THE Grey River Argus PUBLISHED DAILY TUESDAY, JANUARYS, 1876.

Grey River Argus, Volume XXI, Issue 2327, 25 January 1876, Page 2

THE Grey River Argus PUBLISHED DAILY TUESDAY, JANUARYS, 1876.

A semi official article appears in fthe West Coast Times of yesterday indicating some of the results of the Superintendent's recent visit to Wellington. We are told that although the Colonial Treasurer was absent, his Honor submitted to the Ministers then at the seat of Government the Provincial estimates for the ensuing nine months, and that the items for ordinary expenditure were settled upon. In the face of the fact that the probable amount of available revenue for the period was unequal to the ordinary expenditure, it was pointed out by the Government that any new works to be undertaken would require to be of a very limited and most urgent character. His Honor represented strongly the necessity for strengthening the hands of the Westland Board of Education by placing at its disposal a sum of money sufficient to enable the Board to erect the necessary school buildings in Hokitika and in other parts of the Province. The removal of the Hokitika Hospital to the north side of the river wa3 another matter which the Superintendent urged upon the attention of Ministers, and he proposed that a sum of £1000 should be allocated for that purpose in addition to the amount upon the estimates of last year. A road to the Taipo reefs was also recommended, but the Government would not, in the absence of the Colonial Treasurer, commit themselves to the authorisation of any new road works. We are also in formed that "additional votes for the Mikonui Water-race, and the Ross and Bowen road, were matters in process of settlement, and these would be submitted at the next sitting of Parliament." Immigration was a subject which also was made the topic of discussion, his Honor holding that Westlaud had not as yet received its fair share of immigranta, and that the Province could readily dispose of a hundred a month, provided that the immigrants were of a suitable clasa. In this connexion his Honor complained cf the class of immigrants forwarded to the Jackson's Bay Bpecial settlement, and represented that *' when the settlement was first established, orderg were sent to the Agent-General for 150 families of English, Scotch, and Irish descent, but as yet there have been no advices of any having been shipped, and with the exception of the German fa-uilies sent, scarcely any have as yet reached the settlement. When Mr Holloway, who is now acting as an Immigration Officer in England, visited Westland, he fully concurred in the desirability of fostering this settlement, and promised every assistance in selecting immigrams from amongst the English agricultural laborers, but nothing as yet has been done in that way. The best season is now commencing, and it will be a serious drawback to the progress of the settlement if no immigrants arrive. All this wa3 laid before the Government, who promised to give the matter immediate attention." The management and control of cemeteries, and the question of compensation to the tramway proprietors, were also subjects brought under the notice of the Government, and it was elicited that due attention would be given to them. Altogether, it may be said that his Honor has been very industrious in representing the needs of one part of the Province, but it does not appear that he took any trouble to urge upon the Government the necessity of improving the Grey Harbor, but, of course, that was hardly to be expected. It is to be hoped, however, that his Honor's visit will prove to have been of benefit to the Province — or Provincial district, as we suppose it will shortly be called.

The condition of the mining population on the Thames Gold field must have become bad indeed when we find that it has been found necessary to hold a public meeting for the purpose of urging upon the Government the necessity of doing something to remedy the prevailing distress. At this meeting, the mover of the first resolution — which was one affirming that " there was great distress upon the goldfield, owing to the stoppage of the mines and the consequent want of employment — " stated that during last year "he had only been able to obtain four months' employment, either on wages or coutiact," and that the only way to avert the general depression was the expenditure of money upon public works. He suggested that the Government should " buy or lease some of the batteries now lying idle and subsidise them, and allow tributers and prospectors to crush more cheaply than they can at present," and that the Government should do that which the Boss people had to do for themselves- drain the flat. Failing compliance with these proposals, the miners were to "combine and make the State realise the truth " — rather vague this — and "if they did not hear them, or if they still turned a deaf ear — well then it might be asked, what they could do ?" To this very obvious question the speaker replied, " let the news go to England of the scandalous deceptions which were practised by those agents " — " those agents " being the immigration agents at Home. Finally he wotind up by urging his hearers not to forget the words of Ireland's great champion, " agitate ! agitate ! agitate ! and that ' those who would be free,, themselves must strike the blow.' " These very practical sentiments were, we fare told, received with cheers. Another speaker affirmed that " wages were such they ODly afforded a hand-to-mouth livelihood, and never allowed a margin for saving, especially when there were families to be ke^t out of the wages. Therefore, this sudden collapse and so many men being thrown out of employment must necessarily have produced widespread diatresa. It cornea

