HOKITIKA.

Evening Post, Issue 222, 24 October 1865, Page 2

HOKITIKA.

The following letter is published by the New Zealand Herald, received by an Auckland gentleman : — Hokitika, October 9. Dear Sir, — T wrote you yesterday, and write again to-day in case my yesterday's letter miscarries. We ca.ne across the bar first-rate. The day was dull ; the wrecks on the beach added to the irloomy appearance. I was struck with the hundreds of men who lined the beach, and landing I considered it was Sunday and the men had come to town ; but I find from enquiries that such was not the case. They are waiting for something to turn up, and would be glad to get work. It must be very evident to anyone, that if there are payable diggings here, as represented in Auc' luul, so many men would not be idle. That there is gold being got I am satisfied, but only from small fields. Hundreds are loud in their expressions of disgust and disappointment. The state of things, as far as I have yet learnt — and I have not been idle — is far, very far, from satisfactory. Old diggers have no confidence in the country. The Grey is represented as being worse — the people sick with swamp fever. There is a fine long street formed, containing over fifty hotels, stores, etc., none of which presented a busy appearance to-day — not even the hotels. A man assured me just now that he saw things sold on last Saturday by auction cheaper than in Auckland. Meat is 18d. per lb. bread 2a» the 4lb loaf— the only articles I have yet bought. There are drapers, and in fact every kind of shop, and I imagine one could get his wants supplied almost as cheaply as in Auckland. I must certainly say that I believe the retail trade is fully attended to at present. The people are careful of their money, not knowing whether they will be able to get more. There is none of the free-and-easy rollicking air one would expect to meet in a diggers city, which I consider a very significant s'gn of its condition. The diggings are all supplied with stores, and of course all new rushes will be supplied with them from this place. I can only tell you, as far as my short stay here will allow me, it is this, that unless you get better information don't think of coming.