ROXBURGH.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 414, 5 December 1874, Page 2

ROXBURGH.

(From our own Correspoyidcnt.) Mining matters are almost at a stand still here at present, especially in those claims along the banks of the river, owing to the flooded state of the Molyneux. Most of the miners are therefore engaged doing things of a preliminary character in connection with their claims, or in effecting the necessary repairs to their domiciles. Borland, Forbes, and Co. have commenced operations on their new race, the application for which was granted last Court day. This is by far the largest undertaking that has been attempted in the district, and will necessitate a large expenditure of both time and money. From my own knowledge of the ground along the line of race, and the heavy blasting that will have to be done to make abed for the fluming, taken in connection with the length of the race, about six miles, and the strength of the party, four men, I estimate it will take eighteen months to complete it. Green and Co, are not as yet making much progress with their water lifting apparatus, owing, I suppose, to their want of material to go on with. I judge it will be some time before the banks begin to disappear under the influence of the body of water they intend to hurl against them. The new post and telegraph office is now gatting on apace. Mr. Smith, the contractor for the job, estimates to be through with it in about three weeks from this; I see that a start has also been made with the new bank of New Zealand. When tliis building is finished it will be an ornament to the town. By the way I do not see any preparations going on for the new bridge. It is to be hoped that Mr. M 'Donald, the contractor, will display the same amount of energy over this that he has done in the one at the Beaumont, which I am given to understand is a very creditable piece of work, and all things consilered, has been completed in a very short space of time. I hear that the engineer is to inspect the work to-morrow. Shearing has already commenced in the district, some of the stations being in full swing. Men are plentiful, and I believe wageagood. On one of the stations that starts to-day 20s per hundred is the price given. We are expecting to have a grand treat here shortly, as it is announced that Val Vose, the Ventriloquist, will soon be amongst us, and no doubt will astonish the natives. He appears to be very highly spoken of in the papers. I am glad to be able to inform you that the Medical Guarantee Fund Committee have been successful in securing the services of a medical gentleman for the district ; a Mr. Thomaa Leahy, who came out as Medical Officer of the ship Mataura to Port Chalmers a few weeks back. He comes on the strength of the guarantee of £380 for the first twelve months, and I suppose the Committee will start at once to liftthe first six months subscription at. the rate of £3 for married and £2 for single persons. I hear that his testimonials are firs! class. The Good Templars have established a Lodge here at last, having opened on. the 12th inst. with 21 members. They meet weekly on Friday evenings. I would not be at all surprised to hear of them increasing their number up to 40 within the next txvo months. To-day was announced as a Licensing Court day here, but up to the hour of 4 o'clock p.m. there was no appearance of any of the Licensing Bench, from what cause I cannot say, seeing that there were two applicants names posted upon the Courthouse, one, that of Mr. John M'Lachlan, Shingle Creek Hotel, and the other some one located in the Waikaia,