LATEST FROM THE PALMER.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 209, 9 February 1875, Page 4

LATEST FROM THE PALMER.

The Cooktown Courier of January 2nd contains the following:—On Tuesday last we were favored by two of the prospectors of the new rush with the view of a splendid sample of gold, obtained during the last five months from Prospectors' Gully. It is coarse, and in all respects—both as to weight and quality—quite equal to the Palmer gold. Mr M'Lean and another, from whom we received the information, were of the party, and express themselves, as we think they might very reasonably do, perfectly satisfied with the result of their labors. They say that there are at present about 600 men on the ground, nearly all averaging good returns. There are three creeks being worked, and a great number of ravines—but their opinion is that the place will not be available for any increase of numbers until the wet season is over. There are two stores, and the prioc of hour (of which there is a tolerable supply) is 9d to Is per "lb. This party also seem to have been very fortunate in discovering some good samples of tin. They found it between the Palmer and the new rush. It will probably be assayed here, and if it shows a good percentage, another source of wealth to our part of the country will soon be developed. Not the least encouraging circumstance connected with this news is the large tract of country capable of being worked within so short a distance from Cooktown, for we are informed that as the crow flies the present workings are not more than thirty to thirtyfive miles, and that Mount Cook can be distinctly seen from the Granite Range, at the head of Prospectors'Gully. On their way to Cooktown the party met M'Leod, the prospector and a Mr Little with fat cattle, bound for the rush. Mr Turner, one of the party, has gone over to the Palmer for the purpose of showing Mr Tough the nearest track on to the ground—that gentleman's intention being, if possible, to take a large mob of cattle on to the rush before the rush sets in. The health of the population is good. The blacks are reported as having been very bad just before the prospectors left ; four horses were speared on the morning of their departure, portions of which were carried away, and the rest left in trees ready for subsequent removal. Three other horses were speared close to the camp, between two working creeks, two days afterwards. These are circumstances that are known, but it is generally believed that the slaughter has been carried on wholesale, as many horses are missing. The blacks are in great force at present. A miner, whose name we were unable to ascertain, arrived at the Laura crossing on Tuesday last, in a very emaciated condition, having wandered through the bash for four days without food. The unfortunate man was on his way to the new rush, when he lose himself. ':,,The total amount of gold passed for shipmeat at the Custom House, Cooktown, during the year 1874 was 121,3800 z lldwt, this total being made up as follows : ' , ; , , . oz, dwt. Quarter ending 3lst March ... 1,0,f>16 6 Quarter ending 30th June ... 12,174 6 Quarter ending.3oth September 65,739 0 Quarter ending 31st December 42,951 0 121,380 11 to this may be added 4000 ounces shipped by the Le chardt this morning, but received by the banks before the end : of the past year. The total value, therefore, of this item in our exports for the year was £514,0<>0. But these figures fall far short of representing the actual amount of . gold taken from the port during the time specified. Unfortunately, the grand total will never be known. Anyone acquainted with Cooktown will be aware how frequently miners have preferred taking down their gold to selling it here, and that, in almost every instance, gold so taken south has never appeared in the customs books. However, £614,000 is no insignificant item in the exports of a pojft a little over twelve months old. Tenders are called for the construction of the telegraph line from Junction Creek to the Palmer diggings, the previous route by Cashmere crossing having been abandoned. Tenders must be sent in before the 22nd. proximo. We. are given to understand that a movement is on foot to collect an amount sufficitnt to present Mr Sub-inspector Douglas with a testimonial, to mark the appreciation of those who have benefitted i by his very energetic services since the opening up of the Palmer. There is no doubt that Mr Douglas is highly deserving of suoh a recognition, and we shall be glad to hear of a sum being raised commensurate with the real good he. has effected both to the diggers and those occupied in trade iu Cooktown. .