OTAGO.

Southland Times, Volume 2, Issue 108, 30 October 1863, Page 3

O T A GO.

(-FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) DUNEDIN, Monday, Oct. 25th. The r.evr "West 'Taieri Diggings, after having been pronounced one of the richest goldfields, with an inexhaustible area, was within a few hours condemned as a "duffer."' Then it again went into public favor was again rushed and declared to be only a very middling field indeed. To-day it is pronounced once more, tire richest diggings in Otago, and perhaps with some reasonable ground for thinking so. One party of diggers netted fifty pounds weight of the precious metal, and several others from four to five pounds weight, all within a few days. Mr Warden Williams has sent in his official report of this field to Mr 'Commissioner Pyke, and he certainly speaks of its vast extent and richness -with great confidence. There are about three thousand persons on the ground, and this morning over a hundred drays have left Dunedin laden with provisions and general stores. The news has gTeatly revived our drooping spirits, for I assure you there vras many a black countenance when the rash was first pronounced a " sell." The following is the Warden's report of the new field : — West Taieri Gold Field, 2ith October, 1863. Sir— l have the honour to report that according to instructions I proceeded to the "West Taieri Gold Field on the 23rd inst. (October). On my visiting the ground I found upwards of 1000 miners centred at Nicholes Gully — the gully iv which the prospecting claim n-as granted. The deposits are" very rich in this gully; gold has been traced from the creek into the hills on either side. The depth of the washdirt varies according to the undulations of the reef, being from six to twelve inches. As the hills rise, the depth of sinking becomes greater. The deepest claim I have seen in which golu is being procured is sixteen feet, bottoming on to soft blue slate. The washdirt is- soft cement and red gravel. Some of the yields ha\'e been largje. All who have claims here nre doing well ; the gold is generally distributed. Occasionally rich deposits are formed where the reef dips ; as much as five and six ounces has been washed from a tin dish of dirt. The miners do not hesitate to show their gold (which is coarse and crystallized), or to tell of their success. Many parties have divided from ten to twelve ounces per man for a day's work. In many instances fabulous quantities are named, which J have no doubt in many cas»s have been got, but judging from the cheerful manner the miners work, I should say they are generally doing well* There are several gullies in the district similar in formation to Nicholas Gully, where gold is found in more than payable quantities, the most particular being Sailor's Gully, Blackman's Gully, and Tucker Gully. In Sailor's Gully large finds are said to have been got, and from the disputes already requiring my presence, I should, judge the miners hold a favorable opinion of it. In Blackman's Gully I saw seven ounces procured by two men in one day. On the hill at the entrance to the township, a Quartz Reef has been opened. The prospectors previous to my arrival applied to the Sergeant in charge for aprospecting claim ; they have not yet renewed the application. From the general appearance of the country, lam of opinion that a large portion of it is auriferous, in a greater or less degree; as the gullies join the Oeep Stream, the gold becomes fine and not so rich as at the source, where it is coarse and shotty, pieces weighing from one to two ounces having been found. There are numerous parties coming on to the ground, distributing themselves in the Rully. I will not be over estimating the population at 2000. I have the honor to be sir, Your obedient servant, Chas Williamson. Vincent Pyke, Esq. R. M. Gold Fields' Secretary, Dunedin. The first escort will arrive in Dunedin this afternoon, and we are nil feverish as to the probable quantity to be brought down. Last Thursday's escort from the Lake and Dunstan districts brought down sixteen thousand ounces of gold, which considering what very severe weather we have had up to within three days ago is reckoned very good. I have nothing of any interest or importance to communicate to you this time beyond the mining intelligence already given. Trade has revived greatly and the markets are looking up. The Melbourne steamers come crowded with passengers and leave empty. At our theatre, the Ghost has-' disappeared, and has been replaced by Miss Matthews, an actress of great repute in light comedy. The most active preparations are being made for the coming of the " All England Eleven." Our men have set to practice in good earnest, and Mr Shadrach Jones has imported Mr Fred. D. Hamilton, of sporting celebrity in Victoria, to manage the whole thing. The affair is to be got up regardless of expense. Here are two letters: —One from jolly old George Parr, once the greatest cricketer the world ever saw, to George Marshall, of Melbourne. The other from Marshall to Mr Carrick, our cricket secretary. LUlywhite's, 13th August, 1863." Mr George Marshall, Swanston-street, Melbourne. Dear Sir — I write a few hurried lines, so as to catch the outgoing mail to Melbourne, to let you know that I have just returned from Liverpool after taking and paying the cabin passnges for our All England Eleven, or rather twelve. All of the team will come whose names you have already received, and such dozen players at all points of fcho game have nevor yet been brought into any.cricket field, for they are the picked men of both the "AIL England" and "United" cricketers, who have

been" playing such' desperate and wonderful games against pno another They are full of spirits_ at the fci ip, for the former lot 'who were in Australia ore always giving stunning accounts of their hospitable treatment, l?nere won*t be only a dozen visitors from ;thi3 side the " herring pond," however, for several of our young lords arid squires (who always and often play "with; or against us) have declared their intention of openly sailing in our company, and sticking to Us through our cricket 'travels. — ' '"' I write this from Lillys "headquarters," having come here to meet those of the players I can,, and to post a notice that the Great Britain goes to sea 'on the 15th October instead of the 17th as I told you in my last. . ' •-. : Hoping to shake hands with you long before "Christraas, and to show your plucky colonials such a taste of cricket as they have never yet seen. I remain, yours truly, v Geoihje Paeb, A. E. E. 1 Melbourne, 12th October, 1863. Carrick, Esq., Dunedin% Deab Sib, — I have much pleasure in informing you that I have concluded negotiations with Mr Shadrach Jones of your city > for a^ visit of the English Crickpters, Mr Jones (who left by the Aldinga) will put you in possession of all details, . and I may therefore content myself by saying that the terms agreed upon are, for Mr Jones to pay ; all travelling and other expenses, and £3,500 for the services ot the team for threo matches. I must congratulate your colony upon having such an ardent, enthusiastic, and liberal representative ; as Mi* Jones, and with the best wishes for the : success of the speculation. \ I am, dear sir, Yours truly, •: Geokge Makshall.