluvial workings. Other enterprises for water supply are also mooted, notably the construction of a new race to carry the water rights of the old Golden Gate Company, whose race was constructed at Blacks. The present proprietors consider there is a prospect of putting water to more profitable use along the slopes of the Dunstan Range, and have applied for the necessary authority to make the alteration. The length of the proposed race is over twenty miles, and the water is to be used upon known auriferous ground along its course, and then again to be picked up and to be kept sufficiently high to allow of it being conducted to where it will command the banks of the Molyneux below Clyde. Some of the quartz mining companies in the district have been paying good dividends, and this branch of mining appears only to require the introdaction of capital to extend in importance. The Chinese population is increasing, especially in the neighbourhood of Alexandra, where they have taken up old ground abandoned years apo, and the result seems to satisfy them, and evidently to improve business in Alexandra.

The escort has conveyed the following quantities of gold to Dunedin, during the quarter :— From Cromwell, 5746 oz*. 4 dwts. From Clyde, 2129 oz 18 dwts. Alexandra, 1486 ozs 6 dwts. Blacks, 2200 oz. In all, 11,532 ozs. 8 dwts.