NO TOWN AND DISTRICT.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 25 January 1901, Page 3

NO TOWN AND DISTRICT.

(our own correspondent.)

The long spell of "dry weather has been very keenly felt by the mining fraternity here. Those engaged in that vocation have been unable to obtain any yield whatever of the precious metal for several months back. In fact the metal has become so scarce during the last Cow years that by the primitive methods in use it is very difficult to earn a living. The chief drawback has always been , the scarcity of water on the high levels. hut I believe we are about to have this remedied, a company proposing to construct a water-race from Lake Hotchsetter to No Town, which will command all the traces between Bed Jack's and Arnold River, and as most of them are known to contain payable gold for sluicing, the investment would be a very profitable one for the company. There is no doubt that the work will be proceeded with as soon as possible. Dredging matters takes precedence amongst the general topics here, but beyond two or three claims being placed upon the market very little has been done. The timber for the pontoons of I the No Town dredge is being placed pn f the ground, but it will be some time yet before building is commenced. A cricket match took place on the local grounds on Saturday afternoon last between the Grey seniors and the local team, and a keenly contested game resulted in a win for the latter. A large number of visitors, chiefly the residents of the neighborhood, were present, and though the afternoon was a trifle sultry it was pleasantly spent. In the evening a trip of the light fantastic was indulged in, and, though we regretted the absence of the Grey boys who had mostly returned to their homes, a merry evening's enjoyment took place. Excellent music was provided and during the evening several songs and recitations were rendered by members of the company. Towards the close of the evening, however, a slight, hitch occurred in the proceedings. This was nothing less than a dispute as to who was belle of the ball. Amongst so many graceful damsels it was no easy matter to decide, but the balance of opinion seemed ultimately to be in favor of Miss Fallon. The assemblage broke up at midnight and dis- • perscd for their homes. A very old resident of this locality named Michael Flaherty, or better known as " Micky Free," died ai the Hokitika Asylum last weak. He was one of the pioneers of the district and had resided at Red Jacks where he was employed gold-mining for upwards of thirty years. until a few weeks ago, when showing signs of mental derangement, he was removed to the institution for treatment. Quits a largo number of No Townites have recently taken their departure from this district to seek their fortune in other quarters of the Globe. In several instances whole families have left so that the population has considerably decreased. Tho latest departure is Mr. Gamble, who, after a residence of a great many years here has with his wife and family resolved to try his luck in a farmer's venture in the Grey Valley. We wish him every prosperity and speedy fortune.