home to the storekeeper as well as the miner. The banks put on the pressure, and the distress goes the whole circle. The first thing was, did it exist, and the next was, what was the best way to meet it. He did not know how this was to be done, except the Government carry out works." A second resolution was carried to "impress upon the Provincial and General Governments the necessity for commencing some public works of such a character as will find employment for those men now out of work." A Mr Rowley thought that he had discovered the cause of the distress, and was of opinion that "if they wanted the miners to be independent they should unlock the mining leases " where they were not being worked out, and a resolution, to the effect that the cause of the present great depression was that large areas are held under leases un worked, was carried. It was mentioned incidentally that there were three dividend mines idle, because the Companies would not work one 30 horse-power engine. And after more talk to the same effect the meeting terminated with the appointment of a Committee to further the views expressed. It is difficult to account altogether for the depression on the Thames. Several causes have been at work — the collapse which followed the period of undue inflation, the scarcity of capital, the falling off in the yield of gold, and the impecuniosity of the Provincial Government. Quite recently the whole of the Auckland goldfields revenue was impounded to pay the charges upon the Waikato railway ; public works are at a standstill, and the population dependent upon the mines is out of proportion to the capacity of the goldfield. But none of the remedies proposed are of a practical character. The unlocking of unworked leases will not benefit the miners, because without organisation and capital they cannot work them ; and it is not likely that public money is to be expended upon unnecessary works for the sake of bolstering up an over-manned industry. The surplus population must go elsewhere and turn their attention to other pursuits, in which there is ample scope for their labor. It is a curious anomaly that whilst immigrants are being freely absorbed in some parts of the Colony, the cry of want of work and consequent distress should come from Auckland. What is needed is more self reliance, and less of that demoralising dependence upon the Government for everything^

Mr Alexander Mackay, Native Commissioner, arrived at Hokitika, on Saturday, and will be in Greymouth some day this week on business connected with his department. The nomination of candidates for the vacant seat In the Paroa Road Board took place at noon, yesterday, at Marsden, before Mr Wolters, Returning Officer. The following persons were nominated ; — Messrs John Card, James Austin Green, William S. Hanna, Kirn Williams, and George Simmons. The show of hands was : — Simmons, 8 ; Card, 5 ; Hanna, 4 ; Williams, 4 ; Green, 2. A poll was demanded on behalf of Mr James A. Green by William Leach and Edward Thomas Gadd. A vote of thanks to the Returning Officer terminated the proceedings. An agreeable change took place in the dry and hot weather recently prevailing; in the up-country districts on last Friday afternoon. The fierce glare of the sun became obscured shortly after midday by a thick bank of clouds, and not long afterwards a heavy thunderstorm occurred with a copious rainfall . The rain was very welcome, for most of the water-races on the gold-fields were beginning to fall short of a supply, the water tanks and other receptacles for holding water for domestic use were all but empty, and, to make matters worse and more interesting, the remains of dangerous bush fires were smouldering in every direction. At Hatter's Terrace, Nelson Creek, it required the combined efforts of all the able-bodied residents to save the town from destruction, owing to large bush fires which were burning in close proximity to it on Thursday. The most strenuous exertions were required to save the Church of England school building, whice is situated nearer the bush than the hotels, stores, &c, in the township. At Ahaura, the partially extinguished remnants of the bush fire of Thursday, close to the town, were quenched effectually by the rain, which continued to come down in heavy showers at frequent intervals during Friday night and Saturday forenoon. It again rained heavily on Sunday morning, and had every appearance of continuing when the foregoing was written. It is reported that owing to a disagreement between the Provincial Secretary of Nelson and the Provincial Engineer of that Province, the la'uter gentleman has resigned, or has been supsrseded. It is stated that the cause of the misunderstanding was the undue interference of Mr O'Uonor with the department supposed to be under the control of the Engineer, and as Miller, F.S.A, has never yet been known to " knuckie under" when the matter in dispute involved a tampering with his prerogatives, it is more than likely that there is good foundation for the rumor. In the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, before W. H. Revell, Esq. R.M, the only case was that of Isabella Alabaster v. Daniel Alabaster— a case of assault. It appears that through a difference of opinion the parties have been living apart for some time ; that on the 17 th instant