Notes from Wakatipu. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Otago Witness, Issue 1891, 1 May 1890, Page 12

Notes from Wakatipu. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

ABROW, April 88.— Mining news is very scarce, and as we are now upon tho threshold of winter it is not likely that there will be much of a revival in this division of our natural industries until after its departure. Dredging has retieived rather a check by the Wakatipu dredge not doing its work as was expected. Indeed, so inadequate was part of the machinery that not even a test could be made of the ground which it was attempted to operate upon. All hands have been paid off by the Wakatipu Company, and the building of tho dredge for the Kawarau Company, which is designed after the tame model as thu Wakatipu dredge, has also been stopped. I hear from a reliable source that if the result were not so serious to the companies concerned and to dredging in general, the bungling might be described as farcical. The whole mishap reflects anything bub credib upon the business management of the two companies. Kack-a-kock.— The agents for this new explosive have paid this district a visit and brought the new blasting agent practically under the notice of local miners and min<. managers. The experiments made proved very succeisful, nnd many of the parties who are using blasting material ordored a large supply of raok-a rock. The Gallant Tip Company held its annual meeting of shareholders on Saturday last, when the subject of increasing the water supply was considered , and means for that end adopted. The Sandhills Dredging Company, Upper Shotover, are pushing their works ahead with all due speed. A site has been chosen for the electric plant for the generation of motive power, and Mr Prince, electrician, from Dunedin, has gob things fairly well advanced. The improvements to the traoks in this locality, which were very much needed, are nearing completion, and will be much appreciated during the coming winter. The principal part of the machinery for the Smirlhiltß Company is now upon the road, and is beginning to arrive upon the site chosen for its erection. Other companies, stimulated by the near completion of the road, are bestirring themselves, so thab this part, of the district will soon assume a busy appearance. Th<s Phoenix mine continues to look very well indeed, and stone of superior quality is being raised. Crushing haß been unavoidably delayed till the water supply has boen replenished by rain, which is now threatening.