THE GOLD FIFELDS MANUAL FOR NEW ARRIVALS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 247, 4 October 1862, Page 6

THE GOLD FIFELDS MANUAL FOR NEW ARRIVALS.

We publish the following information con - cerning the gold fields for the benefit of new arrivals:— . J The principal gold fields of Otago are those at Tuapeka, Waitahuna, Waipori, Woolshed Creek, Mount Highiay, the newly discovered Dunstan and Nokomai Diggings, nnd •everal minor fields, as Coal Creek, Lindis, the Dunstuu River, Shag River, and Moeraki Beach. Tuapeka, although not the oldest, is the best known and most extensively worked gold field, it comprises a large extent of probably aiuiferous country, but hitherto mining operationshave mainly been limited to Gabriel's Gully, the scene of Mr. Read's early discoveries, Wetheratone's and Monroe's Gullies, and the banks of the Tuapeka River. From these localities alone, 332,476 ounces of gold have already been transmitted by escort to Dunedin. Scattered parties of prospectors are found iv the adjacent sullies, where they are quietly and steadily working. ]f surface indications are

be trusted, there arc hundreds of these gullies which present the appearance of being equally rich with those originally opened, and no doubt many parties are now making their piles in the recesses of the surrounding ranges, unheard of and unnoted.

The workings at Tuapeka are shallow, averaging from five to forty feet, rarely deeper. At Wetherstone's a large portion of the ground remains quite untouched, all attempts to bottom having been defeated by the influx of* water. As the Government have, however, consented to form a storm water channel for the purpose of draining the flat, we may expect that this part of the field will-shortly be rendered accessible to the miners.

The washdirt is gravelly, and therefore easily worked. Sluicing is generally adopted. The supply of water is most ample, and races, some of them many miles in extent, have been formed for this purpose. The gullies and the points of the hills arc the favorite sites, but along the Tuapeka, hill workings have been resorted to with very great success.

Wood is scarce in the immediate vicinity of the diggings. At the heads of the gullies there are patches of scrub for firewood, and near the confluence of the Tuapeka with the Hutlm, theie is timber available for slabbing,

Lignite for fuel is abundant, and, as it is found near the surface, is in great request. At Wetherstone's and near the Junction township, at the foot of Gabriel's Gully, some large and valuable deposits have been discovered.

The route to Tuapeka from Dunedin is by the Main South l»oad, via East Taieri and Lake Waihola to Tokomairiro, thence by the Woolshed and Waitahuna. Distance, 70 miles by the travelled road ; but from Cameron's Hotel, on Tokomairiro Plains, there is a short cut over the ranges by the Woolshed diggings, which reduces the distance to sixty miles. The population (reduced by the last rush to the Dunstan) is now estimated at 1,700 persons, of whom only 700 are mine Fa.

Waitahuna.—This field is on the river of that name. At Waitahuna only a few gullies hnvo yet been worked ; from these the gross yield of gold to present date, as per escort returns, has been 78,640 ounces. All around is what, are termed likely looking hills and gulliea.

The workings are similar to those at Gabriel's and Wetherstone's, already described.' Timber is scarce, but there is plenty of lignite in the neighborhood. .

The route from Dunedin is that by the m tin South Road to Tokomairiro—thence by tie short road already referred to through the Woolshed.

Distance by dray-road over Mount Stuart, 59 miles—Vera Woolshed and the ranges, 50 miles. Present population, 1,250.

The Woolshtd is a comparatively new field, the workings having gradually extended down the creek (where they were first discovered) to the south branch of the Tokomairiro River, where sonic very rich ground ban been opened up. Some of the auriferous lands in this locality are private ' roperty, but in every instance the propiietors have dealt with the miner?-: in a fair an:.! liberal spirit: and a Government road, upon which a payable lead was recently struck, ha 9 been thrown open lor mining purposes, on condition of surface damages being made good. There is also a large extent of Crown lands available for the prospector, and parties arc known to be working with success in the neighbourhood. A quartz reef was some time since discovered in Canada bush on the adjacent plains, between the branches of the Tokomairiro, but we have no further information on this subject. Since May last an escort has been dispatched from the Woolshed, the amount ot gold sent down by which, presents a total of 3,883 ounces.

