LATEST FROM OTAGO.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XVII, Issue 968, 19 February 1862, Page 5

LATEST FROM OTAGO.

ARRIVAL OF THE ESCORT. The usual weekly escort arrived yesterday afternoon, bringing 10,15-lozs. 15dwts. of gold, of which nn'lity 5,0230z5. 15dwts. were from Tuapeka, and o i3iozs. from Waitalmmi. THE GOLD FIELDS CORRESPONDENT. Tho Gold Fields, February 13th. I have to-day visited the scene ot the New Rush on the Tuapeka, and find that though large numbers are constantly arriving, still an equal quantity ap)M r to be leaving. The ground is about 10 feet deep, fl nd somewhat wet. The character of the gold is coarse, resembling that of the Waipori, ami indeed, from what I can learn of the aforementioned diggings, the country is nearly similar, The prospecters, and those in their immediate neighbourhood, are doing well; but the new arrivals, after sinking a hole and taking off1 the bottom, appear to be satisfied that there is no payable gold in the vicinity, and consequently leave at once. I have no doubt but that similar patches will be discovered, but in the meantime the success of the rush is doubtful. The rush at the Junction is likely to turn out well. I have seen several prospects, and they seem to average about 1 dwt. to the bucket. The lead, however, appears to be narrow, and to a certain extent irregular.. The depth to be sunk is about 9.0 feet, and is, fortunately, in the absence of timber for slabs and props, comparatively dry. The lead seems to be extending down the flat, and ere long I hope to be able to chronicle the junction of the leads from Wetherstone's, Gabriel's, and Muuroc's. If this should be the case, then the site now known as tiie "Junction," lying as it does midway between the two extremes, must undoubtedly be the best situation for the Camp, Post-office, and Township. In a Jar or two 1 shall be enabled to give you more minute particulars as to the probable future of these I rushes. About eighty of the volunteers met in the Police Barracks last night, for the purpose of drill. Adjutant Junor, Mr John Cargill, a Sergeant of the 70th, and a gentleman whose name, escaped us, formed squads, and put the recruits through their facings. Although, of course, there was a good deal of awkwardness displayed, they behaved in a very passable manner; and at the conclusion of the drilling of the first squad, his Honor the Superintendent expressed his satisfaction at the order and obedience which had been observed, and the manner in which they had performed their evolutions. They are to meet again to-night; and after that, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, at the same place and hour. Garret is again to be brought up at the Police Court this morning, but we believe that a further remand will be applied for. The ' Eureka' brings back to our shores a large number of passengers, many of whom had returned to Victoria for their families. Captain Cutler, on his arrival at the Heads, was presented with a highly flattering testimonial.