PROCLAMATION READ.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 1924, 4 March 1875, Page 2

PROCLAMATION READ.

(FEOM OITE SPECIAL EEPOBTEE.)

Mackay Town,

Wednesday.

A fine bright morning—promising a warm day—broke over the' dusty, dirty spot, and upon the faces of excited men who were preparing to run the race to the Prospectors' Claim as soon as the proclamation opening this long-looked-for district was read. From nearly daybreak knots of men were to be eeen in conclave arranging their plans of operations, and after the hurried breakfast all were collecting about the Warden's quarters* The officials were here engaged during the greater part of the night preparic g for supplying in the quickest manner possible the Miners' Eights to those excited and eager gold-seekers. During the night there was little done in the way of sleep, men seeming almost too excited to think of bed. The business places were crowded, and a considerable amount of drinking was carried on. Captain Fraser, Mr Mackay, and Mr Allom were at their work at an early hour, and by 10 o'clock everything was in readiness for expeditiously issuing the rights. As the hour drew near the representative men from the numerous parties out in the ranges gathered round, and hung on to the stout fence, placed as a sort of protection in front of the Warden's offices. Every watch in the township vas regulated, and Captain Fraser was duriug the morning bothered by the men as to the. correct time, or that kept by his watch. The Prospectors' Claim being on the opposite side of the creek from the township, the horses to be used were collected on the spur facing the Warden's Court, as most of the men considered it better to cross the creek on foot, the bed being, boulders difficult for a horse to cross in a hurry, and pick up their steeds on the top of the spur. This course was followed by all except Adam Porter, who had his horse tied to the bushes on the township side of the creek, which, as it turned out, gave him a considerable advantage. Every horse in the district was engaged, and rumors were current that fabulous sums were offered for the use of fast horses for the occasion—one man it was said offered £50 for a steed. The Belle of the Isle and Potentate were also on the ground, although neither carried the first. man of the prospectors after the issue of the rights. The time hung very heavily on the hands of those waiting, and the hour from nine to 10 o'clock will long be remembered by many. The excitement was immense as 10 o'clock drew near, but still there was not the slightest sign that any disturbance would take place. All seemed.impressed with the idea that the very best had been done by the

authorities, and fair play would be given to every man.