OREPUKI DIGGINGS.

Southland Times, Issue 757, 2 December 1867, Page 1 (Supplement)

OREPUKI DIGGINGS.

(from our own correspondent.) . Orepuki, 27th Nov., 1867. For some considerable time past the prospects of this district have been looking up. Considering the limited population and inclemency of the weatber the returns have exceeded expectations. Those working are, with few exceptions, making from £7 to £10, and some up to £15 per week per man. Indeed I have heard that in some instances as much as £20 has been realised. In many of the old 1 claims a second bottom has teen found, with exceedingly rich wash-dirt, and ib is estimated that some of the claims will give occupation for two or three years to come. Taylor and party have finished their water race, and commenced ground sluicing. This race has cost upwards of £500. "Walker and party, old Orepuki diggers, who went to the "West Coast and lately returned, are bringing in a race of equal value. They are very sanguine as to the result of their enterprise. Macintosh, and party are forming a second race which will cost about £200, and give work for some years ; where sluice heads are obtainable, the results are invariably satisfactory. The parties working in Shand's old claim are taking out more gold than was obtained at any former period. This may be accounted for by the fact that water is now much more plentiful. Indeed the general idea seems to be that these diggings if systematically worked will afford profitable employment for a considerable population, but it will require ,a combination of capital and labor. It speaks well for the character of these Diggings that there is not an unemployed man on the ground, and at the present time any who have not the means to stick in on their own account can find profitable employment for their labor. Evidence is not wanting of gold existing in most of the creeks and guilies along a great portion of the country hereabouts. Our "Warden has gone to inspect a track that has lately been cut from the Tanuoa Creek to the Purapurakino. Two other contracts have been taken for forming tracks from the Taunoa to Connors, and from thence to the old Longwood diggings..; .It is expectoi that they will be completed by the endof^^