THE AFRICAN GOLD-FIELDS.

Southland Times, Issue 1085, 6 January 1869, Page 3

THE AFRICAN GOLD-FIELDS.

(From the 'Natal Mercury, 1 July 25.) PoTSCHEFSTROOM, JIJNE 29. Last Wednesday, two messengers from the chief Secheli "arrived here, bringing the first direct mail from the Victoriagoldtielda, as they will henceforth be called, Although we were already in possession of about two weeks' later news, direct and explicit letters from Captain Black and Mr Bushe, one of the most intelligent of the party, were welcome indeed. Black tells us that up to the 4th May they had made no largo titids, but that they were working steadily, aud that the prospects were everything that could be desired. An uucominouly large quantity of gold seems to be imbedded in the quartz matrix. They were blasting through a layer of slate rock to get at the true reef, and ab the &ame time working at some old sinkings, made by the natives seemingly huudreus of years ago, in one of which they had gaiued a depth of forty feet. Both the exposed part of the reef and the ditches are only fifty yards off the river. They will have plenty of water for all purposes during the winter, although the river will get very low, or perhaps will be partially dried up. The latter circumstance would be altogether in their favor, as it would afford them easy access to the alluvial deposits in the rivers bed. Game is scarce near the diggings, and Black had to purchase some bullocks to keep his party in meat. He says that in a short time there will be a good market for the following articles : — Oxen, meal coffee, sugar, tobacco, picks, spader, iron, steel, skins, soles, ready made clothing, and woolen shirts. As regards the route (Hartley's), except a stretch of fourteen hours between Matjen's and the Tatin. It only took them nine days from Matjen's to the diggings, so that after all the distance is barely 143 miles. The sample received by this mail is a positive proof of the richness of the reef. Messrs T. Ay res and Pink, who with their respective parties will now have arrived, and who have had long experieuce in California and Australia, will be a valuable assistance in prospecting in the gullies and watercourses.