EIGHT-MILE DISTRICT.

Grey River Argus, Volume VIII, Issue 526, 1 June 1869, Page 3

EIGHT-MILE DISTRICT.

(from our own correspondent.) May 29. A considerable number of men has lately been induced to come over from the Greenstone, allured by the enticing news from Maori Creek. There is no doubt that good gold has been struck there, but as yet the ground that has been proven is small in comparison to the numbers that have come over, and it is much to be feared that many parties will be disappointed and blame the Press for overexaggerating facts, and it would be well for parties at a distance to thoroughly understand that the Eight-mile is like most other gold fields — that there are blanks as well as prizes, and that those who are fortunate to secure one of the latter have to work for months before they get their reward, and that the former are so abundant a man must be well supplied with money to keep him clear of the storekeepers' books. It is only the hard-work-ing and industrious man who is adapted for this part — a man who has the ability as well as the means to go prospecting for months if he hopes to strike something that will do him good ; but for an indiscriminate rush of men to the Eight-mile it is much to be deplored, as it will only end in the majority being disappointed ; therefore, let parties beware of being lead away by the "blowing" that is now being indulged in by some. The Eight-mile does not require to be blown up ; it is only by being gradually developed that prosperity and permanency will both be Secured. There is no doubt that the Eight-mile is now in the height of its glory, and that money is as free there as in any part of the Coast ; but it should be Remembered that it has taken many months of hard labor on the part of the men to make it what it now is, and that Jhough •it may be encouraging to the stranger who wends his way thither to know that gold is being got, it is poor encouragement to know that if he can get none himself, or may be without money jn his pocket ; therefore, by all means let those at a distance remember that this is a poor place unless they are prepared with the means of living for six or nine months. If not, better stay away. Two other claims have been proved to be payable on Rosanna Terrace, Maori Qreek, making five altogether, but there are doubts even yet whether it is anything more than a patch. Time alone will solve the question, whether it will prove to be ponnected with the Eight-mile Lead, the distance between them being so insignifipant that a few claims would take up all $he ground. Should it be the case, however, there is no doubt that considerable prospecting will be carried on between Maori Creek and Liverpool Bill's. All the claims on the Eight-mile Lead a,re now yielding first-rate returns, with the exception of the original prospecting claims, which have been worked out and abandoned. The terrace alongside the creek near the lower township is also turnjug out very we.ll ; some of the claims are reported to be as rich as any in the district. M'Leod and Co. are progressing with their huge tail-race, which they are bringing up the creek. This is one of $hose works which will be found very remunerative after the bulk of the population has left for other fields. The population of the entire district may now be computed at 600, the half of these being J mostly new arrivals chiefly from Green- ( stone. One of the greatest requirements of the district is that of a post-office, and it shows a great want of foresight on the part of the Government in not having taken the initiative in a matter of so much importance long since. There is some talk of the Road Board making a road from Cock-a-Bulla to the Eight-mile. The poor unfortunate bridge over the New River at Cock-a-Bulla has been swept away ; another, however, must be erected and that immediately, or loss Qf life may have to be again deplored.