WEST COAST.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XX, 14 September 1861, Page 2

WEST COAST.

[fboit oub, own cobbespondent.]

Buller River, September 9.

Since my last, things, with some, are not so cheering, while others are well satisfied with their claims.

Waimangaroa is still keeping its position. It is principally taken up by parties of five or six, who intend turning the stream. It will be some time yet before the richness of the creek will be fully developed, though several nuggets, weighing from 15 dwts. to 17 dwts., have been obtained from it ; and, from this and other facts, I believe there will speedily be some larger nuggets found in this locality.

Our diggers have not, as yet, got into working order, the dish being the only means, at present, of obtaining gold, if we except the Messrs. Rochforts' claim, whose party are working the only sluice we have here, and are doing well.

Some of the_ passengers per Jane are returning. This would seem to speak badly for the prospects of the place ; but the fact is, they became dissatisfied without giving the diggings even as much as a trial ; they merely took a look, and then walked away. Therefore, this can be no criterion whatever.

There are several parties starting out to prospect, the result of whose labours I shall be able to give you in my next. The Buller river is attracting several persons lo try k once more, the last information obtained from there having been very encouraging.

What with gold, coal, and chrome, there is every probability of this becoming an important place. We liave had a large increase to our population lately, and there are three vessels in the harbour at the present time, which brought between them fifty or sixty passengers. The place, just now, is over-stocked with provisionstores, and I am afraid that those who have speculated largely will be sufferers thereby. We want a pilot very badly. This should be attended to immediately, otherwise lives and property will be sacrified to a fearful extent.

Roads are likewise beginning to be much wanted ; and the Government at Nelson ought certainly to bestir themselves, and do something for this place, which, with a little encouragement, would become a most important district.