Returning from Kimberley.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 215, 13 September 1886, Page 3

Returning from Kimberley.

• O'Donell tho Prospector Shot At.

The steamer Sikh arrived at Cooktown from Hongkong via Port Darwin and Thursday Island. She brings 'SO diggers from Port Darwin, returning from Kimberloy, vino all decry the place as unfit for a dog to live in.

The cargo includes 800 tons of tea, for New Zealand, and in all she carries about 1800 tons of general cargo for all ports. A; few hours before the Sikh left Port Darwin, the Menmuir arrived with 180 re turned diggers. Kimbertey official and press telegrams state that teams returning to Derby describe the road as good. Alluvial gold is becoming Bcarce, owing, to the lack of water, diggers having rushed too soon. The Cambridge Gulf-road is reported as impioneer.loo drays Jfrom the Gulf to the fields, only 10 of which arrived there, and they nearly empty. Ono party of diggers ehot at O'Donnell, who is now under police protection. Many teams are returnihg from the fields without money or rations. Experienced mon have returned to Derby, but intend going back. Parties are going to Derby daily. Warder Price fell from his horse on route to the fields and dislocated his shoulder. There are 2,000 mon on tho fields at the present time, and some practicable. Mr O'Donnellundertookto of the parties are doing well. The reports of results are conflicting as to alluvial gold. One party sank 20ft. on the reef and were successful.