West Coast Times. THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 1868.

West Coast Times, Issue 908, 20 August 1868, Page 2

West Coast Times. THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 1868.

It is .with great pleasure we notice that the miners at lloss are bestirring themselves to {ret suitable machinery for the drainage oi' the deep ground ou Jones' Flat in that district. The great extent of Jones' Flat, and the • richness of the claini3 already worked on it, make the subject one of interest to others besides the miners. Every business man, not only in Ross but in Hokitika, may be said to have a stake in the locality; for a filling off in the yidd of .gold involve* a falling off in trade"ro£urns ; and limes are not so brisk just now that we can afford to be careless in lending a helping hand towards the development of the only substantial industry of Westland. To devise a plan for the effectual drainage of Jones' Flat, and to carry it out in a workmanlike manner, would be to find employment for hundreds, of miners, and would give an impetus to business transactions such nti they have not received for many months past. Our con temporary, the ''Leader," in mi article ou this subject, says of Jcjnes's Flat that "it extends from the foot of the old workings in Jones's Creek to the Mikonui, a distance of some three miles, whilst from the terrace "to the sea is about a mile in a straight line. The ground occupied is "merely one corner of the entire area, but so far as it. has been tested it is a magnificent gold-bearing tract of country." The distances here given are within the mark, we have reason to believe. If this wei'e shallow ground with an ordinary depth of washdirt, and sufficiently auriferous to pay for the working, it .would for niany months contribute in no small dojrej. to make up the^ total of ptw gold export ; but Jones' Flat has a value peculiarly its own. The ground, though very deep, has many layers of auriferous earth ; how many it is impossible as yet to say, for only on the outskirts has the reef been struck. Supposing the flat to be well drained down to tho reef, it is not unreasonable to expect that several years of steady work would elapse before its treasures were exhausted, during which time it would be without doubt the mainstay of the town of Ross, and a not unimportant customer tho merchants of Hokitika. We been impressed with thisj^Ka, ariH have frequently in thefirJHßunv.is endeavored to rouse the niuTers to a sense of the necessity which for their combination for drainage purposes. There has been no backwardness iv spending money for this object. Very large sums have, indeed, been laid out by the various limited companies at present in existence, but each party has been working entirely for itself, without any thought' for the general welfare. The consequence might have been foreseen. 'Jhe flat is not worked, but as miners say, merely " scratched." Of course we allude to the workings taken collectively, and in comparison with what still remains to be done. Viewed in this way, it' may be said that Jones' Flat is new ground. The area worked bears but an infinitessimal proportion to that which remains unopened. A movement is now on foot which will, it is to be hoped, put an end to this unsatisfactory state of things. We publish in another part of to-day's issue a full report of a public meeting held at Ross, ou the 17th instant, fur the purpose of considering what steps it would be advisable to take in order to secure the effectual drainage of Jones' Mat. Mr lloos occupied the chair, and the meeting was very numerously attended especially by miners, a proof that they are at length convinced of the necessity for adopting some general plan which shall enable them effectually to get rid of the superabundance of water at present such an obstacle to the working of their claims. A report on what is called by our correspondent " the scientific part of the subject" was read by Mr Fraser, and had been prepared by himself, and Messrs Grordon, Gow, aud Malfroy. This document is very incomplete, and has been evidently hastily drawn, and we should think on insufficient data. Here is one of the paragraphs: — "We consider that water should be the motive power, provided it can be obtained at a iess rate than steam can be supplied at ; but before we can express a definite opinion, the cost of the water power must be ascertained." It would have looked more like business if the committee had come prepared with an estimate of that cost. However, we do not know what were the exact duties they undertook. The first resolution was, "• That the miners and public of Ross are oi opinion that a general system of drainage is necessary in Jones' Fl.tt, f.r iha proper workng theivof." ; This was uiiiiiiimDiisly - and very prr.'vrly iigreed io. Mr Shaw I hen a.!dri'v>i.-u the meeting, and iv tho co-.u-so (>f his speech, which we <;cn-niilv approve of as very much to the point, said that "possibly the capital, or some pail of t(, might be veU-d mt of tho burplus revenue." This we ciinmit agree tv, and, no doubt, Mr Shaw on mature quuaidiTciliun will admit tlu\t the work of draining Jones' Flat, ov of supplying: iho funds for lho purpose, should not full on thosSioitfders of £tho Govflrnmenl, That

U'lfbrtuniito a. id ilmiL.u. ive am'plua 1-t.ve.iiu.' niu-st by spent on works of e\cii greater importance than the drainage oi 1 the deep claims at Ross. We fully endorse Mr Warden Aylmer's views, that their action must be prompt and that there should be no waiting for Government assistance. A second re^ solution was passed as follows : — "That a memorial be presented to the Government, asking that a Bill bo passed for a compulsory drainage scheme for Jones' Flat." A memorial in accordance with the resolutions was drawn up for presentation to Mr Bonar, as County Chairman. Now although, as stated above, we are happy to see the miners taking this drainage question in hand, w.e think they arc going out of their true path in invoking the aid of the Government. The . second paragraph of tlie memorial states that owing to the diversity of interests no efficient drainage is likely to be carried out, unless under the authority of the Government Here we join issue with the memorialists. Our opinion is that the best method for secui ing the desired drainage would bo by the formation of apublic company. A considerable capital would be required, and it might be raised partly from the public, and partly from the clainxlioldcrs on the flat. Tlie company should combine a mining speculation with their drainage labours. Our space compels us to leave the subject for the present, but we shall resume it again on the first opportunity. We observe that a committee was appointed to draw up a drainage and assessment scheme to be submitted to a public meeting to be held to-morrow." Possibly the committee may propose the formation of a company

