RIVERTON GOLDFIELDS.
♦ . ■ (FEOM: OTTE OWN COBBESPONDENxi) february 26th, 1866. The gold discoveries are becoming very im« portant, the, feeling of mistrust, the reluctance to believe that a genuine goldfield" existed in J our district has led me to be careful in my statements — to only give half the accounts which I believe reliable. But to the subject 'matter of 'my letter. /. Southland has a goldfield which, although, at present, I would not designate of " surpassing i richness,'.' bids, fairto . prove of great value. A gentleman who arrived from the Pahi^ Diggings last night, states that notwithstanding a number of miners have arrived, all are satisfied,' and acknowledge that they were making good w;ages (at least £1 per day), and" that over many mile* he had prospected there was ground for any number of men who would work, which would yield from fifteen to thirty shillings a day. He has had considerable experience on the Weßt. Coast, and believes that this field will prove of great extent and value. Several parcels of gold have been brought into towd, . and for the most part sent to Invercargill for sale. There can now be no doubt , that a payable goldfield exists. '.'.,'. I have had a party with me to-day who more than confirms all that I had previously heard.. He is an experienced miner, one of a party, the majority of whom are at the West Coast. He has written for all his mates to return at once, and there can be no stronger evidence of his confidence in the place than the fact that to ensure despatch he has forwarded the letter to Invercargill, with instructions to send it on with all haste, at any cost. I send you the name of the party, whom you will acknowledge is a most reliable person! M'Closkey's party came in ' from Longwood on Saturday, and divided £6 per man for the week, after paying all expenses. Others are doing better. . , February 23, 1866. I am happy to state that the man, J. Patterson, has safely returned to his home. He was supposed to Have been lost returning from the Pahi Diggings/ With respect to the man Crutehey* or Adam Eodgers, the previous decision arrived at that this man was drowned, has unhappily turned out too true. His body was found on the opposite side of the river on Monday morning last, the body was in a frightful state, the bottom part being nothing but a complete skeleton. No person, however intimate, would, from his appearance have been able to identify him, but could .: do so from his one-b oot, and a part of his clothing which was left. was found upon his person.- ,An inquest was held at the late post-office on Tuesday, before D. Shee Lawlor, Esq., R. M. and a jury of twelve townsmen. Mr E. Simpson, foreman, when, after an investigation ofthe body, and the examination of several witnesses, a verdict of "Accidentally drowned" was returned, which, from! evidence taken, was undoubtedly the case. During the week a large quantity of wool has come into town for shipment to the Bluff, and with little exception we have had magnificent weather for the crops. Many of the farmers are now harvesting, and the generality of them seem satisfied with their prospects. We were also favored with the exposition of Mr. Bouse Marten's views as a candidate for this district in the General Assembly. Mr. Marten's inexperience as a politician did not give him an opportunity of speaking at such length as will in all probability do when he is a year or two more experienced in that science. Mr. Stafford's speech seemed to have come in time forhim. We were, however, glad to see such courage shown by our would-be representative. Itis a standing disgrace to the , men of" the province who have got brains that they do do not come forward when' requiredfor the public weaL Mr. Marten is a strong; advocate for the agriculturists, and in that respct should receive support ; but we areof opinion here that from the more lengthy aeacquaintance ofthe electors with Mr.D.Hankinspn, that he most probably will carry off thelaurels. The meetingwas pretty wellattended, particularly by the volunteers, and well conducted, and terminated by a vote of thanks to the chairman. The number of diggers at the Patu is still increasing ; but no quantity of gold has yet found its to town. We are all anxiously looking for some ofthe precious metal. Some Maories, I am told have found gold on the beach close to the Pilot Station, there is no doubt whatever, that there is gold, either more or less on the whole of the Ocean Beach in this neighborhood. It will now have a fair trial, which either will prove it to be payable or set the matter at rest. With the exception of one or two civil cases before the Resident Magistrate this morning upon accounts which apparently could not be amicably settled outside, there is nothing further 1 to communicate.
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Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 222, 28 February 1866, Page 2
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837RIVERTON GOLDFIELDS. Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 222, 28 February 1866, Page 2
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