MINING NOTES.

West Coast Times, Issue 591, 16 August 1867, Page 3

MINING NOTES.

As it is just possible, says the ' Grey Eiver Argus," that the accounts from the North Island regarding gold discoveries in the Thames district and elsewhere may create a rush, we wish to point out to our mining readers tliat there is an evident tone of exaggeration pervading these accounts which should instill caution. Many of our readers will remember tlie furore created by the extravagant accounts published concerning tlie Coromandel diggings in 1862 ; and will also not forget that up to the present time that goldfield has scarcely been able to support the score or two of miners who have stuck to the place. At the same time it is only fair to state that tlie probabilities of a payable goldfield being established iv the Thames district are sufficiently strong to warrant the expectation that if gold ha 9 really been "found in the alluvia, the auriferous deposit will be extensive. The Thames district lies to the westward of Coromandel Range, and consists for the most part of a flat valley, intersected by swamps and small streams. The Coromandel Range loses much of its rugged broken character southward of the Thames estuary, and if the writer's memory serves him right, present more appearances of " made ground," particularly with regard to tlie spurs leading into tlie Thames Valley. The whole district bears evidences of violent volcanic disturbances but at a great distance of time ; the debris at the foot of the hills showing undoubted indications of lengthened exposure to atmospheric and pluvial influences. The soil of the valley itself is ricli alluvium, overlaying a stratum of blueish clay mixed with shells. It is possible that supposing gold to be found otherwise than in the rock, there will be considerable difficulty in getting water, tlie local sources being of insufficient elevation. Still, there are numerous mountain streams and creeks, which, although of inconsiderable size and volume, are occasionally flooded. There is easy access to the Thames from Auckland, the passage by sea being perfectly sheltered and of short distance. Most of. the land is the property of the natives, although, a considerable area have been confiscated. The Maoris of tho district has been too constantly in contact with the settlers of Auckland to warrant the expectation that they will offer any serious obstacle-to the miners. It is most likely that they, 'will simply drive a bard bargain with tho Auckland Government for permitting the'miuers to work. The following gold news is published by the Auckland papers :-r-The schooner Eclair has just arrived from the Thames, bringing with her Messrs Rogan, C. O. i'avies, and J. Whito, and Taipira. It will be remoniberod that their visit to the Thames was to test the accuracy of the Chief Taipira's statement that gold had been discovered in payable quantities there. The following is the result : — The above gentlemen proceeded to Taipira's land at Kauaeranga, and found two Maoris, evidently practical diggers, digging on Earangu Creek. They were sinking to a depth of four or five feet, and were clearing out the bed of an old creek, and sluicing tlie stuff taken from it. The gold found is of a scaley aud nuggety description, and specimens of it have been brought up by Mr Rogan. The diggings can hardly be said to be alluvial. The Maoris aro trying to turn tho water from tho main creek, There is plenty o( quartz, and the country about appears to be gold-bearing. The natives found gold on the surface in other parts. A nice specimen of gold in quartz, found at Okinemura, thirty miles beyond Kauaeradga (a prohibited district), has been gi.ren to Mr Kogan. Taiaparia says ho "will have no objection to his land being worked on an extensive scale, if valuable ; but they must not come till they have made arrangements with the Government. The diggers who weut down from here have been requested to leave, as they went to a prohibited district. The specimens brought up are very promising.

Another rush is reported to have set in to the Karamia, and that the steamer Lyttelton "had been laid ou at the Buller to take passengers and cargo tliere. Nothing definite isknown concerning the discovery, but, judging from the fate of former rushes there, we anticipate but little good from this one.

The " Grey Argus " of the Bth says :— " If 'hope deferred maketh the heart sick,' the miners on the Buller diggings must by thi3 time be in sorry plight. The hut accounts are precisely a repetition of those received ever since the diggings were opened — -no gold yet, and every one living in expectation. How long this position of affairs will suit the popution is a puzzle. At any rate, tlie decrease in the number of miners has not yet seriously affected the total still on, the ground. A terrific gale burst over the district last week, and literally swept away tho township of Waite's Pakihi. The frail canvas dwellings were dissipated in a very short time, and even substantial structures of wood and iron were wrecked. One building only Jreeently erected at a cost of over £300 was completely ruined.

Yesterday week, the Victorian Company, at Kanieri Town, fairly started their winding engine ; thus superseding by steam power the heavy manual labor of dragging trucks out of tko paddock by windlass. The engine worked well, and there being a strong gang of pick and shovel men at work in the paddocks, the trucks were rapidly filled and sent to the surface at the rate of thirty an hour.

The " Provincial Government Gazotte " notifies tho appointment by his Honor, of Francis Edward Stewart, Esq., to be Deputy Superintendent of the Province ; of Edward Dobsou, Esq., 8.C., to be Eailway Eugiueer ; and Charles Thornton, Esq., 0.E., to be Engineer and Inspector of Roasts for the Province.