ADDISON'S FLAT.

Westport Times, Volume 1, Issue 141, 13 January 1868, Page 2

ADDISON'S FLAT.

(FROM OUR OWN CO-RESPONDENT.) January 9. The chief object of interest on the Plat now is of course the storm channel, which is being pushed forward with astonishing rapidity. On Tuesday morning about 150 men set to work on it, but in an hour their number had risen to 400, and that number working as they have done is quite sufficient to complete it in another day. No one can see the amount of work done in so short a time without being impressed with the idea that these men would not have done the work so quick or so well if they did not feel sure of reaping a good reward for their labors in their claims. Nothing speaks better for their own opinion of their prospects. At the same time that they are looking to the rapid completion of their work, they should have a little caution, and it will be found very necessary, especially at the part of the track that is bridged over at the entrance to the third township. No provision by widening the channel or elevating the bridge is made in aase of another flood. If the last rain was sufficient to wash away the bridge with only the water from one creek running in it, what chance has the track when two other creeks and the drainage of nearly a mile in length is added. And the portion of the course near the Casino- ought to be enlarged. No doubt this will be done in time, but let that time be now, before the next rain makes the want more obvious, by placing a river without a bridge between the two townships. I thought in my last* letters I had stated the full extent of damage done, but I am sorry to say that I had not done so, as the original or prospectors' tail race is nearly destroyed. After reaching a certain distance, the channel was securely timbered and covered in, thus forming a tunnel, and allowing the stuff to be thrown on top. Mainly through tho carelessness of the parties holding claims on the sides not properly securing the ground they had worked

from washing in, the last flood lias iilkd iu this tunnel with Hand, and claims, before worked dry, liavo four or five foot of water in tlxm; hut they liavo turr.ol to clearing it out. A fortnight's lost timo will bo the result to all by tho carelessness of a few. Talking of carolessness, I heard one man say ho should not have cared for the quantity of water, only they had left some of their ground untimhcrcd, and had no side lathes in any part. Men that would leavo off for the holidays, and leavo ground in that state, is certainly carrying it too far. No wonder two of tho mates don't caro about working tho ground again, with thirty feet of water in the shaft. Tho north end of the lead seems almost deserted. Tho tunnel having given in, all hope from that quarter is at an end, and the water is too heavy to allow of the ground being worked to advantage. Tho only Avay left will be to obtain extended claims, and a party of men —say twenty —bring in a tunnel from the creek. There is not a doubt but that this will be done "as soon as the present holders are starved out, leaving some acres of ground to he worked yet. Dr Griles, E.M., held a Court to-day at the Royal Exchange Casino. Tho great amount of interest seemed to be taken in a charge of indecent assault brought by Catherine M'Callan against Maurice O'Connell. Between 300 and 400 wero present, but were disappointed in not hearing the particulars of the evidence, which the complainant seemed nothing loth to give, by the Magistrate ordering all out of Court. When outside, they contented themselves with making so much noise as if they were trying to prevent his Worship from hearing himself. The dismissal of the case was received with more noise, and the complainant was glad to avail herself of the protection of two police officers.

Several applications for head-races were granted, and notices were applied for as a matter of form by the parties cutting the storm-channel, and the Court was adjourned till this day fortnight.