THE DIAMOND FIELDS.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1074, 6 January 1872, Page 3

THE DIAMOND FIELDS.

The following is from a late number of the Times : — Intelligence from the diamond fields tends to show that their richneis and extent can scarcely be exaggerated. The finds are continuous and numerous beyond precedent ; and the proportion of large stones— stones from twenty to eighty carats— seems to int creaae. A fortnight ago we should have 1 pronounced De Beer's the richest of all the fields ; a month ago our verdict would have been in favor of Dv Toit's Pan; and there is no doubt that both are wonderfully productive. But it teams that there is a new rush which eclipses both in diamond fertility. People become rich there in a morning, and turn out their fifteen or twenty stones of various sizes before mid-day dinner. Meanwhile everything U peaceful and orderly, and life find property appear to be 'as safe in that part of the world as they are in this city; There is a rumor of some of the Griquas wishing to get rid of Waterboer ay their ohief, and substituting some favorite in his stead, but nobody heeds what id said; the ftriquas are not warlike, and the diggers are quite strong enough to keep them in order if they attempted to 'kick up a row.' Three British Magistrates, with their ataflfc, will shortly be stationed on the fields." The Jiurghersdorp Gazette states that the find of a 174-carat diamond, which had been ' hitherto doubted, has been confirmed. A gentleman who had it in his hand says it is without flaw, and of good color, but pear-shaped, ft was found by a man looking very much like a navvy. He had an offer of L 30.000, which ho declined. The Standard and Mail says that the, Inland Transport Company was scarcely able* to. meet the demands upon if by pa^nger^to' the diamond oelda, and it was necessary, order to obtain a berth, fljftt application should be made a fortnight or three weeks in advance o! the 4ay fixed for the departure of the wagon.