THE TOTARA.

West Coast Times, Issue 679, 27 November 1867, Page 3

THE TOTARA.

— — ■ — « (FEOM THE BOSS GTTAKDIAN,- NOV. 23.) ROSSTOWN. On Wednesday, Mr George Cozens sold at auction the mining share of the late Richard Williams, by order of the Curator of Intestate Estates, and obtained L9O for it. The steam saw mill, which we mentioned last week as in course of erection, will probably be at work in about a fortnight, the proprietors are Messrs Gordon, Graham, and their engine is of fifteen-horse power, and their largest saw four feet diameter ; they Lave selected a fine scope of timber on which to commence operations. The Gold Fields Secretary and the Under-Secretary paid Rosa a short visit on Wednesday. A good road now exists as far a Swiper's Gully, and will be prolonged to Donoghue's in a few weeks, it is to be metalled seven feet wide, and will form a pleasant outlet for pedestrians, and be of great value as a means of communication. That terrible disease pleuro-pneu-monia has made its appearance amongst the dairy cattle in this district, causing heavy loss to dairymen, but we have not heard of any losses by the butchers. It would be well that a careful enquiry should be made how the disease came into the district, if it has only shown, as we believe, among dairy stock, the inference is that it lias been brought overland, or originated here, as this class of stock is mostly brought from Canterbury — a district hitherto thought healthy, and where great precautions have taken to keep it so. No doubt prohibitory measures will be advocated against sea borne cattle, but it should first be proved that disease has been brought in that way, and if so, it is doubtful whether any good would result proportionate to the tax inflicted by such a measure on meat consumers . A amusing scene is to be seen on the Beach-road. It appears that an application has been made for the open gi-ound near the beach, the applicant having called for tenders for fencing it, on the faith that being first applicant he stood first chance of getting a crown title to it ; but another, thinking possession and occupation the best means to secure a title, set to work to fence the land, and now two fences may be seen in course of erection parallel to each other in order to secure the same piece of ground. Other cases of jumping have occurred, which show the eager desire the public have to occupy land. MINING REPORT. A steady improvement is visible in mining matters, and a general confidence exists that this district has seen its worst days, and will keep progressing in a course of prosperity. There can be no reasonable doubt that large areas of very rich ground wait the application of capital in the form of machinery or water-power ; it is a general conviction that the whole of the flat between Ross and Donoghue's will prove as rich as Jones' flat; indeed, the opening this week of a third bottom at the latter place, seven feet thick, and richer than the upper levels, and the opening of new sluicing ground in the terraces, has convinced the most sceptical that a large area only waits machinery to turn out wealth. It is singular the mishaps which have retarded this district, first, the Waterrace Company, in whose precious stream a large district still thirsts, entrusted their large acqueduct to a contractor who became insolvent; this caused a long delay ; they then let the work to other contractors, who for some cause or other seem unable to carry it out, and, dog in the manger like, wait till the company proceed with it. Secondly, one steam company ceased operations for want of funds ; another suspended to make alterations just when their utmost power was wanted to pump the flat, and thus overburdened, a third company, also had to succumb. These troubles seem now at an end, two of the steam companies have been steadily at work during the week, and a third will probably be in full swing before another week has passed, and we expect the Water Race Company will resume the aqueduct works in a fortnight. The Band of Hope Company have let the ground of the -late Prince of Wales Company in tribute, the terms are such as secure the Compauy from loss, and are favorable to the tributaries. The Scandinavian and Morning Star Companies are again in steady work, and one whim party are down at the hundred feet bottom. The public tail race will probably be complete this evening, all but two hundred feet at the upper end and the cross drives. This will immediately relieve many of the claims, and we hope to see a large proportion in work before this day week. At Donoghue's steady progress is being made, the water-wheel party have amalgamated, for drainage purposes, with the Enterprise party, and are bringing in water from the Mikonui ; they have called for tenders for the erection of a thirty feet wheel. In the Energetic claim the third bottom has been struck at sixteen feet below the second, the prospects are reported as better than in the upper levels. The

Alexandra Company seem to have made a halt ; there appears to be difference at head quarters as to where the shaft shall be sunk, to settle which question the manager has been authorised to get boring tools and try the ground.