A mooting of the residents of Humpden street and owners of property in that locality is convened for this evening, at eight o'clock, at M'Gttiro's Globe Hotel. The advertisement convening tho meeting Btates tho object to bo "to tako into consideration the extraordinary and hitherto unusiul decision by the Municipal Council, prompted by Mr Prosser's motion in referonco to the formation of tho street, tho Council having previously agreed to tho memorial presented to them."

A meeting of tho trustees of the Uokitika Savings Bank will bo held in the Municipal Chambers, this afternoon, at four o'clock.

"We havo to direct attention to clearing-out sale by auction of wines, spirits, groceries, oilmen's stores, tobacco, &c, at the stores of Mr Alfred Cleve, Revell street, this day, at eleven o'clock. Mr Or. W. Binney is tho auctioned*.

Cobb and Co.'s coach left for Greymouth yesterday afternoon, at two o'clock, with two passengers for {tho TJpmakau. The return coacli came ia at G.ou p.m., with tho mail brought froua^Sydncy by the Egmont. Passengers—Messrs. Oarsidos, Panton, Moss, Stungracht, Captain Dunn, and Dr. Hutcliinson-

We beg to call attention to the Bale by auction this day, at noon, by Messrs. Carey and Gilles, at their rooms, Wharf street, of butter, aud a variety of miscellaneous articles.

Yesterday a man named John Dicks mot hia death, by drowning, at tho Eight-milo, VVoodsto'-.k. DcceasccFwith his mates wt,u standing on ttfe bank floating sluice-boxes, when he suddenly Blipped into tho water, aud( was di-owncd. The .body wa3 recovered shorty afterwards.

By the steamer Egmont, which arrived iv the roadstead, from Sydney, yesterday morning, but proceeded ou to Groymouth, we have files of Sydney papers to the 12th instant, which were obligingly forwarded to us from Greymouth by Cobb and Co.'s coach. Wo tako the following from tho Sydney " Empire " of tho 10th instant :— " We learn on good authority, that her Majesty Queen Victoria has given an annuity of £30 a year to tho mother of Mr Vial. The clergyman of the parish in which Mrs Vial lives, Chasswater, in Cornwall, on seeing the nows of the Duke of Edinburgh's clanger and escape, wrote to inform her Majesty that tho mother of Mr Vial was there ; and tho information was immediately responded to by the grant of the annuity."— Mr Vial is the gentleman who saved thoDuko's life by striking up O'Farrell's arm as ho fired the second shot at His Royal Highness.

Tho first examination for efficiency of tho members of the Ist "Wesfchmd Rifle Volunteers was held lust night at Hau3cn's Room, before Captain Carey (Light Horse), who, in the absenco of Captain Stack, is acting adjutant iov the district. Captain Bonar (in uniform) and his subalterns were present, tho examination being conducted by Sergeant-Instructor Carey, who put the company through in his very best style, aud evidently was no less anxious for tho result than his proteges, upon whom he has bestowed so much patient and careful tuition. Indeed, tho sergeant displayed throughout the proceedings an earnest and kindly feeling, that did him infinite credit, and can hardly fail to endear him to the hearts of the men. The examination comprised company drill from the facings upwards, aud tho manual and platoon exorcises, and although a few mistakes, the effect of nervousness, were made, tho men, on tho whole, acquitted thornselves remarkably well, and displayed a proficiency only to bo obtained by a long course of attendanco at drill meetings. The examination was not quite concluded last night, the performance of some of tho moro intricate movements of company drill boing, on account oC tho want of space, unavoidably postponed until to-morrow night, when the men will mcot in uniform aud be " 'oxtM-ciaed in tho f open air. At tho conclusion oi the proceedings, Captain Caroy addressed tho company, and expressed much satisfaction at tho proficiency of its members. Captain Bonar also pruUod them, and hoped to see a full attendanco nt parade to-morrow night. lio reminded tho company of tho forthcoming iiunthly j>ii\ido,to bo hold on &itm<.l:vy '.ifci-rnoju he*!. Tui/ry n.imes r.ii'woivd io iho ruil-cu:L

Folej's Moimgurio was wl'll ultended yesleritay uvouing, mid (iio performances of Senor Fcrmuuliv. with tho lion and leopardess clit'itoJ yivnfc nppluus.". Wo I'dicvo ihia intcft'oiing exhibition will only^bo" open fora few tlny;j long" 1 !". . "'

