MARLBOROUGH GOLDFIELDS.

Timaru Herald, Volume I, Issue 5, 9 July 1864, Page 6

MARLBOROUGH GOLDFIELDS.

The Marlborough Press of the 2nd inst. gives the following particulars of the diggings m the Wairau Valley, obtained from a correspondent residing there : — I have read with very gTeat pleasure the report of your special correspondent m connection with the gullies and creeks which enter the Wairau Valley. I think he has made a slight mistake m reference to Pine Valley. This valley would most naturally lead a stranger going a short distance up the valley to come to the same conclusion as your correspondent, " That the banks are precipitous and the underwood very thick. Should a fresh happen, the miners' tools and tents might be swept away. A spot on the descent to the creek might be cut to pitch the tent/ &c. I should bo keeping within bounds when I say that there is sufficient room m this valley for five or six thousand diggers and their tents, without standing the slightest chance of being washed away, even m the rainy season. Of any gully of importance m this neighbourhood, the stream of water m Pine Valley is the most insignificant. Hence miners come to the conclusion that the smallness of the stream prevents gold being washed down m payable quantities. A short distance up the valley you pass through 120 acres of public reserve bush, a small portion only being on the flat; then follow forty acres belonging to Mr. Sweet, forty Mr. Watts, and eighty Mr. Carter, containing flats suitable for small townships. Your correspondent was quite right m supposing that a quartz reef might be discovered somewhere m Bartlett's Creek. In one of the gullies leading to Spring Valley or Bartlett's Creek, there is a most beautiful specimen to bo seen of a quartz reef. I have been told by miners whose experience extends to California and Australia as well as New Zealand, that it equals anything they have ever seen, and are of opinion that a quartz crushing-machine might be turned to some advantage here. I am very glad to see that the recent case of drowning at Manuka Island (together with an enquiry as to an inquest boiiijjLlieid upon the body,) was brought befoTO the Council. I trust that the gentleman who has so kindly taken up this case will see that it is -thoroughly sifted. It has not only rained but poured here for the last few days, leaving the Wairau river to assume more the appearance of a sea than a river, thereby cutting off our communication with the miners, who have lately been busily employed deep sinking, which cannot possibly prove successful at this season of the year.