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Thames Advertiser, Volume XII, Issue 2596, 13 April 1877, Page 2

We are glad to see from our mining report and Auckland telegrams that the'Piako mine continues to improve. In addition to the csllent return of one ounce per ton from a reel' 18 feet thick, several stones carrying gold were taken out yesterday afternoon from the No. 2 reef, 20 feet further seaward than the other?. The sale of the whole of the reserve shares held by the Bank of New Zealand has also been effected at a fair market price, chiefly to Auck land capitalists. As the proceeds of this and all previous sales go towards a reduction of the debt the Piako Company ought now to be in a very gopd position. The opinion of experienced men as to the generally fine .appearance of the large No. 2 lode at the bottom level is most encouraging. The battery is in splendid order, and we understand that everything is being got in readiness for a permanent start on Monday next. We congratulate the Piako Company on the excellent prospects before them. We must not, however, forget that but for the enterprise of the Bnk of New Zealand, and the able assis. fcance and advice of the company's local directors the prcscut low level would never have been opened, whereas the Waio-Karaka may now be said to be entering upon an entirely new and prosperous era. ■ *'

At the Police Court yesterday uiorniug one person, charged with drunkenness, preferred forfeiting his toil to appearing in Court. Captain Fraser was on the Bench,

It appears that only recently the County Council havo been made aware of the fact that the present 20-inch main leading from the reservoir in the Waio-Karaka Creek is inadequate to carry tho whole the water brought in by the race, and inasmuch as the development of the mines at depths, and the extension of the Waiotahi Creek and other goldfields roads will he the means of producing a greater quantity of quartz, much of which will be of low grade, and can only be made payable with cheap crushing and transit, it is highly desirable that these mains should be enlarged. To obtain the former water must be u<ed as motive power, and can only be given to the batteries in the vicinity of the big pump by tho extension referred to. The indefatigable Chairman of the Thames County Council waited upon the Hon. tho Resident Minister in Auckland yesterday, relative to some correspondence which had been,forwarded on the subject from the' County Council, and urged the claims of the field to the increased facilities for making use of the water thus brought in. The Hon. Mr Whitaker concurred in the necessity for the work, So far as the welfare of the district was concerned, but: did not see his way to make any pledge on behalf of the Government respecting it. He consented to represent tho matter to the Minister for Public Works, who would no doubt lay it before the Ministry, and if approved of it would probably be carried out,, He could only express his approval of the work.

The Chairman of the Thames County Council (Mr Brodie) arrived from Auckland last evening, where he had been as the representative of the Council at the monthly meetingof directors of the United .Pumping Association. Mr J. Read was also present on behalf of the Borough Council. 'We learn that pressure of otfcial duties has compelled the Hon. F. WMtaker to resign his position of Chairman of the Board, and Mr Warwick Weston has been elected in his stead,

A meeting of the directors of the Hape Creek Gold Mining aud Quartz Crushing Company was held at Mr McDonald Scott's office last evening. It was stated that all the company's capital, divided into 10,000 shares, had been subscribed, and there were applications for shares which could not be satisfied. It was resolved to commence operations at once by removing the engine from the crushing plant and erecting it on the Tweedsido ground, for pumping and winding purposes, and to replace the engin.fl.at the mill with a powerful turbine, Tenders will be called at onco for tho removal of the engine to the Tweedside ground, and mining operations will commence as soon thereafter as possible.

The inquest on the poor fellow Macdonald, who met his death through falling down the cutting at the top of Mary-street, was concluded last night, the missing witness having been found by the police. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the facts adduced, but added a rider censuring the authorities for allowing the work to be left in such a disgracefully uaprotected condition. The jury were of opinion that the accident could not have occurred if a fence had been erected, as ought to have been done before, and, on the principle of locking tho stable door when the steed is stolen, they urged the authorities to do the work at once. The jury likewise added to their rider a complaint as to the very unsatisfactory position of affairs in connection with the Hospital dead-house, and the duties of the Hospital staff under such circumstances as those which necessitated the removal of deceased's body to the Morgue.

A meeting was held at the Pacific Hotel last night to consider the letter of the Kev. Father Nivard, which was published in the Titames Advertiser of Thursday. On the motion of MrT. W. Gudgeon, Mr Dillon was called to the chair, and read the advertisement calling the meeting. Mr Mcllhone said he did not think the advertisement fully stated the object for which the meeting had been called, which in some degree accounted for the sparse attendance of the meeting. The Chaitman explained that the reason he called the meeting was to consider the letter of Father Nivard, and to see if any of the assistance asked for could be sent to him. He' had not called the meeting on behalf of the Hibernian Society, but simply as a private individual. Mr Twohill thought the best thing to be done was to have a subscription opened aud to forward the procesdu to Father Nivard. Mr Gudgeon seconded the motion, which was carried. It was then proposed that Messrs J. M, Foy, Mahoney, K. Macdonald, Twohill, Landers, and Gudgeon be a committee to carry out tho objects of the meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr Twohill and carried. Mr Foy was appointed treasurer, and Mr Landers secretary. The Bev Father Chastagnon said that he admired the spirit of the Catholics here for their readiness to relieve the wants of those in need, and though there were many calls on the resources of those present with, regard to their own parish, yet he would be glad to give a subscription of £1 to aid Father Nivard in his work. Mr Binney, in putting bis name down for a guinea, said that he thought the real object of the.meeting was to strengthen the hands of Father Kivard, whom they had known and liked when at the Thames. He felt sure that any sum of money sent to Father Nivard would be judiciously and properly spent. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the meeting. The sum of £12 13s 6d was subscribed in the room.

