ADDISON'S FLAT.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 181, 28 February 1868, Page 2

ADDISON'S FLAT.

(from a correspondent.) 26th February. There is not much news to report since my last. A little more money has changed hands on account of a few small and large parcels of gold being sold on Tuesday and "Wednesday. The reverse news from Queensland, if true, will cause a fresh start here, as many parties were only waiting news to be off, instead of pushing on work with vigour. The water elevating wheel was started on Monday evening and answers admirably, having put down the water in less than two hours. Should this weather last long it will be-re-quired greatly. The cement on Darkies Terrace is going a-head, a third crushing machine being ordered. The first one, Addison's, answers so well that I am creditably {informed that each shareholder's dividend is 1 oz. gold per day. The second, Deleaney and party, expects to be fully as good, and the one going up being on a line and between the other claims expect equal returns. The opening of the " Elevated Wheel" attracted attention and a large gathering assembled ; one of the shareholders named the wheel, with full bumpers, "Erin's Hope." A few appropriatetoasts havingbeengiven the party adjourned to an adjoining large wooden hut, where they spent a merry evening over a case or two of Hennessy, Stewart's, and Barclay's stout, which was kept up to an early hour next morning. Some good old Irish songs and melodies were given to the amusement of the company.

A free ball and supper came off last night in one of the largest rooms in the second township, which was a good success, the supper being such as to reflect great credit to the fair proprietress. Dancing kept up to an early hour this morning.

(from another correspondent.) Everything connected with mining operations has a more favorable aspect than hitherto; the box is kept continually going at almost every claim. The last important piece of mining machinery is that of a huge water wheel, erected by Corbett and party, which in one hour and a-half drew as much water as would have taken the whole party two days ; no doubt many of the surrounding claims will materially benefit by the enterprise of the

proprietors. The wheel was on Monday christened the " Erin's Hope," numerous bottles of No. 2 being indulged in on the occasion. We have now seven whims, five whips, and four wheels, all in good working order, slewing there must be that in the ground to remunerate the various parties for their labour and expense. The Addison Flat Drainage Company is makiug good progress, but still in hard driving, with much water in the face. The nearer this tunnel approaches its destination the more advantageous it will be to those parties working on the ordinary system. Younghusband and party continue to work with undaunted energy, and the amount of work executed by so small a party is somewhat astonishing, and should the work continue at the present rate there is every probability that the vast undertaking will be finished by the middle of next month. At the Shamrock Lead mining matters have also a favorable appearance, as several shares have recently changed hands at high figures; there is one wheel completed, and several in course of erection, also several whims, which speak well for the stability of the place—there is one store kept by an enterprising individual, who, at his sole expense, has cut a track which is a great convenience to those located there. At Waite's Pakihis there are two crushing machines in course of erection, the proprietors will in all probability commence crushing on Monday, and they fully expect good returns. Payable cement has also been struck at the north end of the old cement lead, and 'tis the intention of the prospectors to bring machinery on the ground shortly. Surfacing continues to give fair remuneration for its labor. At the Darkie's Terrace there are three machines, all giving most satisfactory returns; two others are in course of erection, the proprietors being mo3t sanguine of success. Scarcely a week passes but we have an instance of the inconvenience and . unpleasantness arising from the want , of a bank agency at Addison's, and on ■ some occasions the party selected to take the amalgam to the Buller forg. ts | to return, and by mistake goes to Queensland, thus placing his mates in a very unpleasant situation.