WARDENS' REPORTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 657, 2 July 1864, Page 21

WARDENS' REPORTS.

The following are the Wardens' Beporcs received by the Gold Fields' Department up to yesterday, the 28th June :— Nokomai, 18th June.— The week commenced with a heavy fall of snow, which still remains on the flats, and the track to the Nevis is quite impassable. 1 do not suppose f shall get there again this winter, the snow ia some places being six feet deep. Mining operations are being carried on with great success) in consequence of a good supply of water from the melting snow. Several good sized nuggets have been found of late in Victoria Gully, ope on Friday, weighing 2oz. 16iwt., I believe the largest yet found on the Nokomai. Several of the claims on the Dome Creek are turning out very well, payinar LlO to Lls a weak a Jman, but the frequent floods are very disheartening to the miners. Estimated population, 480. WAKATiptj, 18th June.— Wither during the week cold, with fall of snow ; the latter portion of the week severe frosts. The frost does not appear to affect races no much as has been anticipated, the snow fall on the lower spurs of the range keeping up a good supply of water. Mining news much as per my last rpporfc. Barrington and his mates have been forwarded to the hospital to recruit, preparatory to their start in the spring. The rush to the Wakainarina from this district has entirely ceased, and not only so, but large numbers have returned to their old ground. Mr Warden Aylmer returned from the head of the lake. Estimated population, 3100,

Switzbr's, Nokomai, 18th June — During the week I have visited some oi the gold workings in this locality, and feel a pleasure in stating the general^ appearance of steady progress visible. !fhe Winding Creek continues the favorite working here; and although no extraordinary finds have occurred there, minors can make good wages, and on each visit I perceive fresh ground taken up. Population is slowly but steadily increasing in this district. Tbe weather lately has been very rough and unfavorable for work.* The adjacent hills are deeply covered with snow.— Estimated, population : Switzer's, 230 ; Campbell's (including Waikeria and Pomahaka), 260 • total—4 80. Of these about sixty are engaged otherwise than in mining. Gabrielb, JBth Jane.— -Estimated population. 2,800 ; of thw number about 1.800 are miners. Upper Shotoveb, 18th June.— Snow has fallen heavily during the week, accompanied with severe frost. The river is comparatively low, A number of claims have been bottomed, and payable gold found, particularly about Parker's Point and the Sandhills. Tyiee and party are progressing satisfactorily with their undertaking, having cut away 25 feet by 50 feet in width, of the rook to form a new channel for the river ; they calculate on being ready to turn the stream in three months. The extensive water-races now being cut wUI soon be completed, when the yield of gold will increase. The escort to leave here on Monday will convey ro Queenarown over lOOO^z. Estimated populafion, 1000 miners, 200 otherwise employed; total; 1200. "

Arkow Rivbb, 18th Jane. — I have to notice the great improvement ia the main street of Arrow town. Pathways have bacn formed, which are to be at once covered with gravel : and the road having been levelled, is to be metalled. The claims above the Big Beach, alluded to in my ln«t report, are still producing satisfactory yields, his is more especially the case with Smith and party's claim. Sluicine, the predominant characteristic of the Twelve Mile, is being prosecuted with great vigor, and equal success, in that portion of this district ; and the new track. Which is being rapidly procee led with, will be of incalculable benefit to the residents, and of vary considerable advantage to the packers and others who have business at the Twelve Mile. I understand that the shares in the Arrow Quartz Mining and Crushing Company mil be almost immediately placed in the market. The provisional committee and original proprietors are very sanguine as to th<? su -cess of the undertaking, and toere is every reason to believe that their expectations will be realised. It ia well known that there are other reef 9in the district, and should this enterprise succeed, I confidently predict that Quartz Mining will, ere long, become a great feature, if not the leading characteristic of the VPakatipu. Estimated population, 1345.