Tho Sydney ** j^npire " of the 12th inst his the following with referenco to tho Treason Jfelo.'.y Acti lately pussod by the Legis* lattireoi" Nyw South Wales •— " Wo Kayo baon requested to giro publicity to the following, as

an authoritative exposition by the AttorneyGeneral of the present position of the above Act : 'An impression seems to exist that tho Treason Felony Act baa been disallowed. This is not tho fact. Tho Secretary of State has simply, for the present, abstained from submitting it to Hor Majesty for approval. In point of law, the approval of Her Majesty is not necessary to tho validity of any Act passed by the Parliament of this colony. Her Majesty may within two years from the passing of any such Act disallow it j but if not expressly disallowed it remains in force.' " Tho Committee of the Eoss Hospital having fenced their reserve, havo siuco let a contract for partially grubbing it, and intend planting it with ornamental shrubs. This reservo and tho adjoining one for the Cemetery, which is also fenced and in process of thorough grubbing, will, when finished, greatly improve tho appearance of the township. Au important mining enterprise, which has been thought by many to be of a very risky character, we allude to tho Alexandra at Donoghuo'fl, is progressing steadily. It was predicted by many that a shaft coidd not be sunk iii tho ground on account of a running drift, and Hut the sea, would swamp it ; but these bugbears have been dispelled by the manager having sunk the shaft without any difficulty through the dreaded drift, aud with so little water that he did not use the engine for pumping till Wednesday, when tho shaft being down to the gravel, it was thought better to pump with the engine in order to expedito the sinking. In ten days the shaft should be down to the wash, which, from indications in the adjoining plain), will I bo of a very good quality.

Scandal has for somo months been rifo rempectiug a clergyman of the Church of England, incumbent of a pariah of tho southern suburbs of Melbourne. Various rumours were abroad as to the nature of his supposed delinquency, and I hey appear to have been to a certain extent justified by the result of the inquiries instituted. Tho "Argus" sn-yg — " The first charge aguinßbhim was that he had behaved with great impropriety to a young girl whom he was preparing for confirmation, and this becoming known, other accusations followed, more or less supported by facts. It was necessary that a full investigation should take pluco beforo a competent tribunal, and Mr Sturfc, P.M., and Mr Templeton, P.M., having been appointed by the bishop aa commissioners to try tho case, they examined into the whole matter. The result of their labors may be best judged from the following extract from their report to the bishop : — ' Any one of these accusations of itself preferrod against a clergyman of untarnished reputation would, we do not hesitate to say, be at once discarded, but taken collectively, we can come to no other conclusifciou than that Mr is guilty of conduct unworthy of his sacred calling, and that the charges we havo been required to investigate are substantially true.' The commissioners added that the accused had labored under great disadvantage, becauso the witnesses were not subjected to au oath, nor their credibility tested by the searching cross-examination of counsel ; and, moreover, because the nature of the charges were such as to render them difficult of refutation. Wo may add that since then tho accused clergyman has resigned his cure, that he ha& given up every claim lie may havo hod upon the parish of which ho was in charge, and that, iv fact, ho is no longer a clergyman of the diocese of Melbourne." .

juv'SVo tako the- following ftbin,,hi9t ovoning'a j " Despatch"-; — We bog to remind our readers bhat the drawing for prizes in Procter's Art Union ia fixed for Saturday next. , At the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, his Worship stated that in consequence of the great difficulty experienced by tho late clerk to the Court iv getting iv the costs, he would heav^no civil case unless tho costs wore prepaid. The following person ha 3 filed a declaration in the Westland District, under " The Bankruptcy Act, 1867, that ho is unable to meet his engagements — Stephen Egan, lato of Eutherglen, but now of Hokitika, storekeeper. We perceive that tho Muuicipal Council invite tenders for flooring a portion of tho Hokitika Wharf, and for forming Tancred street. Tenders will be received until four o'clock on Friday. We understand that a Grand Complimentary benefit will shortly be given to Mr J. J. Bart'ett, prior to his departure for Dunodin, to fulfil a star engagement. We publish this ovoniug a statement of the proceeds realised at tho entertainment lately given bj the Hokitika Amateur Christy Minstrels, in aid of the Drill Shed Fund, and wo perceive that after paying all expenses the handsome sum of £66 16s been handed over to tho Treasurer of that fund. This satisfactory result of tlie efforts of the gentlomen who got up the ontortainment, must not only be satisfactory to them, but it is a strong proof of tho interest felt by the citizens of Hokitika in the Volunteer movement. Mr J. Marshall, whose able articles on gardening, published in our weekly contemporary "The Leader," aro exciting considerable interest in Westland, this day exhibited at the shop of Mr A. Walker, seedsman, Kevell street, a quantity of plants of the English blackberry, raised by himself. The plants are exceedingly healthy, and are sending out vigorous shoots. Mr Marshall states that he has a large hedge of them iv his nuraery, in the most healthy condition. Despite- the dull times, agricultural and horticultural operations appear to be prose- I cuted vigorously in Westland, judging from the quantity of agricultural" and garden seeds which are boing disposed of this season by the various seedsmen in Hokitikn. Tho quantity sold this season, wo aro informed, id double thnt disposed of last Beason. Large numbers of bulba, ornamental shrubs, flowering plants, atid flowor soeds have also been sold.