THE GOLDFIELDS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 67, 1 February 1862, Page 3

THE GOLDFIELDS.

(From our own Correspondent.) Tuapeka, January 30th, 1862.

The Superintendent Major Richardson, in company with the Hon. Mr. Reader Wood and Major Ryan, of the 70th, are making a tour on the Goldfields. He received a 'deputation consisting of * * * whose object was to ascertain the views of the Government concerning] the assistance to ba given to prospecting parties on the Tuapeka goldlield. Mr. Knyvett as spokeman for the deputation, stated that three parties of miners, Messrs. Hardy and party, Wilson's party, and another whose name he was unacquainted with,* [were sinking deep shafts at Wetherston's and had great difficulties to contend with in doing so. The deputation in conjunction with others had] formed themselves into a " Deep Sinking Association," in order to assist these parties. They were now anxious to ascertain if the Government wotild lend them any monetary assistance, in order to bottom the shafts already commenced. Major Richardson replied that while his Government were most desirious of doing everything that lay in their power to develope the resources of the country they were of opinion that whatever sums were to be expended in this direction should be under the control of some responsible body to whom they could look for satisfaction as to the amounts disbursed. The deputation having satisfied his Honor ai to this point were asked what amount would be required in order to reach the bottom. In answer it was stated that about £-100 or £500 would be ample and that it was possible only a tithe of this sum might be expended. Major Richardson then stated that recognising the peculiar exigencies of the case brought under his notice he would take care that a sufficient sum should be forthcoming in order that the bottom might be reached. Were the deputation of opinion that deep sinking should be confined to Wetherstone's a ] one —would it not be desirable to try it also in Gabriel's 1

The deputation believed that the hills in Gabriel's gully should also be tested but in the meantime no organisation existed having this object in view. A general conversation ensued as to the state of the roads, and the erection of an hospital. In reference to the latter, one of the deputation stated that he believed if the Government ■would erect a suitable building and provide the necessary accommodation, many of the miners -would . purchase a ticket of admission, and that few were so poor as not to be able to pay two or three pounds for it. Major Richardson was of opinion that while it was the duty of the Government to render some assistance, yet the public should not be induced to believe that they thereby rid themselves of the responsibility of also subscribing. Major Croker mentionedthat considerable apathy had been displayed, especially by the miners, but this, he believed, was chiefly owing to the fact, that many of them had not made up their mind to stay in the country, and that when they did so, no doubt they would at once_ subscribe. Already a considerable sum was subscribed, and he believed'that when all the lists came in, they would have about £300, After some further conversation, the deputation thanked his Honor for their courteous reception and withdrew. His Honor Major Richardson has been making a tour of the Goldfields. On Wednesday he visited Waitahuna, in company with Mr. Reader Wood, Mr. Commissioner Brannigan, and several other gentlemen. HisHonorwasshownby Capt. Baldwinsome very pretty quartz specimens taken from the reef, of which mention has already been mode in our columns. On Thursday he reached Wetherstone's and Gabriel's, when his Honor, much to the amazement of the gontlemen accompanying him, descended miners' fashion, foot in rope, to the bottom of one of the fleetest shafts in Wetherstone's. He afterwards inspected tile' Government buildings, received deputations, and visited the proposed site of the new township at the junctions of Gabriel's and Wetherstone's. His Honor will visit the Waipori diggings before returning to town.

On Wednesday we noticed a serious robbery from the person of a miner named Kedy. It appearsTjhat in cpnscquenpe of the parrgraph which fippeave4 ill this journal, the mates of this man ivaited upon the police, and informed them that believing him to be incapable of taking care of his money, they had, in order to prevent his losing it, taken it from him without informing him of what they had done. The police, who have been very active in their endeavours to discover the supposed rpbbers, are somewhat disgusted with so palpable si sell.

$ Part of the copy forwarded by our corresp.o'n'de'nt was accidently destroyed. We have supplied the deficiency as well as we could.