THE NATAL GOLDFIELDS.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 498, 1 May 1869, Page 2

THE NATAL GOLDFIELDS.

We have received from Mr Pickering a copy of a Natal newspaper, forwarded to him by a young man who lately left "Westport for the South African goldfields. A Durban correspondent thus describes the landing of the diggers and their prospects : —° "On Thursday, the St Kilda, from Melbourne, with ninety diggers on board, came inside. During the afternoon the diggers might have been seen in considerable numbers walking about the town; and, although they were to be observed in the streets until a late hour, there were no indications of intemperance. Erom what fell from them on Thursday, they appeared to be much disappointed at the absence of reliable information, and of specimens from the Victoria Goldfields. Yesterday, however, they met Mr Hartley, jun., and some other gentlemen, in the " Eed House," — a store formerly occupied by Messrs Meikel, Crowder& Co.—and a long and somewhat stormy discussion ensued. Upon one point there was a discrepancy between the statements of Mr Mauch and Mr Hartley. The diggers, too, ridiculed the specimens of quartz, alleging that, although they might and did contain gold, yet that it was not in paying quantities. Their next step wnl probably be to apply to the

G-overnment for advice and assistance in the matter. If they can be accompanied by an efficient Government officer, they will likely proceed at once to the Tatin, —for, although they naturally regard with distrust the present relations between the diggers and the natives, they are not disposed now to turn their backs upon the enterprise." Some fears of a disturbance were felt regarding which the Natal paper says : —lt is said that in Durban apprehensions are entertained as to the pacific proclivities of those who may arrive, in the event of disappointment as to the expectations created by the rumors that have attracted them hitherwards. It is even said that the Government has been urged to send down the military as a precautionary measure. Eeport also says that the Durban Chamber of Commerce has come to some solemn resolutions, for transmission to the Government, suggesting measures connected with the social changes likely to take place shortly. Among other things, it ia also said that the diggers have responded to Mr Hartley's advertisement, offering to convey passengers to a locality in which gold may be found. They have informed Mr H., so the story goes, that in the event of any humbugocity, they have a delicate suspensory process, by which they resent deception, and rid themselves and the country of those who play off practical jokes for a pecuniary consideration. Mr H., as it appears, hesitates to run all the risks implied by the proposed contract.