they met in Greymouth, and that the defendant then assaulted her, and threatened to do so again. She now wanted the defendant bound over to keep the peace, as she was afraid of him. The plaintiff aaid that on the 17th instant she was staying at the house of a friend named Wilson. The defendant called there, and asked her whether she would go home. On her refusing to go, he struck her and tried to drag her out of the house. Ho repeated the offence opposite Mrs Burchell's house, and she was afraid he would do 30 again. She was in bodily fear of him. la cross-examination, the witness stated that she left home on Monday morning, without her husband's knowledge, leaving ane child behind. She refused to go back when her husband requested her. She did not intend to go back again. — Daniel Alabaster said that he came to town on the 17th inst. He found his wife sitting in the Full and Plenty Hotel with a dozen other persons. He asked her what she was doing there, and Bhe replied " that was her business." He then tried to drag her out, but failed, and tlv'a was the assault. She left her home without saying a single word to him on the subject ; they were on the best of terms when she left. She offered to withdraw the case that morning if he allowed her to take her clothes. — Charles Crocker deposed that he had known both parties for 14 years, and that the husband had always tre ited her well. — The Magistrate state I that he would fine the defendant 5s and costs for the assault, but he would not bind him over to keep the peice ; the children to be returned to the husband. An adjourned general meeting of the shareholders in the Moonlight Creek QuartzProspecting Company was to be held at the Star Hotel, Ahaura, yesterday evening. The business was principally to accept the resig.

nation of the provisional directors, to appoint a permanent directory, to corjfirm the appointment of the manager, and to pass rules and to receive the progress report of the men who are out prospecting for the company. In connection with thiß subject it may be stated that there are now, it is stated, four separate prospecting parties searching for auriferous quartz reefs in the Moonlight ranges. A slight accident happened to Messrs Gilmer's coach on the down journey yesterday. About half a mile from tine Arnold " George" detected, by sound, that the off fore-axle was sprung. By careful watching he was able to carry on another four or five hundred yards, when the axle-arm parted. The bulk of the passengers had been landed at Ahaura, so little inconvenience was experienced, and arrangements were immediately made to prevent any interference with the regularity in the departure of the coach this morning. Most of tkose engaged in the Canterbury, Amuri, and Grey Valley cattle trade will learn with regret the intelligence of the death of Mr R. E. Mallinson, which took place on the evening of the 2 1st inst. at the residence of his former partner, Mr Joseph Glendenning, at the Waikari Creek, about 30 mile 3 from Christchurch. Mr Mallinson was one of the pioneers of the stockdealing business between the East and West Coasts, and has been closely connected with the Grey Valley and Canterbury trade for the last eight years. In conjunction with Mr Glendenning he, it is said, brought over the first flock of sheep ever taken safely across the dividing range, from Canterbury to the Grey Valley, between eight and nine years ago, and since that time he has been associated with Mr Walter Burrows and others, but principally of late years with Mr John Gordon in the overland cattle t r a3e. Mr Mallinson bore a high character for integrity and straightforwardness in his dealings, aid he was a general favorite with buyers at the Grey Valley cattle sales, where hi 3 fine stalwart figure, and open honest countenance always attracted the notice of strangers. The deceased, who was about 45 years of age, was born at Kirby-Lonsdale, in Westmoreland, where, it is stated, his father was formerly a clergyman of the Church of England. Mr Mallinson, it is understood, at one time held a commission in the Royal Artillery, and saw a good deal of active service while in the army. A meeting of those interested in promoting a race meeting, or in getting up some means of amusement in the Ahaura district on St Patrick's Day, was held at Gilmer'a Hotel, Ahaura, on Saturday evening, 22nd inbt, Mr Pinkerton was in the chair. The best plan of bringing about the desired object was discussed, the probable ways and means were estimated, and the several items after being closely scrutinised, were scratched as unreliable or accepted as worthy of dependence on, as the case might be. The form the programme will ultimately assume will depend, of course, upon the state of the exchequer, but it seemed to be the general wish that one day should be devoted to hack racing on the Ahaura racecourse, and two days to athletic sports, making wrestling a prominent feature, in the township recreation ground. Subscriptions to a very considerable amount were promised, but as it was thought that sufficient notice of the intention to hold the meeting had not been given, so that those living at a distance from town could attend, the appointment of a Committee and canvassers was postponed. The meeting was accordingly adjourned till last evening. The following letter has been received by the Colonial Secretary :— " Victorian Chief Secretary's Office, Melbourne, 24th Dec, 1875. — Sir — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd instant, enclosing a copy of a telegram which you had received irom the Superintendent of Otago with reference to the introduction into that Province of several cases of scarlet fever by the s s. Ringarooma from Melbourne, and requesting information as to the character of the scarlet fever said to be permanent in Melbourne." The Central Board of Health has given the subject of your letter its careful consideration, and reports as follows :— " The present epidemic of scarlet fever has been a very widely-spread one, having affected nearly every part of the Colony, but the disease has not generally been of a malignant character, the exceptions being mostly cases with bad hygienic surroundings. The epidemic appears to have reached its height, and to be now dying out.