DUNSTAN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 1157, 5 September 1865, Page 6

DUNSTAN.

(FI*O?J OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Ist Sept. The exploring expedition to the West Coast, tooig its departure from Clyde, shortly before 4 o'clock p.m. on Monday, 28th August. Previously to leaving the Camp, a photograph of the party was bucccssfully taken by Mr J. E. Siaite. Immediately after the operation, the leader— fr Vincent Pyke, followed by the other members of the expedition, started on their journey, accompanied by a large number of the townspeople and visitors from the surrounding neighbourhood. Upon reaching Sundtrland street, the Cavalcade wag received with loud cheers and at the request of Mr Donald M'Pherson, M.P.C., another photograph was taken by tbe same artist. Mr Warden Robinson, on behalf ol the inhabitants of Clyde, made a brief address, which was followed by three hearty cheers. forMrPjke, and suitably replied to by that gentleman. Another start was then made, the expedition being joined by a long string of equestrians, together with a number of parties riding in vehicles. After proceeding a few miles up the river a halt was made, when, with the exception of Wardens Robinson aud Stratford and Mr Sub-Inspector Unyiey, the non-expedi-tionists, after a final adieu, returned to Clyde. Mr John Jack, on Lehalf of the people of Alexandra, complimented Mr Pyke on Ins energy in prosecuting the opening up of a route to the West Coast, and bade both him and his companions God speed. Cromwell was reached the same evening, and the next morning the expedition started for the Wanaka. The party consists of six persons,—Mr Vincent X'yke, the leader; Mr Mining Surveyor Coates, and (our hired men. The baggage Is conveyed by two mules and two pack horses. In all probability a Maori well acquainted with the country about the Wanaka will be added to the party.

In mining matters there is but little to report, almost all the workings at the present time being confined to the banks of the river—the prosperity of which may be best inferred from the fact, that notwithstanding the decrease of population, the escort returns are as good as ever.