WEST TAIERI GOLD FIELD.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Volume II, Issue 54, 4 November 1863, Page 3

WEST TAIERI GOLD FIELD.

Report of Mr. Warden Williamson, West Taieri Gold Field, 24th October, 1863.

Sir, —I have the honor to report that, according to instructions, I proceeded to the West Taieri Gold Field on the 23rd inst (October). On my visiting the ground 1 found upwards of 1000 miners centred at Nicholl's Gully-—the gully in which the prospecting claim was granted; The deposits are very rich in this gully ; gold has been traced from the creek into the hills on either side. The depth of washdirt varies according to the undulations of the reef, being from six to twelve inches. As the hills rise, the depth of sinking becomes greater. The deepest claim I have Keen in which gold is procured is sixteen feet, bottoming on to soft blue slate. The washdirt is soft cement and red graveL Some of the yields have been large. All who have claims here are doing well, the gold is generally distributed. Occasionally rich deposits are formed where the reef dips ; as much as live and six ounces have been washed from a tin dish of dirt. The miners do not hesitate to show their gold (which is coarse and crystallised)* or to tell of their success. Many parties have divided from ten to twelve ounces per man for a day's work.

In many instances fabulous quantities are named, which I have no doubt in many cases have been got, but judging from the cheerful manner tlu miners work, 1 should say they are generally doing well. There are several guilies in the district similar in formation to Nicholl's Gully, where gold is found in more than payable quantities, the most particular being bailor's Gully, .liluckmun's Gully, and Tucker Gully in Sailor's Gully. Large finds are said to have been got, and from the disputes already requiring my presence, I should judge the miners hold a favorable opinion of it. In Blackmail's Gully I saw seven ounces procured by two men iu one day. On the hill at the entrance to the township, a quartz reef has been opened. The prospectors previous to my arrival applied to the Sorgeant in charge lor a prospecting claim ; they have nut yet renewed the application. From the general appearance of the country, I am of opinion that a large portion of it is auriferous, in a greater or less degree. As the gullies j' in the Deep Stream the gold becomes line, and not so rich as at the .source, where it i, coarse and shotty, pieces weighing lr> m one to two ounces having been found. There are mrnerous parties coming on to the ground, distributing in the gully. It will not be ovcr-e>.'.i:nati.ig the population at 'J,OOO. 1 have the lienor be, Your obedient servant, ('has. Williamson': Vincent Pvlce, E.sq., 11./»1., GohUiekU' Secretary, Duncdiu.