NELSON GOLD FIELDS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1091, 25 April 1863, Page 3

NELSON GOLD FIELDS.

Many of the diggers who recently arrived from Otago and Sydney have left town for the Buller, via Wangapeka, while others are remaining in expectation of the arrival of the Nelson and Marlborough Company's steamer Marlborough, now hourly expected from Adelaide, intending to proceed in her direct to the Buller river. The men who have proceeded overland, have we understand, started with about fourteen days supply of provisions, which they expect will carry them to the Buller ; but in order that they might run no risk of falling short of stores, should they fail in making their way through the country, or, if tempted to prospect in the Karamea, be deterred from doing so by having no means of living, a deputation from them waited, we have been told, on the Superintendent in the early part of the week, to ask his Honor to undertake on the part of the Government, that provisions should be sent on as far as it was practicable for pack animals to proceed beyond the existing dray road, so that they might not have to overload themselves with stores on starting or be compelled to abandon their enterprise from want of food they expressing a willingness to pay all expenses. The Superintendent, we believe, did not think proper to accede to this request, and the men started therefore, with such supplies as they thought they could carry from Wangapeka on their backs. Those who have remained in town waiting for the steamer to convey them to the Buller, getting tired of inaction are also contemplating making a journey by land to the Buller, or to prospect the Karamea, and a gentleman has come forward with an offer to send if necessary, whatever stores they may require, into the head of the Karamea, or as far as it is possible for pack animals to travel on the route. This offer

the diggers now in town are disposed to accept, and should the Marlborough not arrive to-day, an arrangement of some such character as the above will probably be made with them.

From all accounts, the Karamea promises to be one of the richest and most extensive gold-fields in New Zealand, and we should hail with pleasure the prospecting of that district by so experienced a body of diggers as the men we are now speaking of. The diggers who have lately arrived in Nelson are very anxious to see the western district proclaimed a gold field, tliey being satisfied of its richness but naturally requiring whatever amount of protection we can give them while working there.—Examiner, April 11.