UPPER TAIERI. .

Otago Witness, Issue 1763, 5 September 1885, Page 13

UPPER TAIERI. .

August 31.— The threatening aspect of the weather during' the previous few days culminated in a storm of thunder and lightning a few evenings since, accompanied with a deluge of rain. In the neighbourhood of the Lammerlaw and Beaumont heights, the rain poured down literally in sheets for a period of some hours' duration. The Upper Taieri River rose very rapidty, and very soon after the storm an immense volume of water came thundering down the Taieri Gorge and flooded the river for several days. . The winter, which is now drawing to a close, has proved one of the mildest experienced here for a number of years. It is somewhat an unusual occurrence to see the elevated region of the Serpentine clear of snow— as ab present— at this early period of the season. MINING. — The miners have once more resumed work after a lengthened period of enforced idleness, consequent upon the severe frosts experienced during the past few months. Many, however, found employment at the neighbouring stations in the interval in laying down poisoned grain for the destruction of bunny. At the present time there is an abundant supply of water for sluicing and motive-power purposes. Owing to the -extreme mild weather experienced here at present, the mountain streams are thundering down volumes of water to the plains below. The snow is fast disappearing from the elevated heights. It is worthy of remark that whenever the question of water is mooted to the miner, that individual invariably directs his attention to the quantity of snow visible on the mountains. Well, if the supply of water is to be judged by the quantity of snow on the mountains at the present time it will very soon cease, as unless severe weather' 1 sets in tne disappearance of the snow is only a matter of some little time from date.

Improvements. — I paid a visit to Linburn Station- a few days ago, and was surprised to observe such a Jarge number of men in almost ' every branch of labour employed by the owner in effecting improvements. Among other improvements I observed that a commodious new building has been recently erected for the accommodation and requirements of the station hands. The private residence of Mr' R. M. Turnbull is also undergoing extensive, alterations. For many years past this gentleman has employed a large number of hands on Linburn. A decade has passed since some of his servants entered his service. lam not. surprised at this, as Mr Turnbull has made it a specialty to attend to the wants and requirements of those engaged in his service.