MINING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7782, 28 January 1887, Page 2

MINING.

NOTES FROM REBFTON. (From Oue Own Correspondent.)

Reefton, January 27.

The community during the past three days have been engrossed first with railway matters and with lionising the Midland railway visitors, who were taken to the different mines and interviewed freely upon various matters bearing upon the railway. No definite promise, however, could bo elicited as to when the sections of the Hue between Greymouth and Reefton would be commenced or completed. The deputation spoke of the probability of placing mining ventures upon the English market, and Mr Brodie Hoare, in reply, said the English money market was a most capricious institution. It very often plunged headlong into undertakings which had not a shadow of warrant to recommend them, and as often refused to aid those enterprises which were at all really deserving of recognition and assistance. Above all things, for the sake of the district as well as the Midland railway, ha advised them strongly not to put any "duffers" in the London market. The party left for Lyell yesterday at midday, and at a later hour in the day the ; Hon. the Minister of Public Works arrived from Greymouth, and interest has since beeu centred upon his visit. He was taken to the Keep-it-Dark to-day and was shown the reef (30ft thick)' now being worked, and is understood to be very" much pleased with what he saw. A deputation? ~ have been interviewing him during this after"- • noon, and to-night he will be entertained at a public banquet. He leaves to-morrow morning for "Westport. *"- ;. The hot weather continues, and yesterday and to-day the town has been in great danger from bush fires. The fire-bell has been ringing almost incessantly all the afternoon summoning relief parties, and the people have been working like Trojans. So far no serious damage has resulted, but another day may bring forth trouble. Mm- .- ing matters in the midst of all these disturbing influences are almost completely forgotten. - .■/