THE THAMES GOLD FIELDS.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1098, 5 November 1869, Page 3

THE THAMES GOLD FIELDS.

(?£Otf A COBBBSPONDEKT.) Graham's Town, Oct. 18. Tbukt this is a wonderful place! Or, verily, these are wonderful places! For, although the townships of Graham's Town and Shortland are divided by nothing save an arbitrary line on a survey plan, they ■till preserve an individuality of identity puzzling to many, and obviously unnecessary to all. It is a pity that original no- , menolature should be adhered to with such tenacity, when the ever- varying circumstances which determine the positions of communities, and establish geographical centres, require an alteration for public convenience. But so it is ; and, I dare Bay, time will not help us much out of the difficulty. I say us, inasmuch as, having thrown my line in these pleasant waters, I am for the time angling for those fish which sometimes come to one's net when least expected,— ergo, I am numbered among the nomadic population of the Thames. To & stranger, coming say from so quiet a little spot as Napier, the bustle and excitement of said population are at once instructive and astonishing. Instructive, in that the great'practical lessons of life are here acquired, with a facility and aptitude unknown in your plodding, every-day-alike communities; — astonishing, when one coneiders and reflects what may be accomplished, what monuments may be reared, as evidence of the greatness of man and the glory of his time, if he have but the lever to work with. Archemides could have moved the world did he but find the fulcrum. A world is being builded here, whose, builder and maker is gold; and to find out whose fulcrum will be as difficult a task as that which my ancient friend aforesaid endeavoured in vain to establish. Although not built upon a rock, I see around me evidences of a mighty work in hand, which, with other industries unfolding themselves for man's acceptance, will all aggregate to the fulfilment of that prophecy which proclaims the future greatness of our country. Here is a population of 20,000, in round numbers, which, in the short space of a few months, have erected a veryfine city, or, rather, two cities— "Gog" and "Magog." By the way, would it not be a funny idea if a "tale of two cities" were to emanate from some future historian's pen, and depict the growing glories of nineteenth-century men in New Zealand? Robert ; Graham and Taipari,- Esquires, would (or their descendants should) contribute muchly to such a work. Talk about glory, isn't it glorious to have such townships in possession, to buy land by the mile, and let it by the inch ? That fact, the impossibility of ever (perhaps) getting the fee simple of the land, throws somewhat of a shade over present calculations ; but it seems to be but a secondary affair with speculators, as they look to have made their pile, or otherwise have extracted all that is worth having out of their allotments at the end of their lease — ten or fourteen years ; and by that time the diggings may be t'other Bide of Jordan. As there is no back country to maintain a population of any other industry, it is difficult to say what the ultimate future of these places will be. Thereby will hang the tale. : There is a picturesqueness about these places and their surroundings, which attract the eye of the stranger vastly. The passage from Auckland up the Hauraki (at the head of which gulf the Thames diggings are opened), is in itself a pleasant trip, which amply repays the visitor. The steam boats which run to and from Auckland twice a day are comfortable and commodious. Civility, attention, and a good dinner or tea (all for 25.) help to pass the time cheerfully during a four hours', trip between the capital and these her* offshoots ; and, with the exception of the absurdly high fares-r4s. in the fore-cabin, and 7s. 6d. in the saloon — one might stretch his imagination to the Thames of old Fatherland, where, 20 years ago, the comforts of steamboat travelling differed from those of the present day. I shall have plenty to say, by-and-bye, of the many inducements there are for people to migrate to these shores ; but, in the meantime — although I much regret to see your population decimated by the almost daily addition of Napier faces here, — I candidly avow that the pleasure derived from this smooth-water passage of 45 miles is alone a great temptation to give a " good report of the country.