Colonial Intelligence.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 7, Issue 357, 12 March 1866, Page 2

Colonial Intelligence.

THE WEST COAST GOLD-FIELDS. (From the Nelson Colonist, 37th February.) Bt the Wallaby we have information from these fields. She reports tjiat 14,000 ounces of gold were lying in the bankers bands ready for ship* mont from the Grey direct to Australia. Thera is also news of a new Gold rush on the North Leach. On this subject the Grey Fiver Argus of the 21st inst. says—- “ Among the unsettled portion of the miners, last week was prolific of excitement as great rush was made 17 miles up the beach, round Point Perpendicular, and on that turning out a failure, their ears were again gladdened by the cry that a better than ever yet was to be found nearer town, and this last has proved true. On Saturday last, the first busy whisperings of heavy gold having been struck on new ground, some distance back from the “ Darkies’ ” claim, were heard, and im* mediately the stampede of all around set in in real earnest. Many whose claims were giving good wages were seized with the "flitting” mania, and tape-lines, axes, and pegs were prominent features oh the busy and exciting scene. Plenty of disturbance, but happily none serious, prevailed, and darkness itself did not terminate the eager anxiety to secure claims upon the coveted ground. Sunday followed, and yet the hurrying throng of hu* man beings abated not, and similar scenes to those of the previous day were enacted; nor did even Monday show the slightest cessation of the eager in-eoming crowd.

Yesterday morning told its tale, and from the lowest computation, at least 700 men were on the ground,, all hopefal and sanguine, and very manj who had prospected-their claim* delighted.

Terrace alter terrace bad been taken up, and yet jhhe determination to try others was strongly expressed ; indeed we did not see a discouraged face, and vre are very much of belief that this will yet prove the richest ground for its extent that has been found. The first workings are from the cut track, about 150 yards past Williams and Co.’s store," at which point you turn into the bush to the right, and come upon a series of terraces, which are now be- ■ Ing opened on a face as the washdirt is at once struck. The highest terrace, where prospects of from 2 to 4 dwts. to the dish has been struck, is nearly at the top of the range ; but lower down we are informed that even better “ shows ” than that, have been obtained—as much as 6 dwts being proved. We cannot as yet say what real extent of country may prove equal to these prospects but there is not the slightest doubt of this field being yet further extended, and a great impetus given to the further prospecting of the ground in and around the range near to us. At no great distance we have the already famous “ Darkies’ ” claim, whose yield last week was ISSozs. to 4 men ; and we have also Duffy and party’s claim, who washed out last week, for one ’ week’s work, 401 ozs. to 4 men, besides several claims very’ rich indeed, so that we caunot but be convinced that pockets of almost fabnlous wealth, and terraces where a certain competency can be obtained, exist there.

With reference to the rush round Point Perpendicular, it is currently reported that it has proved a failure, but later arrivals thence say that numbers of men are yet on the ground, whose prospects are sufficiently inviting to induce them to remain.

We shall be disappointed if wo do not ere long hear capital accounts from these diggings, and that another rich beach and terrace ground has been added to the already fruitful list in the Grey district.

On dit, the “ Darkie ” has sold out his share for £450, and declares he will again visit the United States. He leaves with £1450, all got since the middle of December, His party have got three months’ work of as good ground as that worked, and three months more of what they believe to be but little inferior.” From Hokitika there is news of a new arush to Okarita.