TUAPEKA MOUTH. (From our own Correspondent.)

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 229, 20 June 1872, Page 8

TUAPEKA MOUTH. (From our own Correspondent.)

The tenders for repairing the bridge across the Tuapeka Eiver were opened last Saturday, and the lowest'tender, that of Mr. M'Neill, of Lawrence, was accepted. We hope, therefore, in a short time to have the bridge in that state from which there will be neither danger to man or beast.

The snow that fell since Monday has quenched the thirst of all drouthy diggers, who have been cryiug for water (and not without reason) for the last few months. It is to be hoped the ground will yield a double supply of gold to make up for lost time.

Bailey and party have been some months cutting a race from the Waitahuna crossing of the Crookburn, which they expected to have in by the time the wet weather came. They have knocked off for the present, and are receiving a plentiful supply of water from M'lntyre and Eeese, for sluicing purposes. Their claim is one of the best in this- district.

A correspondent mentioned in your paper some, time ago, that it was unfair to exchange wardens, as each was best acquainted with his own district. A case was tried at Lawrence on Monday, which might have resulted differently had it come before Mr. Simpson, as that gentleman was cognisant of all "the facts as they were elicited on a previous examination of the same witnesses, when tha circumstances they were called upon to testify were fresh in their memory. The evidence given oil Monday was extremely conflicting — what one averred the other denied — that it would have taken a wiser man than our worthy magistrate to know bow to decide.

There is one thing I have of ten thought of, viz., the way pf administering the oath. Some peoplel'and notvery ignorantones either, think if they make the noise of a kiss with their mouth, half an inch from tht) book, there is no harm in stretching their evidence a little beyond the truth j while others who are in the constant habit of putting the book to their lips., do it as, if it were a farce. Tho re is no way in my opinion that strikes so much ayy r e into a witness as the Scotch way pf swearing. The witness holding up-his right hand, repeats word for wqrd after the judge. He mv.st indeed De a hardened man that sweryes frpin t.be truth after suph, an flfttl?