The Southland Times. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1866.

Southland Times, Issue 573, 3 October 1866, Page 2

The Southland Times. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1866.

The evidence that has been adduced during the last two or three months, and the discoveries that have been reported of gold are cogent reasons for the conclusion that Southland is as auriferous as any Province of its size in New Zealand. "We think it no extravagant expectation, if we venture to anticipate, that the discovery and working of the Biverton G-old-fields are but the commencement of the development of extensive mineral wealth that is known to exist in this Province. These goldfields have been gradually and surely established. It has not been in Southland as in many other -parts of the colony, an accidental " find" and " storekeeper's rush," but the result of strong faith and indomitable perseverance. Still we should not be too sanguine, while feeling justified in anticipating that during this spring other auriferous ground of even more value than any yet opened, will be found. It has been demonstrated that gold does exist on the coast in many localities in payable quantities, and that dry diggings of a highly promising character are being worked with profit, and to the satisfaction of all the irdustrious and experienced miners engaged in the uncertain occupation of goldmining. The reports that from time to time have been published confirms a long formed opinion that Southland was auriferous 'from its coast to its inland bounds — that although gold might not be found in such quantities or of so lumpy a character as in some other districts, it was there, and in quantities that would prove remuerative, although, in many instances, it might require the union of capital and labor. Notwithstanding this, we were scarcely prepared for the highly* favorable report of Mr Warden Kogers. Prom it we learn that the average earnings of the miners equal, if not surpass, those of any other gold workings in either New Zealand or Australia. The report to which we allude bears the stamp of truthfulness — of the information having been carefully collected, and from the known intelligence of the writer, can scarcely be impugned. Still, however, sanguine we may be of the future, we Bhould greatly

regret a " rush" to the Province. The gold-fields of Southland are no fields for the loader, or the indifferently industrious wandering miner to succeed. It is only the persevering, setfclec I—niiidad1 — niii dad man that can i work here with profit to himself or benefit to the Province. This class we believe would do well. But the man who j imagines that gold-mining is simply scraping the surface would inevitably meet with disappointment. The previous remarks have had reference simply to the works that are absolutely in progress. In addition to these other discoveries of greater prospective value have been made. Black sand, containing gold, iron, and lead has been brought in from several localities on the coast, on the mainland, and from Stewart's Island. A splendid specimen of ore, containing lead and silver, has been found, and a piece of blue volcanic quartz, thickly impregnated with gold, has been forwarded to town to undergo the crucible test as to its value. In addition to this, a sample of coal — not lignite— has been passed through the furnace, and pronounced good, even for forge purposes. It must not be inferred that we look upon the possession of goldfields as the one thing needful to ensure the progress of the Province. "We look upon the obtainance of gold as only valuable as the means to an end — the permanent settlement of the finders in some less hazardous and more enduring avocation. With goldfields, if we have not increasing agricultural, pastoral, and manufacturing industries, we may be producers of gold, but cannot be long the possessors. We may dig it out of the earth, but must immediately send it away to purchase the conveniences of life. It is at best an uncertain means of bettering the condition of any man, or society of men ; it has, no doubt, been considered by many as in itself a great source of wealth, but history falsifies the belief. Look at the poverty of Spain, who thought herself exempt from the labor of tilling the ground by the conquest of Peru, with its mines of gold and silver, and who, from being ranked as one of the first-rate powers of Europe, has dwindled down to be thirdclass among nations. To come nearer home, let us glance at Victoria duringthe years of its great boasted prosperity. The appearance of enormous riches it had, but agricultural and solid industries were neglected. The gold went out of the country to purchase the necessaries of life till the country was impoverished, and thinking miuds averred that the goldfields had proved a curse rather than a blessing ; and it was not until the colony had gone through a fiery ordeal, and the people purged of their delusion, that it commenced to emerge from a state of commercial depression as intense as was ever experienced. It was not until agricultural and mechanical industries gained the supremacy over mining that the real era of solid prosperity dawned. These are facts that should ever be kept before us, anu Southland, while valuing the riches of its mineral resources, should seek to avoid undue excitement, and inculcate the sentiment that gold is only valuable to a country to the extent it tends to aid the settlement of the people in more steady and permanent avocations. Southland offers many inducements to i the thrifty miner to settle. Its gold workings, though not of surpassing richness, offer the chance to the industrious man of soon being in a position to make for himself a local habitation, while the fertility of the soil, and the free selection Land Law points to the Province as a suitable locality in which to remain.