The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1883.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4675, 31 December 1883, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1883.

Although not a source of "gushing congratulation " to the people, the past year has been, when its only industry is considered, not altogether an unsatis-, factory one. In comparison with the gold returns of last year, this year shews an increase of nearly eleven thousand ounces, and even allowing that a large quantity of this treasure was the produce of one mine, it must not be forgotten that a larger field of operations has been opened owing to prospecting being diligently carried on; and a discovery, fraught wi th the utmost importance to the field, viz. —the discovery of gold in the deep levels on the field, has been made. Seeing that this production of our only staple has exceeded that of last year, we would point oat the absurdity of a cry being indulged in, to the effect that we are "going down hill." In addition to this one source of wealth, we have, as we have from time to-time pointed out, other means of revenue, and of employing our labor, and this is by the establishment of local industries. We have, in previous issues, written all that need be said in favor of the existence of those benefits within our district, and we are glad to learn that our labors are bearing fruit, as steps are now being taken—with, every promise of success—to float a company in the interests of the leather industry, and other similar movements ..are being agitated. The plentiful supply of water and raw material at hand for the prosecution of many in> dustries are prolific sources of productive development. Altogether the appearances before us are not of so " sorry a hue " as to effect a declension in our prospects, to cause the people to look forward to a season of depression, or reduce the strong confidence in the field which has been engendered by its past performances. There is every probability of the coming year opening auspiciously, both as regards mining matters and those industrial; and with a full faith in the future of the field, and a belief in a speedy development of its many othefr resources, .we will wish our many readers .