GREYMOUTH.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9117, 30 May 1895, Page 2

GREYMOUTH.

May 18. The weather has been showery and unsettled during the past week, and as I write it is blowing very hard from the south east. In the early part of the week it seemed we were to have a spell of rain from the north-east, but it cook off, much to the disappointment of the mining community. It is very strange, but the fact remains, that it will not rain now continuously for more than a few boors, whereas less than two years ago, if it once set in bad from the north, it would rain straight on end for two or three days at a time; floods would follow and the miners would feel happy.

The barque Rangitikei made a quick run of thirty-six hours from this port to Picton. Owing to the excessive weight of the timber about 35,000 feet were shutout, but it was sent ou to Picton by the Wareatea this week to be put on board there. It was expected that the barque Himalaya would be chartered to follow the Rangitikei. but; other arrangements have been made, and it is probable that tbe barque Crusader will bs sent down here to load. In consequence of the heavy sea on the bar towards the end of last week and the blocking of the port for two or three days, shipping matters hove been a little more brisk this week, and a considerable amount of coal and timber has been sent away.

I regret to say lhat Mr Cameron Smith, of the firm of Griffin aud Smith, who went away a couple of months ago for tbe benefit of his health, has just returned little or no better for the change, though it is sincerely to be hoped that with care and home comforts he will regain his health and strength and be able shortly to resume, what has always been to him, an active business life.

Messrs W. H. Jones, Daniel, and Perotti, who left for Westport nearly three weeks ago by the coast track to examine and report upon tbe mining reserves on behalf of the Midland Railway Company, reached their destination in a thoroughly worn out condition. They found that the track for many miles had been obliterated, consequently they had to scramble over fallen timber and get over the numerous creeks in the best way they could. On one occasion Mr Jones disappeared through the overgrowth and slid down a yawning chasm over a hundred feet deep, but he fortunately managed to clutch hold of some shrubs in his descent, and thereby saved his life. After some trouble he managed to regain tho surface. Altogether the trio went through some experiences they are not likely soon to forget. After a short stay in Westport they took the coach to Reefton and came in to town on Tuesday evening, and returned again to Reefton on the following afternoon to inspect the reserves in that district.

It appears, after all, that Government may not acquire Mr Clarke's land at Poherua, near Lake Brunner. The original cost of the land was £2 an acre, and Mr Clarke states that while he has had the land on his hands ie has cost him about as much as it is worth in rates and taxes. By the last Government valuation lb was assessed as being worth 31s an acre. Mr Clarke appealed and oftered to pay 27s Cd, which he considered full value, that being the value he returned to the Tax Department. But Mr M'Gowan, the commissioner, refuses to accept any less valuation than 28-3. though the County Council agreed to rate on a basis of 27s 6_. The Government has been negotiating with Mr Clarke for the past fifteen months or more for the purchase of this land, and they finally wind up by offering 20s for it. The same mail that brought the letter offering him 20-* an acre also brought one from Mr M'Gowan stating that the land must ba rated on a basis of 2Sa, as he could not accept Mr Clarke's value of 27s 6d, and there the matter stands ; in fact, the purchase Is no nearer now than it was twelve months ago. It is a great disappointment to many who had been looking forward to getting on to the land, which, from all accounts, is admirably adapted for close settlement.

An addition is being made to the local Post Office for the use of the Telephone Exchange, and it is intended to replace the present telephone clerk with two female oflicers; whether they are to be selected here or to be imported from elsewhere has not transpired. It is to be hoped the innovation wiil prove a success, and that the young ladies will give tbe same amount of satisfaction to the subscribers a3 Mr Brook has done during the time that be has had charge of the exchange. It is understood that Mr Brook is to be transferred to another branch of the post and telegraph department, and we hope it will mean promotion for him.

The Collector of Castoms and the Stipendiary Magistrate in Greymouth are provided with private residences. The buildiDg-i, which are very old, are situated in close proximity to the railway station. When the new station was erected it was found that more room was required, and it became necessary either to pull down the Magistrate's house or shift it to another site. The latter alternative was adopted, and the building was shifted bodily to the spot occupied by the old Custom House. The undertaking cost a lot of money, and furthermore a considerable sum was expended in painting and repairs. But tbe funny part of it is that Mr Stratford, our Stipendiary Magistrate, who has a nice home at Oamaru, declines to make another home here, preferring rather to live in private lodgings, consequently the honse has been empty all these months, and now ie is advertised to let.