THE ARROW.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 16, 14 December 1863, Page 3

THE ARROW.

(From tho correspondent of the Wakatip Mail.) Affairs on the .Arrow Township Fiat still remain almost stationary, a few claims only being now in work, and the majority of these the lucky possessors would hardly dream of parting with ; (he men who held the rest of the claims not possessing the means to carry out the extensive system of operations necessary to work the ground successfully. A good opportunity seems to offer itself for the investment of any loose capital that may be afloat, in the formation of a properlyorganised company to undertake the work, as there is apparently very little doubt but that a combination of a moderate amount of capital, business tact, and energy would ensure good success to the promoters of any well-organised scheme. The necessity for the public now taking some steps in the matter is generally acknowledged, the prosperity of this community depending, in a great measure, upon the success of all local mining ope rations. Competent judges have already passed a favorable opinion as to the practicability of tlie Flat being worked wiih proper appliances, and all thaireaJJy seems necessary is the presence of some directing genius to point out how the work should be done. A ihousand and one plans have been already mooted, but none as yet seem capable of being brought to a practical issue — the assisiance of steam power or immense water-wheels, the sinking of timbered shafts and drives and a gigantic system of sluicing havo all been advocated ; and probably, when some of our miners have worked out their up-river claims, and have time and money to invest, some decided action will be taken in the

matter. A plain straightforward exposition of any welt digested plan, and a guaranteo that an organised company could hold a legal tenure of the flat, would meet with a by no means unfavorable response from the majority of the leading miners and business men of the district. A party who lately came in from Lake VVanaka, having crossed the Black Range and followed down the course of the Arrow, reports Ihat the population there has increased of late by many new arrivals from Dunstan and Taieri. via the Cadrona Junction. The principal workings ate on the Matatapu River, and the ground, although patchy, has yielded moderately well. Provisions are chiefly obtained from Roy's station, and the .small township near Wilkie's station, at the junction of the Codrona and Clutha livers, about twenty miles distant from the diggings. A prospecting party are reported to have lately left Roy's station with a boat and good equipment, who proceeded up tho Lake with the intention of thoroughly prospecting the Mokororo river and i's tributaries, following tlie direction taken by Dr. Julius Haast about March last, in his expedition on the supposed old Maori track towards the West Coast.