WARDEN'S REPORT.

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

WARDEN'S REPORT.

" Roxburgh, 15th July. "Sir, — I have the honor to report that the long continuance of northlv winds during the greater portion of quarter ending tho 30th June, has had the effect of keeping up the l-iver at a level some feet in excess of its usual height, and, as a consequence, retarding mining operations on the banks. About five weeks ago great damage was caused to raining property by the sudden rise of the river — some fourteen feet in as many hours — sluice-boxes, barrows, timber, &c, floated away in quantities ; and in addition to loss of property, miners had to endure a compulsory idleness for some weeks. From the above causes the yield of gold this season will probably come short of what I had anticipated, though even now, if no more floods occur, it is not too late to make up for lost time. Owing to the exceptionally mild winter, a greater number of miners than usual have been tempted to remain at their summer workings, and many parties have done well in consequence. Some rich claims have been opened up in the Waikaia River, and I hear Diisan and party in that locality took as much as 140 ounces from a single paddock. A large area of presumably payable ground exists in the neighborhood of the Rakaia, White Comb, and Campbell's, and if a few hundred pounds were spent in the roads from the Teviot to those localities, there would doubtless be a large influx of population, which would recoup the .Government for the money expended. The population remains steady at 1,300 of which 200 are Chinese. " I have the honor to be, Sir, "Your most obdt. servant, J. B. Boktox. "The Provincial Secretary for Goldfields." Attached to the report are the following statistics concerning the district :—5Ol: — 501 Europeans and 217 Chinese engaged in alluvial mining ; 83 sluices and toma, 18 water wheels, 24 pumps, and 2,093 sluice boxes, of an approximate value ef £26,250. Forty square miles of auriferous ground are being worked upon. Gold is at 765. ' per ounce. The value of water races, tail races, dams, and ground sluices used in the district amounts to £28,580. The rate of wages per week averages £2 10s.

It is gratifying to learn that the latest young-lady fashion is to " make up venerable." Golden locks are dross in the market, browns are banished, and blacks are bleached, The damsels of New York have learnt to " assume a virtue, if they have it not," and are imparting a respectability to their appearanco by dyeing' their hair grey. Rumor says, no hair at all will be the next fashion, and that our sisters and wives will make their appearance with billiard-ball baldness, appalling to behold. A grey mere is all very well, but what will the young men of the day say to a grey fille. (please pronounce "filly")? sv