OKARITA.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume I, Issue 76, 2 June 1866, Page 3

OKARITA.

In consequence of the very fine and warm weather, several parties have started up the Waiho, for the purpose of prospecting the numerous creeks and gullies situated at the head of it. One party has laid in no less than three mouth's " tucker," and are determined not to return until their stores are exhausted. I have every hope that heavy gold will he found in the ranges at the head of the Waiho. as within the last few months several parties have obtained at different times, small samples of coarse shotty gold. One party obtained a nugget weighing 17 dwts.; a sure indication that more gold exists In the vicinity, and only awaits the labor oi man to bring it to the surface. The accounts from Giliiespie's and Saudfly Beaches are encouraging, as the majority are

mating fair wages, and very few are making less than a pound or two over " tucker." At the same time I wish to caution parties at a distance from rushing to either of these beaches, as there is a qu?te sufficient number of miners on them at present for the knoAvn auriferous ground. At the Five-Mile the miners are, as usual, doing first-rate. To give your readers an idea of the richness of this beach, I may mention that one party can wash as much as 41b. weight to the load. Another party holding only man's ground between three of them expect to make no less than £1,000 a man. I have been told on very good authority, that oue party washed out 100 ozs. in one day. From the Lake the accounts are not very encouraging ; at the same time it must be confessed there is every reason to suppose a gold gold-field will be found ia the vicinity, as there are a great many parties out prospectiug, and samples have been sold from the Lake during the past week iv Okarita. O'Connor and party are constructing a race at the Forks, but it is not completed. How the terraces will pay remains to be seen, but the party are sanguine that the water will enable them to make, at the least, very good wages. The inhabitants of Okarita and the FiveMile have been astonished and gratified by the arrival of no less a personage than Dr. Viard. Catholic Bishop of Wellington, accompanied by Fathers M'G-irr and Eeilly. The Bishop was warmly received and welcomed by the miners. — W. C. Times.