DRYBREAD.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 237, 15 August 1872, Page 7

DRYBREAD.

(From our own Correspondent). August 7. Since I last wrote you, mining affairs in this district have received a fresh impetus, the supply of the necessary sluicing element ia much more abundant, and every prospect of a good season before us. All hands are now in full employment, and the sluicers in general seem determined to take full advantage of the opportunity. The United have just finished washingup a paddock of over two acres, the result of about three months' running. The quantity of water used in each claim here is much greater than on most of the other fields. There are, when the supply is obtainable, about forty heads of water coming into Drybread, and this all divided amongst six claims. Some idea of the great drawback to sluicing during the past dry season may be formed from the fact that during the last six months the quantity of water has not exceeded on the average fifteen heads. Much sympathy appears to be felt throughout the district with Mr. John Ewing, of St. Bathans, who is now undergoing a sentence in Dunedin for shooting at a Chinaman who was caught in the act of stealing gold from Ewing's tailrace. Every exertion is being made to obtain his release. I certainly think if the case had come before a jury of miners the verdict would have been different. Residents in Dunedin can have little idea of the annoyance and expense that European miners are put to in protecting their property from the pilfering Celestial. Since their appearance here, the tailraces have all to be watched at night during the process of washing-up, at great expense to the owners. I understand that a public meeting is to be convened shortly, having for its object the establishing of a public library for the district. I have no doubt it will be a great boon to many, and hope the call will be well responded to.

It is also intended to send a requisition to the Chief Postmaster, asking for two mails weekly to aiid from Drybread. The district is a large one, and the extra expense incurred by the Government in running the mail would be trifling compared with the benefit conferred. We should then be able to obtain the Tuapeka, Dunedin, and other papers on Saturday, instead of having to wait till Tuesday, and it would save many a journey to Blacks to post letters by the Monday's down coach to Dunedin.

I believe it is the intention of our School Committee to give a concert and ball shortly in aid of the school funds, and as such affairs are always well patronised here, I have no doubt they will meet with every success.