LATEST INTELLIGENCE FROM THE DIGGINGS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume I, Issue 66, 21 May 1866, Page 3

LATEST INTELLIGENCE FROM THE DIGGINGS.

THE NEW DIGGINGS NORTH OP THE GREY. About three months ago we published the account of an overland journey from the Buller, in which the writer mentioned that he and the well-known prospector Bill Fox had struck payable ground at a place known as the Parkees — a plateau or table land of moderate elevation. The opinion was also expressed that the great difficulty of getting provisions along the beach prevented the ground being profitably worked. A month or two ago it was reported to the Nelson authorities that a small river that empties itself into the sea near the locality mentioned was navigable for small craft. Desirous of ascertaining whether this was the case or not, the "Warden at Cobden offered a bonus to the steamer Woodpecker to make a trip thither, and a prospecting party, under Bill Fox, accompanied Mr. Kynnersley on the voyage of discovery. The Woodpecker started on Wednesday, and arrived off the Nivvitakere river or creek in a few hours, and anchored in a small smooth bay or bight. It was not considered advisable to attempt an entrance into the river as the mouth appeared to be too shallow for the steamer to enter. The passengers and goods were landed in a small boat, getting a ducking in the surf, which although not heavy, was sufficient to almost swamp the small and unsuitable boat used. We understand that Mr. Warden Kynnersley was much pleased with the appearance of the place,, and it is not unlikely that it may soon become the site of good diggings. — G. R. Argus,. May 12. A digger who returned from the north; where the Woodpecker landed her passengers last week,' informs us that the men who went, there are all seemingly satisfied with the prospects before them. As far as yet known no ground has been tested that can be accounted rich, but in almost all places there is some gold more or less payable to be had, giving wages that vary from 31 to 71 weekly. The upper part from the dense undergrowth is wet and spongy, but as soon as a few feet are stripped off that difficulty disappears. Water is a scarce commodity, and should a large number of men set in it will be found a serious want to be met. Back from the first "ledge" — foi'i;hese diggings consist of a series of terraces, or like enlarged Prairie rollers — the country is somewhat more open, and to all appearance gives evidence of an auriferous nature. Our informant thinks that for some time to come there will be no attempt at anything like deep sinking, as the parties there will be content to work upon a certainty, until c rise has been made. The majority, however, are at work in the river, and in its results there is a strong uniformity with those realised on the " Palikeis." The population is supposed to be about 300, but as they were scattered a true approximate could not be arrived at, and each day was adding to the numbers already there. We are promised a letter from the same party, as soon as he is fairly settled in his claim, and we shall be happy to lay before our readers any information it may contain. — Id., May 15.