THE WOODSTOCK RUSH.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 787, 7 November 1882, Page 2

THE WOODSTOCK RUSH.

[from our own correspondent.] Rimu, Nov. 1,

Since last writing the weather has been all that could be desired, beautiful warm, sunny days and some cold frosty nights, not merely a cold feeling but real, glistening, sparkling white frosts. Two new paddocks were washed last week, those of Hathaway and party, and Green and party. Hathaway’s claim had been “cracked up” pretty well, and a very good wash-up was expected; they were therefore rather disappointed at only getting nine ounces of gold from sixty loads of dirt, or 3dwts. to the load. Green’s claim, on the contrary, had not been, thought 39 much of, and the fact of their getting 11 6z of gold from 'SO lo ds of dirt was a pleasant surprise to many, and of course greatly enhanced the value of shares in their claim.

Wombat and party have had another wash up, but it was no better than former ones, and the claim is barely payable; in fact, it, is only by dint of continual “ slogging ” that it is made payable at all. The little tailor’s party had their second wash up a few days ago, and it has again turned out very poor, giving only about dwts to the load. Leslie’s and Gornick’s claims still continue very good, and average about 8 dwts to the load.

Marshall and party have had some very good paddocks, yielding over 5 dwts to the load, and Nolan’s last paddock was also good, giving 14 ozs of gold to 50 loads of dirt.

Fletcher and party, who have erected a small flume, and supply themselves with water —thereby avoiding a good deal of expense—are making good wages, although they are on but a shallow lead. Raby’s claim is going from 5 to 6 dwts to the load, and as they get up nearly 50 loads a week, it should pay very well. Tenders are called for building a church hero, so I hope we shall soon have a proper place of worship. 1 believe this early start is chiefly owing to the well directed efforts of tlie Rev. Mr Gilham.

A few days ago I enjoyed a happy remembrance of Canterbury in the sight of some gorse fences and green fields. Suoh things are not known about here—in fact, it was the first sign of an agricultural settlement I had s en since coming to the West Coast. A little farming of a most miserable description is carried on about the Uokatai, a district some eight, miles from here. Grain crops will not ripen, therefore only oats are grown, and tjiey are cut for chaff. No thrashing is- done, consequently straw—so plentiful in |Canterhury—is unobtainable here, and sand is generally used in the stable for bedding in its p'aco.