HAMILTON'S

Otago Witness, Issue 643, 26 March 1864, Page 11

HAMILTON'S

(PROM THE DAILY TISIEB CORRESPONDENT.}

23rd March.

In mining matters things look quite healthy. The deep sinking is turning out remarkably well, and several parlies who have washed up during the lust week have divided very handsome dividends. Smith and Scanlan's party, (who are bringing in the races from the Pigburn), are setting a-heud favorably; the former party have completed nearly all their cuttings, but have not yet commenced their fluming. In the Mount Ida district, things are looking up : the population being decidedly on the increase. The new rush near Fullerton's has caused great eccitement here, and a large number of people have left in consequence. The best of the ground appears confined to the prospector's claim, who can wash regularly from two to three pennyweights to the dish ; two other claims have also struck gold, but not in such remunerative quantities, as . the sinking is mostly shallow (from tea to fourteen feet). The large number of people who are now on the ground, will very soon be able to test the true value of the discavery. The general ooinion is, that the ground is patchy ; most of the other rushes in thiß neighbourhood having already proved so. From the Dunstan Creek, the news is very encouraging, no great finds are being male, but the miner* all appear to be making average wages. Business is also very good, which is the beat test of the prosperity of the mining population. Races are to be held at Hill's Creek in about a week from hence. The sum of fifty pounds has already been subscribed towards the sports. The Eight-Mile Rush is turning ont well, and is at present the principal point of attraction. The surrounding rushes are also proving remunerative. During Saturday we had a large number or visitors from that quarter, which gave the township quite a lively appearance, and who liberally patronised many of our leading business establishments. Messrs ftluirhoad and Morrison, the proprietors of the Royal Hotel and Concert Hall, gave the proceeds of an entertainment, held on Friday evening last, towards the funds of the Dunstan Hospital ; but, in consequence cf their having been so many benefits lately, and the excitement of the new rush, the attendance was very small. St. Patrick's Eve, as Paddy would have it was a great day here. The band from the Royal Concert Hall, together with a number of volunteer performers on violins, flutes, horns, tin cases, dishes, and kerosene tins, paraded the town till lon^ after midnight, serenading the various hotel keepers, the camp, and principal store keepers, who all responded to the honor done them, by •'shouting" liberally bottles of P.B. and square gin as a peace offering to the noisy followers of the patron saint, Everything parsed off good humouredly, tho nocturnal serenaders adjourning to their respective places of abode about two a.m. On Thursday we had gome capital sport in the shape oi horse racing, which was held on the plain near the Taieri River, about four miUs from the township. The attendance was very large, and the sports were first-rate.