BLACKS. (From our own Correspondent.)

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 235, 1 August 1872, Page 8

BLACKS. (From our own Correspondent.)

July 23rd.

The weather seems to have fairly broken now, and the miners and faripers nave resumed their avocations.

A large amount of rain fell during the past week,- so that sluicers will have any amount of water for a long time to come. The rainfall did not come before it was wanted. The last 9 months, I believe, were the driest everkndwn in the district.

An amateur entertainment was given here in the schoolroom, on the evening of the 19th instant, in aid of the school and harmonium funds. The performance was the first of the kind given here. It consisted of music, vocal and instrumental, and readings. The former portion of the entertainment elicited great approbation, especially Mr. Campbell's magnificent playing on the violin. Mr. Rolands selections on the harmonium were greatly admired. Messrs. Barker, Worth, and Dixon gave some excellent readings. The attendance was very good, and the performance generally gave groat satisfaction. The amount realised was about £14. these amateur enter, tainments have been initiated, it is to be hoped that they will be given periodically, both for the benefit of the inhabitants, and the furtherance of worthy objects.

I notice that your Drybread correspondent complains that Mr. T. L. Shepherd did not visit this portion of this district to give an account of his doings in Parliament. » WelJ, according to my calculations; two years and half will elapse before we see that gentleman again, unless some pressing business — such as a dissolution of the General Assembly or the Provincial Council — happens to bring him this way. Of course he does not want to see us unless he requires our votes.

I see by a report of a recent meeting of the Waste Lands Board, that a letter was received from Mr. Robert Fraser on behalf of the miners of Blacks. That letter has created some sensation here, but as the writer has been ably dealt with in another place, and I believe other steps have teen taken in the matter, I shall not interfere at present. Our roads are in a dreadful state, in consequence of the authorities, and the late severe weather. The coach from Dunedin does not reach here tlil a day after the contract time ; and we do not receive your paper before Monday. Regarding the delay in the arrival of your paper, I do not know whether it is attributable to bad roads or official neglect. If to the former, we cannot complain ; if the latter, I hope it will h.e rem,edieci withpu.t delay,