THE WAKAMARINA DIGGINGS.

Marlborough Express, Volume IV, Issue 163, 13 March 1869, Page 4

THE WAKAMARINA DIGGINGS.

occasional correspondent writes to us from Mountain Camp Creek as follows :—“ I would have written to you before, but there was really no news to tell. The rush is a complete sell so far, as nothing has been got in the shape of gold to cause one. The Warden’s telegram and report is severely criticised by the diggers since he said “ Gold is found in considerable quantities, and the extent of country is not known.” Now, no considerable quantity of gold has been found in the creeks as yet, and none but the prospectors have found any at all, and they, I believe, only got 1G ozs., although some say 23 ozs. ; but even if the latter amount is correct, no one could call it a large quantity, and as to the extent of country, it was merely one pot hole. Nearly all the Blenheim people have left in disgust, and the rest will follow as soon as they have consumed the stores brought with them. There are a few parties still prospecting the creek, and amongst them is G. and party, who expect daily to know if their claim is any good. They are turning the creek, and have a-most likely looking claim ; but they have not as yet got the color. I believe if they and one or two others do not get gold in a day or two, everyone will leave. Provisions are very cheap, and vastly different to those charged at the old Whakamarina rush five years ago, but the stores are doing nothing, a circumstance not to be wondered at, since no gold is being got. Ido not believe one penny weigh has been found above the cross! ig, except by the prospectors—if they can be called such. The Warden and P. G. Paap was here last week for about an hour. They went up the creek, and then returned to Havelock. The place is very quiet and orderly, and there is not much fear of constables being wanted, and the roads arc about the same as at the first rush, only a little more mud, and in other respects much as nature left them. Some people who have not been used to a bush road, consider them nearly impassable; but it is wonderful where horses will go that have been used to hard roads. A large accession to the population has taken place by the arrival of a considerable number of diggers from the West Coast and Auckland, some of whom do say strong things. Should anything occur worth writing, you may depend upon hearing from me We have also received the following from a well-known person in Blenheim, who returned this week ;

gjh,—Would you allow these few lines to he inserted in your valuable journal to stop people from rushing from their homes and employment. I may say that during the 8 days I was on Mountain Camp Creek I do not believe there was 6 dwts of gold got there. I know of several holes which were bottomed in the terraces, and merely the color got. I do not mean to say there is no gold in the locallity because I am confident there is, but it will take money and time to work it. It is no use anyone going unless he can give at least a month’s time, and he must be a man who can rough it, and not be afraid of a drop of water. 1 intend going again, should I get good news, which I am now waiting for, but I should like to see something done to the roads, before I travel on them much ; they are almost impassable for horses. I saw one poor man go up nearly to his neck in the mud, jumping from stump to another, and frightened to move lest he should go out of sight altogether. However, by the aid of a supplejack he was drawn out of his muddy situation. 1 was in conversation with an old Wakamarina digger, and he said he was confident the gold will lead at the head of the Forks, running towards the Wairau ranges, and he and bis party intend giving it a geod trial. Wishing them every success, I am, &c., Charles Pokkxss. Blenheim, March 12.