Cromwell Letter

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 696, 6 October 1909, Page 5

Cromwell Letter

(Own Correspondent). Play lovers have been well catered for last week, as we had no less than three amusements, including the buckjumpers, Catholic concert, and Presbyterian sale of work. Interest in the former lapsed owing to local riders not coming forward, but there was a good attendance. The annual Convent school concert was greeted with a packed house, and the juveniles and ex-pupils acquitted themselves ereditably, and gave an entertainment enjoyed by all. The sale of work was equally successful. Mr R. Toms, of the Agricultural Department, has been on a visit to this district inspecting the orchards, and growers took full advantage of his presence. He purposes making another trip at an early date. It was witli an air of keen regret that the Cromwell Eeserve Corps farewelled Capt. Mackenzie at last parade, as he is compelled to retire owing to the age limit. Capt. Mackenzie was a popular and efficient officer, and strove hard in the cause of volunteering, Lieut. Jolly now assumes command, and I have no doubt the corps will continue to prosper. After winning golden opinions in its work in the first few holes sunk, the Keystone borer has found trouble. After reaching a depth of 148 feet at Bauuoekburn, the usual method of lifting i he pipes failed, and work is now stopped awaiting the arrival of more powerful jacks, Wiiicli are necessary in the work of lifting. The syndicate which the machine is now operating for will suffer considerably by the delay, more especially if it should happen that any of the casing is not recovered. After finishing at Bauuojkbani the machine will probably proceed to Lowburn. Most of the dredges at work are returning excellent yields, but several are under repair. Rumors are afloat that a huge machine is to be put on the Clutha above Low burn, but nothing definite has yet taken place. There is little doubt, however, that at no distant date a dredge eclipsing any on the river will be placed in that locality.