THE LYELL.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 694, 6 August 1870, Page 2

THE LYELL.

(FKOM A COKRESPONDENT.) THE BEEF 3. Everything but the approaches to this locality has improved since the last time 1 clambered up here from the Lyell, ami the well constructed huts of No, 4 and 5 (which are the first Bigns of hospitality and comfort one meets witli after toiling up the range,) is an agreeable sight to the visitor. Boyd and party, No. 5, who commenced driving some distance below the supposed line of reef, at a point up to which the ground had been already prospected, have their tunnel in about 60ft, of full dimensions and of a well secured and substantial character. Hitherto it has been through very hard rock, but at the face the same loose slaty formation is exposed, which was met with in No. 1 south, immediately before they came on the reef, and requires close lathing and the greatest care in removing to prevent it running on them. Eucouraged by these indications, and the finding of a piece of stone, in which gold is plainly visible, in the neighborhood, a party have taken up the adjoining ground, which will be No. 6, south. Here the well defined terrace, along which the claims extend, beeome.s broken and the country more irregular. No. 4 have driven about 50 feet, and on this end of the lead altogether the men seem to be working with a will. Northwards from the prospectors' lease, where the original 400 feet drive has to be still further extended to catch the main lode, No. 1 have struck it in a drive of not more than 40 leet, about 150 feet above the level where it is exposed in No. 1 north. The Prospectors have been until lately taking out stone from their numerous leaders of from 3 to 12 inches, preparatory to getting their crushing machinery erected. No. 2 have driveu about 240 feet and expect to catch the reef at about 320 feet. The eight men's ground comprising No. 3, are in about 210 feet, but until the hearing of the objections to Reid's application for a lease, at the sitting of the Warden's Court on the 9 in>t., the energies of the shareholders in the claims at this euu or the lead will be more or less inactive. Generally, I may say that, the aspect of affairs in this quarter is substantial and merits more consideration, on the part of the Groverunient, than has been hitherto shown to this district. It is certainly to be expected that, where the revenue has been so largely contributed to, as in the Lyell district, something more will be done in tho way of track-making or road-repairing than merely attending to the overland road from Nelson to the Lyell. Not a penny has otherwise been expended, and now that the money has been voted, it is to be hoped that prompt measures will be taken to afford the increasing population more easy means of access to the claims. Your special reporter drew attention to this many months ago, and the population look to your urging that the matter should meet with attention.