BLUE SPUR. (From our Mining Correspondent.)

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 230, 27 June 1872, Page 7

BLUE SPUR. (From our Mining Correspondent.)

For the last two weeks, we have been completely snowed and frozen up on the Spur. Work in all the claims was entirely suspended for the time, and people were left to enjoy themselves according to their several inclinations, either in whiskey drinking, snow-balling, skating, or shooting ; but as the system of no work no pay exists here as elsewhere, a change in the weather was heartily welcomed. All hands again set into work on Monday morning. The cold will be amply compensated by having a good supply of water from the head sources of our races, during the summer months.

On the Gabriels Reef the decision of the Warden in the case of Barrett v. Clayton & Go. has given general satisfaction, and if no other obstruction is put in the way, no doubt the present holders will soon set to work. In the Prospecting claim a cross-cut or break in the reef someGOfeetsouthof thetunnel, hasstopped driving in that direction for the present. Messrs. Roberts & Co. are still driving, ard are confident they will soon strike the reef.

Our old grievance, the gold duty, has had a good rest lately, as far as we on the Spur are concerned. Another and more formidable one is cropping up fast, namely, agricultural leasing, which if continued without securing some right of prospecting and working to the miner, will _alienate all the unworked auriferous ground in the district. As a meeting is called this week to consider both questions, no doubt proper steps will be taken to bring them before the notice of the Legislature. It is a good sign to see our men making the best use of their time during the frosty weather, making their homes more comfortable by taking to themselves wives. A great number of our residents had the pleasure of enjoying themselves the other week at the wedding of one of our remaining bachelor shareholders. This week great preparations are being made to celebrate the retirement from single life of another wealthy young couple. To judge from the liberal supply of good thing* daily arriving, and the large number of invitations given, als<\ from the young gentleman's well-known, popular, and liberal habits, nothing will be wanted but good appetites.