— l have, &c, for the Chief Secretary, Ed. W. H. Odgers. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, New Zealand." The Dunedin Evening Star of the 12th inst says : — " It is astonishing to notice how a large field of horses entered for a big race is gradually thinned down by accident or otherwise, We have already had to chronicle the breaking down of two Dunedin Cup horses, the Cloud and Medicus, and now Mr Devine's Young Captain Scott is in extremis. It appears this colt has been attacked by the disease which carried off his sire, Capt. Scott, namely, an ailment affecting the hoofs; and this has made such progress that he cannot stand up. The colt is out of Lady Teazle, and three years old. A feud, rivalling that between the clans M'Tavish and M'Pherson, was the subject of an action in the Supreme Court, Dunedin, recently. Both parties reside at Waipori, and are neighbors. William Shaw sought to recover LIOOO damages from David Macpherson for slander. The slander complained of was that the defendant said to plaintiff, " You are a thief, and stole calves." This was denied by the defendant. The evidence was very amusing. It was stated that Shaw endeavored to raise the Highland blood of the Macpherson to boiling point by placing a tussock under his arm and pretending to play the bagpipes and talk Gaelic, and that he continued this little pleasantry until he fell down exhausted. The jury awarded Mr Shaw one farthing damage, and the Judge refused to certify for costs. The importance of swearing witnesses properly was illustrated at the Duuedin Resident Magistrate's Court a few days ago. A Roman Cathalic witnes9 had been sworn on a Protestant Bible, and when asked -whether he considered the oath binding on his conscience, he distinctly replied in the negative. Great excitement, the Athenaaum states, ( has been caused among the celebrated gold- i smiths of Triehinopoly, Southern India, in j connection with the Prince of Wales's visit. One of the Rajahs of Central India has given an crder to one of the said goldsmiths to make him a new State throne of beaten gold, carved over with figures of Indian gods, and surmounted by a gold imitation of the triple feathers of the Prince," while "a full coffee and tea service of gold ia being made for the Princess of Wales." The pattern of the latter is the one known as the sivami, having figures of the chief gods in the Hindoo pantheon cut in relief, and each surrounded by broad massive frameworks of thoroughly Oriental design. A representative of the Indo-European Telegraph Construction Company has arrived in Wellington, and is now engaged in making arrangements for the laying down of the cable, so far as thesn require to be made in this Colony. The site selected is a safe bay to the eastward of Nelson, aad there a testing station will require to be erected, and from it to Is elaon, and to the other places, the ordinary telegraph wire will be suspended. As the landing point is on property owned by the natives, some arrangements will have t 0

be made with them, as to the securing of a proper site for the station. We notice that at a meeting of the Borough Conncil of Hokitika the question was raised whether the Council was likely to get any funds from the General Government for river protection works. The Mayor stated that he had waited upon his Honor the Superintendent, who did not think thau the General Government would favorably entertain any application for money. It would appear, therefore, that the Council will have to undertake the work itself, and get ' means for doing so somehow or another. We learn from the Bullet News, of the 19th instant, with reference to the proposed changes in the Wardenship of the Nelson South- West Gold-fields, that the subject I matter of a petition recently got up in the Inangahua and Grey VaUey has been conveyed to the Minister of Justice, and a reply has been received stating that in the face of the very strong expression of feeling against Mr Broad's removal, the Colonial Government will not act in the mattet, and has accordingly relegated it to the decision of the Superintendent and Executive of Nelson. The Inangahua Times |of Friday states that although nothing is yet known officially relative to the matter, it is pretty generally understood fhat Mr Shaw will take np hi* residence at Ahaura, with jurisdiction extending east only as far as the Little Grey Saddle ; the Inangahua and Westport being committed to a continuance of the ministration of Mr Warden Broad. Everyone must remember Sir Julins Vojzel's attempt to commit the colouy of New Zealand to a guarantee of interest upon a million sterling for the pnrpose of backing up a company for trading in the Seuth Seas. It has transpired that Sir Julius was induced to bring the matter forward by a Mr Coleman Phillips, an Auckland