THE WEST COAST EXPEDITION.

Dunstan Times, Issue 295, 20 December 1867, Page 3

THE WEST COAST EXPEDITION.

Al>ri dgec'i from the '' Daily Times " Telegram of the 16th of December.) The Geelong, with the Superintendent and party, arrived here at 5 p. m. on the return passage from the West Coast, for the pur. pose of coaling. Had very fine weather for the first seven days. Called at Preservation Inlet both going •nnd returning. The Superintendent's party in boats, explored Preservation Inlet, there and along the whole coast, the formation 'is Granitic, similar to the Granite of Aber-

deen, Peterhead, or Cornwall, in extravagant abundance, and easy of shipment. The Geelong steamed 1 up Dusky Sound, and out by Breaksea Sound. At Cascade Cove the Secretary for Land and Works and party ascended a hill, 3300 feet high. They saw nothing inland but crags and peaks. They left a record of tlicir visit under a cairn, named the range Macandrew Range, and the hill, Mount Duncan. They landed with surf-boats at Transit Beach, south of Milford Sound. They prospected, but found no color of gold. The Geelong anchored in Milford Sound, in a fresh water basin, which was explored. The scenery is ' indescribable—one of the grandest sights in the world. The party proceeded to the Provincial boundary and Big Bay. The river Awarua is not navigable. Some stores were seen on shore, but no people. They then returned to Martin's Bay. The Geelong having instructions not to enter the river, the party crossed the bar in boats with the greatest ease. The channel is straight, wide, and available for such steamers as the Geelong ; and the head of Lake M'Kerrow is accessible by steamers or sailing craft. The bar is superior to the Grey, Hokitika, Okarita, or the Haast. Dr. Hector's description of the country is faithfully correct. The sides of the lake are mountainous ; but between the lake and the sea there is a considerable area of bush land available for settlement. The timber is heavy, the vegetation luxuriant, and the climate fine. It is decidedly the best point on the West Coast for a track to the Wakatip district. Impressions concerning it are altogether favorable. There are no auriferous indications, except towards Big Bay. Some traces of diggers were discovered. Provisions were left at the head of the Lake for surveyors, 'or for the use of digging parties. After three days spent about the Lake M'Kerrow the weather broke, and the party returned to the steamer and sailed south. The weather prevented the Big Bay or the intermediate inlets being visited, as intended. Babbits were landed at Milford Sound and Martin's Bay. On the return of the Geelong to Preservation Inlet, Mr. Hutehesoh and party were found abandoning the Coalfield. >lr. Hutcheson seems to think the field too limited for a large Company or extensive works. He returns to Dunedin in a week.