THE KIMBERLEY GOLDFIELDS.

Bruce Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 1755, 4 June 1886, Page 4

THE KIMBERLEY GOLDFIELDS.

The Cossack correspondent of the ' Perth Daily News,' under date May 5, reports that the steamer Albany, from Derby, brought the following news respecting the Kimberly goldfields : — A man has arrived at Derby having in his possession 80oz. of gold. Up to the date of the Albany leaving Derby, 600oz. had been brought in. Ab

Cambridge Gulf complaints are rife owing to the want of stores for the diggers. The Albany had on board 180oz. of gold from the Kimberley diggings. Large numbers of people continue to arrive at Derby from all parts. Eor storekeepers and capitalists there are splendid prospects. It is believed that large quantities of gold from the Kimberley district have been obtained by some diggers from the eastern colonies, unknown to the authorities. Up to date it is estimated that upwards of 1200oz. have been secured, and from present appearances there is every probability of the diggings proving the best ever discovered in Australasia At Derby land has considerably increased in value, and already a number of town blocks hava changed hands. At the time of the Albany's departure, five teams were leaving Derby for the goldfields. A telegram from Perth, dated May 19, says : — Three hundred diggers arc proceeding to Kimberley on Saturday, via Cambridge Gulf, as the route that way is the shortest to the goldfields, and probably the best. The Government Resident is located at the foot of Ibastion Hills, on the south-west arm of the Gulf. Two stores have been erected on View Hill, but provisions are exorbitantly dear. No horses are procurable at the Gulf. At Derby flour is lO^d per lb. A few horses are procurable there at £20 a piece. The accounts from the diggings are unreliable, as the diggers are very reticent. It is believed, however, that 2000oz. were brought into Derby, and one nugget of 20oz. pure gold. Sickness is prevalent amongst the diggers. It is absolutely necessary that diggers should import sufficient horses for their equipment, and six month's provisions, otherwise disaster is certain. Cattle are being driven to the diggings from Roeburno. The ' Perth Inquirer ' writes : — Several diggers lately arrived at Derby from the eastern colonies, but upon finding out that they had still four hundred miles to travel before reaching the as yet really undefined goldfields, they sold all their belongings and departed in disgust. That there is gold in plenty in the district is certain, but it will take much capital to properly test and fully develop the auriferous resources of the country. Poor men bad better keep away from Derby, or they will arrive there only to become burdens upon a small and struggling community. A.ny of our readers disposed to try their fortunes on the new field .will be cheered by the knowledge that the following articles are absolutely necsssary, and must be taken with them, and transported 400 miles from the port over a desert : — Two or more horses, two pack saddles and bridles, four sets of shoes, with plenty of nails, four pairs of hobbles and chain?, one large mosquito net (6 feet by G), one large pair blankets, two pairs strong boots, small pick and shovel, one prospecting dish, small axe, good gun, with plenty of No. 1 shot, revolver, ammunition, horseshoeing tools, saddling tools, good sheath knife, one steel, flour, sugar, salt, bacon, vice, one calico fly (for tent), preserved apples, citric acid, vinegar, quinine, pills, tea, carbonate soda, tobacco, preserved potatoes, tinned meats, matches, castor oil, laudanum, pipes, four quart billy, quart and pint tin, chisel, one waterproof shirt.