** There is a sweet thing in jetties here. Ifc is not equal to Brighton pier ; no, nor that of Gravesend, or Auckland. But it serves its purpose ; it just saves one from getting drowned, and that's enough where poetry and romance have not taken root. It runs about 200 yards out on the " strand," as I suppose it will be called some day, to enable vessels to come up at high tide. A very peculiar custom prevails here, which marks the 'cuteness of our Government in raising the wind. A toll-gate (taxes are all the fashion here, too) is erected at the shore end of the wharf, and a penny is charged to go on ; but, l guess the stranger is particularly green who thinks he will get off again unless he forks out another copper, bis astonishment only exposing himself to a practical application of the "newest thing out" by the bystanders. Verily this is an improved method of imposition, which an enlightened public (lightened at any rate as far as their odd coppers are concerned) will not bear long without a growl. Emerging from said wharf, pier, or jetty— it rejoices in the whole three names, one's astonishment and admiration begin, inasmuch as the view from the water does not prepossess the beholder in its favour. Comparisons may be " odiously " unpleasant, but it is only by such a method that we can arrive at the excellence of one thing or place over another. The very meanest buildings compare favorably with anything seen elsewhere, while those of a more pretending character (and the best are structures one hardly expects to find), each succeeding to eclipse or to improve the preceding one. Architectural display is, therefore, an element of study in the formation of our streets. Of course these are the public institutions, such as the banks, hotels, &c. Several large warehouses of a superior kind are in progress. I regret, with many others, an absence of the same display in the churches and schools ; for one can hardly imagine so large and wealthy a population, with so much effort to adorn their secular institutions, being without a spire or tower, which, in raising their summits to Heaven, proclaim to God an active remembrance of His goodness. Don't let me be misunderstood : there are plenty of places of worship ; and it does

one good to see the strict observance of tEV Sabbath here. Churohes, ohapela, and meeting houses, are all well filled; a»d when it is remembered what has occurred, and still occurs, on other diggings, especially on Sunday — that day which is there generally set apart for dissipation and debaoich ; when I cell you that in these two townships, with all this humming and buzzing miultitude, there are but two policemen to keep the peace (!) you will infer that our people can't be such a lot of ruffians after all. ! Nevertheless, it but reflects the nations glory which sets vigorously and religiously to work to emulate the traditions of its ancestors, and leave behind the records of its faith. i There are several wants requi ring great ! attention here, which people coming from I old-established towns feel greatly. It looks i very odd, notwithstanding the inconvenience experienced by travellers, to see the very fine street-ways of these townships most successfully blocked up by the presence of two or three feet of mud and -slush"; and this is so far literally true that -off the beach road, a vehicle is not to be .seen, unless it be some more hardy chawbacon takes his team through with a gush, or, perad venture, while in medias res he has to obtain the assistance of another team to drag him out. This is a serious drawback to the place; but the authorities are now alive to the fact, and are setting to w f ork with a will, and by the end of the summer we shall boast of some of the finest sheets ever seen. Although they are gen erally of a pretty good width — 75 and 100 links, still the enormous traffic for ever on the move will find it none too much. In the meantime, it is absolutely a penance to drag one's slow length along. The weather, too, which makes the bad streets, is to a denizen of your province simply disgusting. Go where you will, you may travel many a long journey before you meet' with the halcyon days of Hawke's Bay. Truly, if Grahamstown is not "a hard road to travel on," it gives you a I *' wefc sheet and a flowing sea" — of mud. ! Rain, rain, nothing but an incessant downI'pour; and so deceitful are the signs, that | after an hour's sunshine, which inveigles i one beyond the reach of macintosh or umbrella, down it comes again, frowning : upon you with a kind of sullen fury. YoU i stick to Napier, for, with its meteorologicail : attractions — even if it does not vie at present with others in some respects-— I predict a great future for her. By this mail you will have some addition to your population from Australia; at any rate before long, for I have met two or three gentlemen who arrived by the steamer Auckland a few days since, (one of whom I know ■will visit N apier) and they all made enquiries both with respect to places and persons of whom they know nothing except by repute, which clearly shews the notice which is being directed towards New Zealand by our friends over the water. As far as my poor efforts are concerned I will do ail I can to advance the interests of Hawke's Bay although ***** but "tfie rest is silence" The news to hand which announces the death of our mutual friend Captain St. George has caused the most painful sensation here. Many of us who have known him for the last fifteen years knew the proper ring of the metal which cheered the hearts of those who served with him and nerved the arm of as brave a soldier as ever faced a foe. Poor fellow ! His gallant name adds one more to the long, sad, and inglorious list. When will these black devils cease from troubling? Talking of native troubles, we don't seem to