THE SHOTOVER.

Southland Times, Volume 3, Issue 102, 16 October 1863, Page 3

THE SHOTOVER.

(From the Correspondent of the Wxlcatip Mail.) Maori Point, October 9. My report from our district is very meagre indeed, but lam happy to state that tilings have a very healthy aspect, and taking the district generally, I consider it prosperous. Several claims on the river above Packer's Point, are now getting gold, aud several large parcels changed hands last week. A new feature has been developer! Jn this district. Some of the claims above Stony Creek on the main river are now driving below a false botton of cemented gravel, and, strange to say, they are able to prosecute their work with comparatively little trouble, even although below the. bed of the river. This is entirely a new feature in gold-mining in this colony, and I here express my opinion that eventually the individual miner must be assisted by capital. I do not wish for a moment to see the claims in the hands of capitalists, but I sl.tuld wish to see a sv stem similar. to

that which has .succeeded in -many instances so well- in Victoria,-of~capifcaL and ( labor combined, as —it is almost impossible for the individual *mins,r, although possessed of 'moderate funds', to be* able" to' contend "'*againit-th"c r losse& occasioned by every flood. „ ;' "^' '"' ' " l I I believe ere many days; are over 'l shall be at liberty to proclaim, if not a new gold field, a new rush '"at" the head of the Shotover. Several parties arsproceeding there, but it is quite pre^ posterous -to think' of doing sp,without a good stock of provisions, &c., suitable-, for any emergency. ' ' "• - ~ * As a matter of course, we are all ill " anxious expectation to hear the result,* of Doctor Hector's labors. If the mm/ 5 1 ing community would only remaiu' satisfied with what is within their ggrassp s and not be lured away by* any ephemeral schemes like that of the West' Coast, 1 confidently believe^ and "it r is> the opinion of several old, Ca.Hfor.niaa 'miners, that the Shotover -is the richest* river in the world, the pnly drawback; being the water, which in 'course "of time will naturally be overcome, r T I hear that thirteen pounds weight was got in one day but of the Maori claim. , ; /■■■ At Maori Point, the grand Juuction Company have nearly completed their labors, and ere long, the river will, beturned from its natural course. Many; of the business people will be , obliged! to remove their premises in conse-; quence of: the flood race coming in such! close contact with their stores. We were enlivened the other evening by a concert, and one vocalist, a lady,, displayed no mean abilities in executing some of the Scotch ballads; Ourtowcship is improving daily, and we onlywant the weather to continue as at presen , when the Shotover will present a most unrivalled scene.