O'Donell the Prospector Shot At.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 170, 18 September 1886, Page 4

O'Donell the Prospector Shot At.

The steamer Sikh arrived at Cooktown from Hongkong via Port Darwin and Thursday Island. She brings wBO w 80 diggers from Fort Darwin, returning from Kimberley, who all decry the place as unfit for a dog to live in The cargo includes 800 toas of tea for New Zealand, and in all she carries about igOO tons of general cargo for all ports. A few hours before the Sikh left Porfc Darwin, the Menmuir arrived with 180 re turned diggers. Kimbertey official and press telegrams state that teams returning to Derby describe the road as good. Alluvial gold is becoming scarce, owing to the lack ot water, diggers having rushed too soon. The Cambridge is reported »3 impioneer 100 drays • from the Gulf to the fields, only 10 of which arrived there, and they nearly empty. One party of diggers shot at O'Donnell, * who is now under police protection. Many teams are returnihg from the fields without money or rations. ■ Experienced men have returned to Derby, but intend going back. Parties are going to Derby daily. Warder Price fell from his horse on route to the fieWe and dislocated his shoulder. There are 2, 000 men on the fields at the present time, and some practicable Mr O'Donnellundertookto of the parties are doing well. The reports of results are conflicting as to alluvial gold, One party sank 20ft. on the reef and were successful.