Notes from Westport.

Otago Witness, Issue 1892, 8 May 1890, Page 14

Notes from Westport.

(V-i.^t Ouk Own Cokuimpi>-.]>kst.)

Wkstport, May 3. Tho Frthm.iM Company reforli v Uiis w.-ek obtaining fcOOuz tor a mo-'th 6 operations. They now have pkuty o! w.iier, ,»ml icia doubtful if they will over be short ay.tiu, having arranged to ie-teh an ad lUonal jiict) Oil to their dam.

I'ho Beacousfield Company hava decided to fetch on the water at oned to &n overalioi wheel. This company have not displayed gieat energy lately, owing principally to the calls coining ii so slowly. I am much surprised at the contiuued apathy displayed by the Wareatea Company. If they mean to put their claim in working order, it should be done jjrompt.y. Ifc certainly cannot be said that they are using due diligence as required by the Mining Act, I do not think their ground is the richest, but with

the splendid water Bupply and 760 ft of pressure at their command, I have no doubt but that the ground they hold will pay them handsomely if their works are well laid out and their management economical. The ground adjoining them, and 'belonging to the Falrdown Company, has not paid very well. I think, however, their failure is due entirely to the fact of insufficie'it water and insufficient pressure, nnd also to the fact that much of their ground had been previously driven out From the results of extensive prospecting carried out by the company, it has been proved to be highly payable. I should not be surprised at any time to hear of an action for cancellation from adjoining claims, unless some energy is displayed. I believe the shares of the company are principally held in Dunedin. The weather has been favourable for river work, and I hear that the spoon dredge engaged on the Buller is continuing to obtain splendid results. The White Cliffs Company, now upon bbc market, is receiving considerable local support. I believe fully 300 shares will be applied for from this quarter. Considering the dullness of the times and the smallness of the place, thiß is satisfactory. It is substantial proof that the people of this diatriot are firm believers in the prospects of this company. It may not be generally known, but some remarkably fine specimens have been taken from the Buller, some three miles above the White Cliffs. A nugget of 960z was found, as well as many smaller ones from loz to 16oz. The general opinion here is that this company is being floated on very fair lines. The promoters announced in last evening's paper that no promotion shares shall be sold until the dredge is upon the ground and at work, thus further assuring the contributing shareholders of their firm faith in the result of a dredge. There is considerable stir amongst the shareholders of the Makihinui reefs, aud active operations are about to be made. Thiß field promises well and should be thoroughly prospected.