THE KIMBERLEY GOLDFIELD.

Lyell Times and Central Buller Gazette, Volume VI, Issue 276, 5 June 1886, Page 2

THE KIMBERLEY GOLDFIELD.

[united press association.]

AN OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION.

THE STATE OF THE PORTS.

WHAT MINERS SHOULD DO.

Wellington, June 1.

The Premier received the following cable message from M. S. Smith, Acting Colonial Secretary, Western Australia, dated Perth, 31st May:—" The following is communicated by direction of Governor Sir Frederick Broome, for the information of your Government: A goldfield has been proclaimed in the Kimberley district. There is every reason to believe that it will be extensive. About 2000 ounces of gold has already been obtained. Mount

Barrett is;|abont the centre of the field* The distance from Derby is about 350 miles, and from Wyndham about 300 miles. The former is at present the better route. There are indications of gold 150 miles from Derby. Drays can travel without great difficulty for about 300 miles. Pack horses have to be used for the remainder of the distance. So far as can be gathered, there is not a large number of miners at the diggings a* present, but more than -1000 men are stated to be on their way. It is essential, in order to avoid hardship and risk, that parties proposing to go to the diggings should be well equipped with drays, horses, and tents, and should take provisions for several months. Nothing can at present be obtained except at Derby and Wyndham. I recommend all parties to bring their own supplies of drays and horses. We are awaiting the report of the police party that left Derby for the goldfields on the 10th instant. A warden has been appointed. He proceeds shortly with an escort to the goldfields. Various works are being undertaken at Derby to facilitate the passage of vessels to the port of Derby and the landing and storing of goods. The passage from the point to the port of Derby is being properly buoyed, the jetty added to, a tramway constructed from the jetty to the town of Derby, and a large bonded store constructed. An engineer has been sent to Derby to superintend these work?, and to expedite matters an additional force of workmen is being despatched there. The town site of Wyndham, at Cambridge Gulf, has been selected. The harbor there is excellent. A government resident and a police party is established at Wyndham, and a surveyor is also at work in the district. At present, from what we can learn, it would be easier for all parties to go to Derby. Please publish this information."