THE RUSH TO THE SOUTH.

West Coast Times, Issue 34, 22 August 1865, Page 2

THE RUSH TO THE SOUTH.

The news from the Totara district is of a very encouraging character. The new township, Georgetown, was marked off by the surveyors during the latter part of last week, and somo twenty sections taken up, and most of them registered in accordance with the regulations. It was generally understood — indeed, it was definitely stated by Mr Rochfort that the storekeepers who had business sites, and had erected buildings in the old township should have either the first choice of ground, or that a portion should be reserved for them from which they should select by lot, newcomers being debarred from interfering. On the day on which the new town was marked out it was found thnt no such system would be pursued, but that new-comers and old would have to trust to their own activity if they wisbed to secure the best places. On Saturday evening, Mr FitzGerald proceeded to register the 6ites for those who wished it, and several objections were lodged by second, and in some cases, third parties who claimed the same section. Mr FitzGerald refused to entertain any objections whatever, at the time, stating that, he should register the sites for the parties who first applied, and that any disputes which might arise would have to be settled by summoning the parties to the Warden's Court. Perhaps this was the wisest plan. It certainly was the only one by which he could get through the work m anything like good time. Georgetown is well situated on the edge of a not very abrupt terrace ; and the new track, which leads directly to it is both better and shorter than the old one. The bad ground over the high terrace on Donelly's Creek is completely avoided, and the packers will find tho change very greatly to their advantage. The old town will probably be deserted in a few weeks. Our informant has not told us why no preference was accorded to the storekeepers who had already gone to great expense in building on the old site. It certainly seems fair thnt the chance of getting the best sites should have been given them without having to enter the lists in opposition to new coiners, many of whom are speculators looking to make a little money out of tho lots. We do not know whether such a reservation would have been legal, but very few would have raised any objections to such a course being followed.^ The diggings in Pokorua Creek, or James' Creek, as it is sometimes called, are going a-head hourly. Almost all the claims in the bed, taken up as yet, are paying, and in a few cases they promise a pile to the lucky owners. Wo aro told that there is a difficulty in disposing of the gold on the spot, there being no banks, and the storekeepers being for tho most part in a small way. This, of course, cannot last long. Given the would-be sellers, and the buyers are not long in putting in an appearance. Until bank agencies are established it is impossible to tell approximately what gold is being obtained, but the amount must be very considerable, aa new gullies are being opened, and aro rarely deserted. The men in the terraces are also doing well. The hills are all what is commonly called "made," and there will probably be found leads running- through them. A Warden made his appearance during last week, and found plenty to do in getting over the rough ground to the various claims, and deciding cases when he got there. His decisions seemed to give satisfaction. A finer field for new comers could not be found than the Totara district, They must, however, bo prepared for a rough bush country, and for provisions at a rather extravagant price. All this will be changed for the better as the district becomes more thickly populated. There is some little excitement on the field at the present time, in consequence of reports of fresh discoveries still further south. Our informant says that several parties have already started from the Totara, and wo know of some who have left Hokitika for the same purpose but with what success we don't know. There may be two or three thousand men in tho Totara district, but, like the gold, tho population cannot fairly bo estimated. All that can be said is that the field is evidently prosperous, because the men are all busy and there is no grumbling.