The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1874.

Thames Star, Volume VI, Issue 1805, 15 October 1874, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1874.

It must be conceded that a goldfields community like that which constitutes the population of the Thames is composed of a wonderfully sanguine people. Dull times may depress us for a term—long or

short as the case may be—but as soon as • " the great raining industry " puts on a spurt,-the sanguine temperament of the people asserts itself. The period over " which a decline in the mining world may extend itself does Dot exert a corresponding influence on the recovery. * Let

business be'ever so dull—for ever so long a time—as soon as the lun^in ike tide comes the spirits of the pepple rise like mercury in ft thermometer under the influence of abnormal heat. This is dtfe \ more to the unbounded confidence which people possess iv 'the "future of the field I than to any sudden accession' of prosperity in a particular direction. There are so many who have pinned their faith *on" the Thames thatiihe'iecession-of a few exercises but a trifling influence on the community as a whdle. ; We—we say we in a gencral;J%oFin""ettrt6fiar--sense —have nailed our colors to the mast, and j are content to abide" the issue of the struggle. It may ; bo .protracted, and j some of the ships engaged in the fight [ may founder, but thio result of 1 the battle is not a mattor of,doubt:, £he : certainty of 'a great future animates all- who are' really interested in the district, and be the struggle long- or short, those who survive.the trials will reap the benefit of their endurance. We are. led to these remarks by reflection on the events of the past few month*, and the, depress sing influences which have brought about the present dullness. While it cannot be denied that a rich find of gold in one of pur oldest and best known mines would be welcomed as a godsend, there is no cause for despair in the absence of such a generally desired iesult. JN"ew mines are coming into notices as the old sources of; wealth decline ; districts long considered worthless are afc'saining prominence a^ gold produeei'Si khd other changes which characterise all gold"fields are noticeable here.; So longas the yield of gold does not materially decr«as!e there is always the chance that it may substantially increase—a conclusion from which air may derive encouragement in carrying out whatever th«ir hands find to do. The stagnation which now prevails may be disturbed at any moment by the slightest cause; the deterioration in stocks which has taken place can only be accounted for by the fact that buyers are scarce ; and the smallest cause may produce wonderful effects in a short time. The incubus of depression is liable to removal on the shortest notice : shares that are at present unsaleable may be anxiouslysought after to-morrow ■:, and the change may be brought about by one of those trifling • events to which goldfield district* are peculiarly liable, if we have only faith, with a continuance of work* the Thames will again assert itself, and,, in the end, reward those who have helped sto make the district what it is. The vicissibudes of goldfield life are by this time familiarised, and it behoves one and all to take heart of grace and look to tke silver lining in the cloud which already seems breaking over the district^ and which, ere long, will, we hope, be completely dispelled by an outburst of prosperous sunshine; in a clear sky. ;

We understand that; Mr. Maurice Power, at the Hospital Investigation Commission to-day, asked permission to liare assistance during the enquiry, which was refused by the Commissioners. Dr. Lethbridge was present from the opening of the Commission to cross-examine witnesses and take notes. Mr. Power was physically unable to take notes, from having lost his right arm, and consequently was at a disadvantage in cross-examining witnesses. Finding himself in this position, at a subsequent stage of the investigation this afternoon, Mr. Power handed in a letter to the Commissioners stating that unless his request for.assistance were acceded to he must decline to attend the enquiry in future. „ Tke Commissioners declined the 'Application of Mr/; Power for assistance at the enquiry, whereupon lie left. •--•■'. ;