OLETTER NEWS. FROM THE NOKOMAI.

Otago Witness, Issue 567, 11 October 1862, Page 5

OLETTER NEWS. FROM THE NOKOMAI.

(fkom our own correspondent.) Invercargill, 4th October.

I have just seen another parcel of gold in the "Bank of New South Wales, about eleven ounces, brought down from the Nokomai Diggings by a pet-sen who left last Monday. He states be met about 500 mcii # on the road going up, and about 13 drays and Yankee waggons, with provisions from Otago. That there are about 500 diggers in Victoria Gully, of whom about 130 are at work with more or less success — the best finds he had lately beard of was 20 ounces got by a party of eight in a week, while smother party of four got three ounces in one day. It seems still to be patchy. No one has been able to bottom lower down tho gully, owing to the depth being over 20 feet, to which a tail r.iee must be cut, to enable the claim to \k drained ; and he is of opinion that it never will be properly v.oiked unless several parties join to cut a t.iil race from the bottom of the gully upwards, which would virtually drain the whole {.-Tilly. This, however, no one seems inclined to Jo unless they yet compensation, in the shape of extr.i ground, or subsidy from those above them, who would bo bunefittcd by their work. It is :i pity it is not done, lor the rapid dip of the rock would .argue ;i large 3 ieM as you yet nearer the Nokoinai. Gold can bo bought more readily on the diggings now at 72-. pcroz. It is diobu.lt to arrive at the quantity on the diggings, as be states that many whom he is pretty sure are doing well iind have some, will not sell, because, being unable to get miners' rights (the supply seems to be exhausted) they are afraid of their claim being jumped by those who have, should they be supposed to be getting gold, this, however, will be remedied on the arih.il of the Government staff. The Maori party .«till continue to do pretty well di^iup on the sHe ot the hill abutting on the creek, it is dry sinking, and the gold heavy, and others are now f blowing their example. 6th inst I have ju>t seen another person from the diggings, who says that the diggers are beginning to be doubtful about Victoria Gully, and turning their attention to the old Wakaiipu Diggings. One does not know what to believe.