THE GREAT NORTH LEAD.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 463, 9 February 1869, Page 2

THE GREAT NORTH LEAD.

Even the small quantity of rain which fell last week made work more active and spirits more cheerful on the several terraces around the Caledoniau and Giles districts. Several parties took advantage of the temporary showers, and were enabled to do a little washing. There are yet many parties who have not washed an ounce since Christmas, but who have good heaps of washdirt ready to be put through when the Clerk of the Weather gives the word of command—" rain." The Giles Terrace Race is fast advancing towards completion, and is expected to be finished next week. One of those interesting christening ceremouies took place last week ou Hatter's Terrace. The new race received its name after the usual manner from the hand of Mrs Cook, who christened it the " United Working Miners' Water Race." A large number of miners were present at the time, and after the ceremony the flowing bowl was passed round, followed by sentiment and songs, in which all present took part. This race has been completed in about three weeks, and speaks well for the enterprise and activity of the shareholders. They intend washing this week, and their returns are expected, as does the race, to compare well with the others in the district. The supply of water is taken from a creek north of Hatter's Terrace, and they are at present supplying six sluice-heads. At the meeting the miners proposed giving the name of the prospector to Hatter's Terrace, and knowing it in future by the name of M'Gowan's, he being its pioneer. A few parties around the Caledoniau are talking of having a look up the Buller shortly, the large nugget, conflicting rumors, and the reports of increasing population making some of them inclined to see what's what.