THE NORTHERN TERRACES.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 685, 16 July 1870, Page 2

THE NORTHERN TERRACES.

(from our own correspondent.) The ground lately opened on Giles Terrace, behind Barker and party's claim, promises to be highly remunerative ; and another party inteud putting in a sixteen hundred feet tunnel for , ground adjoining. The lead is not likely to extend any great distance, as the sea at oue time must have formed a sort of basin at this part of the terrace, which may account for the leads being better here than anywhere else in this district. Further north on Deadman's Creek, the claims are not what you would call "flash," or if the term can be at all applied, it would require the word "tucker" appended, so as to give it, in some instances at least, its proper qualification. Mees's claim on Roehfort, enjoys the reputation of being the best north of Giles, but it lays with the retort to substantiate that opinion. The Boatman's party, on the same terrace, are also considered to be doing pretty well. On North-east Terrace there are only two claims, one of which has been in the same hands lor the last two years, during which time three different tunnels have been driven through very difficult ground. The tediousness of opening up this claim had caused several parties to jib, but it is now in the hands of O'Shannassey and party, and they are satisfied that it will pay. I believe it is to be called, the " Never say die." Hatter's Terrace is all but defunct as a field for mining operations. Some of the original shareholders of the Perpendicular Lead have set in to ground-sluice it. Currie and party have given up their claim, when Harry Currie, who is now in the Hospital, got his legs crushed. I believe it did not come up to their expectations. Harry Currie is fast recovering, and the generally expressed wish here is, may he soon be on his pins again, as he used to make pretty good use of them, and could show the boys the way through all sorts of gymnastic and acrobatic performances. A little way down Hatter's Creek, Wilkins and party are ground-sluicing near the supposed line of what was once supposed to be the Ruby Lead. On crossing Hatter's Creek the first object that presents itself to the view are the ruins of the prospecting claim on Christmas Terrace. When they bottomed the first shaft, about eighteen months ago, Scottie, one of the shareholders, said he was " gauu

hauie to Glasgow wi' a bang," and when asked why he thought so, said the waahdirt was up to long Phil's nose. A few claims are still paying on Christmas Terrace. After crossing the Deep Creek and Spring Terrace, you oome to the creek tbat contains the latest discovery in quartz reefs; but little of this reef is visible, and no unprejudiced person can pronounce upon it until some labor has been expended in discovering the reef. A party has been formed and a prospecting area granted, and I have no doubt it will be speedily tested. It is proposed to call this reef the " Lancashire Bruiser," in honor of Mr Graham, one of the promoters of the scheme. Still further north, on F.iirdown Flat, mining operations are beginning to assume an aspect of importance. On the scene of the rush of two years ago, Blackmore and party have a ten acre lease, and have got a water-wheel aboub completed. Their intention is to sink a shaft in the main bottom, below the water level, and drive from that to the lead, by this means they will get their shaft down dry and their pumping gear all fixed before the water is tapped. It is generally considered this is a good spec. About a hundred yards behind this party, at the foot ot the range, are Hurst and party. They have been ground-sluicing for sometime, but in consequence of having too little fait, have abandoned that style of working, and think they can make it pay by driving it out on timber. The adjoining claim is occupied by Muir and party ; they are working out of a tunnel about one hundred and eighty feet in length. A share was sold lately in this claim for forty pounds, but of this sale we are likely to hear more shortly. About half a mile north of Muir's party, Smith and party are ground-sluicing on a terrace, above Boulder Creek. This claim enjoys, perhaps the finest situation on the Coast for ground-sluicing, as they have an inexhaustable supply of water, any amount of fall, and a soft sandstone bottom. As the Yankee says, "It ought to pay with a spec to the pan."