THE GOLD FIELDS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18, 5 December 1861, Page 2

THE GOLD FIELDS.

ESCORT OF FOURTEEN THOUSAND OUNCES.

The Escort, which will arrive to-day, brings down 10,197 ozs. from Tuapeka, and 4338 ozs from Waitaliuna, The miners are holding their gold. Astonishing finds are being made at Wetherston's Gully.

A gentleman just arrived from the Tuapeka, informs us that a public meeting is to be held shortly, for the purpose of considering tlu propriety of taking a vantage of the powers to acquire Local Self Government by mining Boards, conferred by the. Gold Fields' Act. Coal of a superior' description has been found in Wetherstoti's Gulty ; and we believe that an application is to be made to the Government, to make a reserve for a Coal Field in this quarter. The rush there, stills continues, and the diggers are said to be doing well. It is also in contemplation to get up races during Christmas week, on Wetherston's flat, and at the Waitahuna. Hundred guinea plates are talked of; and we learn that several gentlemen intend to bring horses from distant parts of this Province and Southland. ■ ■ ■ . |

Three officers serving in New Zealand have been dismissed the service : f Captain Hare of the 40th, add Captain Bailie of the 65th for being drunk on duty ; and Captain Stack of the 65th for disobedience of order.

We observe that'a;public meeting is to be held this evening at Jones' Provincial Hotel to take steps toward^ the formation of a, Eire Brigade.

An inquest was held yesterday to inquire into the cause of the fire. The evidence showed that it commenced at CargilPs. The jury gave a verdict in accordance, adding that there was -..no evidence to show how It occurred.