At a meeting of the Kuranui Hill United Company directors, held in Auckland on Wednesday, at which representatives of the Pumping Association were present, the position of the company's works was discussed in reference to the deep level from the Big Pump shaft. Mr J, W. Walker, manager of the Kuranui, and Mr George Black, manager of the Pumping Works, were present, and detailed the progress of the works up to the recent find of gold in the north drive, 650 feet distant from the shaft, After deliberation it was resolved that the Kuranui Company's manager take charge of the works necessary for prosecuting the search for gold, but that Mr Black have the uncontrolled responsibility of the shaft and its belongings. The Kuranui directors further recorded a unanimous vote of thanks to Mr Black for tho care and ability with which he had so far carried out their view?, and in the successful finding of gold in the deepest level on tho Thames,

The Native Lands Court continued its sitting yesterday before Judge Munro, when a claim to a piece of the Piako block, otherwise called Te Panunga, was disposed 'of. The land was Crown granted to Hori Kerci Te Whaaitewheta and others*

We quote the following from yesterday's Auckland papers. They were sent from tho Thames for the information of the Auckland directors on Tuesday last, and speak for themgelvea .—" MoanataiaH Gold Mining Company, Thames, April 10, 1877.—Dear Sir: 1 beg to inform yon that this morning a large piece of No. 9 reef was undercut on the new run of gold, and the blast brought down sowt of specimens, but upon working out the shaken ground, soft country was discovered, which hail completely cut off the gold—in fact, it has caused a very sudden change in this part of the reef, but I do n'ot think it extends westward over the old shot of gold, where there is still a good show. The specimen stono from Auckland has been safely received, but it is not yet crushed." "3,21 p.m. April 10,1877. Soft ground has come across the roof of stopes, and cut off the gold in new run. leaving prospects on this run poor."

The lias been on the Gridiron for several dayi undergoing a thorough overhaul. Her boilers and engines have been rigidly examined, and sundry alterations made which will conduce to the steamor's travelling powers. 'The Government Inspector has given his usual certificate for the vessel plying for six months. Messrs Holmes have noiv a daily boat in the Thames trade, and cargo can be stowed ou board one or other of the boats throughout the day,*-ift raid,

Mr W. H. Reed, assisted by his brothers Messrs F. and G. Beed, we notice takes a benefit on Monday next at the Academy of Music, Mr Reed deserves well of the Thames people. Through his exertions many a pound has been added to the funds of those who have been getting up performances to benefit deserving objects, and besides the actual time and trouble whijh Reed has expended in his endeavours to make these entertainments successful in an amusing as well as financial point of view he has been put to considerable expense, His efforts in the cause ot charity deserve recognition, but beyond this the entertainment will of itself be attractive. It seems absurd to imagine that one man can amuse an audience for two hours, yet Mr Reed does this, and does it well, as his success at Coromandel, and other places testify. Do doubt on Monday night we shdl have some more local songs, for which Mr Reed has become celebrated.

It isgeommonly reported in telegraphic circles in London that the Globe Share and Investment Trust Company is in negotiation for the transfer of Reuter's telegraph business.

The local paper at Kumara is now able to speak more confidently of the prospects of that new goldfiold. On the old leads the paddocks are full and waiting water. The prospects indicate fair wage 3, One party, cradling, averaged £5 per man last week. It appears to be the general [opinion that, although no very large returns will be obtained there will bo a steady production of gold for years, 'With the introduction of anything like a copious supply of water, the return of gold would bo largely increased. The purchase of the Kumara raco by the Government will probably lead to an early increase in tho water supply, and the winter will show the productiveness of the field better than its past experience could do. The goldfields are being steadily worked, with an entire absence of anything like feverish excitement.

Sulphur, or White Island, contains about COO acres, abounding in sulphur in every stage of purity and development. It is the property of Mr lA. Wilson and Mr F. IT. Troup. These [gentlemen are now engaged in perfecting arrangements for the export of the sulphur to Australia, to India, to China, as well as for the supply of the home market. Ilio demand in New Zetland alone is 150 tons per annum, worth about .-£22 per ton, £3300 in all. The Australian Colonies consume over £20,000 worth per annum, while the consumption in China and India is immense. You will see, therefore, that the export when fairly started may reach considerable proportions. To refine tho ore a factory is about to be established at Woodside (Stoke's Point), just opposite to Auckland.— Olago Witness.

