THE NOKOMAI.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 59, 15 October 1864, Page 3

THE NOKOMAI.

(I'ROM OUR OWN COKIIESrONDENT.)

Nokomai Oct;., llth 1864 I am happy to be ablo to report considerable activity in mining matters hero ; perhaps, however, for tho benefit of such of your readers as have not yet paid this district a visit, it may bo as well to lay down the route for foot passengers. Tho journey is easily made in throe days from Invercargill by a man carrying his " swag " — thus — tho first day to Winton Bush, twenty miles ; second day, to Daniel's Accommodation House, Moonlight Ranges, four miles beyond the Now River, and forty-four miles from town ; and tho third day, to M'Donald's Accommodation House, Rogers' Station (Athol), seventy or seventy-two inilos from town. At this place the branch road to tho Nokomai is shown to travellers, and tho distance, some six or seven miles, easily done beforo broakfast next morning. From Athol to tho Nokomai, various parties of miners arc afc work ; but the township itself is calculated, on entering it for the first time, to give the idea that little can be doing, as it looks in fact almost deserted. This, however, is owing to the now rush up the Creek which, commencing at the lower end of the township, has now reached a distance of eight or ton miles, and daily claims are being taken up still further. There are somo hunch-eels of miners at worn, and a visit of inspection soon removes any doubt as to the genuineness of the Nokomai goldfields. Great expectations are formed as to the return these Crock claims wilt give ; and should only a small part be realised, the township will doubtless bo removed bodily from its present site to a distance of about five miles up tho Creek, where already sonic storekeepers are located. The labor is hard, and of course the workingis very wet ; but tliese things are little thought of. Many of the older claims on the Creek have obtained rich finds ; and gold being obtainable all up the Creek inspires tho hopo that the claims lately taken uj> and not yet bottomed will amply repay for the toil now undergoing to obtain it. Many mine: s havo lately, and are still coming from tho Lakos, and one good sign is the small number of idle men to be seen. Strong men, with a knowledge of sluicing, can always obtain work in sufficient quantity to keep them well — such being paid for, when required, at the rate of twenty shillings per day. Several of fho late arrivals in Invercargill by the immigrant ships are here, and have taken claims up tho Creek. The mining parties generally average from six to eight men, and the majority of them have funds sufficient to enable them to work their claims successfully. The country, therefore, will doubtless be fairly worked ; and if the new rusli turns out but half, as well aa the old ivorkings, tlie NokomaJ -w-jll recall to our recollection the golden times of old. I will in my nexfc give you full particulars of the Water Wheel Company's claim, in which several of the townspeople arc interested, and whicli it is thought will go to a great depth before bottoming. Provisions are nearly as cheap as in Invercargill, and board from twenty-five to thu'fcy shillings per week only. No one shoidd come without bringing a tent ; they are scarce, and all of them well occupied. I regret to say that on Sunday evening a serious disturbance took place amongst a party of men who had been drinking, during which Constable Daly was struck a violent blow on the head with the back of an axe, and felled to the ground. The button on his uniform cap was completely bent in. The cut was a very severe one, the brain being laid open. He is, however, I believe considered out of immediate danger. Tho man was arrested by some miners, and taken to tlie camp, whero four special constables were sworn in to guard all night, as it was feared a rescue might be attempted. All passed off quietly, and early the next morning 1 he was forwarded to Queenstown, the lock-up hero consisting of a small tent, six feet by eight feet. The commissioner's house, however, is nearly finished, and I suppose a proper lock-up and Police Court will. now be built. Inspector Purcoll, accompanied'by Dr. Ryley, came from Queenstown on Sunday evening to attend to the constable. Gold is 3d. an ounce here over the Bank of Otago, price, Invercargill, which bank, the miners say, give 3 the best price in your town ; and at Queenstown 6d. an ounce over Invercargill price is given, and this accounts why so little of the metal finds its way to you. It has been suggested to me that a medical man would find an opening here. Should, however, any gentleman entertain the idea, he had better come first on a visit of inspection, and judge for himself. I may add that the Mataura diggings on the Southland side, are still giving good wages to the parties working. Gold per ounce, £3 14s. 63. to £3 14 9d.