THE GOLDFIELDS OF QUEENSLAND.

Tuapeka Times, Volume 1, Issue 14, 16 May 1868, Page 3

THE GOLDFIELDS OF QUEENSLAND.

We abridge the following from the '•'Brisbane Courier " :—: —

The census represent the population of Nashville and its vicinity to consi&t of 6,200 souls, of whom between three and four are miners. Now it is demonstrable that this is wrong. More than 4,000miners' rights were taken out at Nashville, and these documents are available all through Queensland. Is it not perfectly well known that thousands came from the Calliope, Peak Downs, and Crocodile diggings 1 Is it not ejisy of belief, too, that many are now on Gympie Creek who have no miners' rights at all ! The population cannot be less than from 10,000 to 12,000. Of these, how many are doing well ? The escort on the last two occasions brought down 2,200 ounces of gold each time. If we were to judge from the stores and public houses, we should receive corroboration of this view, as the numbers are vast, ana a roaring trade is driven ; and although with greac reservation, we think we should be justified in giving some weight to the fact. I should say that at least 2,000 men are doing well — that is, are making considerably more than their livelihood — that 3,000 are barely obtaining the means of life, and that from 3,000 to 5,000 are

absolutely doing nothing. Some time ago the "Nashville T.mes," in its editorial article, alluded to the fact that the character of the diggings was being injured by the misrepresentations of loafers, who were too idle to work. The consequence of this was that on Tuesday evening, the 24th, about 2,000 infuriated persons assembled in front of the office, and expressed their determination to destroy the premises — nor were there wanting some truculent hints about burying certain persons beneath the ruins. The editor came outside, and was informed that the specific allegation was that which I have just mentioned, together with the general charge of illusory representations of the richness of the produce. In a temperate and manly speech he refuted the accusations, and they separated after saying that they would give him a respite until Saturday. I sincerely hope that they have changed their evil intentions. Now, this circumstance show 3

that there must be great distress. It ia pitiable to see thousands of strong, willing men, many of them with families, totally unable to procure even food ; but they are greatly mistaken in reference to the "Nashville Times." That paper has ever shown much caution in its statements, and has invariably, and with earnestness, striven to dissuade persons from coining to the diggings until additional gold country should be discovered. Strange to say, the next morning I saw a a bucket of stuff washed out of Dodd's ;

three men had been at work only four days, and I guessed that at least fifty ounces of gold were in the bucket. In the course of the day I was told tho amount was twelve pounds weight, but I will not vouch for this. Three days before this I saw one of the party, a fine intelligent man, prostrated by low fever, and as I guessed from mental disquietude. He was ' down on his luck,' and his money was gone. The discovery acted like magic on his enfeebled frame. He arose in the morning pennyless ; before nightfall he was worth £200. "It is alluvial diggings alone that can sustain large numbers ; and there are no large alluvial flats in the district like those of Victoria. I believe that gold reefs are to be found for many miles on either side of Nashville ; but reefs' are always in the hands of a few individuals. The sure prospects of Gympie lie in the reefs : and it amazes me to see parties go off prospecting for mile 3, leaving onehalf of the neighboring reefs untried. It is to be hoped that first-class crushing machines will be sent up, as bad ones will be disastrous in more ways than one."