NEW RUSHES AT HOKITIKA.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 570, 21 October 1869, Page 2

NEW RUSHES AT HOKITIKA.

TWO PROSPECTING CLAIMS GRANTED. (From the W. O. Times.) After all the reports and rumors that have been floating about for so long, it is with no small gratification that we are at last able to give some tangible information of a most satisfactory and cheering nature, and news, too, that will no doubt be most welcome to all classes. Yesterday two prospecting claims were granted by Mr Warden Aylmer, one north and one south of the river. The first was granted to John Treagus, Daniel Treagus, Matthew Thomas,and Thomas Thomas, and is described as being situated in a high terrace on the south side of Hokitika river, immediately opposite the Kanicri township, about one mile to the southward. The size of the claim granted is 150 ft by 300 ft, and the gold is got about 100 ft below the surface. It is not sunk, but tunnelled for; and the tunnel where the wash is struck is some distance in the terrace. It runs, at present, about loins down ; and the prospects washed show from three to six grains to the dish, or from one to two ounces to the load. The character of the dirt and of the gold is identical with that of the old Hau Hau lead, and one of the prospectors who climbed the highest tree on the terrace that he could says that a succession of terraces appear to extend nearly as far as Jones's, now better kuown as Ross. The value of this discovery cannot be too greatly overrated, and the men deserve some substantial recognition, if the regulations will permit it, fcr their persevering enterprise. They have sought for what they hope may prove a lead on the south side of the river for nearly six months. The other prospecting claim was granted by Mr Warden Aylmer to Eethune and Duggan, and is situated near the old Omeo Lead. The size is 120 ft by 120 ft, and the depth of sinking is 60ft, and the prospect 4grs to the dish. We have not full particulars as to the nature of the ground, the thickness of the wash-dirt, or the character of the gold; but will supply these, and the fullest particulars of both claims, on Monday next. In the meanwhile, our readers may rely on the accuracy of the above statements. It is supposed by those best calculated to judge that the southern claim will prove to be situated on a continuation of the Hau Hau lead, and if so, it is more than probable that it will be found to extend for many miles to the southward.