THE JOHN O'GROATS CRUSHING: SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES. (FROM THE "ADVERTISER.")

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXV, Issue 3804, 28 October 1869, Page 5

THE JOHN O'GROATS CRUSHING : SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES. (FROM THE "ADVERTISER.")

Some most extraordinary circumstances have come to light with, regard to the crushing for the John o'Groats Claim at Olarkson's battery, which would lead to the conclusion that foul play has been attempted, but by whom, or from what motive, it is impossible to say at present. Clarkson's machine started to work on the 7th of October with eight head of stampers for the John o'Groats Claim, and continued crushing from then until the 14th regularly. All appeared to go well, and from the show of umalgnni a return of from 2oz, to 24oz. to the ton wna expected, ana i/uiy —^'r, a Tiiturally was giving the utmost satisfaction lo tuo proprietors? of the machine and to the shareholders of the mine. The amalgamator and feeder weie employes of tbe shareholders of the mine, and the proprietors of the machine had nothing to do with the work further than to keep the battery going Everything went on well until Thursday the 14th, when a parcel of rich specimens were crushed in the single-stamper, which on being cleaned up showed a larae quantity of amalgam, but when this came to be cleaned and manipulated previous to retorting; it melted *away, and only about lOoz. or 12oz. of real amalgam remained. The debria that remained after cleaning up the sinaile^tamper was then mixed with the other stuff and sent through the large battery, and in a short time the plates assumed a kind of greasy, heavy appearance. As soon as this was perceived the battery was stopped and thoroughly cleaned out in every pait, except that the beds were not lifted. New silver was then supplied, and the battery was again started to work, and ran until the 18th, when, the same appearanoe continuing on the plates, the crushing was stopped and the battery again cleaned up, the beds being raided this time. On cleaning out the stamper-box, what was the surprise of the amalgamator to discover a Itrge lump of lead .' After a close examination, and no satisfactory conclusion being come to, the lead was taken to the Bank of New Zealand, Grahamstown, and submitted for examination to the assayer, who at once pronounced it to be manufactured lead. This, of course, led to the suspicion of foul play, and we understand that the pronrietors of the machine and the directors of the mining company are determined to sift the affair to the bottom. Evan after retorting the silver,Jwhich was used at first, it remained quite dead, although the same silver had been in use since the battery first started, and was even the same used for the John O'Groats at the time they crushed the first parcel, which yielded so well. It is evident, therefore, that the lead was not contained in the silver. The new silver that was used also became quite dead and sluggish afber beiug used for a short time, although several bottles of the same silver that have never yet been in use are not bo, but appear quite good. Mr. Clarkson has retained the tirstsilveruaedin separate bottles, and intends having the contonts analysed. He also intends to submit some of the new silver to the analysing process. Ifc appears quite evident that foul play has in some way been used, and we sincerely hope that the offender will ba found out, and receive the punishment he so richly merits. We understand that, it other means fail, the machineowner, Mr. Clarkson, and the directors of the company, intend offering a reward for the conviction of the offender. This is the first case of dootoring we have heard of at the Thames, and we hope to see such proceedings nipped in the bud.

A bankrupt named Green, described as an agent's clerk, applied at the Bankruptcy Uouit on July 6 for bis order of discbarge. He was opposed, and the opposition was of a novel kind. The debts in all were only £110, and of tliis sum £84 11s. 6J. was due to Miss Noddings, of Islington, who bad recovered damages in an action against the bankrupt for breach of promise of marriage. This lady now opposed the di&clurge, and the Court postponed the order till November. The Force of Habit. — At a cbureh in Essex lately, the clerk, feeling unwell, asked his friend, the railway porter, to t»k» bis ] place for a Sunday. He did so, but being worn out with night work fell »-<leep. - Wheo the hymn waa announced, a neighbour gave him a nudge, upon which he sotted up, rubbing his eyea, and called out, " Change here for Elmswel), ThurstoD, and Bury.' , . a, A Mra. Clemen^ of TRdcbeator hMjbfea' wrested forresembhag the woman 1 of £&tnto| { riai She- bus had five husbands, and he M Bhe now hath is aot her husband. j^H