THE LYELL.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1082, 20 June 1873, Page 3

THE LYELL.

(FROM OrE OWJN* COEBESPOHDENT ) _ Hearing much of new discoveries of rich leaders in some of the claims on the hill, I made it my business to look round, I have been eo often taken in by believing what I have been told regarding rich quartz containing good gold, heavy gold, &o, that as a rule 1 prefer seeing for myself, so I started on my upward trip. Going round by the Alpine machine, I found they were preparing to wash up ; it is impossible to tell the actual result of the crushing, but it is expected to turn out about an ounce and a half to the ton. It is a great pity that this company is not possessed of larger crushing power, the quantity of stoi:e crushed since its erection seems ridiculously small. It is to be hoped that the directors of this, the pioneer quartz claim of the district, will take some more vigorous steps to impart a brighter aspect to the affairs of this company, as at present matters do not seem to be progressing very satisfactorily. The Excelsior, the next claim, will commence crushing at the Alpine machine at once, and will in all probability continue to do so for the next two months. Leaving the machine, I started up Irishman's Creek and found three or four parties all hard at work, the late storm having cleared their tail races and given them a chance to set in. Pushing on up the hill in a few minutes I was in the centre of the claims, and I may almost say in the centre of a very promising young township, houses having sprung up in all directions about the Alpine Hill, and as the new made track to the Eight Mile is now opened for traffic, the inhabitants on the hill can move about with some little degree of comfort. Things are not very nourishing on the hill at present, and it is not to be wondered at, considering the hard struggle the miners have to undergo hanging on waiting for some returns for the labor and money they have expended in opening up their claims. The Break o'Day keeps turning out some first-class stone, and holders are now asking £4OO for a share, and it is the general impression that the price is anything but high. Shares in several of the best claims on the hill have changed hands lately, and duty stamps are in great demand, and of couvso none to be had. I understand one gentleman from Nelson has invested in shares to tho tune of £4OO worth. I devoutly hope so, and trust his investments will turn out right, as should it do so we may expect a rush of Nelsonites, for I am informed that if one Nelson man happened by luck or good judgment to make a payable speculation, the others would follow like a flock of sheep, regardless of consequences. Ihe claims calling for special mention are the Break o'Day, Mauria, Monte Christo, Malony's prospecting claim. In these and other claims adjoining work is being pushed on rapidly, and all eagorly looking forward to the completion of Messrs Carroll and Cairns's crushing maehine, and I am glad to be able to inform you that the proprietors expect to be ready to make a start in less than two months' time. When they do so, judging from the quality of the stone I saw stacked in some of the claims, I have no doubt that tho result of some of tho crushings at least will fairly astonish New Zealand, with their returns. Tenders aro at last called for a lock-up and police-quartors, and it is to be hoped that the Provincial Engineer will use a little more judgment in accepting tenders, or else bo a little more strict with regard to passing work supposed to be completed according to specifications, the system of

teudering as at present carried on is a rotten oue and gives no chance to men willing to give a fair day's work for a fair day's wages—as Witness the contract for a portion of the Nelson and Bailer road, the Engineer's estimate for one section was £4OOO, and the present contractors tendered and got it at JE3200, and as a matter of course can't pay their men. The punt at the Lyell is also a subject of complaint. The flood left it hijh and dry, and carried away the ferry boat, so passengers have to cross as best they can, paying I understand a sum of 4s as passage money. Accidents cannot be prevented, but I think the proprietor of the ferry might be allowed to use the life boat lying here under such circumstances, it would at all events be more beneficial to the public than the present arrangements.