THE AFRICAN GOLDFIELDS.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 508, 25 May 1869, Page 3

THE AFRICAN GOLDFIELDS.

• A friend, writing on the 25th of February, from Peitermaritzburg, Natal, to Mr Neil Black, of Glenormiston, Victoria, makes the following remarks respecting the supposed African goldfields. They confirm what has already been published : —" The diggers from Melbourne are greatly disappointed. They imagined they were coming to a payable goldfield, whereas the existence of gold in quantity is still a matter of uncertainty, and up to this moment we know of no alluvial goldfields having been discovered. No doubt, gold in quartz does exist, but that won't help the poor digger; and at present

no one can dig, on account of the Kaffirs, who allow no white men into their country, and our Government is powerless to interfere, two foreign states existing between Natal and the gold locality. Our Government has declined to aid the diggers in any way. Gold, however, has been discovered in several places, but not yet in paying quantities. The inhabitants of this place and D'TJrban (the port) have subscribed sufficient money to send about 100 of the Australian diggers prospecting all over Natal, and the opinion of experienced men is, that we shall yet have rich goldfields within fifty miles of D'TJrban. I sincerely trust this may be so, as it is the only thing that will save the colony from utter ruin. Everyone here is poverty stricken. Land is worthless, and farmers losing money every day. The climate, nevertheless, is magnificent, and the soil capable of producing almost anything."

SEPAKATION.

Now Separation goes its round, Petitions swell and names abound, While sages many and profound Think well of Separation. In this good cause we all agree, And bind ourselves in unity : To make, not mar, this County be The ends of Separation. By diggers' toil this land was -won— A wilder none beneath the sun ; Their voice now cries in unison Aloud for Separation. "With patient toil we search for gold, The treasures of this land unfold; But Nelson lays too huge a hold Upon our golden treasure. This is the cause that prompts our zeal ; Before its force opponents reel; With pugilistic facts we deal Our blows for Separation. This movement's friends are numerous; The powers that be most odious ; Short be their misrule over us ; Hurrah for Separation! Cbusoe.