THAMES. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXII, Issue 2712, 27 March 1866, Page 5

THAMES. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Waikawau, March 23. I wbote you last from the Waiwawa, in the Mercury Bay district, when the gold-prospect-ing party were then at work ; since when, they have worked up that river and its tributaries, crossed the dividing range, and entered the Waiwhaka Kauaeranga river, near to its source, which they descended to its confluence with the upper waters of the Gulf of Hauraki. The country travelled over offered a large scope for the discovery of gold should it exist in payable quantities, but I regret to have to report that the ELauaeranga river, which I lioped would lead to successful results, proved nonauriferous. No indication whatever was observed of the existence of gold, until we neared the west coast, when evidence of a quartz lode were visible. This confirms the opinion I have previously expressed, that the main lead must run from north to south within four to five miles of the eastern shore of the gulf, pass through the Upper Thames and Waikato country, and probably thence to the west coast of the North Island. Since the. arrival of the prospecting, party on this side, the Itaraka creek has been tried in several places with the view of ascertaining if the fine gold could not be saved in a similar manner to that found in the beach terraces of Hokitika. The prospects washed did not warrant the expense in time and labour that would have to be given to it. This creek is contiguous to the Waiotahi, which is certainly payable, but not open to Europeans. lam of opinion that if gold in payable quantities exists in the Thames district, it will be found in the ranges at the head of the river or in tho Upper "Waikafco. After leaving this place I shall try the immediate vicinity of the Castle liock for a few days. This locality is much fancied by miners who have resided for several years on the Pukewhau, Matawai, and other streams that; have their sources there ; and thougb I may not meet with success ifc will satisfy me that the country lying between Kauaeranga hag had a fair trial. The names of the prospecting party which crossed from Mercury Bay to Kauaeranga are — Thomas G-reave, Thomas Bowdon, William Walls, and Walter Williamson. The country through which they travelled is of the most rugged character, and the currents of the rivers necessitated in many instances to wade through water more than middle deep. This of course is the usual fate of miners, but as this is the first time a European has travelled the interior with, the view of discovering gold, I mention it.