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NAIRNE.
[From our own Correspondent.]
Nairne. June 10.
The Smelting Worts at Scott's Creek are now in
full operation under the Worthing Mining Com-
pany, large quantities of ore coming in from the
mines daily. The mining interests of this district
appear of late unusually prosperous; not only is
the Bremer mine largely increasing its productive
ness, but the smaller mines—as the Old Kanman-
too, West Kanmantoo, Wheal Elizabeth, and
others—are steadily improving. Under the effi-
cient agency of Captain Penberthey, the Old Kan-
mantoo is looking up brightly. Already many
more men are employed, and I hear that the Com-
pany are ready to give employment to 200 men, to
work upon tribute. The West Kanmantoo under
Captain James is also doing exceedingly well.
Sir. Hilltnan's mine (the Wheal Elizabeth)
situated at Sawpit Gully; about four miles from
Nairne, on the road to Kanmantoo, is now em-
ploying about a dozen men on tribute, who, by
their own account, are doing very well. No regular
mining operations have yet been commenced, the
ore being obfained by quarrying rather than
mining. There are, I believe, three distinct, and,
as far as ascertained, well-defined lodes on the
property, and the quality of the ore is very good
considering the depth. Many tons of the ores
have recently been sold by the tributers at good
nrices. It is a pity that a Company could not be
formed, so that the mine could be properly worked,
as many of the most experienced mining autho
rities who have visited it have pronounced it as
looking most "keenly."
The greatly-increased productiveness of the Kan
mantoo during the past few weeks lias, I hear,
caused the Directors to regret having disposed of
their smelting works. At all events, their ores are
now rapidly increasing upon them, and I have heard
that they are seeking a site in the vicinity of
Nairne whereon to erect new works.
I am happy to be able to report that both
the mills in Nairne have been purchased
by geutlemen long known and highly re
spected in tliis neighbourhood. The new
mills — formerly the late Mr. Toll's — have
been purchased by Mr. J. Duun, M. P., for the
firm of Dunn & Co., and the old mill—formerly
known as Mr. Dawes's—by Messrs. Johnston
Brothers, of Oakbank and Cox's Creek. Great im
provements are, I hear, to be made in both mills,
to render tliein equal to the production of the
finest flour, and they are expected to be soon in
full operation. The inhabitants of this township
may be safely congratulated 011 these evident signs
of progress and improvement.
The tillage in tills pnrt of the district is now
nearly completed, and the weather, on the whole,
has been favourable; but the farmers on the lower
part of the Bremer are sadly conplaining of the
scarcity of rain.
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