COROMANDEL.

New Zealander, Volume XIX, Issue 1882, 30 May 1863, Page 9

COROMANDEL.

[from our own correspondent.] May 2nd, 1863. From the Driving Creek the news of the week is as usual, encouraging. Keliy is busy crushing a large heap of rich specimens, and by next Tuesday will have a nice little pile ready to take to Auckland; so much for No. 4. WooJin, in No. 5, has about 92 ounces of clean gold, the produce of the week’s work ; and a dividend of £5 per share will be declared in a few days; the claim is divided into 160 shares, and this will bo the third dividend declared since the commencement of the year, namely, one ot £5 one of £lO, and again another of £s—in all ,£2O, not a had interest on the capital which each share represents (about £100) ; and to all appearance the claim is as good now as it was when gold was first struck in it. Bowman’s claim to the north of No. 5, is giving indications of a brilliant future, some very nice specimens having been taken from a small leader lately struck in the shaft. Late last night a very fine leader was struck in u tunnel in No. 3, the old shaft in this claim is now deserted, and is nearly full of water up to the top. There is at present a small rush to Paul’s creek, Kopotauaki; about twenty men are at work, some of whom arc getting a little gold, bat to properly developc this district a large body of men is requisite, and to really determined prospectors a large scope of highly auriferous country is open; the whole of the ranges and creeks between the Matawai and Raul’s creek are undoubtedly gold bearing, and some of the richest specimens found in Coromandel have come from the Matawai and Waiau creeks. The Kapanga sluicing party have had to remove their works a short distance higher up the creek, to enable them to increase the fall for the flumes; and cm the small quantity of surface gravel already ashed an excellent prospect has been obtained. Keren’s claim is still being worked, and yesterday he men struck a vein of bluish quartz very similar lo hat found in the Driving creek. Sir G. Arney was yesterday inspecting the rich claims on the creek, and seemed lo take a great interest in all he saw. On Thursday a very handsome specimen weighing upwards of 3ozs., was picked up on the Matawai, and the same parties have, since discovered several excellent prospects in thesame district. Up to the present time tire amount of gold taken from No. 5, weighs two thousand three hundred ounces. Mtiy 9 th. A meeting of the shareholders in Ring’s, G ribble’s, the Junction Claim, and M‘Gregor’s was held yesterday at the Junction, to propose to those parties interested in the above claims the advantages to be derived from the amalgamation and the more efficient mode of working them, to which such amalgamation wou d lead. After tire subject was well sifted and discussed, it was ultimately arranged, that the four claims in question should be worked on the proposed system, under the name of the “ Coromandel Gold Mining Company.” This seems to be a step in the right direction, which it is to be hoped will be speedily adopted by other parties in similar situations. It is almost needless to comment on the importance of this movement, us nothing is so well calculated to push Coromandel into notice, as the union, as in this case, oi capital and labour. Murphy, I am happy, to say, at a depth of seventy feet, has again struck rich quartz, and was yesterday very busy bringing some very fine specimens to light. The crushing of Kelly’s stone is just completed, and the amount of gold which is very great, though not weighed when I saw it, was variously estimated at from SJO to 700 ounces. From Raul’s creek, Koputauaki, the news is good, and several parties arc reaping a harvest of rich specimens; before many months arc over this creek will be as well known as the Driving Creek. Last evening one of those social reunions, so conducive to kindly feelings, was held tit the “ Royal hotel.” Among the gentlemen present was the Provincial T easurer, Mr. Lawlor, onr esteemed Resident Magistrate, Messrs. David, Graham, Watt, Baddley, Ring, E. Wood, Stark, &c. After an excellent dinner, provided by Mr. Glover (the host), had been done ample justice to, and after a very pleasant evening, “ God save the Queen” having been sang, the company separated. [May loth. On the 13th, a meeting of miners and others was hold at tbe Junction, Driving Creek, for the purpose of petitioning the. Governor to supply them with firennns, &c., tor self-defence; the natives were invited to attend, and several of the principal men were there at the time appointed. The natives were in favour of the Europeans being armed, but at the same lime, considered that they also should be supplied with firearms as well as the miners. And in the event of the Europeans