THE KUMARA GOLDFIELD.

West Coast Times, Issue 4278, 5 April 1883, Page 3

THE KUMARA GOLDFIELD.

[from ottb own obbesfondent.]

Mining operations on this field during the Easter week were almost nil. The miners having taken their usual holiday, betook themselves to distant fields for that purpose. The deserted aspect of the streets of Kuniara, in the absence of sports of some sort in the day time, was anything but enticing for pleasure seekers. Even at night time there was no source of amusement or recreation, -with the exception of the Church of England Bazaar held in the Theatre Royal, Sedd'on street. It was well patronised considering that a large proportion of the population was absent at Hokitika aud elsewhere. The gross takings for the three nights amounted to about £170. The remainder of the goods were auctioned on Thursday night, and the proceeds therefrom must have added considerably to the amount previously received. Too much praise

cannot be bestowed on the ladies, who at great personal sacrifice, gave their time and talent in furthering the interest^ of the Bazaar generally ; but the following who presided at the various stalls deserve specialmentioning. No 1, Mesdames Forman, Spyers, Barrowman, and Shrives, and Miss Forman. No 2, Mesdames Evenden, and Pollock and the Misses Toms and Olliver. No 3 Mrs Reynolds, assisted by Miss Reynolds— and No 4, Mesdames Holland, and G. B. May, and Miss Florence G-alland, while the refreshment stall was in charge of Mesdames Wilby, Hewe, Gibson, and Keller, and the Misses C. Eugg, A. Rugg, M. J. Howe and Ellery. I must here mention that ! whether the visitors were or not hungry or dry, they could not escape the j blandishments of Mrs Wilby who was a host in herself. The May Pole was the centre of attraction, Miss Nelly Rugg as fairy, and 8 other little Misses performing their parts admirably in skipping around the pole to the excellent music of : Miss Ingall, who presided at the piano for them, and to the delight of the spectators. The general yocal and instrumental music was rendered under the leadership of Mrs Wilby, Miss Ada Skilton presiding at the piano. Mrs Wilby also presided at the Gipsy's tent, another source of attraction which was well patronised. On tho whole the Bazaar Committee were well remunerated for their labors, and as members of all denominations seemed to patronise their efforts it is to be hoped that the next Bazaar will be equally well patronised. Several parties have washed up the week before the holidays with good returns. Alexanderßeid and party of 6 men netted a few ounces over a hundred, and although the majority are reticent in giving actual results, I have it from a very good a\ithority that with the exception of two claims, whose sluicing fall is inadequate for the present to put large quantities through, the whole of those claims connected with the sludge channel are payable. Being invited by Messrs James Daw and party, of Larrikins, to the ceremony of christening their claim on last Saturday afternoon, I wended my way in that direction, and in doing so it reminded me of going to a pattern or fair in the Old Country with the exception of a slight difference in the surrounding scenery. Men and women, boys and girls, in holiday attire scattered over the wide expanse of claims, now climbing over tailings, and again treading on the precipitous bank of some deep sluicing face, (with fissures on the surface as if from some earthquake) in order to have a glimpse, as they went along, at the machinery above, and the workings down beloyr. But all bent on one thing, that is making their way towards Daw's claim. On my arrival I found that a good many had already assembled there, about two hundred persons being present at 4 o'clock, the fair sex being well represented as also the town of Kumara. Close to the machinery and paddock was erected a temporary booth where the men -were hospitably entertained, by the owners of the claim, the tap from a cask of beer which was placed on a stand, being almost continually turned the right way for about two hours, and many bottles of Hennessy's and other liquors having been consumed in the same time, while the ladies were regaling themselves with cake and wine and ginger beer in a , commodious shed some 50 yards away. Messrs J. Daw, P. Caldwell, C. W,Deas, and Thomas Farley, the persevering shareholders, were most unremitting in their attentions to the comfort of all present. In the midst of this enjoyment the wheel was set in motion, the loaded truck begau to ascend the line of tramway from the paddock, while the water tank descending on the other line. Mrs Patrick Caldwell, the wife of one of the shareholders, who was standing on the platform holding a bottle of No 2 firmly ' by the neck, and as the tank moved, along the bottle met with the usual fate, while its contents went flying over the tank, Mrs Caldwell, in a loud tone, said, God speed the " Perseverance " and consequently christened the machine and claim by that name, followed by applause from the spectators. Several truck loads followed, with ease in succession, proving the adaptability of the machinery. After the health of the persevering owners being freely drunk at their own expense, and bumpers full to the health of Mrs Caldwell, Mr Peter Dungan, M. C.C, ascended the steps to the platform, and said, that the ladies and gentlemen present would, he was sure, be in accord with him when he expressed his great pleasure at being present at such an entertainment as they hart that afternoon witnessed, an entertainment that not alone lightened their hearts for the present, but was full of bright hopes (or the future. He need hardly tell them that what chepred tbe heart of man, especially in the manner indicated that evening, did a deal ot good to the man of toil, unceasing labor and untiring energy, who sets rside all difficulties, and cheer(ully drives dull care away till he arriyea at the goal of his ambidon, such as the owners of tbe " Perseverance " had done, on the ground that they now stood on. He (Mr Duncan), would now call for three cheers for the nrn of the " Perseverance" claim, and trusted that for their energy they might reap a go'den harvest, the call beini promptly responded to wi'h three- tim s three, and a hip, hip, hurrah to the good. Mr Dungan would again remind them that when speaking of the men of the " Perseverance," his remarks should apply genera ly to the men of this goldfield, the noble set of fellow?, who. if at all practicable, will sunmant all obstacles bef ire leaving any god behind: he would now call tor three cheers for the sterling lei ows of the Kumara goldfield . This b ing responded to, thrte cheers were accorded the ladies for their attendance, and after many of the sterner sex having taken Fevenl nips more out of the buttle, this social gathering gradually dispersed, well satisfied with what they had seen, heard, and consumed.