NOTES FROM WYNDHAM, CAMBRIDGE GULF.

Kumara Times, Issue 3041, 2 August 1886, Page 3

NOTES FROM WYNDHAM, CAMBRIDGE GULF.

By the Victoria (steamer) which arrived at Townsville from Derby, via Thursday Island on the 13th ult., we have the following further items of news from North-Western Australia : At Wyndhara, Cambridge Gulf, the Victoria was within 200 yards of the shore, and not the least difficulty was experienced in landing the horses. Over 600 men and 400 horses left the Gambier, Victoria, and Afghan at Cambridge Golf, and those three vessels did not take more than 100 men and 50 horses on to Derby. Provisions are very cheap at both Cambridge Gulf and Derby, owing to the great rush of storekeepers. Flour is selling on the ground from 14s per IOOIbs. All the miners who were bashmen left for the field within a week, but many started, went a stage on the journey, and then turned back. There ia splendid feed in the vicinity of Wyndham. After remaining at Cambridge Gulf eight days, the Victoria left for Derby and lightered the balance of her passengers and cargo there. At Derby over 100 men are engaged at 10s per day in making a jetty, 40 of these men are miners; the other 60 were brought from Perth under engagement More men would be put on, but there are no too's. About 100 are waiting at Derby for something to turn up. Hall and Slattery's prospecting party are waiting for rain before going back to the field. Hall has gone to Perth to push the claim of the party for the prospecting award. Owing to the entire absence of storage accommodation, large quantities of goods are exposed to the weather, and new storekeepers are half distracted. Twelve per cent, is levied on everything, from flour to second-hand packsaddles; even washerwomen are charged £lO for business licenses. Publicans have to wait for three months before obtaining a permit to sell, and the polico are very active. The Afghan and Catterthun struck the rock mentioned by the captain of the Memuir heavily, but the Victoria escaped it, and the total losses of stock were—Gambier, 13 horses; Afghan, 8; Victoria, 2. The Victoria brought 17 miners back for Townsville from Derby, and has seven on board for Sydney.