The population is estimated at about 450 persons. Distance from Dunedin by East Taieri and Tokomairiro, 45 miles.

The Waipori field is on the Waipori river nnd its branches. The workings consist principally of creek workings and hill sluicing. The population—never very large—is now estimated at 220. Since the first escort in February last, 6,155 ounces have been sent down by that mode of conveyance. Situated higher up in the spurs of the Lammerlaw mountain!', the climate is more severe than that of Tuapeka nnd Waitahuna, but Waipori presents an excellent and comparatively untried field for operations during the summer months. Growing timber is very scarce in the vicinity, but beds of large trees in a state of good preservation exist immediately under the soil, and these are stated to be available not only for fuel, but for slabbing and other purposes. The gold found at Waipori is coarse and nuggetty, and frequently intermixed with fragments of quartz. ; Near the township a reef showing promising auriferous indications, was lately discovered by some quartz-miners from Bendigo, who purpose erecting machinery to fairly test its value.

The route from Dunedin is by West Taieri and the Maungatua ranges. Distance, forty miles

Not far from the Waipori river to the eastward is the Lee stream, hitherto neglected, except by a few straggling parties,"but on 4 le banks of which gold in payable quantities was long since discovered.

All these fields continue to 3 rield remunerative employment to the miners engaged upon them,- and there is ample room ibr many more.

Ine IMcunt Highlay diggings are situated in the valley of the Upper Taieri, and the main workings are at Timbrel's Gully, and at Deep Deli and Filly Burn—tributaries of the Taieri Kivcr, but several parties of miners are scattered over the surrounding country in every direction. V'be population of this field lias never letn large—not viiir&'' than 250 or 3v)o miners—at any one time, having been located'upon it, and at present *he . number*' is induced to a minimum a few BopVes*'"When -it was disco-; yered, '\n 3wq :\O, the Inclemency pf the'

otherwise* would, in all probability, have occurred. The diggings are situated'^t a considerable elevation above the sea level, and are consequently subject to heavy falls of snow during the winter. There is sufficient timber near Timbrel's for moderate use, and scrub, for firewood is found on the margins-of the streams, and in the hollows of the ranges. Lignite is, as usual, procurable in the flats, and the neighboring mosses yield good peat. Water is plentiful; and sluicing i 3 in consequence the favorite mode of mining. Although the Mount Highiay field has been so scantily prospected, the existence of auriferous deposits, over a very large area, has been ascertained beyond a doubt. There is no escort thence, but the quantities of gold brought down by private hand are very considerable, when the sparseness of the population is tftken iito account.

The gold at Timbrel's is rough and heavy, greatly resembling the Waipori gold. That from Deep Dell is finer, and more waterworn.

A quartz reef, in -the stone of which fine gold is apparent, was discovered at Mount Highiay, and a prospecting claim granted to the discoverer, but no steps have yet been taken to test its value.

The route generally preferred is by steamboat to Waikouaiti; tbence by Mount Pleasant, the Shag River, and Hamilton's and Wayne's station (No. 109) to Saxton's River (No. 210), on which the diggings are situated. The distance from Waikouaiti by this route is estimated at 55 miles. There is another road overlaud from Dunedin, by way of Blueskin; but it is exceedingly bleak, rugged, and difficult, and impeded by dangerous morasses, both on the margins of the numerous intersecting streams, and on the tops of the ranges. Intending visitors to this field will therefore do well to take the sea-route.

Murphy's Gully is on Hamilton and Wayne's station, about seven miles from Highlay. Gold in fair quantities has been obtained there. Several of Jhe creeks at the head of the Waikouaiti River, and the branches of the Shag Kiver, are also known to be auriferous; but so lew are the miners in the locality that this promising field may be said to be as yet untried, and consequently undeveloped. Coal Creek, about twenty miles above Mount Highlay in a northerly direction, is one of the head branches of the Shag Kiver. Sluicing operations are being conducted in the bed, and on the banks of the creek with remunerative results. The mining population is very small, but will probably increase during the summer months. Lignite of a very superior description crops out on the banks. There are no hotels, and but little accommodation, on this road at present. Travellers have mainly to rely on the stations along the line for provisions. It is therefore advisable to carry an large a supply as possible of flour, tea, and sugar. Beef and mutton are, of course, to be obtained everywhere. The Lindis was the earliest discovered, and is one of the least-worked of the Otago gold fields. Shortly after ft was first rushed, the more brilliant attractions of irabriel's Gully drew off the few miners—about 300 —then on the field, and there has not yet been any reaction in its favor. A few men are still .at work there, and the locality presents all the appearance of a large and rich gold field. The Lindis diggings are on the run of Mr. M'Lean (No. 216). They are confined to one or two small gullies, near the Lindis Pass on the head-waters of the river of that name. The gold is heavy and nuggetty. The climate is somewhat inclement in winter, and snow lies on the ranges till the summer is far advanced. The gullies being sheltered enjoy a milder atmosphere.

