SWITZER'S RUSH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 316, 24 December 1862, Page 6

SWITZER'S RUSH.

The following official report has been placed at our disposal by the Provincial Government :—

Police Department, Commissioner's Office, Dunedin, December 19th, 1862. Sir,—-I do myself the honor to state for your information that the non-commissioned officer (Sergt. Bayly) named in the margin, has visited the recently discovered gold workings on Mr Switzer's run, and from his report on the subject, there appears to be a population of about two hundred (200) at present on the field. The present workings are confined to the banks of the creek, which rises in the Umbrella Ranges, and forms a junction with the Waikaia about seven miles below Messrs Cox and Shand's station. No regular lead of gold seems yet to have been discovered. The earnings of the miners engaged have not therefore been very large, the average appearing to be from £6 to £8 per week. j Provisions, with the exception of meat, appear to be scarce, the want of flour being most felt, there being none on the field, and the run holders in. the neighbourhood have already disposed of their stock. Firewood is plentiful and timber suitable for mining purposes is to be obtained within four milesl Prices of provisions range at about—sugar 2s. 6d. per lb., tea, ss*. 6d,, meat Is., flour Is. 6d. I have the honor to be sir, Your most obedient servant, J. K. Wei/Dok, Pro Commissioner of Police. To the Provincial Secretary.