THE GREY.

West Coast Times, Issue 68, 9 November 1865, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE GREY.

(from our own correspondent.)

Greymouth, Nov. 5.

Since my last communication several subjects of importance in mining matters have been reported, and accounts from all the fields continue highly satisfactory and encouraging. Greymouth, which a few weeks ago contained some hundreds of person^ who scorned uncertain which way to turn, is now cleared of idlers, and the few passers through this place reasonably suggests tho idea that the various localities are settled on and being worked. Heavier gold than any hitherto reported has been found on this side the Saltwater Creek, but tho parties who gave this information did not set in to work there, as the difficulty in getting tho metal was such they could do better on the beach. Towards the head of the Saltwater, coarse gold was found in different gullies, and the locality would at once be worked if the distance was not so great (and difficult of access) from the tho shores. One nugget was shown weighing 14 dwts. On tho bcaoh near the mouth of tho Grey the minors ore doing well, and a lai'ge amount of gold will doubtless be procured. One of the best appliances so far known I believe for this class of digging, is a cradle (double the size of tho ordinary one now in use) furnished with a copper-plate, " to be kept perfectly clean by the use of nitric acid," which plate when coated with mercury will attract tho minutest particles of gold dust. Tho workable ground at present to be had extending from the Greymouth cemetery to the Saltwater creek, fronting the beach, is nearly all taken up, and the whole uf the miners seem quito contented. Erections of all kinds are daily running up, along the whole line of the beach, and this being tho most healthy part of the West Coast diggings for tho miner, and easy of access to tho new arrival who may not feel any particular desire to undergo unnessary hardships, will no doubt be thoroughly worked. Last week a party named Frederick Moss, residing at Saltwater creek, who has commenced to build a bridge over that daugcrous place " at his own risk," and has prepared overy requisite for tho same, petitioned tho Government to protect him in his undertaking, by restricting any other party from putting up another bridge in opposition, as it would bo no benefit to tho public, and would put him in danger of losing money by the speculation. This view of tho caso was takon by tho inhabitants of Greymouth and Blaketown, and his petition was seconded and recommended to the favorable consideration of the Honorablo tho Provincial Council of Cantorbury, by all tho merchants, bankers, storekeepers, and others who wore waited on, resident at Greymouth and Blaketown. This work ought to havo boon finished long ero tin's by tho Government, at whoso door wo may lay, at any rate, tho blamo of somo of tho later accidents that havo occurred. It was only right that thoy should havo made themselves acquainted with tho dangerous character of tho place, and (without considering tho pounds-shillings-and-ponco part of tho business) duly provided for tho safoty of thoso from whom thoy havo dorivod, and aro still deriving, such a splondid roTonuo.

However, it is to be hoped that no difficulty will bo thrown in the way of our having a bridge erected by private enterprise, and that no more loss of life or property may ever bo incurred at this place. Surely the last fatal accident that happened ought, for humanity's sake, to prompt tho Government to sco that proper bridges aro erected and proper crossing places made, wherovor tho slightest danger exists. Another niggardly arrangement has been made, which shows tho paltry view in which tho West Coast is held by the Government, and reflects no great credit on their business talent, even considered in a business light. This is the grand postal arrangement that " there shall be a mail once a week between Hokitika and the Grey River." Tho people of any province excepting thoso residing on the eastern side of Canterbury, can but feel disgusted at such treatment, so shabby and so mean. In a financial point of view, they would make a profit by having a daily mail. I know of one party tho other day who brought from Hokitika over one hundred and eighty letters (180) privately, and it is usnal to meet scores of people clay after day running about, making enquiries if any one is going to Hokitika, as they want to communicate. I believe that every man who leaves here on horseback carries on tho average about twenty letters.

The Wallaby has just sailed and takes with her 10,500 ounces of gold from the three banks as under : — ozs. Bank of New Zealand ... 5,000 „ New South Wales 4,000 Union Bank 1,600 10,500