A TRIP TO THE OWEN REEFS.

Westport Times, Volume XX, Issue 3480, 16 November 1886, Page 2

A TRIP TO THE OWEN REEFS.

I (From a Correspondent.)

Thinking that a short account of a personal observation of the above reefs would interest your readers, more especially those engaged in mining pursuits and those mercantile people who have invested in this field, I shall endeavor to narrate what we saw during last week, and my opinion of the future of the Owen District. Having been in Nelson during the latter part of October, I met the indefatigable prospector, and the one who may truly be called the father of the Owen, Mr. M. Byrne, and it was then arranged that he would meet Mr Warden Bird and myself at the foot of the Owen track on the afternoon of the 30th October ; he was to come by the coach from Nelson and we were to leave Westport on horseback. Arriving in Westport on the Thursday preceding the 30th I at once'waited on the Warden and informed him of my arrangements with Mr Byrne, when it was agreed we should leave Westport for Fern Flat, distant 58 miles, on Saturday morning. Host Gilmer, hearing of our intended early departure, kindly requested us to partake of breakfast at his well-known hostelry, so that those at home should not be disturbed in preparing the morning meal for travellers bent on such a long journey. Accepting his kind invitation we arrived there whilst the rest of Westport, save Newman's whip and two travellers who were going to Nelson, was fast asleep. Having partaken of a hearty breakfast (one of those which Johnny is noted for placing on the table) we were fairly on the road. Our horses being fresh, the Nine-mile punt was soon reached. The sun at this time, 6.30 a.m., was shining most beautifully and the waters pf the mighty Buller sparkling as though they felt a living joy. We rejoiced at the thought that we were going to have good weather for the trip, and as day by day passed away till our arrival home again, on the following Friday, we were not doomed to disappointment. Osborne's was soon reached, and as I never pass the old lady's house without a call, we naturally went in and having partaken of a wee drap of some of Gallagher's famous draught, we were soon again in the saddle journeying on for the Junction, where we arrived about ten o'clock. As it is not my intention to give an account of the scenery along the Buller road, especially as it has been witnessed by most of the residents of the district, I shall content myself by saying that all those \vho have gone the journey that the view presents the most picturesque, gorgeous and wild scenery in the Colonies. Two hours more brought us to the Lyell, where we remained till three o'clock, having in the meantime partaken of a substantial meal at the Empire, the horses having also done justice to the good things of this world, and after a short chat with my friend, Ned Carroll, about the reefs, &c, and the progress he was making with his house on the field, we started for Fern Flat, distant about 18 miles from the Lyell. At the latter place we were joined by Mr Coriield, Clerk of the Court, whose company added much to the enjopment of the trip. We soon caught the coach, which had gone ahead from the Lyell and at a little [after six brought up at Fern Flat, our first days stnge. Here we found host Alf. Smith in his usual jolly frame of mind, the horses having been attended to, the dinner bell called us together, and I am not exaggerating when I say that the spread put before us would fare favorably with any hotel in the colony. We had everything we required, everything thoroughly clean, and those in attendance civil and obliging. After dinner we went up as far as Steve Oxnam's, where we sent wirc3 fco those whom we had left at home acquainting them of our safe arrival. At this hostelry the same accommodation and attention are to bo had as at Smith's. The excitement of Fern Flat is the arrival of the coaches on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The Westport-Reefton coach, with George Newman, the popular driver in charge of the ribbons, generally arrives about six o'clock, the Nelson coach, in charge of that experienced whip and jolly fellow,

