THE SOUTH BEACH.

Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 626, 22 January 1870, Page 3

THE SOUTH BEACH.

(prom our own correspondent. ) January 19, 1870. On the line of the recognised lead of gold running parallel with the beach, and known as tho Stoney Lead, there are some spots to be met with where, so fai % , it has proved blank ; yet it is most singular that where these spots occur tunnels have not been attempted to be taken in. On the other hand, where tunnels have been taken in, there is no instance where the party lias failed in getting payable gold. The first blank that occurs at the southerly cud of the lead is between Robertson's old claim and Myley's old claim. A good many shafts have been put down, but payable gold has never been got. The second instance occurs in the ten-acre block, known to the world as the Greymouth Gold-Mining Company's land. This was attempted to be prospected by the aid of a water-wheel, and though every exertion was used by the company, they ultimately had to relinquish their cherished hopes of success. There is no doubt, in course of time, some enterprising men will be found to take in tunnels into both of these blocks of ground ; for, till that is done, it would be premature to say that they would not pay for working. Phelan and Co., who hold a large claim to the north of Jack's Creek, have not yet been successful in striking the wash. It will be remembered that it was stated some time since that this party were erecting a water-wheel. This was done in due course ; a large paddock made, Ac., a drive taken in, which is now stated not to be deep enough for the gold, and they have to go through the hardship of making a fresh one. There is very little doubt about the gold being there, as the ground could hardly be better situated than between two such claims as the Sons of Freedom and the Age of Progress ; however, they must not forget the old song of "Try Again." It is very pleasing to be able to announce that the Unicorn Company have at last surmounted all difficulties, and have been able to get amongst the gold. To recapitulate the hardships these men have had to encounter in taking in a branch race from the All Nations tunnel, is unnecessary ; it is sufficient to know that for the last seven months these men have worked hard and used eveiy means possible to taKe their tunnel through a treachero v s running sand, and, as if they had not trouble enough to contend with, they unfortunately, with the All Nations, &c., had their labors suspended by the destruction of the main tunnel at the time of the flood some two months since. Twice have they had to repair their tunnel, and now after these great difficulties they have made their way to where the gold is to be found, and right well do they deserve a rich reward for the manly perseverance they have showu in prosecuting their labors. It is to be hoped the fickle goddess fortune will make up for her former treachery.