being armed and themselves not, they said that they should then be distrustful of the Europeans, and that it might lead to a quarrel. At the meeting in question a petition was got up, signed by several persons, both European and Maori; but I am since informed. on good authority, that at present it is not considered advisable to forward it to the Government. In No. 5, Mr. Wood in hasstruck a leader of considerable richness and solidity, and from the direction in which it is running (to the west of north), and from the formation of the strata it is supposed to be either the commencement of the reef itself, or the vein leading directly to it. Keliy, in No. 4, is preparing a kiln to burn about 20 tons of rich quartz from this claim. The tunnel in No. 3 is now about IUO feet in, and several j verv small veins of quartz have been struck. I am in- j funned that at present the amalgamation of claims j mentioned in my last has not been effected; it is a pity i that anything should stand in the way of such an j arrangement, as these claims can hard y be worked to profit under any other system. On Murphy’s reef everything looks most promising. To-day Murphy has struck a vein, apparently ■ the reef, of*bluish quartz, thickly impregnated with j gold, running into the solid granite. It is by fur the : most solid formation yet discovered in this claim. ! In the New Zealand claim a fine bodv of stone has j been struck; and everywhere in this Neighbourhood ' things look hopeful. Keven’s reef is being worked with some of the old ; activity, and already some good-looking leaders have | bean struck. By sinking, it is very possible that quartz i ot some value will be discovered. The claims on the j Bishop's Point are registered. May 22nd. Everything goes on with its usual regularity down! here. No. 5 is yielding very large quantities of rich 1 quartz, and one of the best crushings from this claim ■ will be made very shortly; the principle leader is increasing in width and is dipping to the West. No. 4 j are starting a new shaft at the foot of the large kauri tree at the back of Ohlson’s store, with every prospect of striking ilie leader before they reach the water. In No. 3, the amount of work done during the past month is something surprising, and reflects great credit on the manager and men employed, upwards of 120 feet having been tunnelled into the western bank of the creek during that short space of time. The other claims arc doing as usual, though the rich leaders

nre beginning to l>c fonml in all directions, taking N<\. 5 ns their centre. From the Kopotatuki Creek the new.*; is very good; one party of two are getting an ounce of rich specimens a day, and others are doing equally well; about 25 miners are working in this direction; one specimen lately found weighed 9 ounces. AUCKLAND HORTICULTURAL SOCIKTY. Tmc Autumnal Exhibition of this Society was held on the 7th. their Marquee being pitched in the wonted place the paddock in the rear of Government House. Tie day was bland and beautiful: the weather, for the last three or four days, being of a quality not to be surpassed in the sunniest spots of sunny Italy. Such a delight Ail change, after the rain and storm which succeeded a summer of unprecedented dryness, was much in favour of visitors to the exhibition : but, after the summer's drought the marvel was that there should have been any exhibition at all, and, being one, that such an elegant collection of tlowers, fruits, and vegetables, could be got together. We had our misgivings on this point; and, on approaching the tlag bedizened Marquee, we concluded our approheu sious to have boon well founded, for there we behold “the meteor banner” hanging sluggishly in the wind—- “ Union lioirn The collection of fruits, flowers, and other articles of produce and manufacture were more choice than abundant Some were excellent; and among these wo may enumerate a variety of jams, jellies, and other condiments, from Mrs. Webster of Hokiauga. Black grapes, grown under glass, by Mr. Dawson, of such inviting plumpness and transparent richness, as was calculated to load one sorely into temptation ; half a dozen varieties of splendid pears, by Mr. Hawkins of the North Shore; mangold wurtzel, of prodigious size; beautiful carrots of scarcely inferior dimensions; radishes, tomatos, maize, chillies, knmeras, pumpkins, of congenial growth ; leeks that would have rejoiced Fluellcn, and given “ ancient Pistol” a surfeit; and a selection of flowers and hot house plants that merit a larger degree of commendation than we have either time or space to bestow. Of manufactures, the specimens were few. Some enterprising Natives exhibited a few mats. And Mr. George Boyd displayed a variety of draining tiles, flower pots, and other earthenware, from his manufactory South Newtown.

