THE WEST CANTERBURY GOLD FIELDS. (FROM THE LYTTELTON TIMES.) Okitiki, 31st March, 1865.

Evening Post, Issue 52, 8 April 1865, Page 2

THE WEST CANTERBURY GOLD FIELDS. (FROM THE LYTTELTON TIMES.) Okitiki, 31st March, 1865.

Since I last wrote to you, two now rushes have taken place, one to the south ( of which I cannot hear anything certain ; the other to the north, about three miles along the beach, on the Hohonu creek. The prospecting claim was taken up about six miles from the beach. From what I could learn of the man who took up the claim, I believe it will turn out a fair average piece of ground for a limited number of diggers ; but, judging from the

number I have seen leave the place for this rush, I think the payable ground will be all taken up. When I say payable ground, I want it to be fully understood that a man will not make his fortune, or, in the language of the digger, a pile, in a short time. Such places as those are not to be found ; but it is the opinion of most old experienced diggers that there exist on nearly all the creeks on the coast small patches of good payable ground, that will accommodate from 300 to 500 diggers. This would find employment for a great number, but the difficulties of exploring the country are so great, and nearly onehalf of the people come so badly provided, that it is impossible for them to explore in the bush on their own account. They then tramp off to the first place they hear the best reports about, where they stop for a few days ; some of the most determined get a claim, and commence digging; a good many turn out duffers, others earn tucker, and a few make wages. The quantity of gold shipped by the Wallaby, the only ship* by which any has been sent away since my last, is still very small. The quantity shipped for the last week is 2940 ozs., most of which was sent by the Bank of New South Wales. The reason that is assigned for such a small quantity coming down is that a great number of diggers are working in out-of-the-way places, and are not compelled to dispose of their earnings. This, I have no doubt, is true to a reasonable extent ; but I am of opinion that the quantity obtained is not so great as is the general supposition. The fortunate owners of old claims are doing very well, but I know on undoubted authority there is no chance for taking up fresh claims with the same result, although the colour may be found wherever you like to put a spade in. The only thing to be watched to make this a permanent gold field is to carefully guard against a great rush of people at one time, and so give a chance to have the country opened up in a steady manner. A great number of crafts have arrived and sailed last week ; no less than fifteen are now lying in the river. Three or four vessels had a very narrow escape coming over the bar ; the steamer Favorite, while towing in the Craigevar brig, owing to her small power and rather a strong swell, was obliged to cut her adrift and leave her to her fate, which at one time seemed almost hopeless ; at the time she was let go she had no saila set, and was drifting on the north shore, beyond the Storm Bird. A large number of people have arrived this week ; you will find the numbers in the shipping intelligence, which, after this week, I shall be able to give you a correct account ; the one I now send is correct as far as it goes. Saturday, April 1, 10.30 a.m. — Another rush a long way up the Hohonu Creek; the prospector and mate took out their claim this morning — one pennyweight to the dish ; the road to it must be very bad. A report has just come in that a small craft is in distress some distance along the coast. Five people washed overboard— she must be waterlogged ; the boat went alongside of the Alhambra in the night to procure water. I cannot hear the name, and I dare not wait to find out, as the steamer sails in five minutes.