RIVERTON.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 236, 2 April 1866, Page 2

RIVERTON.

(from our own correspondent.) March 29th, 1866. The inclemency of the weather, during the whole week, has given me no opportunity of learning the success of the mining population of the Pahi. A few ounces of amalgamated gold was brought in and the party has again returned. Several others have been to town, purchased apphances, and intimated their intention of returning to set in in right earnest. Tho population at the Paihi is steadily increasing, each day brings a few diggers from some quarter or other; att of whom intend to go and look for themselves. A seeious accident occurred which I am afraid, combined with the slow action of the Government in not immediately cutting a bridle track, is only the first of a series. Fortunately, through the most marvellous pluck of the noble feUow, tbe accident did nob result in- loss" of life. Mr Durbridge, junr., and a foreigner left on Sunday morning for the Paihi in their boat. For some ' unaccountable reason Mr Durbridge left the boat at Kolac Bay to walk to the Paihi, teUing the man if he could manage the boat to proceed singlehanded. This he did. The wind dropped, and the boat was making a considerable quantity of water, he attempted again to make for Riverton, but found he could not manage the boat and bail her at the Bame time. The boat upset, and he reports having clung to the bottom of the boat upwards of' twenty hours, and seeing that the ebb-tide was again drifting him out to sea, swam to the shore, which he reached in an exhausted state. After obtaining some temporary assistance from the Maoris, he walked to D. S. Lawlor, Esq.'s resi« dence, where he obtained food and clothing, afterwards proceeding to Riverton. The boat was loaded with general stores, all of wliich were lost. Mr. Tale and other proceeded, after receiving the information, in search of the boat, but up to this time nothing has been heard of her. In a somewhat similar manner the same man was previously castaway .in the Mediterranean for several days. Notlnng of interest has occurred in the Resi^ dent Magistrate's Court. The harvest has been n-ightfuhy delayed by the change of the weather. The farmers report that the potato crop is a complete failure this season. Though this is a most promising district, I was sorry to observe that no prizes, o* even exhibits, in. the late Horticultural Show distinguished River- , ton. .....: In the meantime, , I have nothing further to report. > ■ - " ' '• ' ' .