THE LYELL REEFS.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 652, 30 April 1870, Page 2

THE LYELL REEFS.

(BY ELEGTRIC TELEGRAPH.)

(fbom ovr own correspondent.) Nelson, April 28. Tour special correspondent after visiting the Lyell reefs arrived here this morning after an amusingly adventurous journey overland. Two days he spent inspecting the reefs, and two days visiting the valley of tho Matakitaki. He believes the reef to be a substantial discovery of great value. The first vein being worked is only two and a quarter miles distant from tho

Lyell Township, but the approach lies over precipitous spurs greatly requiring a road, which would coat about £3OO. In the prospector's claim as also in Nos. 1 and 2 north, and No. 1 south the reef has been exposed near the surface, and found to be six feet in thickness,' and consists- at. present of rotten quartz, very readily crumbled, which, when washed without crushing, yields 4grs'io ldwt'to the" dish. Six leaders have also been struck, averaging a foot in thickness, containing gold visible to the naked eye. The gold is remarkably fine, like needle points, but distributed generally throughout the reef. The reef is intersected to the north of claims No. 3 and 4 by a creek known as the Eight Mile, but is believed to extend further and towards the south as far as the Lyell. At Matakitaki and Marina the population is increasing daily, and ex. tensive tucker ground is known to ex ist. Roads are greatly required to open up these diggings, which would receive their supplies from Westport, as their natural source. Mr A. Reid got bushed one night during a heavy fall of snow and rain, and had to burn all his papers as a substitute for a candle, preserving his notes, however, respecting the Lyell reel's, details of which will be furnished by him by first opportunity.

Wellington, April 25. A deputation from the Chamber of Commerce met Mr Collie, the agent for Mr Webb's line of American steamers, this afternoon. The interview lasted two hours. The result is considered highly satisfactory. Some valuable commercial information was obtained respecting the' American demand for New Zealand produce. Mr Collie promises to give full information on the subject at a public meeting about to be held to consider the proposed line. Mr Hall's contract, for the present mail service via Honolulu, is regarded as likely to prove a failure, owing to sufficient arrangement not having been made for the transit of mails between Honolulu and San Francisco.