THE SHOTOVER.

Southland Times, Volume 2, Issue 96, 2 October 1863, Page 3

THE SHOTOVER.

(From the Correspondent of the Wakatip Mail.) Arthur's Point, Sept. 22. The splendid weather with which we have been favored during the last two weeks hasbeen justly prized hy the miners on the Shotover, and renewed activity is to be seen on every hand. The perseverance of Cartwright and party has resulted in the discovery of new workings, whioh for richness have not been equalled since the early days of the Shot'iver. Meredith and party have also taken out some excellent paddocks of dirt ; while Moore and party in* the adjoining bank have uncovered some first-rate wash dirt, proving that ground of no ordinary character has been discovered in both beach and bank. Many claims have been marked, and shares cannot be had at any reasonable price. A numberof huts, which for solidity and comfort could not he surpassed on the river, having withstood the late floods, will now have to be removed before the advance ofthe miners. Much dissatisfaction exists amongst the miners of this locality, owing to the abortive manner in which the Warden acted on the occasion of his last visit, thereby sadly paralysing and laying an embargo on the efforts of the miners, by a rninous delay — unnecessary, inasmuch as the merest tyro acting in his capacity should have seen the impropriety of removing a party who prospect a beach from tbat portion of it in which they are procuring their gold. It is to be hoped that a speedy settlement of the disputes now pending may be arrived at, so that the miners may resume their occupation. The Upper Race party have, during the last three weeks, been working with a zeal ancl determination which reflects great credit on them. Considerable trouble and difficulties met thsm at the onset of this undertaking, but the judicious steps taken by the gentlemen in charge have removed the greater portion of them, and the work itself, when completed and connected with the lower party, will be the largest and most important on this or any other river in New Zealand. The sluicing parties on the East Beach have but little cause to complain since the inlroduction of sheet-iron drilled full of holes, instead of the usual false bottoms ; dirfc of a very inferior kind can be made to pay. I mention this, as any improvement in the method of obtaining gold is of importance to miners, as the usual false bottom being made of the soft wood of this country wants continual replacing. On the Big Beach a number of races bave been completed. Many paddocks have been taken out within these few days, and tbe prospects are most encouraging *' Charity upon the hope would dwell" that a few "weeks favorable weather might still continue and enable them to retrieve some of the losses which they, in common with nearly all have sustained during the past winter.