The New Goldfield

Feilding Star, Volume X, Issue 50, 4 October 1888, Page 3

The New Goldfield

_*. (Times' Correspondent.) Havelock, October 3. I have just seen two samples of muggety gold — one 360z aud 18jz — got within the last nine days at Mahakipawa. At the Warden's Court a number of applications were granted, aud the Court adjourned till October 23. The Marlborough Times of Monday .says : — lt is estimated that some 200 people visited the Waikakaho yesterday, and from the visitors we gather that there are now some 500 men on the field. Of this number only a small portion have sot in to work, the great majority, after pegging out a -claim, preferring to see what those actually at work are doing before making a start. We have only to repeat what we have already said regarding this field, that as far as the alluvial fields are concorned, there is nothing to warrant an •. x tensive rush. The only persons known lo have got gold are Gibson and party, who have obtained 20oz, but it is shrewdly suspected that the Maoris have got a considerable quantity of gold. They give no information, however, as to the takings. A considerable sum has been raised privately to test the Waikakaho flat. One party got down 30ft, and were then stopped by water. If the flat proves payable it will be hard to estimate the importance of tbe field. It is satisfactory to note that the sensational reports appearing in the Wellington Post have lately been greatly tempered. Unfortunately the mischief has already been done, as we learn from an authoritative source that 120 men shipped from Melbourne last week for the field, and a considerable number from Sydney. The most hopeful feature regarding the field is the nature of the different reefs that have been discovered. The atone is undoubtedly gold-bearing, and the lines are well defined. There are two lines of reefs, situate at the top of the range that divides the Mahakipawa and Waikakaho, and in several of the leases applied for, stone has been obtained from the outorop carrying gold. Judging by the specimens produced, and from the bona fides as to whence the stone was obtained, we have no hesitation in saying that the discovery is a most important and genuine one. The ground on the right-hand branch of the main creek at Mahakipawa is already getting worked out. It is doubtful whether any of the parties have yet bottomed in the main creek ; but the men, despite the large amount of "dead horse" work they have had to do, are well satisfied with with their prospects. The terraces are looking up, quite a rush having set in for these- -claims, which promise exceedingly well.