resident, who is also a] barrister of the Inner Temple. Mr Phillips was one of the chief promoters of the Fiji Bank, and conceived the idea that New Zealand might do a trade with Polynesia, and become the dominant authority over the islands. Mr Phillips submitted his plans to Sir James Fergusson, by whom they were, with Mr Phillips's permission, sent to Mr Yogel. In his hands they soon grew into large proportions. Steamers were at once to roam over the seas, and to connect the scattered islands of the different groups with Auckland. A monopoly was to be obtained, with a New Zealand Government guarantee of minimum profits. In return for this, New Zealand was to be the emporium of the trade, and a certain fixed duty on all produce imported or goods exported, was to be paid by the companj to its guarantors. Mr Phillips has recently published a pamphlet upon " British Colonization and British Commerce," in which he indicates that the mission of England is to take possession of all the island groups in the South Pacific. Two men, named Cunningham and Gall, working on the barges on the Waikato river, have rescued two persons from drowning during one week lately, under circumstances of great difficulty. An hotelkeeper in Chriatchurch having been fined L 5 for selling a glass of beer on Christmas Day, has turned the tables on the informer by laying an Information against him for procuring the commission of an offence. The Thames Advertiser expresses the opinion that the special settlement at Katikati, which has been established by Mr Vesey Stewart under exceptionally favorable circumstances, is not likely to be so successful as was expected. Many of the settlers have betaken themselves to other districts, where they readily find employment. Late Auckland papers speak very doubtfully about the Thames gold-field. la it not strange that the many miners who left the West Coast for the Auckland diggings some years ago do not find their way back again ? They would certainly do better here than where they are. Victorian papers state that the influx of water to the Ballarat mines on the Sebastopol plateau is causing some anxiety in the district. A meeting of persons interested in the drainage of the mines south and west of Ballarat City took place. The chairman explained that the meeting had been called because there were now 25ft of water in the No. 1 shaft of the Band and Albion Consols. The only suitable site for a pumping company would be the Bonshaw or Great Gulf shafts ; and a suitable plant of two 18-inch lifts would cost about L3OOO to purchase and erect, and involve a subsequent cost of L7O per week to keep it going. All who had the pleasure of Mr William Buckland's acquaintance will much regret his death, which occurred almost suddenly a few days ago. Mr Buckland was one of the earliest Auckland settlers, and had in the Provincial Council, and in the General Assembly represented the people for over 20 years. Soire three or four years ago a severe domestic affliction occurred in his family, and has ever since preyed much upon his mind. He had only a few days before his death retired from the contest for his old seat— Franklin. A man named Wm. Lloyd, of Auckland, had four thousand pounds left him by a relative the other day, and the amount was paid to his credit in the Bank. He got drunk the same day, and was locked up by the police ; meanwhile he had lost or been robbed of L7O in gold, and had given cheques away amounting to L 1950. The police have the matter in hand, A recent Cooktown paper says: — "Scarcely a persoa you meet in the street of Cooktown but who are of two descriptions, — one in the enjoyment of perfect health for the time, and the other stricken down with the all-ruling demon, fever. Halloa ! What, have you got it, too ? is an ejaculation that occurs at every step ; and indeed there is no need of asking the question, for the tottering gait and vacant look would answer it. The Courier wants to know what causes the fever and it denies that the climate has anything to do with it. The Palmer Gold-fields are to be specially represented in Parliament, and Cooktown is to be made a Municipality. The following is the estimate of the receipts from the sale of confiscated lands in this Colony for the yearr 1875-6 :—Auckland : Bay of Plenty, L 200 0; Waikato, L 3000; Patutahi, L40, 000- total, L 45.000 Taranaki : Whenuakura district, L 266 3; Okotuku district, L 4183 ; Carlyle Town extension, L3OOO ; land under survey for suecteding sale after September, LBls4— total, LIB.OOO. Wellington: Okotuku district, / L 7480 ; land under survey, L2s2o— total, LIO.OOO. Grand total, L 73.000. The Auckland correspondent of the Hawkes' Bay Herald says that something will be heard before long of a mysterious case of money-stealing. A person well known in Auckland had (it is alleged) a considerable amount of money sent to him by his friends, wealthy wool staplers in England. The money never reached him, and is said to have been iatercepted and appropriated by aa influential individual. The loser avers that his letters to aad from his friends have been stolen and replaced by forged letters. Some time back he got a letter published in a local paper, stating some of the circunastances, and that communication attracted much attention. The case is indeed a very remarkable one, and what is likely to make it more so is the light it may eventually throw on the singular theft of Mr Brissenden's letters, for there is great reason (as plainly appears) for concluding that a third party acted in both transactions.

