ARROW RIVER.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 287, 31 July 1873, Page 8

ARROW RIVER.

(From onr own Correspondent.) Os Saturday last the second annual meeting of the Arrow District Miner's Association, was held in the Library Hall, There was an average attendance of members, and a large number of the general public was present. The President. Mr. John A. Miller, occupied the chair. The Secretary's report, which was a very meagre one, referred to a few painted glories, faded away, in the twilight of the past. Alas ! The same cannot be said of the Treasurer's statemtnt for there is a balance of £21 19s 6d on the wrong side of the ledger. The actual disbursements amounted to £41 7s 6d. Whether the Association is too expensive to keep up, or whatever else the course might be, it is not very encouraging to see the numbers of members decreased by fifty per cent. I am afraid that this Association, like every class association, will not survive for any just length of time, Its pres-tig-3 is gone ; the novelty has worn off. However, the introduction of new blood may infuse vitality, and cause it it to look un again for a short while. Mr Lewis Harris was elected President fnr- the ensuing year ; Mr. Cliarles Wheelan, Secretary ; and Mr. James Miller Treasurer. ■ Th'o time of the met>t\n<z was taken up entirely by per tonalities, and looal matters; nothing of any general interest was discussed. I hear the central body are busily engaged drawing up, in form of a report, taeir resolutions, which ftave resisted

from the discussion on the new G-old-fields Bill. They have enlisted the sympathy of Otago's M.H.R.'s, who have promised hearty co-operation in the matter of the new Bill, so that something good may be expected in the shape of Goldfields Legislation. The Arrow River United Gold Mining Co. will make a start with active operations, as soon as the weather will permit. There is some talk of other similar companies being formed. Many large areas of auriferous land which lie idle now, may be made to yield handsome dividends, if only somebody would take them in hand. Of the probable mining spots of which I have just spoken, the two most likely are the Southern Cross and the Arrow River Falls. Both are undertakings of a genuine character, which before very long will no doubt be in the hands of efficient Companies, and will, with proper management, compete favorably with the best schemes on the Shotover. Tbey are situated in the bed of the Arrow River, and can be worked by drainage tailraces.the cheapest possible mode of drainage, and also the most efficient. "Working expenses will be under such circumstances merely nominal. The recent formation of a bridle track along the Arrow Valley, will materially assist in the developement of those claims as the transportation of timber can be accomplished by its aid, at a greatly reduced rate.