Mick Coster, reaches its destination about ten o'clock, after a journey of over 90 miles. After these two well-known faceß on the road have partaken of their dinner they appear so fresh and hearty that if uenus be they could mount the box at once and return over that long but grand track which they have just traversed. They know not fatigue. As we intended to meet Mr Byrne next day at Fagan's Accommodation House at the foot of the Owen track we* left Smith's between 8 and 9 a.m., having just done justice to the excellent morning meal placed before us. At a little after noon we reached Trower's Accommodation House at the foot of the Owen River. At present they have no license so we had to be content with Mrs Trower's hospitality in the shape of plenty of good fresh milk—-of this latter place more anon. We pushed on to Fagan's, the appointed place of meeting Mr Byrne, with the intention of dining with him there and feeding our horses. About a quarter of an hour's ride from Trower's brought us there. On ' arrival we were informed that our Nelson friends, accompanied by Mr Banuehr, the editor and part proprietor of the Nelson Colonist, whom we afterwards learnt had come with Mr Byrne in the coach on the day before from Nelson, with the view of seeing the reefs and writiug an account of what he had seen, had waited for us nearly an hour and fearing we had gone up the river track from Trower's had decided to make for the reefs. They had only gone half an hour before us but the Warden having been over the road on a former occasion suggested the advisability, nay the necessity of first filling the inner man before following our future companions. A local Court was held, the result being what is not often experienced, a concurrence by both plaintiff and defendant. We left at about three o'clock for the Reefs, both horses and ourselves feeling much refreshed at having adopted His Worship's advice. As yet the road from the Buller Road to the reefs is only in a K state of infancy, consequently we were obliged to travel along at single file. After proceeding about half a mile from Fagan's we began to ascend the saddle, myself leading, the Warden next, and the canny Clerk of the Court bringing up the rear, but following in our footprints, resting assured that if we got over safely, he being a light weight was bound to proceed without clanger. The saddle is ahout three miles, all told, and at the present time it might be aptly likened to a "glue pot," for no sooner one leg is hauled out the other " understanding ' is into it—still we managed to get over none the worse for wear, save a good deal of mud bespattered all over. As yet the contractors have not finished this work, and although they have been very indulgent to allow traffic upon it, still I think it would have been better to have closed it until the Overseer had given his certificate. However, before very long I expect to hear of heavily laden drays going along it. Even now, Kearns, the carrier, manages to bring a small trolly over this road. At the foot of the Saddle on the Owen side, you fall into regular civilisation in the shape of grain pasture land already cultivated by Mr Baigcnt, who has been there for some years past growing same splendid cattle, and turning over most of his ground by the plough. The several grand peeps to be obtained here are worth the whole journey. To the north, Mount Owen 6155 feet high with its snow capped peaks ; to the west, some very fine undulating land fit for settlement ; to the east, the Owen River with the high mountains for a back ground ; and to the south the Saddle with its great bush through which we had just passed. We journey along the right hand side of the Owen river until we reach the proposed site for the township, which is about a mile and a half from the machine site where the active work of the reefs is to be carried on. I should reckon tha along this latter part there are at le;ist 1000 acres of land suitable for settlement. At Flowers' Camp, where the township is to be, two hotels are in course of erection, most of the timber has already been cut, one is for Mr E. Carroll, of Lyell, and the other for Mr Myles Dixon, of Hampden. I saw the plans of both, the former is the larger of the two, and reflects great credit on the proprietor at his pluck in putting up such a commodious place in a new district. When these houses are built there will be accommodation for at least fifty. I wish the two of ihem every success. The spot chosen is about the best and most suitable in the district.

In a very short time we. were at the foot of the Enterprise Mine, where we found our future companions' horses tied up. A loud co-ee soon brought Mr Byrne to us, and in a few minutes we were at the works of the Enterprise. On arriving there we found Mr Bannehr, and Messrs Boyd and Maud, two of Mr Byrne's mates. A good deal of work has been done at this mine, two tunnels having been driven, one 63 feet through the spur, the reef traceable all the way, the other at a lower level is in 42 feet, the reef being expected to be found at 20 feet further. The cap of the reef is also opened up and a small winze of about 10 feet sunk down on the underlie. The cap is just on 6 feet. The reef here can be seen right from the brow of the hill down to the river on the eastern slope. We had several crushings of stone taken from this mine, picked up indiscriminately from different parts, the result heing splendid samples. As it was getting late we made tracks for our resting place for the night, the horses being well fortified with feed, having had the fortune of one bag of chaff between five of them for the night, and next day, however, having with considerable difficulty devoured this, and feeling inclined for a change they were turned loose and enjoyed themselves with the broad leaf of the forest. I think our steeds will rer member that bag for all their lives, I am certain sure the owners will. Here, Mr Tattersall keeps the only accommodation house at present on the reefs. We were soon sitting down to a most sumptuous tea prepared by his wife, and having done justice to this, at Mr Byrne's invitation, we accompanied him to his hut, which is as cosy aa any house in Westport. Having spent a very enjoyable evening with him; during which the cold winds of the outside

