BLUE SPUE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 291, 28 August 1873, Page 5

BLUE SPUE.

(From a Correspondent.) August 25th. There was a congregational meeting at the Presbyterian Church here on Tuesday evening, the 12th inst., when the hymn question was brought up. The Rev. Mr. Cameron was in the chair. It was moved by Mr. M'LelUnd, seconded by Mr. S. White, "That the English Presbyterian I hymn book be adopted." Carried — only two hands being held up against the motion. Death, the " grim messenger," has again visited us ; this time his victim was a boy of 12 years — Robert, son of Mr. A. M'Nicol, after a long and painful illness. The funeral took place on Friday last, when, to show their sympathy with the parents, every one who could muster a horse followed the poor boy'a remains to the Lawrence Cemetery. It is but right, however, to observe that generally we are in a healthy condition, and, owing to the mildness of the winter, there is less sickness tqan has been known upon the Spur for years past. We must, however, have the Blue Spur constituted chief town, having every legal, social, and religious element at hand, or a better road to Lawrence ; and I don't see why the railway up-country shouldn't come this way. Wo have contractors on the Spur who are strong in cash and talent, and if we don't find something for them to do here, they will take themselves off to fresh fields and pastures new, to the no small loss of our institutions. P.S. — If this does not get through the mud in time for next issue of the ' ' Times, " please let me know. (From our Mining Correspondent.) On the Blue Spur mining operations continue in their usual steady style. All the claims are in full work, with plenty water. The iron piping from which so much was expected has turned out so far a complete failure. Instead of carrying 1.000 inches of water, as intended, something like 400 inches could only be got through. A most serious mistake, no doubt originating from a miscalculation of the pressure. However, steps have been taken to remedy the evil by ordering a fresh supply of larger pipes, from which better results are expected. The Otago Co. have nearly completed their new dam, which will 9oon be ready for the storage of water. The Company have put their race and dam under, the Gliarge Of Mr, T. iPollOGls, nnder wh9a« careful management the Company will no doubt effect a considerable saving in their expenses. Messrs. Hales and Hinde are also engaged in considerably enlarging their dam. The old dam, one of the oldest on the Spur, gave way a few weeks ago, which necessitated a thorough repair. Additions were also made, which will greatly increase the storage. The high price charged for water by the water companies — viz., L 7 per 100 inches per week- offers a great inducement to those companies that have the facilities to increase their storage. It would be a great benefit to the Spur, and particularly to those claims which have no water, if the water companies would lower their prices to something like L 5 per 100 inches. It is beyond all dispute that the water companies have paid extraordinarily well for many years, and have amply repaid the original shareholders, who have in fact made fortunes from their venture. That the price should be considerably reduced is the general opinion, and steps will soon be taken to bring the question prominently before the shareholders. The shares in both water companies are firmly held for good prices. Mr. E. Mills was the purchaser of some fractional parts of a share at a very good price in the Waipori Water Co. last week. The shares in that Company have advanced within the last two years over fifty per cent. , TheMaerewhenua appears to be attracting some attention in this locality. Some of our sharehoiders have been visiting that goldfield, and bring back most favorable reports. It is most probable that some of our sluicing experience and capital may soon find it 3 way in that direction.