Nelson Gold Fields.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XVII, Issue 94, 24 November 1858, Page 2

Nelson Gold Fields.

[fbom a correspondent.]

Collingwood, November 12, 1858.

In the leading article of the Colonist, November 5, I observe the following :—": — " Our gold-fields have not as yet brought us the returns anticipated ; " which has not a little surprized us over here, as we have always thought, in our ignorance, that the returns Have been as good as that of any other gold-fields ; in fact, have made certain of it. Perhaps Mr. Editor will oblige us as to what his anticipations really are, that we may try and reach them. I believe all here are hearty in then* good wishe3 to the success of your coal, but see no reason why a damper should be put on the gold. The average earnings per man per week on the Victoria diggings have been about a third of an ounce ; at the Sydney diggings, half an ounce ; and here we have been turning out, at least for some months, one ounce and upwards per man. That certainly " comes up to our anticipations " here, although we still hope for greater things. If Nelson would only assist us with population and better roads and bridges, we would come up to the returns anticipated in " quick sticke." There are great complaints about the Government road men not having been paid their wages for more than a month. I do think that this ought to be arranged as regularly as though it were a private firm. Through this neglect, some of the men are lounging about drinking and getting in debt ; consequently, what they might have saved is going fast, if not gone.

I hear that a great many in Nelson will scarcely credit the existence of the 9oz. nugget. I can only inform them that in the same dish there were a 2oz. nugget, a very handsome specimen of gold weighing 6dwts., besides some smaller gold usually found : thus making over llozs. in one prospecting dish. The party were Messrs. Kirk, Houghton, Martin, and Erskine. I have no doubt it will get over to you shortly ; but at present the owner does not seem willing to part with it.*

We have had two arrivals of passengers by jailing craft this week, which begins to remind us of old times. I can only advise our Nelson friends not to lose much more time, for with a very slight addition to our present population, something really good is sure to be found. I know of a gentleman from Waimea South who has got loz. of gold by only prospecting with a tin dish about Slate River between the last two trips of the steamer. N.B. Nothing is yet done with respect to the school, except, I believe, the master's salary going on. One would think the Committee could erect a tent for £15 or £20, that would answer for a temporary purpose ; but they are like some other parties in Nelson — " a do-nothing lot."

* Since the above was written, the nugget here alluded to has arrived in Nelson. The lettev should have appeared sooner, but was mislaid.— Ed. N. E.