be surmounting the Upper Thames difficulty. Reports are daily coming in, some favourable some the reverse," but the most reliable information is that nothing will or can be done until Mr. M'Lean comes. This is not expected for some little time yet ; although experience proves that delay in this ease will be as dangerous as is proverbially believed in others. A part of the obstacles, seem removed, in that some of the native owners are willing to have a population higher up. Again a great incentive to the success of a negociator would be found in the charm which the fees for mining rights carry in their bosom. It may seem very queer that a charm in any one's bosom should find its way to some else's pocket ; but let me say that which may not be well known, that 75 per cent, of the fees paid for mining goes to the lessors — the original native owners who, having leased the land to the Government, still hold a sort of Royalty over the labors of the lessees. No wonder we can't have good streets ! No wonder indignation meetings take place to advertise the fact of £300 odd being insufficient to make improvements or carry on works necessary to progress ! And mark ! some drivelling philo-Maori, in one of our late issues, contradicts several inaccurate statements as to the total amount paid to said lessors up to 30th September last, and says all they, have received is Twenty -two thousand seven "hundred and fifty six pounds sterling ! That's all ! And in one year or so, over and above the rents as the owners of the land. The correspondent from whom I quote, adds, "this has to be divided among " 300 of them." This may be true ; but does not alter the fact that that sum increasing annually would be productive of far more good in the hands of the Government, albeit it were divided among six times as many thousands of white population. However, Mr. M'Lean is looked upon as the panacea of all our troubles in this respect, and it can only be sincerely hoped that no such unjust and one-sided treaty will be perpetuated at Ohinemuri. An extensive offering of land in Grahamstown was made to the public on the 12 th inst., but;, although the prices realized were satisfactory — 'ranging from Bs. 6d. to 395. per foot frontage on lease for 14 years — a marked falling off in demand is observable. Of course this must be expected ; but at present trade is a little overdone, and must, by relief from outer pressure, resume its level. The altercation par excellence, has been that of Unthank against O'Brien and others. Plaintiff took proceedings to prevent defendants working a certain piece of ground included in the celebrated "Beach claims," that is the land between high and low water mark. O'Brien seems to have gained little by his action in the matter, but has the satisfaction of seeing that he has been the cause of Unthank's license being cancelled by the Superintendent — the same having been obtained somewhat in error. The arrival of the Star of the South ph Saturday, has provided those interested with gratifying intelligence relative to the Kaimanawa prospecting affairs, We are glad

*t<rsee > that so thoroughly practical a man as Mr. Tiffen should have taken the matter in hand, and so patriotically set to work in the common cause. His movements will be watched with interest by many, and his success hailed with acclamation by all. Titokowaru, according to the quid nuncs of the Waikato, is expected to visit that district shortly ; and if, as is not improbable, Mr. Kooti forms the coalition which has been considered likely, you may look forward to receive some stirring news. Everything continues brisk here except scrip, which lies like a deep sea lead in one's coffers. The fact is that a very great depression is manifest in all kinds of stock speculations— the time of rushing excitement having gone by; and the outside capital which has been (and by some still) expected, not having put in an appearance. There is an admirable letter in the Otago Daily Times of September 17, from its correspondent who, in writing from this place, depicts with great truth the actual state of affairs, exhibiting the rottenness of the system, and the unsound position of many, nay most of the companies here. In short they are bubble companies, floating without capital, and issuing scrip to amounts varying from £1000 to £9000, which is quoted "on change "as " paid up capital." The consequences are, that the blind eagerness which induces scrip speculation, involves the victims of rash enterprise in responsibilities which either form their ruin, or compel them to sell by public auction at a great sacrifice. Thus scrip may be quoted as a body on an inclined plane, whose own force impels it to the earth. Fine weather has at last set in, after five days' soaking rain. SaxbyV tidal wave not having made its appearance (although I hear that plenty of preparation was made for its reception) the good folks here have produced a new name for an old drink in honor of it, viz., for a pint of ale, instead of a " deep sinker," a "tidal wave" is requested. This puts somewhat in the shade the " liquid conciliator " of Nasby notoriety. Piscatob.