THE THAMES GOLDFIELD.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 591, 9 December 1869, Page 2

THE THAMES GOLDFIELD.

A reliable correspondent who recently left "Westport for the Thames writes as follows to a friend in town:—

" Things are not in such a prosperous condition here as we imagined when I left Westport. Although I have every reason myself to be grateful, I cannot but see that there are a great many who have reason to complain. Not, however, those in business. These, I think, are generally doing pretty well, with the exception, perhaps, of the sharebrokers. It is the miners without capital who have cause of complaint. There are no alluvial workings, and in consequence of the Goldfields' Kules in force here being badly framed, or, rather, being framed to suit the capitalist, instead of the poor man, it is impossible to prospect without going some miles away. The country for miles round has been applied for under the leasing regulations. The land is protected immediately on application, and it is months before the Superintendent decides as to the granting of leases or otherwise. I do not think one person has a lease yet. The claims, therefore, in which payable reefs have been struck are nearly the only ones working. There are miles upon miles of country lying absolutely idle; and the miners dare not prospect on account of the protection. There are very many and grave complaints about this matter, and I fear great numbers will leave the field in consequence. I feel confident that thousands of reefs and leaders would be discovered if applicants for leases were compelled to work. By Mr Gillies being elected, I think this will be rectified ■ * * * I was perfectly astonished, on arriving here, to find so many from the West Coast. I do not exaggerate when I say that I met hundreds of friends. It was like coming home."