There is a large and well-supplied stream in the vicinity. 'The usual road to the Lindi3 gold field is via Waikouaiti, thence by Shag Valley and the Upper Taieri Plains, across the ranges to the head of the Manuherikia Valley; thence, following up the main-branch of the Manuherikia River, past Mount St. Batban's to the Lintlis Pass. Distance about 160 miles. Another road is by way of Oamaru, and a third over the Lamrnermoor Ranges and Rough-ridge. But the first-named route is considered the best, as it is. also the road to nighlay, Coal Creek, and the Dunstan gold fields— and consequently travelled than any other.

Dunstan River is another partially-deve-loped field. A few miners have been digging there for some months, with what measure of success is best known to themselves. The precise locality of their operations is at the confluence of the Dunstan with the Manuherikia River.

At Moeraki Beach, gold of a very fine description is found in the sands of the senshore, mixed with iron-sand and fragmentary gems Washing operations are now carried on opposite flic town of Hampden, between the 1% Kauri and Little Kauri streams. But the entire beach, as far as Shag Point, appears to consist of similar deposits. Gold, at the rate of 100 ounces to the ton, has been obtained from the clean-washed sand, and it would seem that if science and capital were brought to bear, a magnificent yield would be the result. The Dunstan gold-field is situated on the Clutha River, at the south-vrestern base of the Dunstan mountains, and includes the spurs of the Carrick ranges on the opposite bank of the river, which has here worn a passage through the solid rocks. The workings are, at present, confined to the bars of the river* where the gold is found intermixed with magnetic iron-sand. The adjoining country is of an auriferious description, consisting of made hills and terraces of loose shingly or gravelly soil, which requires timber to work it. There are about 3,000 miners on the field, and these appear to be doing well. The first escort will afford a criterion of the value of the field, some small quantities of gold have reached town already by private hand. There are patches of bush along the river, but the only timber available for mining purposes is found near the lakes at. the head of the Clutha, where there is an extensive forest of black birch. Coal, or rather lignite, abounds; there is a fine seam .of good quality cropping, out oh the east hanks of the river near the junction of the Manuherikia.

The climate of this district is described as mild, aud dry in the winter, although snow covers the surrounding mountains. Hartley and Reilly state that whilst they were reaping their golden harvest, from May to August, rain rarely fell, and on three days only were they prevented from working by stormy weather. Iv winter also the waters of the Clutha are at their lowest, and a larger extent of the rocky bed, in the ledges of which the gold is retained, is within reach of the miners.

The gold from this .field is very fine and scaly, but of very excellent quality. Punts and boats have been placed on the river by private enterprise, so that miners and their drays may crossat various points. Stores of all kinds are becoming more easily obtainable on the ground than they were at the lirst rush some weeks since. " Cartage, however, still rules high, and miners are recommenced to take a supply with them. .There are several routes to the Dunstan. One is via Tuapeka, and thence by Gardiner's, Miller's, and BaJdwin's stations; and from the latter by a well-defined track over the Knobby Ranges to the junction of the Manuherikia with the Molyneux. Distance from Tuapeka, 70 miles; ■ This road is represented as .being impassible lor drays, and in places difficult for pack-horsep track, to the ea tv/ard Qfthe/jc, ;.; Ift^pme^ha^i pjpre pr^icable,

stream, which, when swollen, presents a formidable obstacle to further progress.

