Livingstone.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXI, Issue 6695, 22 September 1896, Page 3

Livingstone.

(from otjr own correspondent.) At the Warden's Court on Friday last, a large number of applications for mining privileges were dealt with. Amongst others were several for dredging prospecting areas under regulation 121. As these may be in each case for two miles of the river's course, it will be seen that you had been misinformed when you published a paragraph in your issue of the 16th inst. The applicants show commendable prudence in applying in the first instance for areas instead of claims, as tor little cost they secure the exclusive right to prospect within the boundaries of the areas granted to them. However, they are hedged with rather stringent conditions—always supposing they are enforced. There prevails considerable diversity of opinion as to the probability of payable gold being found in the river bed. Not that any doubt the presence of gold, but that the large proportion of the heavy shingle throughout the deposit in the river will be found a serious difficulty in the way of profitable manuipulation. I trust these fears will presently be found to exceed the fact, and that profitable working will be found for many years, thus contributing very materially to the welfare of the locality, increasing the demand for labor, and adding to the wealth of the district. Alluvial mining is going on much as usual. There has been generally a good supply of water, and though I know of no great yields I hear but few complaints. There are, however, not wanting remarks that the available ground still unworked is too poor to be worked profitably on the lines of the past. Mr Christian's plucky venture is temporarily stopped to procure more plant. It is very hard on him after all his labor and outlay to be thus checked ere he could satisfy himself as to the prospects of being remunerated as his enterprise deserves. The action re disputed water-rights between Cook and Christian was heard on Friday, and judgment reserved. The beautiful spring weather of the last week or two, which has been the subject of general congratulation, was varied yesterday (Sunday) by a day's rain, which, whilst it had the effect of keeping people in their homes nearly the whole day, will be beneficial in more ways than one, especially in keeping up the water supply in such races as derive their streams from the minor creeks. A look over the 1896 Electoral Roll discloses the fact that it contains the names of many that should have been left off, showing the necessity for a purging of the roll after every election, whether for the House of Representatives, local option, or licensing committee.