BENDIGO.

Cromwell Argus, Volume III, Issue 147, 3 September 1872, Page 6

BENDIGO.

(From our own Correspondent.) August 27, 1872. The weather, having, at last become more nettled, is now truly delightful. The advent of Spring is manifesting itself fn the vegetation, which is fast changing its dingy hue. Water is plentiful for all purposes, leaving little to be desired by this community unless it be an increase in our meed of prosperity, —and even this looms dimly in the future ; bo that, all things considered, we have much to be thankful for. Nothing has yet been done at the Colclough reef. The "dust of efflorescence" is beginning to whiten mine and plant. This is a .•nelancholy state of afiairs, and whoever is to blame deserves—well, I'll not mention what. Here is splendid working weather, and a full supply of water for mill-power going to waste. The company will surely some day bitterly repent their supineness. I learn that an offer has been made to take the whole concern on tribute. Ido not know if it will be accepted, but I think if tnbuters are so anxious to go into the spec, the owners might see their way clear to carry on operations. The water in the workings, about which so much fuss has been made, would be considered a mere fleabite in Victoria, and with the present fine weather will grow much less in quantity. There really does seem to be some sort of fatality attaching to the originators of quartz companies here ; but, after all, perhaps like second thoughts, the second attempts may prove the best, and achieve success at last. This idea is likely to be confirmed in the case of the Aurora, as the tnbuters are getting out first-rate stone from the spur or leader spoken of in my last, and which I am almost convinced is the true Aurora reef. It is now about two feet wide, and gold is visible in the quartz, the nature of! which is gradually changing, and approximat-} in* to tfie rotten ferruginous ore in winch the j rich patch was heretofore found. They have | about 20 or 25 tons at grass, and will shortly proceed to crush. The men are working day and night shifts. The importance of this discovery to Bendigo, should it prove payable and continuous, needs no prophetic skill to determine. An attempt is being made to form a tribute party for the purpose of giving the Alta reef another trial. It is really worth it ; but I imagine a little capital, as well as labour, will be required to render the attempt a success ; and seeing that the tribute parties arc mostly formed from the working miners of the place, whose faith in our lodes remains uns'iaken whatever capitalists (I) may decide, the necessary assistance ought to be forthcoming. If a company could be got up to thoroughly test the Rise and Shine reef,—which I consider better worth a trial than most of the others,— I might some day with truth be able to head an article "Bendigo Redivivus." In the case of the Cromwell Co.'s operations, it is unnecessary to dilate. They are going on steadily, and the mill is kept constantly at work,—with what result will possibly be learnt when Mr Haughton succeeds in forcing upon the minds of mine owners and managers, "that it is for the general good that the real position of our goldfiekls should be established by such data as can only be afforded by the confidential communication of what, it must be admitted, are the secrets of their business." Two of the shareholders in this company have, I believe, sold out, and intend visiting their native land,— Messi-3 Hebden and Smith. As these two gentlemen, presumably, carry their " piles" with them, realised in a very short period by quartz-mining, they are to be congratulated on their good luck. This instance of a rapid fortune on the diggings, if brought under the notice of Dr Featherston, might furnish him with an encouraging example to set before bashful immigrants ; but he must be careful not to exhibit the reverse of the shield, showing the awful array of blanks against the few —very few prizes won in gold digging. The re-erection of Mr Goodall's hotel at Wakefield is proceeding very slowly. I see very little evidence that, like another Phoeit is rising from its ashes. A new bakery and butcher's shop have been added to that flourishing township,—which, like "Martin Chuzzlewit's" Eden, would be a magnificent city, if built ; however, there are signs of improvement abroad; more land is being broken up for agriculture,—so that, if its progress is sure, its slowness may be excused. The lambing season has commenced at Ard-c-our station, and if the present favourable weather continues, the increase is likely tc be something enormous this year. Anothei cattle raid is projected by Mr M'Lean. This is caused, 1 believe, by some unconscionable persons running large mobs on the station, in defiance of all remonstrance; so all holders, large or small, will suffer, as no cattle will b=. allowed pasture in future whether payinent is tendered or not. This is rather hard. Tin: squatter should deal specially with those win have caused the mischief, and not make the innocent suffer with the guilty. One wort! about the old grievance, and lam done. The mutton is as bad, or worse, than ever. How- ' ever, Mr Loughnan is supplying Wakefield with'splendid sheen, and if Mr M'Lean doe; not look to it, this source of revenue to hiir will shortly be summed up as nil.