THE SUTHERLAND DIGGINGS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 73, 3 July 1869, Page 6

THE SUTHERLAND DIGGINGS.

Hrlmsdale, Monday, April 12.

The gold-fever excitement has considerably abated since free digging; has been put n stop to, and very little is now hoard of the Buccess of the diggers, only it is known that the average j lack continues to be maintained. Up to Saturday last 145 licenses were issued, so that the number of licenses represents the number of diggers at work on the Kildonan and Suisgill burns. A few of those, however, who paid their pound and were not so successful as they expected, have got tired of the business and gone home. On the other hand, it is expected that some forty or fifty additional licenses will be given out this week, raising the number of licensed diggers to 200. The Crown royalty of 10 per cent, on the value of the gold found was collected on Saturday ; but we have not heard what amount was received. The Crown tax has to be paid weekly, 'wo understand. A good deal of dissatisfaction exists in reference to the impost of a pound a month, and the oppressive tax of a 10 per cent. A digger who earns a pound a week, to meet these requirements has to pay 7s, leaving only 13s to himself. Such high terms acts as a prohibition to those that cannot pay the money in advance. Many would willingly pay from 7s to 10s a month who could not raise a pound. It is hoped that the monthly charge will be reduced to such a figure as will enable many of the poor and unemployed people in the neighbourhood to take advantage of the diggings, more especially at a time when no other remunerative work can be procured. No sales of gold could be effected here on Saturday night last. The jewellers having withdrawn their orders, the local agents were not in a position to purchase. The cry from the diggings, therefore, is " Grold buyers wanted." We learn that Mr. "Wilson, Inverness, last week purchased gold to the value of £194 14s. 5d., making his entire purchases, up to Saturday, £431. — "Northern Ensign."