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Hawke's Bay Times, Volume I, Issue 14, 3 October 1861, Page 5 (Supplement)

(SEin-OFFICAL)

. Dunedin, 16th Sept., 1861. To Major Richardson, &c. &c. &c. ' Sm- At your request 1 note down a few observations on the Gold Fields, taken during my trip to them last week. 1 made the journey in 1 i days’ easy travelling on horseback by the North Taieri Road. This route is capable of much improvement, and I have no doubt will be much frequented during this coming summer. In snowy and stormy weather the Tokomairiro road is preferable, though longer. On coming l in sight of Gabriel’s" Gully, I was much astonished at the change that had taken place. The gully was studded with tents from one end to the other, and the surface, verdant with fine grass two month ago, was now gutted and ransacked in an extraordinary manner. Fully 8000 people must have been at work in this gully, and numerous parties were seen spread out over the adjacent gullies and even hills. Altogether there cannot be less than 6000 people on the diggings. On the day after my arrival, 1 went over the ground and conversed with many parties at work. Where I was known, every information was given me, and civility shown ; where not known this was not always* the case/' With the influx of strangers, men see reason to be more cautious. My general impression is that all are making wages, but many ate making three or four times that. Some have made small fortunes. I saw no idlers. 1 have spoken to various" diggers ihat have “prospected” the country, and the report is that a paying gold field extends from Tokomairiro to the Clutha—a distance of 30 miles. •Many of the first diggers are leaving the fields, being satisfied with what they have made"and doubtful of further great success. Thev see that ‘investments in property and farming pursui s will do as much for them as digging, now that they have amassed a little capital. 'lhe best criterion of the field will now be the return brought down by the esct rt. The impressions of a single individual like myself may be to a cousideable extent erroneous. As my errand to the gold field this time was for a different object than enquiry into the returns of the diggers, I did not take particular note of facts ; but 1 left the ■ field with the impression that it wotld extend its limits over a large tract of country. I remain, yours very respectfully, J. T. Thomson, Chief Surveyor. R-S—l saw one nugget at Mr. .Switzer’s, got by Joseph Gale, weighing 2 ozs. 2 dwts.