OTAGO.

Press, Volume I, Issue 17, 14 September 1861, Page 6

OTAGO.

We have received papers down to the 7th instant. They contain letters from the diggings, the latest date from Tuapeka being September 4th. The Omeo had brought 208 passengers to Dunedin from Melbourne. She reported that three vessels had started for Otago with diggers. One of these vessels arrived at Port Chalmers just as the Lady Bird was leaving the harbour. 'The Argus' was endeavouring to dissuade the people from leaving Melbourne. The • Witness , correspondent states that there had been a rush for the Beaumont—a stream about nine miles distant from Gabriel's Gully; but it ended in disappointment. A party of sailors had sunk to a depth of twenty-five feet in a small gully called Anderson's Gully; they were getting 1 oz. each per day. The population on the diggings was over 4000, and the best possible order prevailed. About 1000 miners' rights had already been issued. At the Waitahuna diggings there were about a doren parties. They were averaging from 255. to 30s. each per day. The field is not so rich as Gabriel's Gully, but provisions are much cheaper, the distance from Tokomairiro being considerably less. The Superintendent had been occupied for some time in ascertaining whether the Molyueux is navigable. It is said that he has succeeded, and that a small steamer can get up as far as the Tuapeka. "If so it will be of the greatest importance not only to the diggers, but to all classes of the community, lowering considerably '.the price of provisions for the former, opening up a splendid tract of country for intending farmers, and affording a means of transit for holders in the interior*"