LATEST FROM THE CAPE.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 777, 16 February 1871, Page 2

LATEST FROM THE CAPE.

Like the experiences of many Vic* torian miners who have left steady employment for the uncertainty of a new rash, the fortunes of those who have left Natal and other of the Cape settlements fer the diamond fields of the Vaal River, have not all been bright. Says the " Natal Mercury" of the 26th November : " Prom 12,000 to 15,000 are now estimated to be at work at the different points along the stream. .Natal is now re l presented there by at least hundreds of her people, including men of every class and age, from the venerable English Magistrate to the ruddy lad from school. Several family parties have proceeded thither, the lithe fingers of women and boys being considered well fitted for the work of sorting out the pebbles among which the precious stones are found. Of the actual success of Natal diggers it is difficult to speak accurately. Cap. tain Lucas's party —probably the most successful of any on the groundchiefly consisted of persons from this Colony. After working for six weeks without success, another week's labor laid bare diamonds valued at £120,000, leaving to each individual a share so large that two of the number at least proceed to Europe to enjoy the fruits of their toil. Other parties have worked on without finding anything, cheered, perhaps, by the occasional discovery of a small stone, not valuable enough to cover expenses, but sufficiently so to stimulate the hope of better things hereafter. Where so much reticence is manifested it is impossible to give even an approximate average, but the percentage of actual gain, as compared with the numbers at work, if distributed evenly over the whole, would scarcely, we imagine, leave a result worth considering, and assuredly not worth sacrificing any certainty in order to attain." In the same issue of the paper, another instance of individual good luck is mentioned. Lieutenant Vibart, late of the King's Dragoon Guards, had come down from the Vaal with the news that he and those with whom he was associated had picked up 55 diamonds; one of 150 carats, another 27, another 12, and amongst the remainder, stones of 8, 9, and 6 carats, altogether estimated of the value of £140,000.

Later news from the Cape of Good Hope is to hand. With reference to the diamond mining the " Natal Mercury" has the following : —" The news from the diamond fields still engrosses much public attention. It continues good, with, of course, a dark side to thfr picture a lottery, with its due side of blanks, as well as prizes. The success of Captain Lucas's party has been extraordinary, they having it is said, in a short time found diamonds of the value of about £lso,ooo—one of the gens weighing 108 carats. Two of this party—Lieutenant Vibart and Mr Campbell (the one of those who came here from Australia to seek gold at the Tahi) —are now in Durban, awaiting an opportunity to leave by the steamer for Furope. They have made their ' pile.'