WAIKAIA.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 373, 15 July 1874, Page 3

WAIKAIA.

(From our own Correspondent.)

•Having heard that Martinelli- and party, Vho were prospecting seven miles down the •river, had struck payable gold, 1 determined to visit the claim, where I arrived in due 'course, and was courteously welcomed by the owners. I found the report was correct, and the party were satisfied, with their prospects. .They showed me about six ounces of the gold, which is a different kind to that got higher up the rr. er, it being fine gold in '•conjunction with a' good deal of black sand, whereas the gold up (he river is coarse and no - black sand with it. The gold is also coarse in ail the gullies lending into the river on 'the east side, go I arrive at the conclusion the lower end of the Waikaia is led from a different source — viz., the opposite or "western range. Some ten or twelve miles down the river gold of a similar kind is got with the black sand, which has evidently come "off the western range, and I am of opinion -that eventually the whole distance will be proved to be more or less auriferous. Martinelli and party deserve all the gold they may get for the pluck and perseverance they have shown in going a long way ahead of all v other claims, and at great expenditure of 'time and labor have succeeded in cutting a 'flood race through the solid rock a long distance, and have prdved the river to be -payably auriferous a long way from any other "workings. I was not told the exact amount of gold they had obtained ; but, as one of the ■shareholders valued his shave at a very high figure, I conclude the prospects are very 'good. They certainly have a splendid-looking piece of river beyond them, and their claim la" in good workingnsrder. Most of the other 'claims are pushing ahead with varied success; 'one or two of them expect to bottom soon.

At the ' Whitecombe, Timber, and other -•gullies, some parties are doing pretty well ; "but I believe, as a rule, the average is from 7 tucker to wages.

Up to the present time, we are having a Tery favorable winter, although the frost is •extra severe, which to some parties is a slight hindrance ; but as we Waikaiaites cannot expect the .weather to be regulated for our especial benefit, ~wo must put up with it, and accept with tbanks the advantages we receive -through the frost lowering the river. Some time ago there was a talk that we ■were going to have a mail from the Teviot to place, but it mußfiiave been a hoax, as I hear nothing further about it. I also notice ;» the report of the Provincial Council proceedings that we are denied the small sum ■ear member asked to open a road from the Teviot to this place, which 'would not only T h»Ttf'-feehefited us here, but the Teviot and l fep-(&tfntry districts as Well, by opening to -them a, supply of timber from this bush ; but ' AJgupp&se'this splenSid bush will be .allowed '■to .remain he*e until .it is destroyed by fires, j nee .pretty -frequent -in th« summer, *** ' - '<