MR. GABRIEL READ'S REPORT.

To his Honour the Superintendent. Dunedin, 6th November 1861. Sir,—-I have the honour of reporting to you the result of my proceedings in connection with prospecting for the Government, since the 15th of September last. My researches have extended from the site of the present gold fields to the Pomahaka, and from thence towards the Mataura. Throughout the country I have traversed, I have to report that gold exists in quantities which would remunerate the day labourer, by what is called " wages," but I regret to say, that I have not been fortunate enough to find a payable gold field, such as that of Gabriel's Gully or the Waitahuna. It is my firm impression that although I have not succeeded in further discoveries, that payable gold fields exist in the country I have prospected, and that they will before long be brought to light, through the medium of an increasing and wide spreading population. I was precluded from prosecuting my search for the existence of the precious metal by means of deep sinking, by the absence of the proper materials and appliances. In thus furnishing a brief report of the result of my labours, which, I regret were not more successful, —I beg to say that Ido not consider myself sufficiently qualified to prosecute enquiries relative to new gold fields, and I request

the Government to relieve me of any further duties connected therewith ; at the same time I beg to express my gratification at the manner in which you have been pleased to mention my name to the Council. —I am &c, THOS. G. READ.