WOODSTOCK

Ashburton Guardian, Volume III, Issue 676, 30 June 1882, Page 2

WOODSTOCK

[from our own correspondent.]

Upper Woodstock, June 24.

Since my last letter we have had several days heavy rain, which delayed those about to start sinking shafts, while many who are sinking, were troubled with foul air, in consequence of the dull heavy atmosphere. Two parties far down the lead, bottomed on gold during the week, and two more bottomed “ duffers,” one of them, however (Robinson’s party), got gold after driving a short distance ; the others left the ground altogether. All four parties were Canterbury men —in fact, this portion ot the flat is often called Canterbury from the number of Canterbury men located here. The two who bottomed on gold were M'Donald, formerly of Ashburton, and G. Bannerman, of Rakaia. M'Donald’s prospects are the best yet seen, so far, down the lead. What he has already cradled has given rather over half-an-ounce to the load.

I am sorry to have to contradict one statement I made in my last letter, viz., that Cornick’s party washed 22 ozs to 50 loads of dirt. They spread this report and caused it to be published in the Hokitika papers, but they have now owned to having only got ozs to the 50 loads of dirt. The parties who started to sink near

the saw-mill, have been unable to contend with the water, and have been forced to leave.

Cornick’s is the only paddock washed up yet, but should we get some good returns, there will undoubtedly be a large influx of miners from different parts, while some will, I expect, come from Australia, as these returns give a good reliable idea of the quality of the field, such as cannot otherwise be gained.