Another route is from Dunedin by West Taieri, over the Lammermoor ranges to the valley of the Manuherikia ; distance, about 110 miles. After leaving "West Taieri there are no hotels or accommodation houses on the road, but the track passes several stations, a list of which, together with their relative distances we subjoin :—llealey's station, distant from West Taieri 10 miles; thence to Thompson's, 12 miles; thence to Valpy's, 35 miles; thence to Murison's, 5 miles ; thence to Newton's, 14 miles; thence to Lowe's, 12 miles; thence to the Clutha, 5 miles. That portion of the road which is situated between Thompson^ and Valpy's, winds across the elevated region of the Lammermoors, upwards of 3,000 feet above the level of the sea. It is consequently bleak, and at certain seasons not without danger to persons unacquainted with the country, bein<* liable to heavy falls of snow. Beyond this the road is fair and easy. A third route is via Waikouaiti and Shag Valley, distance from Waikouaiti about 120 miles. This road is much in favour with pedestrians, as it passes through a series of valleys, where the climate is pioportionably milder. A party of Government surveyors are now employed in finding or constructing a hotter and more direct road—a work which it is to be hoped will be effected before-the approach of next winter.

From Tuapeka to the Manuherikia Junction parties of miners have set in, at various parts of the route, and just below the junction the Government prospecting party have secured a prospecting claim in what they have ascertained to be a payable gold field. There is now a continuous chain of diggings from the Tokomairiro Itiver to the upper Clutha Valley, for many of the miners have penetrated beyond the junction of the Kawarau into the untried but richly promising district beyond. Gold has been found as far north as Quartz Creek, a tributary of the Clutha, having its source in the ranges which divide Lake Wanaka from Lake Hawea. In many a sheltered nook of the mountains, and on the unfrequented portions of the river, prospectors are snugly nestled, secretly gathering the golden spoils which nature has so abundantly scattered over the province.

The Nokomai diggings are the last discovered. The only gully at present opened i on Moa Creek—a branch of the Nokomai River—having its source under the remarkable conical hill known as the Steeple, in the Rocky Mountains. This gully—named Victoria gully by the prospectors—is about four miles in length, and in breadth generally about a quarter of a mile, but contracting in some places to 20 or 30 yards. The depth of sinking is from 2 to 5 feet, and the gold is large, heavy, and waterworn. There is plenty of scrub in the gully, and about 20 acres of timber, principally birch, at the head. The present population is probably about 1000.

The route to the Nokomai from Dunedin is via the main South Road and Tokomairiro to the Molyneux Ferry—thence to the Long Ford on the Mataura river, which is there crossed. The road then continues along the west hank of the river to within three miles of McKellar's station, where the Mataura is again crossed, and the east bank is followed to the junction of the Nokomai River. The distance from Dunedin is about 170 miles. The following are the main points on the line of route, with their relative distances:—

Molyneux Ferry, distant from Dunedin 58 miles; thence to the Waiwera, 1Q miles; thence to the Waruna, 12 miles ; thence to the Waipahi 6 miles; thence to the Waikaka, 15 miles; thence to the Mataura 6 miles; thence to McKellar's, 32 miles ; thence to the Nokomai, 25 miles.

There is an inn at the Molyneux Ferry, and an accommodation house at the Waiwera. between the Waipahi and the Waikaka, the station of Roberts and Begree is passed, and on the Nokomai itself is Mr. Cameron's station. Stores are not yet on the ground, in sufficient quantities to supply a large population, and miners are, therefore, strongly advised not to start for the Nokomai without provisions.

The road by the Long Ford is passable for drays. There is also another track—practicable only for packhorses—which diverges from the first track about half-way between Roberts's station and the Waikaka, crossing that river near the east branch, passing between Wakaia and Pyramid Hills, then crossing the Wakaia river, and following the east bank of the Mataura. This road is about 15 or 20 miles shorter than the other.

There is also a "track about 25 miles in length, connecting Nokomai with the Dunstan gold-field. It is, however, little used, running over snow-covered mountains, and it will be safer for those who desire to cross from either locality to take the longer but more praticable route indicated above.

For the information of those ignorant of our Gold-fields regulations, we subjoin so much of them as will serve as a general guide, and prevent a new arrival from committing any serious breach of the law.