were warded off by partaking of a little | of the " mountain dew" within, bedtime arrived, and as Mr Tatte.sall could only accoinmo 'ate three, and there being six to find room for, it was decided that the Bench, Bar, and i Press should remain in the hut, and that the Clerk of Court and Messrs Byrne and Harris (the Man ager of the Wakatu) who ve>y generously gave up their two bunks in the hut to the former trio, should go to Tattersall's. Three most comfortable beds were made up for us in the hut, and I assure you when 7 o'clock, the time for breakfast, came round, I was very loth to move, as a more comfortable night's rest I never had. My com • panions, I think, were similarly inclined, more especially His Worship, who had the honor of the double bed. In a few minutes we were once more at Tattersall's, where we found the others, who had likewise spent a good night. After breakfast we visited the Golden Crown mine, which is the only claim on the eastern side of the river. The crop of the reef is between 700 and 800 feet above the machine site at the foot of the hill. The face of the hill is very steep, so that six men driving at any point below the cap would take but a short while to intersect the reef. Very little work has been done here, but it is the intention to put men on at once to prospect. There is a small tunnel driven about 10 feet into the hill, also winze sunk on the reef, in both of which good stone has been : found. About 200 feet from this, but down the hill towards the south, rpai-allel reef has been lound containing good gold. We washed a dish of stone from the surface found on the brow, and got one of the best samples seen by us, the gold was heavy and of the best quality. I have a great opinion of this claim, as the stone seems to be in large quantities bearing good gold, and no mine can be worked more easily. The stone can almost be run out of the tunnels, tipped into shoots and carried at once to the machine paddock. At 10 a.m. we started for the Uno lease on the northern side of Bulmer Creek, the largest tributary of the Owen river. After about half-an-hour's spin up this hill, which was something like going up the side of a house, we reached the Uno tunnel, whiyh is in about 280 feet, the reef being found 25 feet from the entrance. At 132 feet from the entrance there is a cross-cut put in, the reef showing in many places. Mr Harris, the Manager, informed us that at another 90 feet from where he is now, that is 370 feet from the enti-ance, he expected to get the reef which is showing on the surface in the Wakatu. Here we also tried samples in which the yellow metal was always seen. At the mouth of this tunnel we saw a block of stone standing on the surface which weighs about 100 tons and from which ground prospects have been obtained. We next visited the Wakatu and Bulmer Creek claims. At the latter we met Mr Buhner, after whom the creek and this claim have been named. He has been in the district over five years, at first working in alluvial and latterly at reefing. In both of these leases a good deal of work has been done, the results more than warranting the shareholders to continue on. The Wakatu has about 140 tonsof stone in the paddock, which is reckoned will go at least 3oz. to the ton As a very exhaustive report on the reefs has already been prepared and published by W T . C. Wright, Esq., surveyor, and as these reports have been widely distributed, I most strongly recommend all those who take an interest in these reefs, and who have not yet procured a copy, to get one without delay, as he has given a most faithful account of the whole district, and from what I saw there, can mest conscientiously bear him out. It was arranged that we should have dinner at two o'clock, after which a start would be made for Trowers' Accommodation House. About 3 p.m. the five of us left for Trower's, returning by the same road which we came the day before. Mr Boyd, preferring "shanks' pony" taking the river track. A little after five o'clock saw us safely landed on the Buller "road at Fagan's, here we parted company with Mr Bannehr who was going to Bibet's, intending to visit the Lakes next day and return to Nelson with'Mr Byrne on the Wednesday. We journeyed on to Trower's, where we found several others from the Ranges who were going to the Court at Murchison next day. Good things seemed to present themselves everywhere we went, save the chaff. After the horses had the mud scraped off them, and well looked after for the night, we all sat down to a tea which we did ample justice to; here again, like Smith's, you get everything you can wish for, and both Mr Trower and his wife possess the happy knack of making the traveller as comfortable as if he were in his own home. After a good night's rest and a hearty breakfast we all set out for the Court at Murchison, and as this only happens once every three months, the whole of the residents turned out, even those " wild men" from the back woods came down to have their quarterly spree. In going from Trower's to Murchison, it is necessary to go by the Longford. As there is neither horse bridge or punt the horseman has either to ford or leave his horse, cross by the " Cradle" and then walk a distance of two miles to the Township. As we had already given the " Cradle" the cold shoulder we forded, the ford is about 200 yards wide, with a good bottom and very little current, the water being just up to the girths. Having crossed, a few