During the hearing of a case in bankruptcy at Christchurch, on Wednesday, a bankrupt stated that he had been a Government officer. Judge Johnston inquired in. what capacity, to which the bankrupt re- ' plied that he had been a policeman. His Honor said it was no disgrace to be a policeman, but it was something new to him to hear that a policeman was a Government officer. In New Zealand the commonphfasa was ''He's in the Government !" and in the Circuit Court, yesterday, his Honor remarked that it was a very common and generally accepted error to distinguish the business of the Circuit specially under the headings " Ccimiuai" and " Civil" sittings. Mr Joy nt remarked that this was by : no means a singular error, as people not unfrequently called a lawyer a " criminal lawyer" and a doctor a "lunatic doctor." His Honor : Such things are possible, Mr Joyat. (Laughter,) A parliamentary paper recently published gives the following return of the trades" and occupations of the immigrants who arrived during the year 1874-5 : —Males— lßo bakers, ! 22 beetroot growers, 749 blacksmiths, 513 boot and shoemakers, 266 bricklayers, 98 brickmakers, 7 brushmakers, 96 butchers, 252 cabinetmakers, 209 cabmen, 1324 carpenters, 18 clerks, 63 coachmakers, 50 coopers, 2 cutlers, 6 drapers, 1 draftsman, 7 dyers, 133 engineers, 40 engine-drivers, 17 engine fitters, 6741 farm laborers, 25 firemen, 29 fishermen, 454 gardeners, 13 grocers, 4 , hairdresse-s, 5598 laborers, 7 locksmiths, 2 6 ! masons, 38 millers, 24 millwrights, 419 miners, 309 painters, 2 patternmakers, 104 plasterers, 71 platelayers, 125 plumbers, 12 potters, 86 printers and compositors, 1 railway machines t, 31 ropemakers, 73 saddlers, 145 sawyers, 360 shepherds. 29 shipwrights, 14 slaters, 2 soapmakers, 1 surveyor, 323 tailors, 44 tanners, 23 teachers, 66 tinsmiths, 9 wagon biilders, 5 waiters, 12 watchmakers, 16 weavers, 79 wheelwrights, 553 miscellaneous. Females : 4 barmaids, 2 bookbinders; I 400 cooks, 301 dairymaids, 1 dyer, 4908 general servants, 31 governesses, 131 housekeepers, 744 housemaids, 99 laundresses, 243 needlewomen, 152 nurses, 27 weavers, 150 miscellaneous. The election for the Bay of Islands has resulted in the return of Mr J. W. Williams, a Ministerial supporter, against Mr J. Lundon, a Provincialist and brother of the Collector of Customs, at Greymouth. The election of a Maori member for the Northern Maori District has gone against Wi Katene, the former member, who was also one of the native members of the Executive Council. The timber trade of Auckland employs regularly about 2000 men, and the annual production exceeds one hundred million of feet, worth about half a million sterling. In the district of the Thames and Coromandel Peninsula alone 16 mills are constantly in operation, employing some 600 men, annually producing nearly thirty millions of feet of timber, worth about from L 135,000 to L 145.000 a year. Mining in the Waimea district ia almost suspended owing to the want of water.