ALEXANDRA.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 232, 11 July 1872, Page 8

ALEXANDRA.

(From our ovni Correspottdent June 27. Mining operations in this district have been at a standstill for the past two weeks in consequence of the heavy snow storms, followed by severe frosts. Several of the river claimholders, who , might have been reaping their harvest, ( having the Molyneux in their favor, could not proceed with their work. At Frenchmans Point, the Hit or Miss "Company have commenced operations again in their old face, with everything in thorough good order. They have had a trial with their- new trucks, and from the prospects obtained, anticipate to secure good returns at the end of the season, if weather permits. Kett and Company, of the Half Mile Beach, struggled very hard in the beginning of the season ; but having many difficulties in their way, insufficient water in their race, and rather much in the river, could not reach the bottom. They appear to be|confident, from the knowledge they have gained of the lower portion of the claim, that they will be well remunerated for their tronble. The tunnel which they are taking into the ten aces, when complete, will give a lengthened period of work for them ; but it will be a long and difficult task. There is about 250 feet of very hard rock to cut through. The party consists of go-a-head men, who will carry through their undertaking. At Poverty Beach, Roberts and party, working- on the eight hour system, are making good use of their water, and fair wages. Noble, Ballentyne, and party are tearing away the banks in good style, and getting good returns. Mr. Thomas Oliver, our water squatter, is about to lub all his water races and bridges in thorough good order, to prevent further grumbling by the miners and travellers. He likewise intends giving every inducement to parties starting to work in a systematic way. Ryan and Fox have adopted a new principle, by taking up . stone ditches on the bank of the river, which will do away with about 25 percent of expenditure. iSlavin and party are working in the same manner, which answer, as well as boxes. There is no doubt if many of the other companies would adopt the same principle they would find it beneficial. The Butchers Reef Company had a meeting on the 17th inst. After several months work, and the expenditure of a few hundred pounds, the Company gained little or no information about the reef. The quartz they crushed at the Conroy's'mill turned out about half an ounce to the ton, which, with proper appliances, would pay fair wages. Mr. Bell, the manager, said, ffrom his experience in New Zealand of reefing, he considered it the best defined lode he has seen ; and was positive it would continue for a great depth, and improve as it went down. It appears from the past that the great draw back in reefing in this district is that companies start without sufficient capital. Before prospecting commences, probably, the shareholders get funky and back out. This puts a damper on the enterprise, and prevents other parties from taking up shares. I am positive that, if a good system was adopted — that is to say scrip companies formed — Alexandra would soon be noted as a reefing district. From what I can learn, there is the best part of 20 tons of the surface at present, which may never be crushed, whereas, if the money expended raising that had been spent in sinking the shaft deeper, it might have led to something better, and given encouragement for a future trial. It appears, at a previous meeting, flhat Mr. Theyres proposed, and was supported by a few more, if any further calls should be made, they should be spent in sinking the shaft deeper, not in prospecting where the reef had been tested before, but to test the reef where it had not been prospected. The majority, however, carried the sway against the proposition ; and what is the ' consequence 1 The money is ail spent, and the Company not a bit the wiser for what they have done. Opposition is the life of trade. I have had it from good authority that Mr. Charnock is about starting a butchery, and no donbt will get a fair share of the business of the district. People are compelled to do something with their properties, having to pay such extortionate taxes, levied by the Town Board. The inhabitants petitioned the Town Council with, reference to the enormous rates levied on them last year. The answer given by the Corporation was that the rates had been passed and could not be withdrawn, or to that effect. M'Elroy and party have completed ! their tail race. It has been a very heavy undertaking, part of it having to be taken through reef which required blasting to a depth . of 20 feet. They are .now in readiness for sluicing when water can be obtained. They will have work for a lengthened period, paying them handsomely. Mr. Joseph Knowles recommenced work on- the old Earnsclough Grand Junction Claim, sluicing top ground with an ample supply of water. He has the only sure supply in the district, and by its use is making fair wages. Rosendale and party have taken up 2 acres of ground for mining purposes on the north end of Bald Hill Flat, and have obtained very good prospects. Other parties are following suit. The "Gorge Creek Water Race is progressing very. fast. The race is within a few chains of Coal C.reek, and will be at its . destination about the

beginning of 1873. At present it is pi otected till the weather breaks. AVhen operations are resumed, a few extra hands will be engaged to shove it ahead. There are a number of applicants laying to that require the use of the water. Being the only permanent supply in the district, the speculation will no doubt be a thorough success both to shareholders and the district in general. I am glad to find that the spirited shareholders have not been daunted by public and private opinions, as it is certain they will not regret their undertaking. A second meeting of the Bald Hill Flat School Committee has been held, and the clerk was instructed to communicate with the Secretary of the Education Board for information, and to Messrs. Cargill and Anderson for a portion of their land for a site for the schoolhouse. An answer not having been received from the latter, the meeting could not proceed with business.