ADDISON'S FLAT.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 289, 4 July 1868, Page 7

ADDISON'S FLAT.

(from OUR OWN" coruespou'dekt). Greater activity has never been observed here than now. The tunnels have the claims so dry that washing is going on day and night. The new proposed tunnel party have, I believe, come to terms with the Drainage Company, and do not intend to commence driving on their own account, although notices of their intention to do so were posted at the warden's office.

Balls have been unknown here for some time, but from the increased activity on the claims and constant washing up, three is announced for this week. On the Shamrock Lead, sinking in the new extended claims are going on uninterruptedly. The terrace extends for about eight miles, and if gold is struck in the claims now sinking, the whole will be taken up, as several parties are waiting to see the result l of rprese&t operations.

Two shares were sold on the Shamrock last week, one for £l6O and the other for £l3O, the latter to a Brighton man, where the claims are now getting worked out. The track between the Shamrock Lead and Addison's is in a frightful state, the packers, all but one, have refused to carry goods there any longer, and that one had his horse's thigh dislocated on Saturday last, so that the miners are now obliged to " hump " everything they require from Addison's —tools, machinery, tucker, &c, &c, which is really too bad, considering that they are the most hard working men on the coast, always up to their middle in Water, and for the last eight months with very little returns, and through many privations. I understand a road is promised if the Shamrock Lead goes ahead, but good gold is being sent in from there, the bottomed claims yielding an average of six ounces to the set of timber (30 square feet), some claims returning about four ounces to the set per man per week, and others as high as eight ounces ; and as the length of track to be made is only one mile, and that not difficult, the Government ought surely to take the matter into their consideration.

The first marriage ever celebrated in Addison's took place on Sunday last, when the Rev. Father "Walsh officiated, the juveniles celebrating the event in the usual noisy home manner, kerosene tins occupying the place of tin kettles ; some young ladies exclaiming if '■ that noise was attempted at their weddings that they would certainly rush out and choke" the youthful delinquents. The Eev. Father Hickey is announced to preach here on next Sunday, in aid of the " Dublin Catholic University," and from this gentleman's reputed eloquence, and the interest evidently taken in the subject, together with the increased quantity of amalgam coming in now, no doubt the collection will be large.