THE PROSPECTS OF CALIFORNIA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 238, 24 September 1862, Page 6

THE PROSPECTS OF CALIFORNIA.

The CalFornlans are anticipating the time when they shall be compelled to turn their attention to other pursuits than gold digging. Placer mining in some parts of California has already ceased to be profitable for white men. In 1852 gold diggers earned ten dollars per day, and in 1802 they are obliged to be contented with 2\ dollars. It is estimated that if the fruitfulness of the gold mines continued to decrease in the same ratio as it has done for the last ten years, in 1872 no white man will be found at work in the. gold mines. American writers express an opinion that in a. few years California will get rich by car Vying limber to China. The latter country haviiig been densely populated for acres, is bare of timber, and the monster forests of California could furnish that product for centuries to come. California could also supply the fleets of steamers which will be required for the Chinese rivers. "The Chinese, 7'saysa,Californian paper, "are alive toT the benefits of river steamers, and to the advantagres which shipments in European vessels gave in safety and certainty of insurance. Before the pirates made the voyages of the junks almost impossible, the Chinese merchant calculated to lose one venture in three, He now avoids the risk by freighting in foreign bottoms. The opening of the rivers will call for the construction of a fleet of lightdraught steamers, which California can supply. We have faith that the bade may be ours if the efforts be made to secure it; and that as our mills increase and labour diminishes,, in value, w.e may /make steady Mpments^ of lumber ,fo China's great valley.' and, if •we will, that the return vesaelainay be loaded with a product which will give employment to Californian looms and spindles.: Our northern forests will resound with cheerful industry, , and pur shipyards give forth the products of[ingenious labor. Youthful California and Oregon wiliL spare to aged- China* the surplus of their forests for. the products; at her.plains, made bare of woodr by;theiwants Cr s>f (centuries"of "adense po pulation.^' l\[ ;''-.■■,;, }'- t^:'. ■•■'■•■ ■=.5-.'V.' "',-'■''.' '■•'.'.: , '

Mrs. Yejverfcoii appeared!lately as plaintiff in an action for defau&tioirof .character: by; a ';l'jjel Contained in ai, letter ,&bin a'MrV James Walker % the Hou. William "Seoiy YelyeHoti, brother vtt>;iiortl Araaniore,' in"w'Hcn.>be~waa described as a,"most de'graaea~wbman;'*" 'ThVcause Was-tried befope; Lord Ardmillan and a jury at the Court of Seskoto;' Edinburgh. The Jury found a verdict for the plaintiff, damages £500, and the result was received with loud cheers.—English paper.