BENDIGO.

Cromwell Argus, Volume III, Issue 122, 12 March 1872, Page 6

BENDIGO.

0 (From our own Correspondent.)

March 11

The much wished-for rain fell at intervals this afternoon ; but, unfortunately, the supply does not equal the demand, and if not further supplemented by copious showers, we shall have to remain in forced inactivity. The Clerk of the Weather is continually tantalising us with fallacious indications of a downpour, producing much speculation on the part of weather-wise people, some of whom have become disgusted with such coquetry,and now content themselves with uttering the trite but unsatisfactory prediction, " It will come when it comes ;" which sentiment I must endorse, having nothing clearer to offer.

The Cromwell and the Colclough mills are both stopped : how long they will continue so is, like many other things on this mundane sphere, dependent on the weather. The Cromwell Company are raising some splendid stone from the 1(30 feet level. The reef is from two to three feet in width, and is calculated to yield three or four ounces to the ton ; and I think this is likely to be realised. The quartz in the Colclough reef still keeps up its improved appearance. The result of the next crushing will doubtless be watched with anxiety, both by the shareholders and the Bendigo public generally, as much that relates to the future welfare of the district is in a measure dependent on the success of this company. T trust I may have the pleasure of recording a large "cake" this time :

such an event might have the effect of rousing other companies from their comatose state into renewed life ; or, if insufiicient, a little pressure brought to bear judiciously might enliven them, —"jumping," for instance. As a prelude to a probable extensive system of such " enlivenment," Messrs Hebden and Goodger have taken up a long-abandoned claim,— the Morning Star ; and have put on men to prospect the reef. The original holders are highly indignant, and threaten proceedings. Probably the Warden will have to decide what constitutes abandonment and forfeiture. It certainly seems strange that parties can leave claims totally unprotected for, say, twelve months, and if some more spirited party wishes to utilise them and turn them to the benefit of the place, he is met and discouraged or prevented by an exhibition of that delightfully social feeling aptly pourtrayed in /Esop's fable of " The Dog in the Manger." The law relating to such matters evidently requires revision ; ami the ventilation it is likely to get at no distant date in relation to abandoned quartz chums will probably effect the desideratum. 1 am afraid Bendigo is unlikely to participate in the benefits to be derived from the proposed Water Supply Scheme. We have neither the men nor the capital requisite to take advantage of its clauses. I think, therefore, seeing our helplessness, the Government ought to initiate a plan for a supply to the district, which, being so near the sources of several large rivers, offers great facilities. It is worth consideration, as any extensive water races required in future will have to be taken ! from these sources, and must necessarily pass | through here. 1 could advance many reasons ! why the above should be done, and will return to the subject in a future letter. Your pet scheme of the Carrick .Range Water Supply seems to be fairly under weigh. May it prosper ! —an unnecessary wish, lookling at the names in the directorate of the company ; one especially, judging from the antecedent experiences of the owner, is in itself an augury of success, in my opinion : " Him in your body corporate ye chose, And once among you, lie far above you rose ; Stepping from post to post he reached the chair, j And there he now reposes—that's the Mayor. : >