Every person residing on a gold-field and engaged in mining for gold, shall take out a miner's right; such miner's right to be carried on the person, and produced for inspection when demanded by the Wardeu or other officer, or by any person duly authorised in that behalf in writing by the Warden. , Claims shall be classified thus :— 1. Ordinary claims, i.e., alluvial claims worked without the aid of sluices or machines. 2, Sluice and machine claims, i.e., alluvial claims worked with the aid of sluices or puddling machines. 8. Wet claims, i.e., alluvial claims in flooded ground which cannot be wrought without the aid of appliances for drainage. 4. Creek or river claims, i.e., alluvial claims :' in the beds of creeks or rivers. 5. Quartz claims.

1. Ordinary claims shall not exceed 30 feet by 30 feet for each person, unless the depth of sinking exceeds 50 feet, in which case such claim may be extended to 35 feet by 3o feet. 2. For sluice and machine claims in worked and abandoned ground, the Warden may grant an extent of ground not exceeding treble the above area. .

3. Wet claims shall not exceed 40 feet by 40 feet for each person. 4. Creek or river claims shall not exceed 50 feet for each man employed thereon, nor be more than 300 feet in length, in the whole, to be measured in the direction of the course of the stream, by a width not exceeding the boundaries of the bed of the creek or river, as denned by the Warden or other officer duly authorised in that behalf.

5. Quartz claims shall not exceed 30 feet in length along the course of the lode or vein, by a width not exceeding 100 feet upon each side of the course, for each person; and no claim shall exceed in the whole 120 feet in length by 200 feet in width.

The number of single claims that may be occupied in one block by any party of miners shall be as follows:—

1. In ordinary claims, not more than four sing]e claims. 2. In sluice and machine claims, not more . than five single claims ' 3. .In wet claim?, not morotJian six single

Claims shall be marked by pegs standing at least two feet above the surface of the ground, or by trencles at each' corner thereof: and such pegs or trenches shall be maintained during the occupancy of the ground: Provided, that when any corner cannot be so marked on account of the nature of the ground, such peg or trench may be placed at the nearest practicable point. No person shall be deemed to possess a yalid title to any claim, unless the same shall be fairly worked during the entire period of occupancy ; and any claim un worked beyond the space of twenty-four hours, shall be deemed to be forfeited, unless sufficient* reason, such as sickness or other urgent cause, shall be proved to the satisfaction of the Warden. \

Any person discovering new gold workings, and being desirous of obtaining an increased area thereon, must immediately report such discovery, with full particulars thereof, to the Warden or other proper authority. Discoverers of new gold workings, distant not less than half a mile from existing workings, may have allotted to them an extent of ground not exceeding treble the area oi an ordinary claim; and the discoverers of new gold workings distant not less than ten miles from existing workings, may have allotted them an extent of ground not exceeding quadruple the area of an ordinary claim: Provided, that the increased grant shall not be given to more than four persons composing any party. The discoverer of an auriferous quartz reef may have allotted to him an area not exceeding in the whole 200 feet in length, measured along the course of the lode or vein, by a width of 100 feet upon each side of the course.

Superiority of right to a supply of water shall be determined by priority of occupation, the earlier occupant having the superior right. In all cases, when the occupier claims, under a certificate, or other authority, in writing, granted by a Warden or Commissioner, occupation shall be taken to have commenced at the date of such certificate or authority.

The cutting and formation of races must be commenced within one calendar month from the date of registration, and the occupiers shall continue cutting and forming the same until the work is completed, otherwise any superiority of right to which they may be entitled by virtue of such registration shall be deemed to be forfeited.

If any race is abandoned for the space of one calendar month, at a time when water was available lor it, occupation of the right shall be deemed to have commenced at the last reoccupation thereof.

All right to any race shall become forfeited, if abandoned for the space of one calendar month, unless in cases of sickness or unavoidable absence, or in consequence of failure of water; but it shall be lawful for the Warden, in his discretion, upon sufficient cause being shown, to suspend the operation of this regulation for a further period of one month, and such suspension shall be given in writing to the occupiers.

All race 3 that may hereafter be cut, shall have a point specified at which they shall be taken from the creek or river. In races already cut, the point shall be taken to be the spot from which the race now heads. No person shall shift or alter the head of any race without the written sanction of the Warden, nor to the prejudice of any existing right. The alteration or extension of a race at any time shali not in any way affect any right or privilege attached to such race; and the holders thereof shall, during such alteration or extension, be deemed to be in occupation of all the rights and privileges attached to such, race.