BLACKS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 233, 18 July 1872, Page 5

BLACKS.

(From our own Correspondent.) July 9th. It is rather dull here at the brightest of times, and the present severe weather has not tended much to improve tb.3 aspect of affairs. For the last month, the surrounding country has been fairly covered with snow, and there is every sign that the mantle of " regal ermine "" will continue to envelope the hills for a long period. An effectual stop has. been put to mining operations throughout the district, and those who have been forced to abstain from work have been amusing themselves with skating, snow-balling, and other winter sports.

Mr. Warden Carew visited us last Friday, but there was very little business for him to do, beyond taking evidence re the memorial recently sent to the G-overnrnent, relative to granting agricultural leases for auriferous land on the fiat. Several miners 'in support oi the memorial gave evidence, which went to show that p >rtions of the land were known to be auriferous, and it was strongly urged by them that the greater portion of it would be payable if a drainage channel were taken through it to carry off the undercurrent of water. It was stated that a party of miners had made application for a tailrace through the ground, and were willing to commence operations as soon as permission was granted. The whole of the evidence, together with the "Warden's report, will be forwarded to the Government for their consideration. It is to be hoped that the decision will be made known as soon as possible, to allow the farmers and miners to know what to do.

A billiard match was played at the Shamrock Hotel on Friday last, between Mr. Mellor of the Ballara Hotel, Tinkers G-ully, and Mr. Hu^h Devine, miner of the same place. The terms were £5 a-side and 100 up. So far as the. play goes, the game t-ould scarcely said to have been brilliant. The largest break made was 8, and the game lasted over an hour and a half.

At Blacks No 3, things are wearing an improving aspect. The Homeward Bound Company is st'll getting out first-rate dirt-, and driving at the same level — 120 fie'-. I am informed that the "round looks better than the Ida Valley Co.'s the lead being more level and regular. The wash dirt is from 4 to 5 feet thick, and the pros, poets really excellent.