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Southland Times, Issue 867, 18 December 1867, Page 2

The paddle steamer Geelong, Capt. Hart, with His Honor this Superintendent of Otago and party, arrived alongside the wharf at 4 p.m. oh Sunday, 15th inst, on the return passage from the West Coast. The Geelong passed this port on Friday night, the 6th inst., for the westward, with favorable weather, which continued until the 13th inst., when thick easterly weather was experienced. On the up voyage, called at Preservation Inlet, arid found Messrs Hutchinson and Coates just returned from an exploring expedition round the coast to Daggs' Sound. They reported having been compelled to take shelter in a cave for five days through stormy weather ; and found no coal at Coal River, but a beach of hornblende. On Chalky Island, washed ashore, this party had discovered a figure head, representing a sailor, with the head knocked off, apparently having belonged to a large ship. In this locality a valuable collection of new plants and shrubs was procured. His Honor the Superintendent and party, in boats, explored Preservation Inlet, and discovered there and along the coast-line granite formation, similar to Aberdeen, and in great abundance, and easy of shipment. On inspection, Shalkv Island proved to be composed of sandy, ay slate, and not noi; una-Mc, asr 1*25 niciisrto-been-" supposed. This slate will, probably, at some future time, be found useful for paving purposes. The Geelong then steamed through Dusky Sound, and passed out by Breaksea passage. In the Sound the party ascended a mountain, estimated to be 3,300 feet in height. The view inland from its summit showed nothing but broken mountain peaks. A record of this visit was placed under a large slab, and and the mountain named Mount Duncan, and the range, Macandrew Range. A party landed in surf boats at Transit Beach, south of Milford Sound, to prospect, but did not find any auriferous indications. The vessel next anchored in Freshwater Basin, in Milford Sound, and the party explored the country. The scenery iu this part is reported to be indescribable, and one of the grand sights of the world. Next proceeded to the provincial boundary in Big Bay. The river here, the Awarua, was found not available for the steamer. No people were seen here, although some stores were found near the shore. The steamer then returned to Martin's Bay, and a party crossed the bar in a boat with the greatest ease, the channel being both straight and commodious, and perfectly available for such steamers as the Geelong — the head of the lake i3 also accessible by steamers or sailing craft. This bar is pronounced superior to either the Grey or Hokitika. At this place, between the sea and lake is a considerable quantity of bush land available for settlement, the timber being heavy, with luxuriant vegetation, and a fine climate. From this locality is the best track to Lake Wakatip, and the impressions were that this place was altogether a most favorable spot for settlement. An accident here occurred, which nearly had a fatal termination. A boat going ashore to fetch one of the party, attempted to ci'oss the bar at the wrong time of the tide, and was capsized. The crew were twice washed off the keel, to which they clung, and one man nearly drowned; but all were rescued by a boat which had been sent back for provisions. After spending three days about Lake M'Kerrow, the party returned to the steamer, which then left for South. A number of rabbits were turned loose in Milford Sound and Martin's .Bay. On arrival at Preservation Inlet, they found the party in charge of the coal discovery, thinking of abandoning it. as, although the superficial indications are promising, it is doubtful whether the field is sufficiently extensive for the necessary outlay to open and work it. There are many parts of the coast, between Dusky and Big Bays, pronounced to be available for settlement, the soil being good, and an abundance of fish. Through the Geelong not being taken over the bar in Martin's Bay, the party of diggers on board had no proper opportunity or time to thoroughly prospect the place ; the question, therefore, of its auriferous nature, remains undecided. The Geelong put in to this port for a supply of coal, which she received this morning from the s.s. Taranaki, alongside the wharf. She sailed again for Dunedin at 11 a.m.