TAPU CREEK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume V, Issue 1310, 28 January 1868, Page 2

TAPU CREEK.

(from a correspondent.) January 27. Since my last communication nothing of any importauce has transpired here, only that a meeting of diggers took place for the purpose of applying to Mr. Mackay in order to have their interests duly represented on the mining committee. Several creek claims have been taken tip within the last week. It is reported—but I will not vouch, for the statement—that the prospectors in the creek have bottomed on' the terrace side of their paddock and received a very rich prospect; however, as the bottom dips, they still expect something better in the main gutter. Other parties are also working in the main creek, and many others preparing the necessary apparatus for pumping purposes. Messrs. Me Isaacs and party have succeeded in getting a Berdan on their claim, and they expect to commence crushing; this week. They still continue driving _ with great perseverance, and the more they work the more the fact establishes itself that the richness of their claim is now beyond estimation. Mr. Sceats has struck a leader, but whether the precious metal exists in it or not is quite a mystery as yet. We hear of rushes taking place here every day, and more especially towards the Manaia block, where.l was informed by a digger who returned to-day, that about sixty miners were already on the ground, and some of them doing The unfortunate woman who shot heTself here died yesterday morning about eleven a.m. It is generally supposed that a Coroner's inquest will be held on the body, and if so, 1 will send you further particulars. Our township is still improving, and many buildings are heing rapidly put up within the last week. Trade in general is very dull, but I suppose business people are living in hopes as well as many of our diggers. "We have had very few mining speculations, here as yet, and few here are disposed to invest. However, prospecting is going on very rapidly, and in a fewdays 1 expect to have something more encouraging to report to you on mining and business matters.

(renoM another cobreseondsnt). The sailing of the cutter, Fly, gives me an opportunity of forwarding you the following interesting intelligence : — The IListle claim,, four south from Mclsaac's,adjoining the British, struck good gold on Saturday ; and that a paddock on the main Tapu Greek was bottomed on aturday, at a depth of 23 fret. The prospect gives great satisfaction. The claim belongs to Messrs. W. Kinfj and Co. The further working of the claim is at present stopped in consequence of repairs being necessary to the pumping gear. Jamieson and Co. Diggers' Rest claim, hare al*o struck a fresh leader on the ranges, one mili; from Mclsaac's. The prencnt prospect is 1 rln-t to the tin di.^ii. I send you heri'« itli specimens of silver find. coj.ptT ore from the lode of Williamson and

Smallman's, at Waiomn. The lode is three feet "wide, and crosses the beach from the sea. passing up to the hills. The mine is leased for a term of years, and it is the intention of tho proprietors to commence operations at once. About 30 tons will soon be ready for shipment to Auckland, for the purpose of sending to Australia, in order that it may be thoroughly tested, &c.

The township is progressing, and diggers apparently satisfied, many making more than fair average wages.

[The specimens alluded to above may bo seen at this offieej