THE TOTARA.

West Coast Times, Issue 648, 22 October 1867, Page 4

THE TOTARA.

(FBOM THE BOSS GUARDIAN, OCT. 19.) - ' MINING KEFOB.T. There is nothing special to report, but confidence in the district is strengthened ; the fact that the miners and traders of Ross have subscribed LBOO for a drainage scheme, is convincing proof that plenty of the precious metal is within reach. We hope that on Monday about ten parties will be at work on the drainage scheme, and the moment that the drain begins to run off a body of water, most of the whims will resume operations. The Scandinavian and Morning Star Companies are again pumping, and will, no doubt, have their men below before our next appearance, and it is to be hoped that legal circumlocution will be abridged, and enable two other steam companies to commence shortly. A thirtieth in the Morning Star has been sold for L 20 0; the price is low, but steam companies are no proof against mercantile depression. There is a very gradual increase of population in the upper parts of the Totara ; there is no doubt a very large area of ground available, if communication with it were more easy, for the maintenance of a large population at small wages ; but men will not " hump their tucker" for L 4 a- week over ranges through bush tracks. ,This district is a fair sample of Westland, where thousands of acres of wages ground exist (wages double what Australia gives), but inaccessible for the want of a small outlay, or encouragement to those who are willing to make the tracks; it is to be hoped that the County Council will be composed of men intimate with the wants of the country, and of ability to enforce their views.