(To the Editor.)

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 281, 19 June 1873, Page 6

(To the Editor.)

Sib, — In reply to a letter signed " Miner," Butchers Grully, commenting on statements made by a correspondent in refereneo to the cost of tailraees to the natural fall of the Bald Hill Plat, and to his experience as a miner, I beg to say a few words. This. " miner " states that a corres*

pondent never constrncted a tailrace in Otago. This statement, he knew, when penning it, was a wilful falsehood. He knows that the " correspondent " has been working in Butchers Gully for the past three years, and has constructed nearly half a mile of tailrace. (That will give the public an idea of his reliability) . He states that the fall of Bald Hill Flat does not exceed 100 feet. To give a correct statement by test from the ridge to Coal Creek — a distance of 1800 yards, there is 204 feet of a fall. From the ridge to Butchers Grully, averages five inches to the 12 feet ; and to give ocular demonstration, let him take ! Messrs Wilkinson and Fish's tailrace. These parties have gained in 500 yards over 20 feet, independent of [the 4|in. to the 12 feet. (That will again show his reliability). In reference to the enormous figures quoted for the construction of tailraces, I am cetain from experience in Butchers in channel making, ifc would pay thoso ■ miners to consult the " Correspondent." By doing so, I have no doubt they would be saved about 12s. per cent in material and labor ; thus showing that the want of experience is of more Joss to them than their labor. In reference to M'Donough's sections, and the £10 per week. The statement made by me is positively correct ; but it is wellknown Ma M'Donough can see through their scheming. He is not so simple as to require other people to take up his cause ; and as to the correspondent wanting the public to test the ground, it is absurd— the public can please themselves. But it is not the public they are looking to — it is to their own individual interest. One of these miners holds the key of Butchers, and the other the key of Coal Creek, and they say to themselves if we can keep population away, it is possible we will be able to work here for years to come; and we must do our best to put a damper on all mining enterprise in the district. But if the public sums up the matter concocted by those monopolists, they will find it is a pack of fabrications with intent to do harm. — I am, &c, Eeliable. Bald Hill Flat, 13th June.