RIVERTON.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 229, 16 March 1866, Page 4 (Supplement)

RIVERTON.

(from our owk coerespoxdent.) March 9th, 1866. The commencement of the week set in with a particularly busy effect, the jetty looked lively with three vcsels- discharging and re-loading. One, the Marion Renny from Melbourne, the first direct vessel to this port, I am sorry to say, for many months. It is now anticipated, with the new outlet in the Paihi Diggings, that it will not be the last by a long way. Population on the Pfiihi is still increasing. In addition to the many foot Rangers from your city Messrs Cobb and Co. have found it necessary to despatch two extra coaches on the last two dayr entirely for the accommodation o£ diggers on theis way thither. None are returning, and it is more than likely that Commissioner Waldon will bring gold to some amount with him on his return. It will be of paramount importance -to get a tract made at once. Two or three boats have been waiting a fair wind during the whole week to leave with provisions. Fortunately there is no scarcity of good beef on the ground at Is. per lb. "We hear our Nokomai friends are waiting tor the escort return : but tt will not be large at present, for all the diggers are well supplied with money, having just finished shearing etc., etc. The most convenient and direct start for the track will, I believe, be from Dallas's Point, almost opposite the main street here. There must now be about 100 men on the ground, and I have not yet heard a whisper of either discontent or disorder. My inability to proceed to the diggings gives me but a poor opportunity to report of their future prosperity. It is, however, all the talk here, and is causing considerable excitement. I am sorry to say the cutter " Petrol" hus not yet left for Jackson's Bay, to which place she was bound for diggers for the Paihi. The gold discoveries are becoming very im portant, the feeling of mistrust, the reluctance to believe that a genuine goldfield existed in our district has led me to be careful in my statements — to only «ive half the accounts which I believe reliable.* But to the subject matter of my letter. Southland has a goldiield which, although, at present, I would not designate of " surpassing richness," bids fair to prove of great vaiue._ 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 tuey were making good wages (at least £1 per day), and that over many miles he had prospected there was ground for any number of men who would Avork, which would yield from fifteen to thirty shillings a day. He has had considerable experience on the West 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 John M'Lean was brought before the Resident Magistrate on Tuesday lust, for furious riding, it seems from evidence given, the horse became unlnanagablu, a fine of 10s. was therefore inflicted with a caution. The farmers are still busy with the harvests, and I am sorry ,to say this, the potato crop has suffered severely by one or two sharp frosts uuring the week, the weather otherwise huu been good. A considerable quantity of wool still comes nto town. I trust I shall have news something myre substantial to report in roy next,