OUR GOLD FIELDS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 5, Issue 262, 3 October 1861, Page 4

OUR GOLD FIELDS.

OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is an extract of letter from the Gold Fields’ Commissioner, dated Tuapeka, 7th Sept. 1861. * * * » j proceeded Avith that gentleman yesterday, and a person named George Mansbridge, to examine a valley about seA'en miles south-east from this camp, reported by the latter to contain gold in remunerative quantities. On my arrival there four pennyAveights of gold (fair sized scaly) were slioAvn to me by Mansbridge, Avliich be assured me be Avasbed from two buckets of “ stuff.” Another prospect was also produced to me on the ground, yielding three pennyAveights of gold from three ordinary sized tin dishes of "stuff. I Avas further informed by Mansbridge that he had prospected the valley in various parts, and in every place the yield Avas satisfactory. Under these circumstances I awarded to George Mansbridge and party, as the discoverers of neAv gold Avorkings, double claims, in terms of the 11th section of the Gold Fields’ Regulations, and apportioned such claims prior to my leaving the ground. The valley in question (which I named Mansbridge Gully) is about eight miles in length, and at its widest point about a quarter of a mile in width—these measurements are given only at a rough guess, according to what is at present knoAvn of the ground. A creek runs through the entire length of it, Avliich I believe to be a tributary of the Waitahuna. The average yield from this newly discovered portion of the gold field is estimated by George Mansbridge, who is an experienced miner from "Victoria, at one ounce of gold per diem to each av orking man. The sinking is for the most part dry, and at an average depth of four feet. * . * * *

My OAvn conviction is, from information I have received and the formation of the country, that a very extensive gold field exists iu the vicinity of Mansbridge gully, and that the Waitahuna flat Avill eventually be about tbe centre of that field.

(From our own Correspondent.) I knoAV several parties Avho met Avith very good success at Mansbridge gully. One man I am told got nine pennyweights out of a tin dish, and I have conversed Avith several who found from a pennyAveight to half and quarter of a pennyweight in the same amount of stuff. This Avould enable a working party to make an ounce a man.

Mr. M’Kay went over yesterday to settle disputes and lay off claims. I cannot form an idea of the probable number of persons at present there, hut considering the great accession we have had to our population during the last few days, many of whom hai T e gone over to this gully and the Waitahuna, it cannot he inconsiderable. At the latter place some parties have been getting an ounce a man per day, and all are making wages. The main Tuapeka flat has been prospected, and with success : amongst others I have

sunk some holes there myself, and found gold in paying quantities. The working is too wet at present, but when we have had a little more fine weather many will, I have not the least doubt, find here plenty of room for profitable employment. The Waitahuna flat, as far as I have heard, has not yet been tried. Should this prove auriferous, as there is reason to suppose it will, from the fact that the bars running across the river consist of blue slate, as well as the discovery of gold in its banks, there will be plenty of room for a long time to come. Thousands of persons are, it is said, expected. If they come with exaggerated notions and unreasonable expectations—with an idea that they are to make ten pounds, five pounds, or even two pounds a day, —with the belief that gold is to be picked up for the mere stooping, or any other such delusive conclusion, they will feel themselves miserably mistaken. There is room for all who, for a hard days work; are content with a fair days wage, of from ten to twenty shillings. Many of the old original diggers those who were first on the ground, having worked out their claims have either left or about to leave. Most of them have cleared from £l5O to £7OO each, and this they are now anxious to invest, either , in'land, or the purchase of horses or bullock teams Amongst the successful parties of. the week, Mr. Miller again occupies, the foremost place having on Wednesday Thursday and Friday, obtained 13 £ lbs. of gold. [From the Otago Witness Sept. 21.] The Escort arrived at Dunedin on Wednesday at 5 o’clock., bringing 11,281 ounces, having left the Tuapeka Diggings at 1 o’clock on Tuesday. The quantity brought in by the last Escort was 7759 ounces.

The Escort "was delayed one day in expectation of bringing in all the gold offered but more was coming in as the Escort left. Considerable quantities of gold have also been brought in by private hands ; one party of 4 men brought to town on Tuesday 1000 ounces. A gully one mile to the left of Round Hill was being worked, and parties making an ounce per diem. The weather was fine, the roads had improved, and the bridges over two creeks were completed, and liad the effect of immediately reducing the price of flour to ,£S per 2001 b. bag. 2500 Miners’ Rights and 50 Business Licenses liad been issued.

