MARLBOROUGH GOLDFIELDS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXII, Issue 244, 16 October 1888, Page 3

MARLBOROUGH GOLDFIELDS.

[From our own Correspondent, i Apart from special items of news the general Appearance of things and the tone of information that comes to hand seem to justify confidence in the goldfields. About Mahakipawa there is no longer any speculation, it is yielding steadily and handsomely, and the reefs above the creek when laid bare display most encouraging indications of wealth ; at the crown of the ridge the reef varies in thioknesa Iroaa , a couple of feet and is of an irregular character, bat as it deepens it widens and the lower and apparently richer parts are not less than 7 feet thick. The number of men on the field is increasing, and" daily, scores of men ftgk for engagements at the reef works which are soon to be erected. It is the opinion of the more experienced and reliable diggers that' if these reefs turn out equal to the eamplflß and expectation there will be work lor 500 men. Holders in tha Waikakaho reef •re rery hopeful, but . the alluvial prospects axe discouraging. Should these reefs turn oat well machinery would be erected on the flat, and this would in itself be a considerable aid to Blenheim, Business at Mahakipawa appears to be brisk. The flat on Sundays Bow presents quite an unique speotacle being crowded with diggers. The Waikakaho flat is ■ also a busy scene, and there is coach communication now daily with Blenheim. The S6V«nth share in the Southern Cross reef, I referred, to did not change hands, but the owner was offered (and refused) £100 for his interest. Homan and party washed out of one diah 12ozs of gold on Friday. A reef has foeen'Bteuokinthe Waikakaho claim. Nearly, £100 worth «f gold was sold quietly on Saturday in Havelocfe:. One party got 18ozs last week, but many persons are doing 1 very little, and tkose who intend trying Mahakij»awa must be prepared to rough it. In some specimens from the Waikakaho claim gold is visible to the naked eye. Very few claims in the -main creek at Mahakipawa ha/ye been bottomed to success so far. Rush and party, below the prospectors, are getting good prospeots in the wash dirt, but have not bottomed yet. They expect good yields when they sluice this week. The terraces to the right above, and to the left below the prospectors, going up the creek, arey ielding . good gold, one party working a terrace to the left haying washed out 60 ounces during the week, Later. .In addition to the sale of gold previously msationed, about £200 worth was sold in Havelock ©* Saturday night, and money is flying about fretly. » - •■ *