COLLINGWOOD DIGGINGS.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 323, 23 November 1860, Page 2

COLLINGWOOD DIGGINGS.

[from otjr OWN CORRESPONDENT.].: Generally speaking, the miners are satisfied with their present claimß. The few parties working in Appoo's Gully are doing well; I hear as a proof some of the diggers have been purchasing cattle, to enable them to enjoy the luxury of fresh milk and butter.,

The Lightband's Gully Company are well satisfied with their returns; I see they have advertised for a good cook, one who thoroughly understands her business ; this is certainly a new era in an Aorere digger's life—they even determine the sex. .

All parties in Golden Gully are fully employed, and with good receipts.

The Slate River parties are mainly working leased ground, and are well repaid for their labor.

The late heavy rains unfortunately keep some back —for instance, the Devil's Hill Company, who invariably, hitherto, when ready to lift the precious metal f are thrown back by the floods. Certainly they deserve credit for their indomitable energy in prosecuting their arduous enterprise, after having experienced so many drawbacks.

I hear a few parties have again set in at Rocky River. Snow's Rush and Upper Anatoki still deserted.

Lower Anatoki still produces sufficient to keep a few diggers there. A good many have left and gone to the new diggings at Waikarobubu: these diggings induce a good number to remain there profitably. I see some of your Nelson residents there, and some new faces. ? The Metallurgic Company at the Parapara are steadily preparing for action, and will shortly be in a position to test the capabilities of their large block; it is a good sign to see comfortable tents erected-*-not ' temporary but permanent structures. The Quartz Ranges Company (the most distan t diggings), with all their disadvantages as regards transit of every article required, are contented with their hard earned returns; they have done good work since they commenced. I am told in a month or so they will require employed labor in addition to their own individual exertions.

Applications for leases are still on the increase. Our Resident Magistrate continues to give every satisfaction, and has his time fully occupied.

I hear some nuggety gold has been found of larger than the usual size in Cole's Gully. I have not 6een them ; they may find their way to Nelson.

The inland road from this to Nelson will shortly be open for traffic, and will be much used; in fact, even now, in its unfinished state, there is an increase of. traffic. . I hear many enquiries made from leaseholders and others as to what wages will settle down to; some are waiting until an uniform rate can be adopted— the sooner this is accomplished the better; it will, I think, induce many good men to come over All that is wanted now ia a fair day's wage for a fair day's work. Capital and labor (skilled) will do everything for this district. to

The contractors for the Slate River Bridge are preparing their timber and bringing it from the bush to the intended site; they have got all felled that is required—the sawn stuff all ready. ,

I trust you will not think I have trespassed too much on your time; it is better you should have a succinct account of the whole diggings generally, than to mention only isolated parties, as was the case the other week in that strange epistle, published under the signature of "An Old Hand at the Diggings." The writer evidently rejoiced to Bee himself •in print, even at the expense of a total want of knowledge, and exaggerations. It' is rumored over here the mariu^ script was returned thrice before the meaning could be arrived at, the spelling and grammar being so purely original. One or two suggested a penny subscription being raised, to enable the writer to attend a night school. Enough. The old hands had a good laugh over it, and forgot it.