AYe missed one unfailing source of attraction —music. There was no baud, in consequence, we presume, of the impending change of quarters in the troops. The exhibition, if not a great success, was at least a creditable display, and with a different summer would have achieved a different result. The following is the list of prizes awarded : Section 1. —Plants in Tubs ok Boxes CLASS: 1. T. Osborne, Greenhouse Plants, Ist prize 1. B. Meatyard, diito 2nd prize 12. 13. Meatyard, Petunias, Ist prize 17. T. Osborne, Chrysnnthcnums, Ist prize 22. T. Osborne, Foliage Plants, Ist prize 23. C. T. Wren, best Specimen Plant, Ist prize C. T. Wren, ditto 2nd prize 25. G. Hendry, collection Native Trees, Ist prize D. Hay, collection Pines, &c., extra His Excellency Sir G. Grey, New Fern from Souih Sea Islands, extra C. T. Wren, Group Ferns, extra • Section 2. —Florists’ Flowers (cut). 1. D, Hay, collection Annuals, Ist prize 5, D. Hay, Artirrhinuins, Ist prize 11. E. Fiske, Stocks, 2nd prize AY. lleay, ditto 3rd prize 13. D. Hay, Phloxes, 2nd prize 19. C. T. Wren, collection Flowering Shrubs, Ist prize T. Osborne, Chrysanthenuras, 2nd prize Section 3. — Ornamental Arrangements. 2. T. Osborne, vase cut Flowers, Ist prize G. Hendry ditto 2nd prize D. Hay, basket cut Flowers, 2nd prize Mrs. Speight ditto 3rd prize J. Lynch, cut Flowers, Ist prize Mrs. Speight, hand Bouquet, 2nd prize Section 4. —Fruits. 2. George Dawson, Grapes growing under glass, Ist prize 4. W. Albciter, out door Grapes, 2nd prize 7. C. T. Wren, Figs, Ist prize 17. H. J. Hawkins, culinary Apples, Ist prize C. T. Wren ditto 2nd prize 19. 11. J. Hawkins, Dessert Fears, Ist and 2nd prize 20. 11. J. Hawkins, Collection ditto, Ist prize 21. H. Neale, Culinary ditto, Ist prize H. J. Hawkins, ditto 2nd prize 23. G. Friskc, Green Flesh Melon, Ist prize 25. J. P. Sinclair, Water Melon Ist prize 26. K. Vincent, Pie Melon, Ist prize C. T. Wren, ditto 2nd prize 29. C. T. Wren, Lemons, 2nd prize 30. C. T. Wren, Oranges, 2nd prize 31. IT. J. Hawkins, Quinces, Ist prize 32. IT. J. Hawkins, Medlars, Ist prize J. Guthrie, ditto 2nd prize 35. J. Lynch, Walnuts, 2nd prize 40. C. T. Wren, Pomegranate, Ist prize Sections—Vegetables. 1. J. P. Sinclair, Cucumbers, 3rd prize 2. C. T. Wren, Peas, 2nd prize G. Williamson, ditto, 3rd prize 3. D. Hay, Broad Beans, 2nd prize 4. G. Williamson, Kidney Beans, 2nd prize J. Westwood, ditto 3rd prize 7. W. He ay, Cabbage, Ist and 2nd prize G, Williamson, ditto, 3rd prize 11. W. lleay, Lettuce, Ist prize D. Hay,* ditto 2nd prize 13. C. T. Wren, Carrots, Ist prize J. Bunth, ditto 2nd prize 15. 