KARAKA GOLDFIELD. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Shortland, March 26.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIV, Issue 3342, 2 April 1868, Page 4

KARAKA GOLDFIELD. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Shortland, March 26.

The news rwhich arrived -here -by the?' 'Enterprise' this morning, reporting the dastardly attempt at assassinating H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh, has caused a universal feeling of horror and execration amongst this community against the assassin. One hears on every gide exclamations of"de«p sympathy with the Prince, and fervent" hope! thai; the" report may prove unfounded. I see by the public presa that a Fenian is suxpeofced. of perpetrating this atrocious deed, but I feel sure the most devoted Feniaa vrill utterly condemn suoh a rash, diabolical, and cowardly 'act. There is a report current that alluvial gold his been discovered at some place distant about eight miles from here, and at the back of the ranges, Some gold has been brought in by one of the 1 party, but he seems very reticent? in his communications. However, a few days will suffice to prove the truth or otherwise of tbe district being alluvial. In the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, a few cases of no public importance were heard. William Wilkinson and Alexander Davidson were summarily convicted of a common .assault on John Allen, and sentenced each to pay a fine of £2andcosts,or suffer one month's imprisonment. John Inglis was also charged with assaulting Thomas Smith, with the same > result. Mr. J. E. Dodd appeared for the prosecutors in eaoh case, and Mr. Macdonald for defendants. Mr. Mackay puMicly notified in. Court the appointment of Mr. Baillie, Mr! Lawlor, and himself as Wardens, and also the existence of a Wardens' Court, which was gazetted on the 19th instant. The claimholders on the Waiotahi now feel the great need of a ' roail up that creek, and. have convened a meeting for Saturday, the 28th inat«nt, to be hejd on. the (Break-o'-Day Claim, for the-purpose of devising means for the contraction of a good and durable roadway. I suppose the £10 paid- toward the Moanataiarixoad, with a bonus of spirits, Ac,, ad lib,, as well as your remarks in Tuesday's is«ue, have had aometbiog to do with hurrying on this important undertaking. The Ban bury Cross and other claims up this creek are continuing to turn out exceedingly rich atone, £70 has been offered, but refused, for a half -share in the claim mentioned. The cutters * Henry' and * Sumter' left Auckland at the same time, a day or two ago — a bet of £10 aside having been made on the event. The * Henry,' though Bhe was the second to arrive, beat her opponent, This may Beem contradictory, but I will explain : The bet was made conditionally on both cutters carrying the same kinds of sails ; but Captain Green, of the ' Sumter,' was anxiou* to arrive >tbat tide, and hoisted his gaff-topsail,, jbo enable him to do so ; and thus he lost the bet though he won the race. The Presbyterians, who musten very strong here, held a meeting last evening, and accepted! > the tender of Mr. Heron for the erection of a kirk, which if to be finished within one month from. date,.