RUTHERGLEN DISTRICT.

Grey River Argus, Volume VIII, Issue 572, 16 September 1869, Page 3

RUTHERGLEN DISTRICT.

(from our own correspondent.) September 15. Since my last report mining has been systematically, pursued in this district ; and as the miners may be said to -be old settlers, with their vested interest in water-races, their returns in the shape of gold have been governed in a. great measure by the amount, of rain which has fallen. There are very few cradle-men about, so that as regards population it may be said that there has not' been any Tery great increase. There has been a slight one though, which is far better than to have to say the opposite. In a former report mention was made of parties setting into work on the Manukau Flat, between Rutherglen and the New River, which, to designate it from the one near the Eight-mile, may be called Diamond Flat. The sinking, as before mentioned, is shallow, from two to four feet stripping. The prospects are not over rich, and-the ground is what is generally known as paying a little ©ver tucker/ If water could be got to bear on it there is no doubt it would pay very handsome wages, and it is owing to this necessary requirement that the returns are not greater. However, bad as they are, they are reported to be superior to what is to be procured at places which are more talked about. It speaks well of this place that the same parties have been working here ever since its opening. They have, hpwever, gone to a great deal of trouble in cutting through a high reef, and now they have got everything into first-rate working order they hope to get paid for their labor. From Manukau or Diamond Flat to the saddle towards the New River scattered parties are at work, all doing much alike, although Lawlor and Co. may be said to be an exception, as they command the right of water, which enables them to do remarkably well when the necessary fluid can be procured. In fact, this property is about as valuable' as is to be found either here or in any of the neighboring districts. It is water that is wanted here to get gold ; there is any amount of country that would pay as well, but the difficulty lies in getting water on the top of these high, flat terraces which may be said to be on the top of these ranges. Some day or other it will be done, and a rich harvest the enterprising party will obtain. It will require, however, a strong party — ten men at the least— and provisions for twelve months, and then there is little doubt that water could be taken from the left-hand branch of the New River and brought to bear on this country. Then will prosperity once more return, and ground which now only pays about LI over tucker will be made to pay handsome wages. There was some talk fifteen months since about a party being formed to bring in this race, but through the Eightmile' breaking out it collapsed, and the promoters have since left for other parts ; no doubt, in course of time men of sufficient enterprise will be found to undertake this necessary and desirable work.