COLLINGWOOD. [FROM A CORRESPONDENT.]

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 424, 15 November 1861, Page 3

COLLINGWOOD. [FROM A CORRESPONDENT.]

. . Nov. 3,1801. It is some time since I addressed you on the state of our gold-fields; absence from home must plead excuse. This district has suffered to a certain extent by the two rushes—the Bailer and Otagomany of oar non-leaseholding diggers went away to either one or the other. Those who remained steady to their claims have been doing very well; —-you will notice by our exports the number of ounces sent to Nelson has been on the increase; when placed against the number of men at work (148), we can shew an average equal to, if not exceeding, many other said to be richer diggings ; our leaseholders are employing men, and paying 10s. per diem. Take for instance the Otago diggings—the last escort brought down 16,000 ozs! ; they have there a population amounting to 12,000, which yields 1 oz. 6 dwts. 16gis. por man for a fortnight's work, or 13 dwts. 8 grg. per week, which equals £2 10s. at 3*. 91 per dwt., or Bs. 4dl per day — place this in juxtaposition with the Aorere 12s. per day, the average acknowledged to be a fact; remember, also, that the provisions in Otago are 150 per cent dearer than here, and no f».irof being 'stuck-up' to the trees, &c. The. effect of a large number of men congregated in so short a time on a limited gold-field such as Gtago, at present shows, must produce an infinity of dis.----j tress and misery; alseady there the mea are leaving and are returning (those that can do bo), aodi others endeavoring to procure employment. I expect we shall have ah influx into this district shortly, and should they pursue the same descrip^ t ion of digging as carried out here (ground sluicing)* we shall be able to show the Aorere goldfields a.re second to none, either in the quantity of gold obtained, or the quantity of good payable ground as yet untouched or unfrod, \ye hayerpom for as many industrious steady diggers as may come, but the rowdy mob we would rather eschew. ; 1 am happy to inform you that applications for leases are still being made in various parts, and so soon as the Parapara rocks are surrendered there will be numbers more. I learn the Nelson Gold; Company have leased their water-fluming to soma resident diggers in Golden Gully; this is in the right direction, and great credit is due to thesespirited young men who have ohtained their present position by the sweat of their brow, and *uiv. tiring energy and industry, I may safely assert our diggings are in the healthiest state they were ever in. . 'Mr. J. Knyvett and party started for the West Coast via Aorere Valley ten days ago, and have returne , having met with some difficulties; they reached the Brown river and then turned back. 1 trust they will not relinquish the undertaking after two parties have successfully perfected the journey to the Heaphy. The Takaka diggings are doing well; new ground has been broke in a gully at the head of the Makaka river, about half-way between Takaka and Collingwood; as they are only in their infancy, I can say nothing regarding their value. Biy-the-by your Takaka correspondent seems, as Brother Jonathan would say, to have been * considerable riled ' at the absence of our Resident Magistrate ; does he think the Resident Magistrate has not the rivers to cross as well as himself ? There have been but two court days missed; therefore, his six trip's; as regards four of them, were perfectly voluntary; the magistrate is not, neither can he be übiquitous. I suggest he should cease writing if he cant write facts, Is he affected with that ; dreadful malady caaoethes scriben<ii, if bo, he is much to be pitied. &£ ft .U generally saiwi'ieM *n inourftbje, d^ase, . ' ■ T^