The Lyttelton Times.

Lyttelton Times, Volume IV, Issue 186, 2 August 1854, Page 2

The Lyttelton Times.

August 2, 1854. That gold has been found in our Province there is now but little doubt. The exact locality of the discovery is still a secret. Mr. Brittan has in his possession a sample of very good gold which is said to have been found in the dhection of the Malvern hills. Several persons intend to start soon upon a " prospecting" expedition in other directions where nuggets have been found near the surface. It has not however been yet proved that the precious mineral will be found in sufficient quantities to reward individual labour largely. It is very unlikely, at any rate, that New Zealand will divert any large number of gold seekers from the easily worked Australian gold fields, with their unprecedented wealth. But such a discovery as is now rumoured to have taken place may retain those in New Zealand who were thinking of going to Melbourne; and the yield may pay them adequately, though perhaps not largely, for their; labours. Copper ore has also beeu discovered in large quantities. The " Nelson" steamer arrived in this harbour on Monday last from Otago, and left again yesterday for the Northern Ports. We have no later files from Otago, the mails from that Settlement having been forwarded by the '"Despatch," previous to the " Nelson's " arrival. We are informed that the " Thetis," from London, entered the harbour as the steamer was leaving, She is reported to have been out 135 days.