1). Hay, Beetroot, Ist prize AY. lleay, ditto 2nd prize IG. AA r . lleay, Turnips, Ist prize J. Carpenter, ditto, 2nd prize 17. C. McDonald, Celery, 2nd prize J. Lynch ditto 3rd prize 18. J. Bunih, Seed Onions, Ist prize ]). Hay, ditto 2nd prize C. T. Wren ditto 3rd prize 20. C. T. Wren, llhuharb, Ist prize G. Williamson, ditto, 2nd prize 23. J. P. Sinclair, Hobarton Potatoes, Ist prize D. Hay, ditto, 2nd prize 25. C. Fiske, Kidney Potatoes, ash leaf, Ist prize 2C. G. Williamson, Tomalos, Ist prize 28. C. T. AVren, Kumeras, Ist prize D. Hay, ditto, 2nd prize 32 J. P. Sinclair, Long Radish, Ist prize 33. AY. lleay, White Turnips, 2nd prize AA r . lleay, lied ditto, 3rd prize 34. J. Lynch, Horse-radish, Isl prize T. Osborne, ditto, 2nd prize 35. G. Hendry, Pumpkin, Ist prize G. Williamson, ditto, 2nd prize 36. G. Williamson, Vegetable Marrow', Ist and 2nd prizes 37. G. AVilliamson, Collection Vegetables, 2nd prize 38. G. AA’iiliarason, ditto Herbs, 2nd prize C. Fiske, ditto ditto, 3rd prize 39. G. AVilliamson, ditto Salads, 2nd prize G. Williamson, Savoys, extra J. Lvnch, Artichokes, extra G Hend ry, New Zealand Spinach, extra G. Hendry, Leeks, extra Section 6.—Seeds and Agricultural Roots. 1. C. T. Wren, Collection Flower Seeds, 2nd prize 2. J. Blomfield, Collection Garden Seeds, Ist prize 0. T. Wren, ditto, 2nd prize 3. T. and O. Shepherd, White Wheat, Ist prize 'J', and 0. Shepherd, Red ditto, 2nd prize 4. T. and C. Shepherd, Capo Barley, 2nd prize 9. T. and C Shepherd, Sorghum, Ist prize 5. I. Kuuciman, Oats, Ist prize. 7. J. Bennett, maize in cob, Ist prize, “ G. Dawson, “ “ 2nd prize 10. C. T. Wren, Perrennial Rye Grass Seed. Ist prize. 17. J. Bunth, Mangold Wurtsel, Ist prize. IS. C. T. AVren, Field Carrot, 3rd prize. E. Fisk, Seed Cucumbers, extra prize. C. T. AVren, American' Mil'et, extra prize. Mangold Wurtsel Seed, extra prize. Section 7.—Jams, Wines, Tickles, &e." 2. Mrs. W. Webster, Raspberry Jam, 2nd prize. 8. Mrs. Young, Preserved Peaches, Ist prize. 9. Airs. AY. Webster, Cherry Jam, 2nd prize. 10. *‘ Grape Jam, Ist prize. >1 ■ “ Cape Goosbcrry Jam, 2nd prize. 12. Mrs. Young, Clarified Honey, Ist prize. • Mrs. AV. Webster, *• 2nd prize. 13. Mrs, Young, Ilcney in Comb, Ist prize. SECrION 3. G. Boyd, Collection of Flower Puts and Drain Tiles, Ist prize. G. Marlin, Australian Landrail, Ist prize. J. Lynch, Ayieslnirg Ducks, 2nd prize. S. Stilvvcll, Fowls, 2nd prize. Wil.initwhi, native, 3 Native Mats, 2nd prize C. T. Wren, specimen material for making Brooms, American, 3rd prize JUDGES. Sections 1, 2, 3, 4: Messrs. Chalmers, Brown and Henry. Sections 5, 6, 7, 8: Messrs. Kensington, Meatyard, and Wright.