There is no love lost between Mr Travers and the Editor of the N.Z. Times, At a meeting held recently at Wellington, the former impugned the accuracy of the report published in the Times of a former meeting, but slated that the evening paper had published the ' exact words'of his speech. The' Editor, wroth at the accusation, compared copies, and proved unnristakeably that the evening paper lauded had simply clipped from the journal blamed, one report being an 'exact' copy cf the other,

The 5.3. 'Wellington,' Captain Lloyd, left the Manukau on Wednesday for the South. Passengers ■:—Mr and Mrs Barnett, Miss Mills, Messrs Sherrard, Wilson, Thompsoo, Barris, Hall, Caverhill, Edgar, Phillips, Simpson, Adams, Barber, Webster, Preston, and 10 in the steerage.

The ship 'Electra,' Capt. Thompson, arrived in Auckland on Wednesday night from London. Passengers:—Mr and Mrs Thomas Gresham, J. J. Hamilton and family (2). Second cabin : N. R. Biffen, E. A. Maddox, A. M. Wright, A, Winnett, T Mounsey, and J. Bennett. Steerage : W. Webster, J. Corbey, J. Moore, A, Button, G. Gayner, T, A, Brown, D. Turner, B. Mason, and W. Sellars,

A very painful accident befell Dr Wright yes'erday morning, in the Manukau Koad. The doctor, at 10,30 o'clock, had just left in his buggy to make his usual rounds, and was driving along the road in question when the animal harnessed to the vehicle plunged heavily, Dr Wright was quite unprepared for this, and consequently was thrown violently out on the roadway. A crowd of people soon gathered at the seene of the mishap, the horse was secured, and the doctor found to be in a swoon. Simple restoratives having been applied with success, Dr Wright was replaced in the buggy and driven home, messengers in the meanwhile having been despatched for medical aid. Dr Dawson soon arrived, and after making an examination, discovered that one of his patient's legs was broken in two places. The injured limb was set, and according to latest accounts the sufferer was progressing as favourably as, under the circumstances, could be expested.— Herald.

The Press Agency is developing a tendency to chronicle the actions of great men. This is very laudable, but it should be kept within bounds. The chronicling should be confined to men who are really great. It should not be extended to those who Lave greatness thrust upon their reluctant shoulders by an admiring and possibly envious public. Neither should the objects of this delicate attention be other than public men in the ordinary acceptation of the term, For instance, Mr Thomas Russell is not a great man, yet for some reason or another the telegraph wires are kept very busy about him, We read that Mr Russell remains only a short, time at Auckland. The news is flashed in a hurry that Mr Eussell has very kindly consented to allow some fortunate Southern gontlemen to become his partners. We hear that Mr Russell has bought six thousand sheep, which have started for his Raglan property, and at once we think of big battalions and the concentration of troops, so imposing is the announcement. Wo are next electrically informed that a certain property of Mr Russell's is estimated to be capable of carrying thirty thousand of the above animals, and we dream straight on wool bales, money bags, and sales by auction looming noisily in the distance, Lastly, a vivid picture is set before us of Mr Russell buying shares in tho Kuranui Hill mine, and straight we dream on bulls and bears, j frantic crowds of scrambling speculators, intoxicated winners and infuriated losers, Why all this? Is it that the Press Agency must, like the rest of mankind, have some image before which to bow down ? We hardly think so. We remember formerly when there was talk of native disturbances, how our sleep was disturbed by the telegraphic accounts of a certain Maori worthy. Hone tc One we read with a shudder was proceeding. Hone te One we heard with a sense of security, is reposing. Hone te One— and we strained our ears to the utmost—is speaking. Hone te One has spoken, and all danger is over, How thankful we were to bo sure! In those days there was really some talk of native disturbances, and flone te One was really somebody in his country whoreever it was. He was to many a phantom of terror, and to others a bogie that was periodically brought out from a hiding place by a fatigued purveyor of intelligence to alarm the public with his grislincss.. Ho was even confused by many with the Fighting Onetyoueth immorolised by Thackeray. Yet, ho was no myth, but a man of inlluonce and position, whoso nods and becks and wreathed smiles all had their significance in the chronicles of the time, But the dangers havo passed away, and our friend Onetyone is known to us no more. In his place we have Mr Russell, who has, for no reason that we can sae, hecomo the subject of observant and incessant chronicling. We hopo there is no parallel. The frequent appearance in the columns of tho Press of Onetyone indicated danger from war. Perhaps tho continual blazing in the same firmament of the other meteor implies danger from finance. For our pari we rather incline to the belief that it means cheap advertising. But tho subject is surrounded with perplexities, through which only the prcternaturally wise man can see his way, —Lytldlon Times,

'Did you ever,' asks a contemporary, 'watch the nonieleag movements of a pretty girl's lips as her dress is trodden upon, and marvel at the self-command which enables her to do the situation justice in soviet a mannor? A dozen fonts of type wouldn't furnish dashes enough to represent the remarks of tho average man under like incitement,'