NOKOMAI.

Dunstan Times, Issue 551, 8 November 1872, Page 3

NOKOMAI.

—o—(FROM A CORRESPONDENT.) This district would, of course, compare Unfavorably with your own ; still it is of great extent and has been good, although I fear its palmy days are over. The majority of folks on Nokomai proper are very old residents, who seem to have an affection for the place, and jog calmly along, talking of the days that are past, and not seeming to care Low much untold gold may be lying at their feet waiting only to be uu earthed, to long as they can procure plenty of food and c'othing for themselves and families. A desperate effort was made some time time ago to arouse their sluggish energies, in order to form a company to prospect the Nokomai Flat, one of the most promising “specs" ever laid b»fore the public of Otago, ■and they so f»r departed from their ordinary way as to evince some interest therein. The Company was floated, the race is nearly completed, and as the sinking is not expected to he deep, I hope shortly to report favorably of the result, of which I, myself have no doubt. The chief part of the work done by the European population is by sluicing; but the Chinese have all the creek claims, and beat their white opponents hollow in style of work and the returns they obtain. We have no branch escort from here ; in fact ‘lie population is only some one hundred and twenty Europeans and from two hundred to two hundred and fifty Chinks. Some of our gold goes to Queenstown and some to Switzer’s and Invercargill; but we get only 31. 14s. per ounce for it, idthough until some months ago it fetched full value, and was s pposed to be some of the best gold in the Province, 1 really think the •Chinese manipulate it some way. We have three hotels and stores combined on the township, and the goods are sent great distances away by pack-horses, notably to the Upper Nevis, Big Hill, Paddy’s Alley, Ac. ‘Our school house must be very small compared to yours, which I observe cost 4501. Still we have a nice little building, in which was given, on the 26th nit., a concert and ball in aid of the school funds, which was a great success. These concerts are held monthly, anl the children sing remarkably well. We have just received a visit from Messrs. Nicholas, Bros., travelling photographers. If they go your road, just buy or look'at one of their views of the Nokomai and you will see as pretty a looking mountain bound and river winding goige as is to be found in Otago. In fact you would hardly think there was any communication with the outer world at all. At the Upper Nevis, which we consider part of our district,'some good prospects are lately reported—and indeed men ought to get something to live out there. Firewood, there is none, hut plenty of peat if men Lad it cut, piled, and thatched a summer before they would require to use : it. The Nolipmai Herxld, a newspaper half printed and halt manuscript, which has received the highest encomiums.from tie Melbourne and Otago Press, still continues its existence.