THE OREPUKI DIGGINGS.

Southland Times, Issue 756, 29 November 1867, Page 2

THE OREPUKI DIGGINGS.

(fbom ottb owar cobbespokdent.) Orepuki, 27th Not., 1867. For some considerable time part the prospects of this district hare been looking up. Considering the limited population and inclemency of the weather the returns hare exceeded expectations. Those working are, with few exceptions, making from £10 to £15 per week per man. Indeed I have heard that in some instances as much as £20 has been realised. In many of the old claims a second bottom has been found, with exceedingly rich wash-dirt, and it is estimated that some of the claims will give occupation for two or three years to come. Taylor and party have finished their water race, and comJ menced ground sluicing. This race I has cost upwards of £500. Walker 1 and party, old Orepuki diggers, who went to the West Coast and lately returned, are bringing in a race of equal value. They are very sanguine as to the result of their enterprise. Macintosh •ad party are forming a second race' which will cost about £200, and give work for some years ; where sluice heads are obtainable, the results are invariably satisfactory. The parties working in Shand's old claim are taking out more gold than was obtained at any former period. This may be accounted for by the fact that water is now much more plentiful. Indeed the general idea seems to be that these diggings if systematically worked will aflord profitable employment for a considerable population, but it will require a combination of capital and labor. Evidence is not wanting of .gold existing in most of the creeks and gullies along a great portion of the country hereabouts.* Our Warden has gone to inspect a track that has lately been cut from the Tamioa Creek to the Purapurakino. Two other contracts have been taken for forming tracks from the Taunoa to Conners, and from thence to the old Longwood diggings. It is expected that they will be completed by the end of the year. The contractors, in the course of their operations, struck gold in several BDOts — one of the gullies they intend to work. ■