CHARLESTON.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 751, 17 December 1870, Page 2

CHARLESTON.

(prom OUR OWN CORBESPOXDENT.) Dec. 16.

Mining operations throughout this district have decidedly altered for the better since my last report, and although the quantity of gold offered during the latter end of the month is always in excess of the average, yet as far as I can judge, the amount this Christmas will be unusually large relatively to the population, and will exceed general expectation. Throughout the terrace workings, the tables connected with the various batteries exhibit a very satisfactory quantity of amalgam. The good results being derived are in a great measure due to increased water facilities, together with the system now almost general of granting large areas of ground. By this means capital is attracted to gold-mining, and an inducement offered to expend large sums of money in procuring an available water supply, and the most efficient form of machinery. Perhaps the largest parcel of gold from any individual claim will be returned from the Maori Chief, although crushing operations have been temporarily suspended owing to an accident to the Cosmopolitan Water Race, from which this claim draws its supply. The plates at least look exceedingly well, and, the machinery being idle, they may be thoroughly inspected. Haines's race, now completed to Argyle Terrace, is causing that locality and much of the elevated ground in the neighborhood to rank among the most flourishing in the Charleston district. As much as £4OO is asked for interests in ground-sluicing claims, and other large areas of ground will turn out very remunerative now that a constant supply of water, at a reasonable rental, has been made available. The race referred to carries at present 15 government heads, and the proprietors intend to take advantage of the Christmas holidays to enlarge portions of its channel, and to make some slight improvements in the construction, where faulty. The capacity of the race will be increased to twenty-five heads; and by the new year all the works in connection with this enterprising undertaking will be completed, including the large race from Redman's Creek to the present reservoir. The dam in Deep Creek, which is being constructed as an adjustment of rights, the issue of the well known case, Hunter v. Haines, which occupied two District Sittings, is nearly completed ; and the reservoir already presents a very striking appearance on the righthand side of the road to Brighton. The locality known aB Candlelight, has always been worked with a uniform payableness, and is still well populated; the modus operandi in treating the cement, other alluvial deposits, and the tailings of former workings, being various, but all based on the hydraulic principle.