OREPUKI DIGGINGS.

Southland Times, Issue 922, 25 March 1868, Page 2

OREPUKI DIGGINGS.

(fbom a coebespondent). I have just returned from the above goldrworkings, and have to report that there is not much apparent change since I was last there. The population at present consists of about seventy workers, most of whom purpose washing up at the end of the month. One parcel of gold sent down this week (Smithson's and party) weighed forty-seven ounces and was the produce of two mens' work since the commencement of the year. The prospects of this gold-field are healthy. Much ground is being taken up under the " Mining Leasing Regulations," and when operations are fairly commenced, it will give profitable employment to a number of wages men. The pay for working men is £3 per week and found, which is equal to about fourteen shillings per day. Provisions are almost as chaep here as in town, notwithstanding that owing to the prevalence of westerly winds, the boats with fresh supplies have not been able to reach Orepuki for six or seven weeks. Although in some instances, the claims do not at present give the miner satisfactory returns, generally speaking they are doing well, and when more perfect appliances are obtained, I believe that the returns will be greatly increased, and a profitable field for the industrious opened up.