THE OTAGO GOLD-FIELDS.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume II, Issue 42, 17 April 1862, Page 3

THE OTAGO GOLD-FIELDS.

(From the Daily Times correspondent.) REPORTED RUSH BEYOND THE WAIPORI. DARING ATTEMPT AT ROBBERY AT THE JUNCTION. Tunpeka, March 25. Yesterday a man came into Weatheraton’s and reported that a new rush had taken place to some new ground on Black’s station. It is said to lie about 30 miles from the Lammerlaw Creek, in a north-westerly direction. The number of miners on the field are said to be about 400, and they are reported as doing wclL The Gold is nuggety, frequently allied with quartz, and is very little waterworn. On AVetherston’s very little credence is given to the report, and few if any are leaving. Yesterday three men visited the Junction, and after prowling about the various hotels and grog shanties, entered the Commercial and asked for nobblers. They put down in payment a£s note, evidently with a view to ascertain where the cash box was kept. The note was changed, and information was thus afforded them us to the whereabouts of tile “ swag.” They immediately left, and then’ after proceedings were characterised by considerable ingenuity and daring. On leaving they went to a refreshment tent about fifty yards above the Commercial and here managed to secure two watches that were hanging behind the bar. These were not missed until after the attempt on the Commercial. After staying some time drinking, one of them left, and on proceeding to the Commercial asked for dinner. This was provided for him, and in the meantime his two companions left the refreshment tent. Shortly afterwards the report of a pistol was heard, and the ball passing through the corrugated iron composing the end of the Hotel whizzed past the head of the cook and struck the partition behind. As a matter of course every one rushed out to see who had fired the pistol, and they had no sooner done so, than the man who was unconcernedly eating his dinner made his way to Mr. Wetherby’s room. The barman “Frank” returned somewhat suddenly and thus frustrated the attempt to get at the cash box. On hearing him coming the fellow made off and has not since been seen, although the Police are upon his track. The barman again went to the back of the hotel, and seeing smoke about the water closet went to it. Here he found two men, one with a revolver in his hand. He immediately collared him, and after a struggle managed to wrest the revolver from him, and assistance coming up to secure the man himself, meanwhile the other fellow made off. Information was at once given to the police, and Sergts. Bracken and Thompson, accompanied by the barman, proceeded to Wetherston’s under the impression they would be found in some of the “shanties” in the neighbourhood. While standing in one of them the barman saw one of the men passing, and immediately pointed him out to the police. They no sooner made their appearance than the fellow' took to his heels, and ran off as fast as he could. After an exciting chase, he was secured and taken to the camp. While there he refused to give his name, but it is believed that he is convict from Victoria. The name given by the other man is William Wilson, but, as they are to be brought up before Major Croker to-morrow, something more of their antecedents will, no doubt, be ascertained. On the person of Wilson was found the sum of £l7 10s. in notes, and one of them, it is believed, from a peculiar mark on the edge, will, if imlentified, lead to the discovery of the perpetrators of a robbery that occurred some time ago at Waitahuna. Considering that it was broad mid-day, and in a crowded thoroughfare, this is one of the most cool and impudent attempts at robbery that has ever been committed.