THE AUCKLAND GOLD FIELD.

New Zealander, Volume 9, Issue 722, 16 March 1853, Page 2

THE AUCKLAND GOLD FIELD.

To the Editor of the New-Zealander. Sir, —I cannot but think it is to be regretted that some step has not before this been taken to follow out a suggestion —or rather a hint—conveyed in your paper of the 12th instant, viz., " That something should be guaranteed from some public source to those engaged in the present doubtfully remunerative toil of the diggings." And lam the more surprised that this has not been thrown into some practical shape and taken up by the public, as I have heard many express an earnest opinion that there is an urgent necessity that " something should be done at once."

We cannot shut our eyes, to the fact that many parties at the " diggings," or rather " prospectmgs," are earning,- in tlie present stage of the discovery, but very precarious wages. We know there are many there who under the various unfavourable circumstances —but especially the extraordinarily long and severe rainy season —have found their long husbanded resources expended without the immediate means of replenishing them; but we also know that there is a firm conviction in their minds that —as you have expressed it " Gold will yet be procured in quantities far beyond anything that the most successful diggers have hitherto obtained." But, sir, " whilst the grass grows, the horse starves." Now I think that the public generally, considering how deeply they are interested in the success of the undertaking, should do something to assist in bearing the heat and burthen of the day—something more than promising what they will do when the harvest is reaped—and I consider they are selfishly interested in doing this—for if something be not done, numbers will be coming up unable longer to exist upon hope—and there will be another depopulating rush : setting their sails for some more favourable remunerative diggings.

• A fund has already been subscribed for the reward of the discoverer of an available gold field. I doubt not if the attempt were once made another sum could be raised sufficient for the purpose of paying the expense*' and equipment of an efficient prospecting party or parties, who, with their present means of subsistence guaranteed to them, and the stimulus of a probable high selfearned reward, would have much better promise of bringing the matter to a successful issue.

I would, sir, beg leave to suggest that a public meeting should be immediately called for the purpose of appointing a committee to collect subscriptions for promoting the exploration of the Coromandel Gold Field; and (in order to avoid unnecessary meetings) for the expenditure of such sums as might be subscribed in such a manner as they should see most likely to conduce to efficient exploration.— I am, Sir, &c,

A SUBSCIUBER TO THE ReWAKD FUND.