All was quiet at the diggings. Upwards of 6000 people were estimated to be at work, still chiefly in Gabriel’s Gully and the immediate neighbourhood. Numerous persons were prospecting in various directions with various success. Gold was said to be discovered almost everywhere that holes were sunk, but if in paying quantities is not fully ascertained. A new field is said to have been discovered, sixteen miles nearer Dunedin, in which one party were making an ounce a day. The wildness of a digging population ,and the excitement in the province, are such that the diggers rush from one spot to another -without the least tangible ground for so doing. Mr Read had started under the auspices of the Government to prospect at the head of the Waipori ; thence to the eastern source of the Tuapeka, the source of the Waitahuna, and afterwards south in the direction of tlie Umbrella Ranges We learn on the best authority that gold has been found south of the Glutha, in the neighborhood of the Pomahaka. The Aldinga left this port for Melbourne on Thursday with about 24Q0 ounces of gold, Capt. M’ Lean being unable to wait any longer to take the gold brought ill by' the Escort on Wednesday evening.

The folloAving extracts from a letter received from one of our settlers will be found interesting

Tuapeka Diggings, Sept. 15. Dear . In fulfilment of my promise I hasten to forward you a few lines. I would rather have deferred writing for another week or so, only I know that you will be impatient to get the news. Owing to rainy weather we were detained in Dunedin a few days longer than I had anticipated, and so did not get started until Friday, sth inst., in company with three of your settlers. We however soon overtook scores of other pilgrims, all wendin'''' their way towards the same shrine as ourselves. The first six or seven miles of our route (the West Taieri) was a very cold miserable piece of upland, in some parts very destitute of bush, and fenced in with dry stone dykes. Indeed, the soil which I saw near Dunedin was anything but tempting in an agricultural or pastoral point of view. When we descended into what is called the Taieri plain things changed very much for the better. The soil appears to be alluvial, and I should think of a very rich quality. Here are to be seen numerous snug homesteads, and a great amount of land in tillage ; no doubt, when they have better roads, it will be a great grain growing district. Wb travelled about twelve miles ox* so over ground of this character, 'when we came to the Taieri river (not quite so large as the Wangaehu), over which we were ferried in a ricketty cockleshell of a boat, not very creditable to the Otago government. About 50 weary laden sinners, like myself, were waiting their turn on the bank of the l’iver when we came up j bullock drays, hoi’ses, &c. I can tell you there was no lack of company on the way. Once safe aci’oss we commenced oux* uphill journey in earnest. About four miles further pn we saw a shepherd’s hut, to which we directed our way, and obtaining pei’mission to camp in an old shed, it saved ns the trouble of pitching our tent. We got as many potatoes as served for supper and breakfast, and so were quite jolly. As we managed

