THE WAIMEA.

West Coast Times, Issue 908, 20 August 1868, Page 3

THE WAIM E A.

(FSOM OVil OWN COBBESPONDENT.) August l9th. The principal theme of conversation during the last few days has been in regard to the late startling intelligence recently to hand from the North Island and Queensland, and has thrown a large number of the miners here into a somewhat pensive mood, and inwardly to ask themselves the very safe question, "Is not all this rather too good to bo true ?" in the face of the existing fact made known of the comparative insignificance of the escorts ; and a large number are agreed that although "distance may lend enchantment to the view," it would be nioro prudent, for the present at any rate, to remain on the old spot. It is not at all to wondered at, in the absence of that

important desideratum, " track cutting " (which is the great drawback at present prevailing), that fresh ground has not long since been opened in the hitherto unknown and consequently untried interior of this district. Notwithstanding the large amount pf wet we have until recently experienced, the miners are already crying out for water, the want of which, in many localities is very severely felt. Mining affairs in the district, in spite of all drawbacks, are looking healthy and encouaging. At the back of Stafford Town, Paynter and party (5), who have an acre area, have completed their water-wheel, and also brought their race in ftoni Liverpool Bill's * Creek, a distance of over half-a-mile, and with every prospect of a favorable issue. John Hodgo and party are actively and satisfactorily engaged at their tunnel, near the above-mentioned, wliich is be- ™ tween 300 and 400 feet in length, and most substantially slabbed throughout, and from all I can gather are not by any means working in vain. This party have been most untiring in their efforts, and expended a large amount of time and labor on their claim. Mitchell and Co., in the tunnel next but one to Hodge, are also working with really good results. They are in over 800 feet, and their weekly " wash-up" will compare favorably with any near at hand, so much so that their present counter attractions have no charms for them. , The gullies Maoii, Italian, and German, I have little to report in regard thereto, matters continuing to be as steady as at the date of my last — those working making fair wages. . At Humphy's new rush, seven parties are at present on what may be fairly considered good payable ground, and have struck the lead — which is narrow — being from 8 to. 12 feet ; the prospects are of an average of 2 dwts to the dish, and those who were shepherding for Love and party to bottom, have set in, that party having novr done so satisfactorily. They liavo ail much water to contend with. King and party have commenced opening out. On*2nd, 3rd, and 4th Terraces all are working with much spirit, together with much success, and affairs seem to have assumed a steady and lasting appearance. On the 3rd, M'Lauchlin and Fisher (who have an extensive sluicing claim) are enjoying the fruits of their labor from the supply of vegetables out of their garden, which is in excellent order, and gives a very homely appearance to their hut. A few days since a rush (likely to prove of some little importance) took place to an adjoining spur to Finn's lead, on 4th terrace running parallel to it. The lead is presumed to be a continuation of that struck by Andersonand Co.,in their tunnel. There are about 20 claims pegged off, and are all sinking, and the ground proves dry. Frank Smith and party bottomed on Saturday last, at a depth of forty feet, the prospect obtained, I have since ascertained to have been six grains to the dish. If the lead continues, it will pass through an acre claim that was granted to Brant and party about six months back; and should it be shown to pass into a terrace running into the lower lead of the Scandinavian, there will be room for many more claims than are already taken vp — if not, the number will be limited to those already on the ground, viz., 100 or thereabouts. I regret to have to announce tho decease of Mr John White, who for a long period carried on the business of chemist and druggist in Stafford Town, and was one of the earliest residents there. His death took place at the Hokitika Hospital, on Saturday last, shortly after his admission. There was a full attei dance at the Court House, GokUborough, on Sunday morning last, when the service of the Church of England Mas performed by the Eev. Mr Boaninon-, chaplain of Grcvmouth, and a very excellent and impressive sermon preached. A service was held by the rev. gentleman on the evoniuc pf the same day at Stafford Town.

A Holiday Task.— Old Gardner: " Well, Master Johnnie, and what are you doing?" Johnnie ; " Why, yo» see, Martiu, Pa said last sight that Latin and Greek are dead languages, ip I'm going to Wthem."--"FH»>"