minutes brought us to Rait's, the principal hotel of the place, (there is only atoth r, Rowe's) The Court was to sit at eleven, and as it is held in the local Schoo'room, the youngsters count the days till the appointed sitting day arrives, when they receive a holiday. 1 am sure they wish for a Hall-Houston case to come off there, so that they might have a couple of weeks of it instead of the ordinary day. There was a good deal of business clone in both the Warden's and Vi.M. Oouits, Mr Moynihan being retained in mostly all the cases. After this business was disposed of, the Licensing Court was opened before Mr Bird, who had been appointed Commissioner for the "Special District" recently Gazetted. Mr Moynihan, who appeared for the applicants, Carroll, Dixon. Fagan, Tattersall and Trower, in urging the grant of the severallicenses, represented to the Commissioner the great necessity for accommodation houses at the Owen and the Junction Roads, pointed out the very arbitrary clause in the Act, compelling those to whom conditional licenses were granted to pay the same fee as for a publican's license. MiBird (mite agreed with Mr Moynihan's remarks and said that had he a discretion in the matter, considering the tew people at present in the.district, and the necessity he would make the fee very small, however, there was the Act by which he had to be guided ; he would grant the licenses to Fagan, Tattersall and Trower, as their places were .already built, leaving them to accept or not. The applications of Carroll and Dixon were adjourned,—the former produced his plans, and Mr Bird remarked if the house was built accordingly, it would be a credit to the district and the plucky adventurer who had erected it Mr Carroll informed me that it was his intention to carry out the plans. The Court having closed, we all repaired to Rait's, who, I fancy, like the youngsters, also wished that the business would be a little more lengthy. Here again, an excellent dinner was provided, after which we mounted horses and made for Fern Flat, having crossed the Matakitaki at the ford, which to say the least of it, is not pleasant, as the current runs very rapidly and the bottom is bad. Having crossed safely we were soon on the punt over the Buller and at five o'clock we were once again at Smith's where we remained till next morning and then started for Lyell reaching there at 10 a.m. Here we had a small Court, but one case which threatened to detain us some time soon terminated on the application of Mr Moynihan, who appeared for the objectors, in the Warden's Court, which was thrown out.

By three we were again in the saddle, homeward bound, having with regret to part with Mr Corfield with whom we >. had been companions for five days, and who was the life and soul of the party and added considerably to our enjoyable trip. Half-past five brought us to the bridge, when it was decided we should remain at Frank Courtney's for the night, we found Frank bustling about in his usual jolly style, working hard, late and early, yet as happy as a lark. One thing Frank is well up in, that is in making you at home; we were soon in that cosy little sitting room of his and having partaken of some of his best " Belfast Ginger Ale", we sat clown to tea, which I always enjoy here, as there is always something tempting placed before the traveller. At six next morning Mr Bird started to attend the Court at Reefton that day, I coming on to Westport which was reached about ten, my companion reaching home the next afternoon, both of us having thoroughly enjoyed the trip, feeling grateful for the kindness we ' had received all along the road, and confident of the success at no distant date of the Owen reefs. To Messrs Byrne, Boyd, Maud and Harris we have to return our hearty thanks for their kindness* to us at the reefs and the great trouble they went to in showing us all over the different leases, and giving us all information concerning this, I trust, prosperous part. In concluding this account of the Owen I think it only just to say a few words about the one to whom we are all indebted for the opening up of these reefs, of the one who has endured so much hardship, spent so much time and money in pros- ■ pecting this out of the way place and bringing it into such pi-ominence both in the mining and commercial world. Of course I allude to Mr Matthew Byrne. Most of your readers are aware that he was the man who was most instrumental in the opening up of Reefton and the great benefits that have accrued therefrom. Here in the Owen, prospecting has been going on for the. past five years, and what was done till he went there 1 Almost nothing. Since his first advent there, only a few months ago, he has done simp'y wonders. About fourteen leases taken up, over thirty men find employment, a township laid off, large buildings iu the course of erection, a Crushing Company started, the works of which will soon be up. Several trips to Wellington at his own expense to urge upon the Government the necessity of at once constructing a dray road from the Buller road, which he was successful in, about i]\e hundred pounds of his own money spent in the district forcalls. Both Nelson and the West Coast ought to work together with him in his great undertaking, and ere long we shall all be glad to know that there is in our midst a man with such intelligence, energy, pluck, and perseverance as Matty Byrne. '

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