to get on in advance of the main body we were in snug quarters before dark. A good number had to make what shifts they could among the long grass, with the tents thrown* over them, as there are no. sticks to pitch the tents with. Next morning, after recompensing our host for his liberality, we commenced the ascent of Mangatoe, which on a fine morning with a heavy pack on your back is no light task. In many places it is very steep. Bullock drays take about a day to go up; going zig-zag •; when there are two teams they unite, and take up one dray at a time. The road leads over a spur of the mountain, and so we were a long way from the top, yet at the level we were the wind was very chilly, and we were a couple of hours walking in about 12 inches of snow, which being a little thawed made very uncomfortable travelling. This day’s tramp was not enlivened by any changes in the landscape ; . nothing but a succession of ridges, with a brown covering of grass, intermixed with tussock grass and what they call spear grass—a plant much resembling the young cabbage-tree, only narrower in the leaf, and as sharp as the point of a needle. The only inhabitant of these regions that we saw was the kaka, numbers of .which we saw on the ridges tearing the ground with their bills in search of worms. There must, however, he vast flocks of sheep running over the country in some seasons of the year, judging by the dung we saw scattered about; indeed, towards evening we saw an outstation on the banks of the Waipori river. The stream is about the same width as the Turakina, but with a good deal more water in it. We had to strip off' our trowsers, and then had a difficulty in keeping our upper clothing dry. It Avas about as cold a bath as I have had for some time. We camped on the opposite bank, lying as close as we could for warmth, with the tent thrown over us to keep oft'the dew. Next morning, after a light breakfast, we made an early start, travelling over much the same kind ot country as the day before, only the ridges here and there were besprinkled with small quartz. We reached the upper part of what is called Gabriel’s gully about 4 p.m. on Sunday, none the worse for the journey, only a little jaded with carrying a heavy swag. The number of tents scattered everywhere surprised me not a little. I did not expect to see such a population. This gull} 1 ", ■which from what I have seen of it I should think must fie two to three miles long, is torn up from end to end. The richest claims that have been opened are about the middle of the creek, but all the ground in the vicinity has been taken up long ago, and instead of being too soon parties coming now must go prospecting for new ground. There is plenty of scope for new comers in several gullies branching off from this, but they have not as yet proved very rich. A good number are not making more than wages, if that, while a still greater number of gold-seekers are wandering about quite bewildered. Reports are going about that new ground is found, but I don’t know for the truth of it. It is to be hoped that something good will he found soon, or it will fare ill with a good many of the new comers. Provisions of all kinds are at famine prices : flour Is, tea 6s, sugar Is 6d, salt Is 6d, mutton lid to Is Id, »fcc. ; tools are sold at the same extravagant rates ; £1 is asked for a spade or shovel, the same price for a bucket, and so on. So you see that it is not moderate diggings that will do here. I was prospecting a couple of days, but met with nothing very dazzling. I have joined in with and , who had secured a claim in the middle of the gully before I came, so we have bought a Californian pump, <fec., and intend to work out the ground until something better turns up. We have been working three days during this last week, and have washed out a little“over an ounce per man, which is rather poor; some parts of the claim may prove better. The sinking is from 9 to 12 feet, the greatest drawback however being the abundance of water. In some of the claims a little lower down the creek it is no unusual thing for them to wash out their 10 and 12 ozs. per day, and I was told that one man carried up to the camp 60 lbs. weight of the yelloAv stuff for con Abeyance per escort. The gold is scattered over more ground here than I have seen in other diggings ; you may find a little gold almost everywhere you try, but not in quantity sufficient to pay. As for advising any one to come from Wanganui, according to present prospects , I would not do so by any means ; their only chance Avould be in the event of something fresh turning up in the interval. They are pouring in from all quarters; I should think the average number of neAv arrivals cannot be less than from 100 to 150 per day ; you may see them coming down the ridges in the evenings just like so many sheep. A great many practical diggers from Melbourne have come in this last Aveek, who Avill give the unbroken ground a fair trial, and of course among their number there will be not a few Avho Avill prefer a more easy Avay. of getting their gold than by digging. I have already heard of several “ sticking up” cases. I have just heard of the arrival of the Tyne, but have not seen any of the Wanganuites ; no doubt they will open their eyes in amazement to find such a multitude. I think it quite likely you will see some of them back again per first opportunity. AMERICA. The Daily Alta California of sth July, gives a summary of neAvs up to 24th June, from NeAv York and Washington, —9 days later than the last intelligence. The folloAving are the principal items : Our Government has demanded of the Prussian Minister, that the exequator of Trapman, Prussian Consul at Charleston, Avho recently left Boston with dispatches

from Jeff. Davis to his Commissioners in Europe, shall be withdrawn. Dudley Mann, one of the rebel Commissioners, in a letter to a banker here, states that England will' recognise the Southern Confederacy" on the first of January. Commodore Vanderbilt has offered the Government his steamer, Vanderbilt, at a fair valuation. If it cannot take her on these temis, he will make her a present to the United States. The Atlantic Steamship Company, through Vanderbilt, offer the Government the following steamers Ocean Queen, new and complete, Ariel, in fine condition, Champion, iron, built in 1859, very light draught, and Daniel Webster ; the price to be fixed by a Board of Commissioners The new steam gun-boat Pensacola will bo ready for service in about five weeks.

It is believed that the Navy department will make an average of all the bids for gun-boats, and award them to contractors who will build them within sixty days. The strength of the naval force is to be doubled: with ; as; little delay as possible. Secretary Wells will recommend heavy appropriations for buying war vessels.

A resolution has been introduced in the Richmond Convention instructing the Finance Committee to inquire into the propriety of setting aside all debts, bonds, &c., due by the Common wealth to citizens of such states of the Federal Union as are engaged in sustaining the war of invasion, to be held as a trust bond, for indemnification for losses sustained by citizens of the State. It has been ascertained that an extensive spy system is in operation for the benefit of the rebel Government. Senator Wigfall visited Washington in the disguise of a cattledrover, and made a thorough reconnoissance

The W orld's dispatch states the latest advices continue to represent it to be' the intention of Beauregard to advance on the Federal lines.—Yesterday, the 23rd was the day fixed for a movement on Washington. The government is satisfied of the fact. He can concentrate 60,000 troops at any given point within a week. To day 24th, there will be an extraordinary meeting of the Cabinet, and General Scott and his staff, the various generals and colonels of regiments now in and about Washington, will be present. It is understood that Generals Butlar, Banks, and Dix have all been summoned. Scott will submit his programme for the prosecution of the war. That the rebels have changed theirs cannot be doubted ; hence it is believed General Scott has some new project to submit at this great council of war.

It is said the available volunteer force is now over 300,000 men. It is now evident that the main blow against the rebels will be struck from the Federal Capital. The army of Washington consists of fully 45,000 effective men. 10,000 more men will be added to this immense body next week. 10,000 with district militia, will be enough for the defence of the capital, so that a grand army oi 45,000 of as splendid troops as can be found anywhere can be moved against the rebels. With the aid of General Patterson’s division they will be more than sufficient to break the lines of the rebels and drive them in the direction of Richmond.

Surprise has been expressed in some quarters at the failure of General Scott to prevent the erection of batteiies at various points on the right bank of the Potomac. Immediate advance of the United States army towards Richmond, however, will either compel the rebels to remove their batteries or render them an easy prey to the Union forces. General Scott is simply indisposed to make a great sacrifice of life for what will be had in due time without bloodshed. ' There seem to have been two or three collisions between the opposing parties. At Edward’s ferry, on the Potomac, a skirmish took place between 300 Federal troops under Capt. Gardner, Pensylvania regt. and a considerable number of Secessionists. The latter made the attack with the view of taking possession of the ferry. The fight lasted three hours when the assailants fled ; between forty and fifty were killed bythe bombs which were thrown with much accuracy among them from a howitzer on the north side. A boat load of Secessionists were crossing the mouth of a small ci’eek making into the river, towards the close of the action, when a bomb from the battery burst immediately over it, and after the smoke cleared away only two were seen standing out of between twenty and thirty in it. Many bodies were distinctly seen floating in the water about the boat. It is ascertained that the rebels have a line of communication across the Potomac, from Rudd’s ferry, by smaU boats used in the night, and concealed in the woods by day. Another attack was made on Federal troops at Vienna, in Virginia. Tho New York World’s despatches from Washington of the 18th say :—lt is understood that no previous reconnoissance had been made where the fight took place at Vienna. The same train had not only proceeded some three miles beyond the scene of the conflict several days before, but our scouts had been over • the very ground upon which tho batteries were erected. The battery consisted of 6-pounders which fired 7 rounds, the first being most destructive scattering round shot and grape into the passenger and platform cars, which contained four companies of the Ohio regt. The battery was on a hill almost perpendicular over the track, and it would have been folly to attempt to take it. The troops were, therefore, forced to make a hasty retreat. A report that the battery was maimed by Kentuckians and Carolinians is, doubtless a mistake. The rebel force is. estimated

at about 10,000. If the train had advanced 100 yards further, the destruc^ ( n of life would have been terrrible, and the entire expedition made prisoners by the enemy. A strict examination into the causes of this affair has resulted in the exculpation of the engineer of the train which took up the Ohio troops. The responsibility of the blunder, which resulted so disastrously for our troops, rests upon General Schenck. * The New York Herald’s despatch sa yg -.—About 5000 troops of General M‘Dowcll’s division, including two Ohio regiments, have moved forward to the neighbourhood of Fall’s church or Fairfax° or Vienna, and reports a force there of 2500 rebels at that point. The third affair took place at Booneville, in Missouri, on the 17th, and resulted in the defeat of the state forces. The official statement of the number killed is not received, but the loss of the State troops is not ovor twenty. Of the Federal forces two were killed, four wounded, and one missing. The State troops numbering ovor 2000, it' is said, lost about 1500 stand of arms, and a considerable quantity of ammunition, stores; and a number of horses and mules. General Price resigned and went home previous to the battle. Next morning; the State troops surprised a party of 800 Horse Guards, near Camp Cole,which is south of Syracuse,’ in the same State. 15 guards were killed and 20 wounded—many of them severely —and 30 taken prisoners. Most of the guards were in a barn when the firing began, but immediately springing jto arms it is said, killed 40 of the attacking party before being overpowered by superor numbers. Nearly all of them finally escaped, and are ready to join our forces to dispute the passage of the State troops.

SONG FOR THE TIMES. Air, —“ Green grow the rashea O. ” There’s nought but talk in every mouth, For scarce an hour that passes O, But when d’ye think of starting south To try. your luck at digging 0 ! Good news from Otago ! Glorious news from Otago !! Militia forces now grow low - By volunteers for Otago. They whose delight’s to make us fight,: By promise of large wages O, Will find too late, when out of sight, Their volunteers at Otago ! Good, news, &c. The gold in plenty ’s found, ’tis said, And only wants the digging O, Then to militiamen unpaid, Success for you’s at Otago. Good news, &c. , The winter’s cold will soon be o’er, And weak and hardy then may go To seek fair Fortune’s gifts in store,. • On the Gold Fields of Otago 1 Away, then, to Otago! Plenty of gold in Otago ! Militia'forces, now brought lovr, Had best recruit in Otago. X.. X. . August, 1861.